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From the time you book your free measure and quote to final installation of your new products, the feedback from our customers consistently demonstrates a level of service that exceeds their expectations.
This is something we are proud of and work hard to maintain.
ith spring essentially around the corner, now is a great time to focus on the spaces that bring fresh vibes into your home.
In this edition, we’re inspired by our own backyard – the beach. In our style section, we show you how to bring nautical hues into your space. Turn to page 12.
Flooring is also in the spotlight this month (see page 10). From the high-traffic family zones to the kids’ bedrooms, choosing the right flooring is important for both practicality and style. We explore the best options for each space to help you get it right from the ground up.
If you’re working on your outdoor spaces, don’t miss our guide to stylish fencing. Plus we have our usual expert advice, tips and finishing touches, where we share ideas on how to bring the beauty of a European summer into your home styling.
Renovation queen Cherie Barber is sharing her expert kitchen colour advice with My Renovation readers. As the founder of Renovating for Profi t, Ms Barber has been a familiar face on television shows such as Channel Nine’s Space Invaders , Renovate or Rebuild , Today Extra and popular lifestyle program, The Living Room .
Contemplating a kitchen reno in the not-too-distant future? It doesn’t matter if you’re embarking on a full-on, gut-and start-again kitchen renovation or just giving your existing one a fresh lick of cabinetry paint, deciding on the colours for your cabinetry can be tricky.
Your first decision should be whether to go with light or dark colours. Try and determine if you feel more comfortable keeping everything on the lighter side or whether you’re bold enough to sway towards the dark side. Keep the following in mind:
Light colours make spaces look bigger – If your kitchen is on the small side, opting for lighter colours will definitely make your room feel more open. Light colours reflect more light, both naturally and artificially, making spaces appear brighter and therefore more open.
Lighter colours are also great for seamlessly blending in with walls and ceilings, creating a continuous flow that can make room boundaries less noticeable and therefore make rooms feel less cramped. Whites, creams and soft pastels are great colours
Dark colours bring a sense of sophistication to your kitchen that can reflect light and therefore, create the illusion of a larger area.
Of other importance is the psychological effect of colour. Light colours are often associated with cleanliness and spaciousness. They can trick the eye into perceiving your room is larger than it actually is.
Dark colours add depth and drama – For those with a bit more space to play with, darker colours like navy, charcoal, black and deep greens can add a sense of sophistication and depth. This is achieved through contrast and balance where dark cabinetry creates a strong contrast with lighter walls, benchtops and flooring.
This, in turn, creates layers and a delineation of the different areas and surfaces which adds to the perception of depth in your room.
Dark cabinetry also serves as a focal point, drawing your eye into a room while also naturally casting shadows and highlights. The interplay of light and shadow
can enhance the threedimensionality of any space.
More importantly, dark cabinetry works wonders for making walls appear like they’re receding out, creating the illusion of a larger space. This optical trick can make a room feel more spacious and open; however, if you’re loving the thought of darker cabinets, you will need to pay careful attention to lighting and complementary colours used throughout the rest of the room to ensure the space remains well-lit and balanced. Fail to get your lighting and colours right and your kitchen risks feeling too dim and therefore, enclosed.
Cherie’s tip: If your kitchen is on the smaller side, stick with lighter colours. If you’ve got room to play with but you’re more of the conservative type, still stick with lighter colours. If you’ve got room to play with and you swing to the adventurous side, give darker cabinetry colours a go. For more tips like this, visit renovatingforpro fi t.com.au.
• Do consider your kitchen’s natural light – A kitchen bathed in sunlight can handle darker shades without feeling like a dungeon. If your kitchen is on the darker side, stick to lighter tones to keep things bright and airy.
• Do think about your overall theme – Are you going for a sleek, modern look or a rustic, farmhouse vibe? Your cabinet colours should complement the overall theme. For example, a coastal theme might call for crisp whites and blues, while an
industrial look might favour greys and blacks.
• Do use accent colours wisely –A pop of colour can add personality to your kitchen. Whether it’s a bold island bench or a vibrant splashback, accents can bring personality to your kitchen, making it feel less boring.
• Don’t ignore the rest of your home – Your kitchen shouldn’t feel like it’s in a different postcode from the rest of your
house. Ensure your colour choices harmonise with your adjoining rooms for a cohesive look.
• Don’t go too trendy– Remember that avocado green and harvest gold cabinets were once all the rage. Trendy colours can date your kitchen quickly. Opt for timeless shades and add trendy accents that are easier to update.
• Don’t forget maintenance– Light colours show dirt and grime
more easily, while dark colours can show dust and fingerprints. Consider your cleaning preferences when making your choice. If you’re not keen on constant cleaning, a mid-tone might be your best bet.
• Don’t overwhelm with colour –Too many colours can make your kitchen look like a crayon box exploded. Stick to two main colours and one or two accent colours to keep things harmonious.
Still can’t decide if you want to go light or dark with your kitchen colours? Two-toned cabinets may be the answer. By combining two complementary or contrasting colours, you can create a visually appealing kitchen, in effect, giving you the best of both worlds. Here’s what you need to know:
• One of the easiest ways to approach two-toned cabinets is to use a light colour for your upper wall cabinets and a darker shade for your base floor cabinets. This combination keeps your kitchen feeling open and airy while grounding the space with a darker base.
• Using dark colours on your upper wall cabinets with lighter colours on your base will make your kitchen feel unbalanced and closed-in. This will be an issue for small kitchens where maintaining an open and airy
feel is super important.
• Know that natural light enters windows in your kitchen horizontally, resulting in your upper wall cabinets receiving less natural light than your base cabinets. Hard to believe, but it’s true. Dark colours on your upper cabinets can absorb light, reducing the overall brightness of your kitchen, making it feel more cramped.
• Consider the layout and flow of your kitchen. Two-toned cabinets can be great for delineating different areas, such as separating the cooking zone from the dining area, enhancing how functional your kitchen actually becomes.
6/22-24 Link Crescent, Coolum Beach
Our experienced cabinet makers specialise in designing, constructing, and renovating both kitchens and bathrooms. From adding additional storage space to installing splashbacks and benchtops, we only work with industry-leading suppliers like Caesarstone, Polytec, Quantum Quartz and more.
When you choose FORESHORE KITCHENS, you can expect professionalism, attention to detail and customer service that will put a smile on your face.
• Apply the principles of colour theory (refer to ‘the colour wheel’) to choose complementary or contrasting colours that harmonise well.
• Assess the materials you’re planning to use for your cabinetry. Different materials reflect light differently and mixing finishes (for example, matte and gloss) can add depth and interest.
• Remember, upper cabinets are more prone to collecting dust and grease than your base cabinets. Dark colours can make these issues more visible.
• Ensure cabinet hardware, such as handles, complement both cabinetry colours. Finishes such
as chrome or mixed metals work well across two-toned cabinetry.
• Take into account any existing or new architectural features you want to add to your kitchen, like the tile splashback. If you’re selecting a bold tile for your splashback, balance it out with a single cabinetry colour, not two.
• Analyse the cost implications. Two-toned cabinetry may be more expensive to purchase.
• Consider the long-term flexibility of your colour choices. Twotoned cabinets can offer a timeless look if neutral tones are chosen, but bolder choices might require updates as trends evolve.
Cherie Barber has renovated more than 200 properties valued at more than $75 million and trained more than 20,000 students through her renovation school. To learn more about her online courses and expertise, visit renovatingforprofit.com.au.
The living room is the place where the family generally spends most of their time together. Kids, pets, food, drinks, plus countless different types of footwear, all contribute to the demands placed on the living room floor. This is why hard flooring options are popular in living rooms around Australia. This popular option is perfect for high-traffic areas due to its engineered qualities and synonymous longevity. Timber flooring is also renowned for its timeless visual appeal and its ability to bring warmth and style into a space. Finish your living room with a plush rug to make your guests feel right at home.
The expert team at Solomons Flooring share their ideas for choosing the right flooring for specific areas of your home.
Get ready for a
KIDS’ BEDROOMS
In your child’s bedroom, who knows what adventure awaits? However, you can be sure of one thing –playtime is no match for laminate flooring. Comprised of a unique layering system that features a resilient substrate and top protective wear sheet, laminate is ideal for keeping scratches and other rambunctious playtime risks at bay. Just like the previous living room scenario, introduce an array of rugs to bring in an extra element of comfort and fun.
With storage solutions for every room in the home from the bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom, to the garage, living room and home office, being ‘simply organised’ is easy! Whether you’re looking for a spice rack, cutlery tray or plastic containers to organise your drawers, pantry or fridge or a shower caddy for your bathroom, Howards has the solution.
Visit Howards today!
Howards Maroochydore
70-98 Dalton Drive, Maroochydore Tel (07) 5479 3833 | hsw.com.au
Create your own secluded sanctuary by choosing carpet in the bedroom. With less foot traffic than most other spaces, homeowners can get away with using a softer fabric without worrying about tread marks and damage. Instead, reap the rewards of comfort and warmth thanks to great insulating properties and pile type, all of which help build your own relaxing retreat.
Get the look of luxury for less by using the on-trend hybrid flooring in your kitchen. Expertly engineered to dupe the design of luxury hardwood planks and ceramic tiles, this style of flooring is also created to withstand the demands of areas prone to moisture, such as the kitchen. With 100 per cent water resistance and high durability, you don’t need to worry too much about spills or high traffic.
The Solomons’ COREtec Naturals herringbone hybrid flooring in bark.
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Be inspired by the swell and the sea and incorporate deep blue tones into your home. Balance the look with lighter colours – think crisp whites and warm timbers.
1. With its cane framework, stylish curves and unique style, the Pretzel three-seater couch in white is the ideal addition for your coastal home. The deep-coloured seat and back cushions will style with most palettes. Visit Coastal Drift Home , Caloundra. 2. The Galleria table lamp from Discount Lighting and Fans , Warana, has a wonderful combination of sea blue, white and metal tones. It will be a focal point of your entry hall table or in the living room. 3. The Ella navy and white outdoor rug’s timeless pattern will bring a nautical feel to your alfresco entertaining area. Woven from polyester, it has a soft feel underfoot. Visit kasaustralia.com.au for local stockists. 4. Use the Blue Crackle colour from Haymes Paint to create a feature wall in your living space, media room or even the laundry. It will absolutely shine. Pair it with gold accessories such as bag or towel hooks, photo frames or wall art. Visit haymespaint.com.au. 5. The cotton Monet cushion is beautifully detailed, featuring knotted accents and fringed sides. It brings coastal and boho together in style and comfort. Available from Pillow Talk
When painting timber floors, we recommend a high-quality enamel or floor-specific acrylic paint, especially products formulated for floors. It helps with durability and a smooth finish.
Thinking about a home makeover, but dreading the stress?
We’ve got you covered!
At Coastal Trends, we specialise in beautiful, hassle-free renovations –managing your entire project from start to finish.
Whether it’s a stylish kitchen upgrade, a modern bathroom, a laundry refresh, or new floors and walls – we handle it all, so you don’t have to!
• Complete Project Management – Start to Finish
• Quality Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail
• Kitchens | Bathrooms | Laundries | Floors | Walls
Let us bring your vision to life – minus the headaches! Relax, we’ve got this.
Painted wooden floors are making a comeback particularly with the clean, modern styles favourable to coastal and Hamptons design. White and cream colours are particularly popular and create a neutral canvas to work with.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Sandpaper and wood cleaner, wood primer, your chosen paint.
STEP ONE
Check the floor for any loose nails or pieces of wood. Make sure each nail is sitting below the surface. Sandpaper the floor surface with a drum sander. Use an edging sander to get closer to the skirting boards, while
a detail sander is best for sanding in tight corners or spaces.
STEP TWO
Vacuum and then scrub the floor with a blend of water and detergent or wood cleaner to remove any stains or dust. You must let the floors dry before doing anything further. This can take up to a couple of days.
STEP THREE
Apply a primer. Speak to a paint expert about what primer will work best for your floors. Allow the primer to dry overnight or slightly longer if possible.
It doesn’t sound like much fun, but you will need to sand again. This time a light sanding will suf fi ce.
Vacuum and use a dust cloth to ensure there are no small particles left.
Now it’s time to paint. Do the first coat and allow to dry overnight. You will then need to do an additional coat. Talk to your local paint expert about the type of paint to use but ideally apply it with a natural bristle brush.
Scratch, Stain & Heat Resistant 10 Year Warranty
• Premium elite plantation shutters
• Typhoon plantation external shutters
• Bondi poly plantation shutters
• Odyssey poly plantation shutters
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Nothing says cosy like a chunky knit or faux fur throw. Drape them over sofas, beds, or armchairs to add instant warmth and visual comfort.
With the chill of winter, many people are looking for simple ways to refresh their interiors without embarking on a full renovation. Justine Wilson, founder and principal stylist at Vault Interiors, says winter is the ideal time to embrace rich textures and deeper tones. Here are her top 10 winter styling swaps that are bang on trend and easy on the wallet, along with our product selections to help you achieve the look.
Textural cushions are one of the easiest ways to update a room for winter. Swap your light linens for rich velvets or tactile bouclé in earthy hues like rust, forest green, or chocolate.
Epoxy floors are seamless and extremely abrasion resistant. Making it the ideal concrete surface treatment when durability, resistance to heavy foot traffic and minimal maintenance is important.
Cool winter evenings are made for ambient lighting. Swap out your overhead lights for floor or table lamps with warm-toned bulbs to create a soft glow.
Anchor your rooms and add insulation with a large, plush rug. Look for patterns in tribal or vintage styles to add character and warmth.
Incorporate deeper colours such as navy, burgundy and charcoal through vases, candles and decorative objects to ground your space in the cooler months.
“Seasonal styling isn’t about replacing everything in your home,” Justine says. “It’s about thoughtful swaps, clever additions and layering that creates a warm and cosy feel.”
Make your interiors feel alive even in winter by introducing greenery. There are amazing realistic faux plants available at most homeware stores. Or, forage from your own garden or neighbours with permission. Green foliage or beautiful bare branches in a large vase will bring the outdoors in, with a seasonal twist.
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We have a fantastic range of pool mosaics, pool coping pavers/ tiles and pool surrounds We have a range to suit any style pool and home.
Speak to our friendly team about a free quote for supply & installation of your new tiles.
7. DISPLAY WINTERTHEMED ART OR PRINTS
Switch out light, summery artwork for darker, more atmospheric prints or photography. This can completely transform a room’s vibe.
8. USE SCENT TO SET THE MOOD
9. UPGRADE YOUR BEDDING WITH FLANNELETTE OR JERSEY SHEETS
Swap out crisp cotton for soft flannelette or jersey sheets to stay toasty through chilly nights. Add a quilted coverlet for extra layering.
Dream of Jenie wall art from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre.
Add winter-friendly scents like sandalwood, cedar, vanilla, or spiced cinnamon through diffusers or candles. They’ll add a layer of comfort and sensory appeal.
10. MIX IN ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE PIECES
Add soul and interest to your home by mixing in vintage décor items. Think old brass candlesticks, antique mirrors or timber trays.
KITCHEN SHOP QLD NOW ON THE COAST FOR 25 YEARS PROVIDING FULL KITCHEN AND BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
For on site consultation and measure go to web site or contact by phone or email below for booking appointments. For showroom appointments – please email on the emails below for new temporary Caloundra showroom by appointment only.
Designer Alan Schull for Kitchen Shop Qld
QBCC: 15332543
OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm Fri: 8am-2pm
For homeowners who want a clean, contemporary finish with natural warmth, Eco Greenhaus’ bamboo screens offer a clever and sustainable solution. Crafted from engineered, laminated bamboo slats in a rich Danish teak tone, these screens are designed to be mounted onto existing structures, perfect for updating fences, walls or outdoor nooks. Sleek, uniform spacing between each slat creates visual rhythm, while the black powder-coated aluminium rails bring contrast and durability. Whether you’re framing a garden bed or screening off an outdoor shower, these panels create a seamless, high-end finish that complements a wide range of home styles.
A well-designed fence does more than mark the edge of your property, it can enhance your home’s appeal, improve privacy and tie together the overall look of your outdoor space. Whether you’re completing a major renovation or refining your backyard, the right fencing solution will offer both function and flair.
Want instant street appeal without the maintenance? Eco Greenhaus’ coastal cladding panels are made from eco-conscious wood plastic composite (WPC) and come prefinished in a crisp, white brushed texture that mimics rendered and slatted walls. They’re ideal for courtyards, beach houses or garden zones in need of some styling. The tongue-and-groove system hides fixings for a smooth, architectural look, while the tough build ensures lasting performance in all weather. Whether used to upgrade fencing or as a statement feature wall behind a seating area, these panels deliver a great look with minimal effort.
AUSSIE FAVOURITE: COLORBOND
If you’re after full privacy and durability, Colorbond fencing remains a solid contender. Available in 15 colours and a range of styles, it’s well-suited to both modern and coastal homes. Built tough to withstand the elements, Colorbond offers security, a clean finish and virtually no maintenance, ideal for backyards where function is just as important as form. Find out more about the range at metroll.com.au/ product_categories/ colorbond-fencing/.
If you’re an advertiser interested in featuring in our upcoming pool feature, please contact the My Renovation sales team on 5444 0152.
Thinking of installing a new pool fence? The Queensland pool safety standard regulates the location, height and strength of barriers, non-climbable zones and gate-latching requirements and prohibits direct access from a building into a pool area. The standard applies to excavations or structures capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm and intended for swimming, wading, bathing and paddling, including spas and inflatable wading pools. More information about pool safety compliance is available on Sunshine Coast Council’s website or from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ development/building/swimmingpools or qbcc.qld.gov.au/yourproperty/swimming-pools.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is reminding property sellers and buyers that Queensland’s new statutory Seller’s Disclosure laws will begin in August.
Introduced under the Property Law Act 2023, the Seller’s Disclosure regime will, for the first time in Queensland, require sellers (in most transactions) to provide a prescribed disclosure statement (Form 2) before a contract is signed. Prospective buyers can expect to start seeing these statements displayed at open
homes, auctions and in electronic form, containing a series of key information such as title details, easements and planning matters.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella says the landmark reform is designed to provide greater clarity and consistency in property transactions.
“The Property Law Act 2023 represents the most substantial overhaul of property law in Queensland in decades,” she says. “The seller’s disclosure regime modernises the way property is bought and sold and is an
important legislative change that ensures buyers are presented with key information upfront, helping them make informed decisions and reducing the risk of deals falling over post-contract.
“The disclosure statement will help buyers identify potential issues early on or perhaps give them the level of comfort they need to progress through to contract execution.”
However, Ms Mercorella stresses that the introduction of disclosure statements does not remove the need for buyer due diligence. “While this regime enhances consumer protection by providing a consistent foundation of information across the state, it’s important for buyers to understand that the disclosure statement may not cover everything they wish to know about a property,” she says.
“Accordingly, the ‘buyer beware’ principle still applies in Queensland. Buyers should continue to conduct their own independent inquiries and seek
legal and other relevant professional advice to fully understand the condition and suitability of the property they are purchasing.”
Ms Mercorella says the REIQ is proud to have played a key role in shaping the reform, but remains concerned about the lack of government education and infrastructure to ensure equitable and affordable access to the information required for disclosure.
“It’s important that sellers understand that a contract should not be entered into until a disclosure statement is provided, and there is time and costs associated with preparing this document. Queensland still lacks a quality, comprehensive statewide search tool to help sellers obtain the information required for disclosure.”
The REIQ has developed guides, templates and education resources to support agents in preparing for the new regime. Visit members.reiq.com/portal/ Sellers_Disclosure_Info.aspx.
Choosing the right builder is key in any renovation project. You need to make sure you can work together and you value and trust their opinion. Master Builders Australia provides a list of builders, which is a great starting point. Search recommended Queensland builders by visiting masterbuilders.asn.au.
It’s important to brush up on your paint skills and knowledge before adding a splash of colour to your walls. There are so many different types of paint to choose from – gloss, enamel, satin and flat. Talk to your local expert about what works best for your project.
Reuse where you can. Original features like timber floors or old doors can add character and save money. Not everything needs to be brand new.
LIST IT
Make
SAMPLE BEFORE STYLE
There are so many types of carpets available with a wide
of
materials and colours. Speak with flooring experts and take samples home before buying to see how they
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Enjoy the simplicity of a bathroom renovation by handing over management to our team of quality trade professionals. Jenn and Mark Aleo pride themselves on turning your concepts and budget into a beautifully functional space designed to rejuvenate both body & mind. Their streamlined process will have you easefully enjoying the planning, creation and living the results of your dream bathroom.
Refresh your bedroom with the Daniela floral reversible quilt cover set. The front features a vibrant floral pattern of yellow and orange tones to bring warmth, energy and a pop of colour to your room. On the reverse is a classic gingham design, offering a timeless and relaxed aesthetic. Available from Pillow Talk
As you live winter here in Queensland, allow yourself to be inspired by the pretty palette inspired by summer holidays abroad.
Be inspired by the Poolside Alfresco book boxes, featuring canvas-look covers that capture the essence of alfresco living. These beautifully designed storage boxes are ideal for organisation and bolstering your overall style. Available from Coastal Drift Home, Caloundra.
• Curtains & Sheers
• Indoor & Outdoor Seats
• Cushions
• Roman Blinds
• Wallpapers
• Fabrics / Upholstery 5 / 20 King Street, Caboolture
Showroom Open: Thurs, Fri & Sat 9am-4pm Phone for Measure & Quotes
Ph: 0422 599 084 | ivoryt@bigpond.com
This
Soft and pretty, the milky glass of the Gabby vase evokes a nostalgic mood. Fill it with shades of artificial summerinspired blooms to brighten your living space or bedroom. It’s from Pillow Talk
Western-inspired style is taking over the globe, inspiring not only the fashion industry but home design too.
Create a feature wall in your home with the Home Style Wooden Logs wallpaper. It’s from Ivory T Wallpaper Australia, Caboolture.
iththis
Create a rus co ntr ut h ome d es ig n
Bring nature indoors with this hardwood timber console from Coastal Drift Home, Caloundra. Style it with your favourite decor and make this a stunning feature in your home. rustic look inspired by country charm with this 75-centimetre wheat flower stem from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre Style in a tall, neutralcoloured vase.