+ Don’t miss our pool feature with maintenance, building and style advice PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH OUR DECOR IDEAS AND HANDY TIPS
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& PRIVACY
he countdown is on, and if you’re anything like me, the pre-Christmas list is growing by the day. There are presents to wrap, rooms to tidy, a deck to clean and restain and pool tiles that need a good scrub.
This is part of the reason I love compiling our Christmas edition of the magazine – it doubles as a planning guide for getting your home ready before guests arrive.
Inside, you’ll find ways to freshen up the house, from outdoor maintenance to creating welcoming spare bedrooms. Our pool feature is perfect reading for tips and ideas, while our dining pages offer festive inspiration.
We’ve also included expert advice on tackling mould (a must in our Queensland humidity) and a round-up of easy finishing touches to bring Christmas charm to every corner of your home.
From our entire team, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas.
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READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
As Christmas edges closer, our homes become a hub of activity, with visiting family, friend get-togethers and plenty of pool days. If you’re hosting or simply want your space to feel comfortable and at its best, we’ve got some tips to help prepare your home for a stress-free festive season.
Get your garden glowing and growing
Summer in southeast Queensland can test even the most enthusiastic gardener, with heatwaves, humidity and sudden downpours all part of the season. Choosing plants that thrive here makes all the difference.
For pots, lean on hardy plants that cope well with dry spells and intense sun: dwarf bougainvillea, dipladenia and a mix of succulents are good choices. In the garden, look for varieties that love the Queensland heat but still deliver colour and texture. Petunias, zinnias, marigolds, salvia, dianthus, vinca and portulaca flower beautifully through summer. If you prefer perennials, agapanthus, angelonia, hibiscus, mandevilla, geraniums and sunpatiens are all well suited to our climate. And for fragrance, you can’t go past gardenia, Chinese star jasmine, magnolia little gem and the classic frangipani, all staples in Queensland gardens for good reason.
This is also a great time to grow from seed if you’re filling a larger area, but seedlings are readily available if you’d like instant impact. Whatever you choose, focus on good soil and consistent watering in the first fortnight. Once settled, these hardy varieties will largely take care of themselves in our subtropical conditions.
TIP
If a summer storm settles in, check your pot plants after heavy rain. Water-filled saucers can cause rot and quickly become mosquito breeding zones. If rain is sticking around, remove the saucers until the weather clears.
Hibiscus flowers bloom on new growth, so a light prune at the end of summer or early autumn encourages fresh shoots and even better flowering the following season.
Before the festive chaos ramps up, a quick indoor refresh can make a world of difference. Start with a deep clean.
Wash down walls, dust fans and give air-conditioning vents some attention. Filters that are clogged with dust have to work far harder, so take them out,
shake them off and wash with warm soapy water. Let them dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
Next, take care of the small jobs that are easy to overlook. Replace blown light bulbs, fix ripped flyscreens and repair any wobbly handles or broken locks.
And, of course, the big one
– declutter. Clear out kids’ rooms and toy cupboards, donating anything no longer loved or used.
A few well-chosen storage pieces, such as baskets or simple shelving, can hide the clutter and keep everything feeling calm and organised.
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decluttering tips
Start with surfaces
Clear benches, coffee tables and bedside tables first. These quick wins will make the whole home feel instantly calmer. One drawer a day Feeling overwhelmed? Tackle a single drawer or cupboard daily. Small, consistent progress makes the job easier.
Donate without overthinking If you haven’t used it in the past year – or wouldn’t buy it again today – it’s time to donate and let it serve someone else.
Welcome touches
A few thoughtful details can help your home feel inviting for guests staying over. Freshen up spare bedrooms with crisp sheets, a light summer throw and a small bedside basket stocked with essentials like towels, toiletries and a spare phone charger. A simple vase of greenery from the garden adds warmth without effort. We love the addition of Christmas décor, as illustrated in this styled bedroom.
Make a splash
Few things say summer on the Coast quite like diving into your clean and refreshing pool. Before the first splash, take a moment to make sure your pool area is safe, compliant and ready for plenty of use. Check the fence line for wear and tear, replace worn gate latches and ensure your CPR signage is current and visible. It’s also wise to clear away furniture, pot plants or overhanging branches that children could use to climb over the fence (or that could cause an issue in any afternoon or evening summer storms). When it comes to water quality, the Queensland Swimming Pool and Spa Association offers these simple guidelines:
• Keep chlorine levels steady between 1.0 and 2.0 milligrams per litre.
• Choose pool care products suited to your pool’s needs.
• And remember, if you can smell chlorine strongly, it usually means you’re not using enough of the correct product.
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HOW TO: WARD OFF MOULD OUTBREAKS
Queenslanders know all too well how unpredictable the weather can be, and the recent mix of wild storms, humid days and heavy downpours has created the perfect environment for mould. Once it forms, mould can quickly damage walls, carpets and furniture, and in some cases, even impact yours and your family’s health. Here, iSelect spokesperson, Sophie Ryan, shares expert advice on how to deal with the issue.
Recent research conducted by iSelect found that 72 per cent of Queenslanders don’t fully understand how mould is covered under their home insurance, meaning many could be caught off guard when it comes to clean-up costs and repairs. While some policies may cover mould caused by a one-off event, such as a burst pipe or storm damage, gradual or
preventable mould is often excluded. That means many households could be left footing the bill for expensive remediation or replacing damaged belongings.
The best defence against mould is prevention. After periods of heavy rain or humidity, make it a habit to air out your home, open windows when it’s safe to do so and run fans to help dry out damp areas. Regularly check for leaks in roofs, walls and around windows, and make sure gutters are clear to prevent water pooling. If you spot any damp patches or notice that familiar musty smell, act fast.
Small areas of mould can often be treated using natural solutions like vinegar before they become a much bigger issue.
Humidity control is another big factor, particularly during Queensland’s sticky summer months. Using a dehumidifier or running your air conditioner on a dry cycle during humid days can help keep indoor air dry. Avoid evaporative coolers when humidity is high, and if your home tends to hold moisture, consider moving indoor plants outside during the
wet season.
Being alert to early warning signs is crucial. Musty smells, condensation on windows, dark spots on walls, or peeling paint often signal mould is starting to grow. Catching it early often makes it much easier (and potentially cheaper) to fix.
For small patches, undiluted vinegar and a microfibre cloth can often do the trick, but for larger infestations or soft furnishings, professional cleaning or replacement may be necessary.
Finally, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review your home and contents insurance to make sure you know exactly what’s covered. Comparing policies could help you find one that offers better protection for weather-related damage, especially with the extreme weather Queensland has been experiencing lately, and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to make a claim.
By staying on top of these things, you can help protect your family and belongings from the effects of mould.
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“You don’t need tinsel to make a bathroom feel festive. Swap out everyday towels for soft sea-green or sandcoloured linens, add a sprig of eucalyptus on the vanity and choose a subtle Christmasscented candle.”
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CHRISTMAS BATHROOM GLOW UP
When it comes to decorating the house this festive season, no room is off limits. Christmas bathroom décor is trending and for good reason. Here, we share our favourite looks.
1. You don’t need to choose pieces that are specifically created for the holidays. For example, the plush Zoe bath runner in green still says Christmas without being overpowering. Available from Pillow Talk. 2. The berry tree decoration from House & Garden is 35 centimetres tall – the ideal height to pop onto the bathroom vanity or stool. The hessian bottom brings a natural element to your overall styling. 3. Choose a selection of sprays to style in a vase. These picks combine poinsettias, pine needles, berries and greenery for a lush Christmas arrangement. Available from Bed Bath N’ Table. 4. Understated, yet stylish, the Cherie porcelain dish candle by French Linen will bring a subtle pop of Christmas red to your bathroom. Available from Coast Store, Cotton Tree. 5. The Evergreen ceramic vase, crafted from stoneware, features painted foliage in a soft green hue. Fill it with themed sprays and foliage to suit your style. It’s from Bed Bath N’ Table.
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GILDED GLAMOUR
This Christmas, dress your table with an air of elegance and old Hollywood glamour. Think gold, glitter and luxury all rolled into one.
Styling the dining table for Christmas has become somewhat of an art. It helps set the tone and bring additional fun and festivity to the day.
To achieve the gilded glamour look, start with a simple base: a neutral white or cream tablecloth. From there, build a centrepiece that stretches along the centre of the table rather than sitting in one heavy cluster. A few gold or white candlesticks at different heights instantly add warmth; mix them with sprigs of greenery and gold. You can tuck in a handful of champagnecoloured baubles or a length of ribbon if you want a bit more shimmer. Bring a little bling in through napkin rings and glassware.
The key is layers – a little gold, a little texture, a little glitter.
•
CHOOSING TABLEWARE...
For the place settings, stick with the same elegant feel. Gold cutlery adds just enough glamour and pairs beautifully with white plates – plain or with a thin metallic rim.
If your plates are simple, let the napkins do a bit of the work. Opt for crisp linen tied with a ribbon, a gold or diamanté napkin ring, or even a small sprig of rosemary or pine.
Mixing glassware works well here too.
Clear wine glasses alongside champagnetinted coupes or tumblers will do the trick.
Create a Christmas bouquet for your table. The Ball Cluster Metallic Spray in champagne, paired with foliage such as the Foxtail Metallic Spray in clear champagne, in a clear glass, white or gold vase will look beautiful. Both pieces are available from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre.
T dec fro the
The white and gold decorative tree ornament from Holly and Ivy. Visit their website for details. The gold pine cone from Adairs will make a great centrepiece for your tablescape.
ON TREND: RED & PINK
This year, pink and red are the shades stealing the spotlight when it comes to Christmas tablescapes. Bold yet joyful, this modern pairing brings summer warmth and festive fun to your dining setting, proving tradition doesn’t always have to look traditional.
The contrast between soft pink and festive red feels energetic yet elegant. Start with a white base and add a pale pink runner. Consider red or pink napkins tied with satin ribbon, red plates and ruby-toned glassware. We like the Wonderland glass carafe and tumbler set in cherry from salt&pepper. Visit saltandpepper. com.au for local stockists.
tip
A statement centrepiece of roses or peonies in varying tones of red and pink will anchor the overall look.
we love!
A stylish piece from the Let’s Get Lit collection by Maxwell & Williams, designed to bring the gentle glow of candlelight to any occasion. With its sculptural form, the LED Cone Wax Candle in cherry is a beautiful way to bring light and warmth to your table. Visit maxwellandwilliams.com.au for local stockists.
NORM EVANS FLOORS
THE NEW MUST-HAVE
Outdoor showers have become more than a coastal luxury; they’re now a de fining feature of modern Australian living. Here, the expert team from Highgrove Bathrooms explore the best materials, maintenance essentials and style ideas for building an outdoor shower that’s built to last in Australian conditions.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR OUTDOORS
Australia’s climate demands durable materials that can handle heat, humidity, salt air and UV exposure. The key is balancing longevity with style.
The best outdoor shower materials include:
STAINLESS STEEL
Why it works: Corrosionresistant and ideal for coastal homes.
Best for: Homes near the beach or pools.
Style tip: Choose brushed or polished finishes to complement the look.
BRASS
Why it works: Adds a premium, vintage look that develops a beautiful patina over time.
Maintenance: Requires periodic cleaning or sealing to maintain shine.
Pair with: Timber decking or stone walls for contrast.
COPPER
Why it works: Naturally antimicrobial and corrosionresistant.
Aesthetic: Develops a warm, rustic finish that enhances natural surroundings.
Tip: Ideal for tropical or rural homes wanting character and colour variation.
POWDER-COATED ALUMINIUM
Why it works: Lightweight, affordable and available in matte black or white finishes.
Best for: Contemporary or minimalist outdoor spaces.
OUTDOOR SHOWER CARE CHECKLIST
Rinse regularly: After use, rinse fittings with fresh water to remove salt and chlorine.
Clean with mild soap: Avoid harsh chemicals that damage finishes.
Dry fittings: Wipe tapware and showerheads occasionally to prevent water spots.
Check connections: Inspect hoses and joints for leaks every few months.
Apply protectant: Use a stainless-steel or brass polish to restore shine as needed.
Pro tip: For coastal properties, schedule a deep clean every three to four months to minimise salt build-up and corrosion.
Pictured is the Oasis Outdoor Shower 316 SS w/ Shower Head in Brushed Brass from Highgrove Bathrooms
DESIGN AND STYLE IDEAS
Outdoor showers can be as simple or as luxurious as you like. The design possibilities are endless, from minimalist wall-mounted options to sculptural freestanding pieces. Here are some styles to consider.
Coastal classic: Bring the beach home with a timber-screened shower and stainless fixtures. Add river-pebble flooring for natural drainage and texture. Pair with brushed-brass tapware to warm up the palette.
Urban retreat: Turn a small courtyard or terrace into a spa-like zone using matte black tapware and concrete finishes. Vertical greenery or potted plants can create privacy while softening the hard edges.
Tropical oasis: Combine copper fixtures, teak timber decking and lush ferns for a rainforest-inspired aesthetic. A rainfall showerhead enhances the sensory experience.
Poolside Luxury: Complement your pool area with a freestanding outdoor shower made from brushed nickel or stainless steel. Install it on a slip-resistant stone base for safety and durability.
LOCATION
CONSIDERATIONS
Where you position your outdoor shower is just as important as its look. Proper planning ensures privacy, drainage and efficient water use.
Placement tips:
• Privacy: Position behind a wall, screen, or hedge for comfort.
• Drainage: Install a proper base pebble, concrete, or tiled with a drain to prevent water pooling.
• Sun exposure: Southfacing walls stay cooler in summer; north-facing walls are better in colder climates.
• Water source: Connect to existing plumbing lines to minimise installation costs.
Samuel Van DykeKOSK Photography
Poolfab Pool + Landscape Creations managing director Sean Lynch says the pool coping, tiles and stone play a major role in establishing the overall look and feel of the pool.
CHOOSING YOUR POOL STONE
One of the major decisions for everyone building a new swimming pool is what kind of look and feel your pool will have. A choice that significantly influences this is the finishes of the coping, the tiles and choosing stone for your pool. Using natural stones enhances the aesthetics while
providing great durability and relatively low maintenance. These natural products deliver an elegant feel to the concrete pool just as they did throughout the ages. There is a broad range of granite tiles, travertine, Himalayan quartz, marble and limestone.
Each has a unique look and feel and comes in a variety of
IMAGE:
Poolfab
Pool + Landscape Creations
colours and sizes, allowing plenty of choices when choosing stone for your pool.
WHAT STONES CAN I PICK?
In the end, it’s a personal decision usually based on the look, cost and the degree of maintenance that each stone requires. Some stones only come in particular colours, and so if you are using a grey colour scheme, your options may be in granite tiles or the silver travertine.
If you are looking for warmer tones, you may look at the Himalayan quartz, limestones, travertine or even almond granite.
The lowest cost tends to be the natural Himalayan quartz, with granite, limestone and travertine filling out the mid-price ranges.
Marble can be the most expensive. However, some prefer the look, and these natural stones can add value to your project beyond their cost.
As stone is a natural product, there is always great variation in the colour and texture. Some stones introduce
quite a random look, while others are relatively consistent.
It’s a good idea to visit the display room and view a larger area of the stone when choosing stone for your pool. Then you can be sure you are happy with the natural look.
Next, once you’ve selected your stone, you can choose your size and profile. There is a wide range and the most common
“There is a broad range of granite tiles, travertine, Himalayan quartz, marble and limestone.”
variations (for example, 400mm x 400mm) are usually available immediately, with custom sizes made to order. There are bullnose and square-edged profiles as well as specialist pieces for grates, drains and capping stones.
Using natural stones creates a beautiful feel for the pool and will provide you with years of hard-wearing and lowmaintenance pool surfaces.
HOW TO SHOCK TREAT YOUR POOL
Shock treatment for your pool is a necessary step to complement your chlorination. Here, the expert team from Clark Rubber share what you need to know to get it done quickly, without any hassle.
So, why is shock treatment necessary for your pool?
Many different contaminants can get into your pool water. Dust, leaves, dirt, skin, hair, loose grass and debris from the rain and wind all contribute to your pool water becoming dirty and discoloured. Adding shock treatment to the mix can help to keep the water crystal clear.
While chlorine is effective as a sanitiser, it becomes inert after it cleans your pool and can contribute to cloudy water. When this occurs, shock treatment can bring the water back to being crystal clear. It oxidises the water, clearing out the inert chlorine.
HOW TO SHOCK TREAT
The correct process for shock treatment of a pool or spa is done in these four steps.
1. Make sure your water’s pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, using pool chemicals to adjust as necessary. Either take in a sample of your pool water to
Clark Rubber for a free 60-second water test, or you can use a water test kit.
2. Premix your product (Clark Rubber recommend Pool Ultra Shock Plus) in a bucket of water and then spread it throughout your water. For a pool, use 250 grams for every 50,000 litres of
water. If you are shock treating a spa, make it 25 grams for every 1000 litres.
3. Run your filtration system for eight hours, so you get the maximum circulation of water.
4. Allow 30 minutes after treatment before using your pool or spa.
The Arona outdoor daybed features a curved, tapered backrest, sculpted to be comfortable. The handwoven twisted rope-look HDPE wicker adds warmth and texture. Crafted with a rust-resistant aluminium frame, this daybed stands the test of time in full outdoor conditions. It’s available in white/natural, white/grey and charcoal/charcoal. Visit Daydream Leisure Furniture , Warana.
SPLASH OF STYLE
New pool? Here are a few of our favourite products to help you style the fi nished product. y le
The vintage palm hook from Coastal Drift Home, Caloundra. It is perfect to hang your pool towels after a dip –stylish and practical.
The perfect match to a palm-inspired outdoor vibe, the Vintage Palm outdoor cushion features a retro design in fade and water-resistant material. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre
There is no doubt the Funky Postcard table runner will make a statement in your pool entertaining area. With its palette of electric yellow, sunset orange and punchy greens, this runner is made for those who love colour, quirk and a touch of nostalgia. Available from Coastal Drift Home, Caloundra.
theVintagePalmou
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HAPPY AND HEALTHY
Longer grass is happier grass in summer. Raise the mower height a notch or two to help protect the roots from harsh heat, lock in moisture and keep the lawn greener for longer. Combine this with heavy watering early in the morning and your turf will stay healthy right through the hottest weeks.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE
Our lawns’ needs vary depending on the season. Here, we provide tips on how to keep yours healthy through summer.
KEEP IT GREEN
New lawn? Here are a few tips to keep your grass healthy and alive.
• Watering is the most important thing you will have to do for the first month of your new lawn.
• Water it regularly, especially during the first week.
• After this, reduce watering to every second day.
• By week three, you should be watering around two to three times a week. This is also the right time to apply fertiliser for the first time.
• Going forward, fertilise every time the season changes.
did you know?
Avoid watering the lawn in the middle of the day. The heat will work against you and the grass won’t get the required nutrients. Instead, water in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation.
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PROVIDING FULL KITCHEN AND BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
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THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL CLIENTS & FRIENDS FOR YOUR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
CANDYLAND CHRISTMAS
Step into a world of colour and nostalgia. Pastel pinks, peppermint reds and sparkly fi nishes create a joyful mix.
We absolutely love the Rosie pink Christmas tree with snow. It is the perfect base for creating a fun, candyland holiday theme. Crafted from durable PE and PVC and standing at 210 centimetres tall, it’s available from Early Settler
The Beaded Candy Cupcake hanging decoration from Pillow Talk is pretty and fun. Crafted with colourful beads and sequins, scatter them around the tree to brighten its branches.
Showroom Open: Thurs, Fri & Sat 9am-4pm Phone for Measure & Quotes
The glass ice-cream truck ornament captures the joy of childhood days. Hang it on the tree or style it on a shelf. It’s from Myer
Sweeten your holiday decor with this fun and festive pink popsicle. Featuring a sparkling glittery finish and colourful sprinkles on top, this ornament will brighten your tree. It’s available from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.
The gingerbread house from Myer, Sunshine Plaza.
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