Geelong Coast Home and Lifestyle - Autumn 2023

BELLARINE BLISS AT HOME WITH KARINA PAGES 6-7

WACKY WOODWORK WEIRD, WONDERFUL FURNITURE PAGE 10

GREEN SHOOTS VERTICAL GARDENS PAGE 20

AUTUMN DESIGN TURNS A NEW LEAF

COOL DAYS AUTUMN 2023

n COVER IMAGE COURTESY DRAKE DESIGN GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

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AUTUMN 2023

Contents AUTUMN 2023

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Live boldly with Viva Magenta

Top kitchen storage tips

19 Pots of positivity

20 The benefits of vertical gardens

11 Tactile texture for the home

21 Give your shed a makeover

14 Oz Design autumn trends

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At home with Karina

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Social network

Spruce up your home with DIY

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16-17

Wacky woodwork

Autumn colour forecast revealed

Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine is a Star News Group/Geelong Independent publication.

MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Michell WRITERS: Justin Flynn, Holly McGuinness PHOTOGRAPHY: Ivan Kemp ADVERTISING: advertising@geelongindependent.com.au www.homeandlifestyle.geelongindy.com.au facebook.com/gcmaggeelongcoast/ @gcmaggeelongcoast ISSN: 2200-6605 ABN: 55 006 653 336 ACN: 06 653 336

AUTUMN 2023

Autumn reads Cover image courtesy Drake Design.

Contact 9769 8096

Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle Magazine is printed on environmentally friendly paper. Printed using vegetable based inks on FSC ® certified paper under ISO14001.

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GEELONG COAST HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Unit 1, 47 Pakington Street, Geelong West 3218 (03) 5249 6700 All material appearing in Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine is subject to copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at the time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editor.

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GC HOMES | COLOUR OF THE YEAR

n Colour, on colour, on colour for a real statement that’ll have your visitors talking.

Picture: Shutterstock

Colour your world in 2023

BY HOLLY MCGUINNESS This year’s hottest colour has been announced, dubbed by the Pantone Colour Institute as an “unconventional shade for an unconventional time,” ‘Viva Magenta’ boldly walks the borders of blue and red.

Selected by Pantone, this year’s colour boasts a variety of layers, drawing inspiration from the natural world; it’s intended to ignite a new passion within.

Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman says Viva Magenta is a red descendant that emanates what is real during our current age of technology; it helps us build an inner strength.

“Rooted in the primordial, Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the

n Style with neutral tones to make this year’s colour really stand out.

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GE ELO N G C O A ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

forces of nature,” she said.

The colours’ organic origins are credited to the Cochineal beetle, a South American parasite that’s been used as vibrant red dye for centuries.

As one of the world’s most precious natural dyes, Ms Eiseman says it’s also of the strongest and brightest.

Recent trends have seen a sky rocketing of pulling themes from nature and incorporating more organic materials into design is all the rage right now, influenced by years of lockdown, according to Pantone, and creating a shift in behaviour.

Intertwining this year’s hottest shade in the home may seem a head scratching task, but Pantone suggests to “harness the full power” of

this year’s colour. A velvet couch or feature wall will create an eye-catching ode for individuals and designers alike to make a hefty impact.

For a less committal addition, a floral arrangement, striking abstract art piece or table settings make for a dramatic addition on a smaller, less committal scale.

The colour of the year was announced late 2022, influencing or perhaps predicting fashion, beauty, home and living trends for the year to come.

Pantone vice president, Laurie Pressman sayd, “It is a culmination of the macro-level colour trend forecasting and research that the global team involved with the Pantone Color Institute conducts year-round that informs this selection”. ●

n A vibrant Viva Magenta feature wall will be a statement piece in your home, perfectly accompanied by natural elements.

AUTUMN 2023

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AUTUMN 2023

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AT HOME WITH

Karina Karina Mansfield is proof that you can own your dream home. She speaks to Justin Flynn about her family’s recent purchase in the hamlet of Bellarine.

Karina Mansfield used to drive along Scotchmans Road near the hamlet of Bellarine and dream of living there one day.

Karina, her husband and two sons aged 12 and 14 had been looking at properties along The Esplanade in Portarlington, but in her own words had “missed the window as prices were going stupidly high”.

That was in 2021, but there was one particular place in Bellarine that Karina dreamed of owning.

Her family grew up in Geelong, but went off

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GE ELO N G C O A ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

to other areas and, in some cases, other states.

Her brother ended up in Port Melbourne, but bought a farm on the Bellarine.

Her mother followed shortly after from Jamieson, near Mansfield.

“Obviously having family down there enabled me to get some more exposure to the region,” she says.

“We often travelled that road and it was like ‘imagine living here, it would be awesome’.

“It’s just got such a beautiful view and a

n Karina Mansfiel on the verandah Picture: Ivan Kemp

beautiful feel and this house came up and I was like ‘that’s my dream house’ but I didn’t seriously entertain the thought of purchasing it.”

With prices high in Portarlington, it forced the Mansfields to rethink.

“This was very opportunistic in terms of it being on the market for a little while,” Karina says.

“And then my brother went and saw it and said ‘well, if you don’t buy it, I will’ so that kind of spurred us into action.

AUTUMN 2023

GC HOMES | AT HOME WITH KARINA

n The house is bordered by lush garden.

n The kitchen is indeed the heart of the home.

“It’s just so beautiful. You sit out the back and you’ve literally got cows on the other side of the fence, but beyond that you’ve got the bay and Melbourne. It’s the best of treechange and seachange.

but one more than the other,” Karina says.

or a fabulous games room.

“We gave it a complete facelift. It was all black and white and cow skin rugs and it was minimalist modernist and we completely changed it.

“The boys are teenagers so it would be awesome for them to have their own space.”

“I’m super glad it worked out the way it has. I just love that rural aspect of where we’ve landed.

“We’ve gone with beautiful neutral colours, soft and warm and got rid of all the black and white. We put in rugs and lots of artwork.

At an acre and a half, there’s lots of upkeep.

“I was there the other day and I put my key into the door, which is a glass door that looks straight out to the back, and I just thought ‘how crazy is this?’.

“We just softened it right down and it looks like a completely different house. The other areas we touched up.”

“I had to stop and take a photo because there were these big black cows looking at me.

How bizarre is this?”

For the time being, the family is based in Melbourne.

Karina’s favourite room in the house is one of the lounge rooms that she describes as “more formal”.

“There’s no TV in it,” she says.

They use the Bellarine property as a weekender to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

“Both lounge rooms have beautiful fireplaces. The way we’ve decorated it, it’s just so inviting just to sit there and have a glass of wine or read a book and sit in front of the fire in winter.

They considered making the permanent move early next year.

“(Also) sitting on that back patio is like nothing on earth. It’s just awesome.”

“It’s just hard because the boys are 12 and 15 this year,” Karina says.

Future renovations are still in the planning stage, but Karina would like to open the place up.

“They love it, but they don’t want to live there just yet.

“Even though we still haven’t landed on anything firm it’s likely it won’t be until they’ve finished school.”

The property provides sweeping views over the bay and the Melbourne skyline.

Major renovations have taken a back seat in favour of a spruce up.

“We’ve redecorated both (lounge rooms),

n The lounge room is filled with light.

AUTUMN 2023

Pictures: Ivan Kemp

“There’s so much you could do with it – I’d like to open it right up because at the moment there’s three bedrooms and three bathrooms so it’s well appointed,” she says.

The garden is definitely a work in progress.

Karina admits gardening is not her specialty.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do there– landscaping and doing all the due diligence,” Karina says.

“Try to make it something more sustainable.

There’s some beautiful fruit trees and gorgeous plants. We are going to replant some and we’ve taken some out already.

“We enjoy having a glass of wine at Scotchmans Hill some afternoons when we are there and we look around and say ‘this is what we need’.

“We’re going to grass a lot more, still have the hedges and more shrubs and just make it a lot more open and sustainable.

“It’s a lot of work. A lot of clearing has to be done. We’ve done a bit, but a lot more needs to be done. It’s a work in progress.”

The boys love the extra space that they don’t have in Melbourne.

“They absolutely love the massive stretch of paddock that runs the whole fence line along the property,” Karina says.

“But it’s a bit like a rabbit warren. Lots of rooms and corridors and I’d like to make it a lot more open and take out some walls.

“The first things they did was put soccer goals up and a cricket pitch. The soccer goals arrived before we did.

“There’s two outdoor dwellings. One almost looks like a little chapel. There’s an opportunity there. You could turn those into little sleepouts

“They have a great time playing cricket and soccer and we put a table tennis table in the garage for them.” ●

n The dining room is perfect for entertaining.

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AUTUMN 2023

GC HOMES | DIY RENOS

n Upgrading your home will keep you busy and productive, leaving you proud of your space and your work.

Pictures: iStock

n DIY renos can be a great bonding experience with family and friends as we exit lockdown.

Easy DIY home upgrades When it comes to redesigning your home, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction of conjuring up an idea and seeing it come to life.

Depending on the changes you’re looking to make at home, there are a variety of easy DIYs that can save you money, refresh your home and give you a fun, satisfying activity to keep busy.

Other than basic refreshers to houses such as a new coat of paint or some extra decorations, read on to learn more about how to jazz up your space for less.

Upgrade hardware around the house Adding fresh hardware to your home can modernise or neaten a room’s feel. Whether it be door handles, cupboard door knobs or hinges, having a streamlined style of hardware throughout your home can tie each space together in a consistent manner that maintains the colour and style theme. Door handles and hinges are fairly straightforward to replace, and your local hardware store will likely have a range of stylish designs to choose from.

Refresh your bathroom fixtures Updating bathroom hardware such as taps, handles, showerheads and hooks is a surefire way to keep your bathroom looking new and stylish. A little more difficult than regular hardware in the home, plumbing fixtures may require a bit more attention. However, the effect will be well worth it, and can save your hip pocket from the pain of a full bathroom renovation. Online tutorials are available for bathroom fittings of all varieties.

Give your tiles and benches a new lease on life Dulux has a range of paints suited to tiles and benchtops, giving you the chance to save thousands of dollars on new finishes and tiling costs. Whether you choose a pattern to follow on your kitchen splashback or implement a new colour scheme into your bathroom, the Dulux Renovation range is suited to tiles, vinyl, plastic, laminate and stone surfaces.

Change up your cabinetry To go with your new benches and tiles,

consider painting your drawers and cabinet doors, and adding new hardware like drawer handles. To tie in with new door handles and other hardware updates around the house, adding new knobs to kitchen cupboards or bathroom cabinets will polish any area and is almost too easy to complete. To step up your style, consider adding some trim or panelling to cabinets, or even walls and doors throughout your home.

Update your lighting Something as simple as changing your light fixtures at home can give different spaces a brand new look and feel. Pendant lights over the kitchen bench are very on trend, and floor lamps can make a space feel warm and inviting. Even changing the light globes around the house can make things feel different, so consider switching your cool-toned light globes to warm-colored lights or vice versa.

Visit your local hardware store for tips and inspiration, or check out online tutorials for straightforward home DIYs. l

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LIFESTYLE | INTERIOR DESIGN

n Layering your favourite items in your living spaces can create a fun sense of depth and dimension.

Picture: Shutterstock

Weird, wacky and wonderful

BY HOLLY MCGUINNESS This year we’re seeing abstract design ideas come to life, with wavy woodwork and unusual shapes taking centre stage.

According to creative experts at leading Australian retailer GlobeWest, a rise in shapes that’ll soothe the senses are on the horizon.

GlobeWest creative director Keti Lytras believes these wacky shapes are thanks to a resurgence in creativity after being stuck inside the past few years.

Architects, artists, and designers are freshly inspired and creating in new and exciting ways, expressing their individualism.

“People are excited, sculptural silhouettes, decadent details and twisted carvings inspired by vintage pieces invite this creativity into the home in a really liveable way,” she said.

“After spending so much time in our homes, we’re seeking shapes, textures, and colours that soothe the senses.

“Additionally, as Australians, we’re very

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connected to our environment, we are seeing this reflected in the organic materials and tones of salt bush and burnt orange come through in fabric choices.”

With this shake up approach to design, Ms Lytras expects a farmhouse aesthetic with geometric shapes could have its moment this year too.

While vintage styles have a strong hold on design, they’re shifting towards a more contemporary angle.

Ms Lytras suggests the best way to bring your space to life for the year ahead is through thoughtful layering, coming back to creating a comforting, yet practical space.

“We’re designing for comfort, not just through upholstery and fabrication but usability. Coffee tables, side tables and ottomans, somewhere to put your feet up, a place to rest your drink, a place to connect,” she said.

Although, who says comfort has to be without a touch of indulgence? Ms Lytras is eager to see life’s luxuries celebrated in everyday living, with decadent detailing

n Curved couches, wavy woodwork and a focus on comfort are all in this year.

Pictures: GlobeWest and contemporary silhouettes.

“Tones of twilight, plum and desert speckle are our favourite colours this season,” she said. ”Warmer deeper shades that sit beautifully with natural tones. They invite warmth and variation to our spaces, in an easy-to-use way, feel-good sophisticated design.” l

AUTUMN 2023

LIFESTYLE | TACTILE TEXTURES

Embrace tactile textures

BY HOLLY MCGUINNESS As autumn creeps in and the weather cools down, design trends of 2023 are doing anything but cooling.

This year has brought about a range of experimentation in interior design and tactile textures is the latest on that list.

Bring dimension into your home through the use of curved, alternative textures with emphasised height, width and depth.

No more square timber coffee tables and plain linen lounges; angular shapes and textured features are all the rage to create a unique stand out space that’ll leave house guests ‘wowed’.

If you want to bring some fun shapes and textures into our home that’ll turn heads there’s quite the knack to layering these alternate shapes and materials.

It’s important to make sure tactile textures are mindfully implemented and compliment your space, creating balance throughout the home, rather than chaos.

We’re loving sensory additions that not only look great but feel good too, a boucle textured cream lounge tops our list, finished with matching spherical cushions.

Originally a French word meaning “loop”, boucle is created traditionally using woollen yarn that’s woven around itself to create its bumpy, eye-catching appearance.

Whilst boucle creates dimension in its fabric

it often can be tricky to keep clean if the cover isn’t easily removable, particularly if you’ve got little ones running around with sticky hands.

Timeless velvet is next, with a deep magenta, rounded ottoman a great eye catcher when placed in a simple space. Placing pops of velvet throughout the rest of the room can be done with furnishings or even photo frames.

Sculptural coffee tables and organic edged travertine furniture makes for an incredible more modest addition. Wth an ancient look to them, using stone look furniture will create a

classy and timeless look.

There’s no need to stop at just furniture though, the past is coming back around and that means wallpaper is having its resurgence, particularly those with raised or textured feels to them.

If the commitment of wallpaper feels too much then a gallery wall with variously shaped frames is another way to incorporate fun textures into a living space without blowing the bank. l

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GC HOMES | OZ DESIGN

What’s new in interiors for autumn 2023 Many of our living and dining collections pair rich timbers with black metal accents. Lending itself to both contemporary and maximalist interiors, this unique feature can be styled into any home.

After reveling in the sun and enjoying long summer nights, it is finally time to bring layers and warmth back into your home. Minimalist homes with tonal decor have been a popular interior trend, however will this continue into the coming season? We let you in on the hottest furniture trends for this autumn and how they can transform your space to match the season.

Organic shapes have been taking over the interior space through curved furniture and abstract decor. Curves will continue to make a huge impact this season being injected into sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, mirrors and much more. Our favourites include the latest Ravello dining table with beautiful sculptural legs, and our popular Munich swivel chair available in four finishes. Whether it be your dining or living room, curved silhouettes create a soft ambience in your space that help promote the flow of your interior. These rounded designs transform a retro inspired style into a modern-day trend.

Autumn is all about the transition from a light and airy style to a more cozy feel in your home. Layering is your best friend when it comes to adding warmth into each room. This can be done by simply introducing an array of decorative cushions to your sofa, textured throw blankets on your bed and a woollen rug underfoot. Texture not only adds warmth to your space, but it creates visual interest and depth to your existing furniture pieces. Make it your own by showing off your personality and preferred style.

Maximalist style is slowly making a comeback, with an ode to nostalgic designs.

Interiors are focusing more on rich materials and incorporating colour and patterns in a quirky way. For those who want to incorporate this style in a subtle way, consider decorating with patterned cushions, bold artworks and unique sculptural pieces. You can also use a statement rug to bring life and eye catching design to your living room.

n Temple sofa adds a light and airy feel to a living space.

Picture: Supplied For the more daring stylists, experiment with mixing materials such as beautiful marbles, metal accents and black leather. The best thing about maximalist interiors is that there are no rules. There is no pattern too wild or a colour too loud. Discover your personal style and have fun with eclectic timbers, colours and textures.

Finally, the change in colour palette will be the main shift away from light summer homes.

In preparation for winter, now is the perfect time for decorating with earthy brown tones, warm oranges and dark greens. This palette will perfectly complement natural timbers, indoor plants and textured layers to transform your home into a sanctuary.

Live in style this season and discover OZ Design Furniture’s new pieces that will transform your home into a space that feels like there is no place like it. Shop online or in store today. ●

n Ravello dining table features sculptural timber legs for an impactful statement.

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LIFESTYLE | INTERIORS

n Dulux Autumn Forecast 2023 Connect palette. Styling: Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen. Side Walls and Ceiling: Dulux Beaten Track Back Wall: Dulux Stilted Stalks Window Frames: Dulux Namadji

Get your home autumn ready Autumn has arrived – a time of year when we gravitate indoors as the days get shorter and the evenings turn crisp.

As we head into the cooler months, we want our homes to feel cosy and inviting – a space where we can relax with the ones we love, while at the same time providing a front-row seat to the beauty of the changing seasons outside.

This autumn, Dulux colour forecasters predict the warm neutrals and muted yellowgreens in Connect, one of three palettes identified in the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023, will take centre stage. Together, these colours can create a calm, earthy vibe that’s perfect for laid-back entertaining and family gatherings as the weather cools, whilst blurring the lines between inside and out.

“The Dulux Connect palette is filled with beautiful earth-based neutrals that are so easy to live in and decorate with in our homes,” Dulux colour and communications manager

Andrea Lucena-Orr says.

“They speak to our growing passion for craftsmanship, sustainability and living more simply, and create the relaxed and cocooning feeling we crave from our homes in the autumn months. They are also extremely versatile and work with a variety of architectural styles, adding warmth and colour to contemporary interiors or enhancing the character of period homes.”

Armed with the Dulux Connect palette, the creatives at Dulux transformed a spacious openplan lounge and dining area into a cosy and welcoming family retreat.

“This lounge is flooded with natural light and surrounded by gorgeous garden vistas,” Lucena-Orr says.

“The original space looked beautiful in Dulux Natural White™, but it lacked a sense of comfort and soul. However, by adding these natural paint colours, Dulux Stilted Stalks and

Beaten Track from the Connect palette, it has created a sense of comfort and relaxed style. The new scheme has achieved a beautiful calming space that really draws you in.”

Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech reveals exactly how she and her team tackled the makeover.

“Exposed timber beams, cathedral ceilings and stone-look tiled floors gave this beautiful open plan room a ‘chic farmhouse’ vibe. Whilst the white was beautiful and simple – we wanted to show how introducing just two colours into a large room like this can bring warmth and cosiness,” Leech says.

“The room’s generous proportions and high ceilings called for slightly deeper colours – in this case, a beautiful muted yellow-green and a soft wheat hue from the Dulux Connect palette unites the interior with the lush garden outside seen through generous picture windows and sliding glass doors,” she says.

n Before the makeover.

16 GE ELO N G C O A ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

AUTUMN 2023

LIFESTYLE | INTERIORS

n Dulux Autumn Forecast 2023 - Connect palette. Styling: Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen. Walls and Ceiling: Dulux Beaten Track. Study Nook and Entry: Dulux Wasabi

“We wanted to make this a space perfect for gathering with the fireplace at its heart; So, we painted the main walls and ceiling in Dulux Beaten Track, a lovely creamy honey hue, to tie in with the timber beams and offset the stone look floor tiles. We then used a slightly richer colour on the fireplace wall (Dulux Stilted Stalks) to make the fireplace the clear focal point.

“Using two warm earthy colours and running them from floor to ceiling, like we’ve done here, wraps the room in warmth. We carried these colours through to the adjoining dining room, where you can also see Dulux Wasabi through the opening that leads to the home’s main entrance and featured behind the shelves in the study nook.” “When it came to the furniture and accessories, we mixed different styles and eras to make the lounge feel relaxed and characterful. Beautifully worn vintage pieces, such as a ‘70s leather sofa and slate coffee table, sit comfortably alongside newer future family heirlooms, such as classic Camaleonda upholstered ottomans and a deepseated, contemporary sofa in a tobacco linen (Jardan Sunny sofa).

“Texture is key to making any space feel inviting.

“Here, we layered tactile, natural materials, including raw timber, rattan, worn leather, heavy linen fabric, shearling and stone – all drawn from the same curated colour palette to create a cohesive look. Handmade ceramics displayed on the fireplace ledge and a mix of botanicals and dried flowers emphasise the earth-drawn theme, whilst an abstract artwork reflects the dynamic colours in the landscape.

“From there, we swapped out the smaller rug for one in a bigger size in tones that harmonise with the walls and furnishings.

“A generous sized rug like this will help zone your living area within an open-plan room – as a guide, look for one that fits under the front legs of all the main furniture in the room, such as your sofas and armchairs.

“We’ve included a variety of different seating options – sofas, ottomans, armchairs – to emphasise the casual ‘relax anywhere’ vibe. We were careful to position lower-profile pieces, such as the ottoman and coffee table, in front of the fire and picture windows so they don’t obstruct your view as you enter the room.”

AUTUMN 2023

n The living area before.

AUTUMN STYLING TIPS •

Up the texture: For a cosy and comfortable feel, mix soft-touch, tactile fabrics such as linens, velvets, corduroy, shearling, and soft leather.

•

Take in the view: Do you have a beautiful backyard outlook? Make it a highlight by keeping window coverings to a minimum or dispensing with them altogether.

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Wrap the room: For a truly enveloping feeling, run your chosen room colour onto the ceiling as well.

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Go big with rugs: Furniture in large, open-plan spaces can sometimes look lost – define clear living and dining zones by adding large floor rugs.

•

Try something different: If you want to keep your existing wall colours but still experiment with the Dulux Connect colours, try painting small furniture pieces, such as side tables, planters or vases,

Lucena-Orr says this is the time of year when we want our homes to feel intimate, familiar and inviting.

“So pull out the paint brush and have fun experimenting with some cosier colours. While saying goodbye to your white walls might feel

and then add in cushions and throws in similar tones. Use the palette as your decorating scheme.

•

Highlight special features: Use a rich, warm natural grey colour from the Dulux Connect palette, such as Dulux Hammer Grey, as a backdrop for your favourite artwork or behind shelving.

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Bedroom beauty: The neutrals in Dulux’s Connect palette are perfect for creating a serene and nurturing feel in a bedroom.

Consider Dulux Beaten Track on walls with a timeless white like Dulux Whisper White on the door and trims.

•

Take it outside: The earthy, natural colours in the Dulux Connect palette also work beautifully on a façade, balcony or outdoor entertaining area. Using them inside and out helps visually connect your interior and exterior.

a little scary at first, remember that paint is the easiest low-commitment update you can make for your home.

“Once you get started with colour and paint, the connection and emotive qualities gained means you’ll never look back.” ●

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GC HOMES | KITCHEN STORAGE

Make some space Having a peaceful, easy to navigate kitchen can help turn a house into a home.

Wrestling with messy utensil drawers, feeling frustrated with cluttered benchtops or a lack of organised appliances can create a messy station to cook your favourite meals, sometimes prompting dread at the thought of cooking at all.

Luckily, there’s an abundance of space saving options to create harmony in the kitchen and we’re here to help you figure out how.

Consider what’s used most, pots, pans, knives, are you an avid slow cooker user? Or perhaps you’ll have tea or coffee throughout the day. You’ll want to keep these things front and centre and easy to access. Having designated areas for things often used will not only save time, but mindful placement and a few upgrades will save space.

Having a knife block, or wall mount will not only keep knives in tip top condition, it’ll save space and be a safer option.

The dreaded bits and pieces drawer, full of tongs, spatulas, measuring cups and everything else should be filtered through. A drawer organiser or table top utensil holder next to your stove provides additional space, making everything easier to find.

A tiered or spinning spice rack will save effort trawling through spices, only taking up a portion of an avid cooker’s pantry, rather than an entire shelf.

Using tiered shelves underneath the sink for a cleaning station will create not only a space that’s tidy but it’ll be easier to find everything for a quick spray and wipe.

Create more open storage using floating shelves, these are a great way to display frequently used kitchen items and can be styled to bring your kitchen to life.

Finally, when upgrading storage it’s a great time to declutter, clean out old appliances, expired pantry items, double-up utensils and old cleaning products that haven’t been used in years.

Thinking about the theme of your kitchen, for a farmhouse style, try a warm timber shelf that can be decorated with favoured serving plates, cook books, glassware and mugs, leaving extra space in closed cabinets.

This in itself will create extra space, by getting rid of anything you no longer need or haven’t used in years, making your newly made practical kitchen a delight to use. ●

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Making smart investments on space saving accessories can be implemented easily and quickly, with so much on the market from cabinet organisers to spice racks.

n Floating timber shelves make for an incredible, functional kitchen feature.

Manor Court Werribee Aged Care 24/7 on-site nursing | permanent | respite | newly refurbished garden rooms | dementia care e: office@manorcourt.org.au p: 9742 0699 18 GE ELO N G C O A ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

AUTUMN 2023

GC GARDENS | AUTUMN HOUSE PLANTS

Pots of positivity It’s official: your indoor plant collection is actually good for your health, in a number of ways. Here’s why - and which plants to choose for the biggest benefits!

They make us feel good We all know how good we feel after a wander in the garden. Setting up house plants helps to replicate that feeling indoors.

And that good feeling? It’s the reduction in stress that you feel while gazing into the greenery. Plants can help us feel calmer and more relaxed, so they’re perfect for places like the study while working from home. More technically, studies have shown that plants like palms can regulate the humidity in a room, and this can help you feel more comfortable and productive.

They absorb nasties A NASA-run Clean Air Study discovered that there are a number of plants that can remove toxins from the air, keeping it clean for us to breathe - great for those with allergies! Snake plant, also known cheekily as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one that can help in this regard.

Snake plant is a striking indoor specimen with long, stiff leaves.

n Aloe vera secretes a gel that is good for sunburn relief. and easy-to-grow variety, has the same special talents and looks good amongst many types of decor.

They can heal hurts Take a look through your bathroom cupboard and it’s likely you’ll find bottles of lotions and potions spruiking the properties of aloe vera.

It removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air too. Spider plant, another common

Boiling the leaves and breathing in the steam it emits can also provide relief for

It’s always nice to come home to a cleansmelling home. Put down the artificial air freshener and get that clean scent naturally with house plants! There are a couple that are particularly good. Rosemary, often grown outside as hedging or an ornamental, can also be grown inside if looked after correctly.

Typically this plant needs full sun, so be sure to keep it in a sunny place and acclimatise it to the reduced sunlight. It smells deliciously inviting and is an excellent addition to many dishes. Similarly, dwarf citrus trees can be used to lightly perfume the air, naturally. l

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It absorbs carbon dioxide while emitting oxygen, like all plants do - but interestingly, it’s one of the few plants that does this at night, making it a good choice for a bedroom plant.

There’s good reason for that – aloe has been used as a natural remedy for a number of different issues for thousands of years. It’s particularly useful for sunburn; simply snap off a leaf and let the gel that’s inside ooze onto your skin (get the OK from your doctor first).

those with asthma.

They freshen the air

• Flooring installations - Solid timber / parquetry / cork & more • Floor sanding & polishing • Floor coatings • Decks - Sanding / Polishing / Staining / Painting • Repairs & Replacements

Servicing Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula & Surf Coast

Ph 0419 516 490 www.finefinishfloors.com.au AUTUMN 2023

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GC GARDENS | VERTICAL GARDENS

Keep cool with a vertical garden With Australians facing skyrocketing energy bills, many households are turning their attention to a range of passive cooling measures.

Double glazing, insulation, tree shading and rooftop sprinklers are all contenders, but there’s a relatively new concept that is fast gaining popularity – living walls.

Also known as vertical gardens, living walls are covered completely in vegetation, housed in pots, felt pockets or planter boxes, and irrigated on structures attached to the wall.

University of South Australia research has already demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing household temperatures by up to 12 degrees on scorching summer days, but a new UniSA study has taken this a step further.

UniSA Sustainable Water Resources Emeritus Professor Simon Beecham says that experiments comparing the cooling effect of living walls with porous concrete pavement systems show the latter are, at best, just 15 per cent as effective as green walls – and only four percent as effective in the worst cases.

Along with UniSA and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak colleagues, Professor Beecham compared the evapotranspiration rates of plants mounted on a living wall to the evaporation rates of permeable pavements, which also cool the surrounding environment.

Unlike conventional impermeable concrete or asphalt pavements, porous concrete absorbs stormwater and acts as a non-vegetated water sensitive urban design system.

“However, compared to living walls, permeable pavements are 85 per cent less effective in terms of their evaporative cooling effect,” Professor Beecham says.

“Both living walls and porous concrete roads are now being investigated for their ability to cool the urban environment.

“Evaporation of water from porous concrete

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occurs after rainfall and this results in the ambient air temperature decreasing. This process is even more enhanced by living walls because the vegetation transpires water for much longer periods. Also, living walls are irrigated more frequently than it rains.”

Their study is published in the latest issue of Water.

Living walls and permeable pavements are examples of water-sensitive urban designs, implemented in residential homes, on roads, car parks, sub-divisions, multi-storey buildings, commercial and industrial areas, and public land.

They are designed to reduce flood risks, improve water quality, moderate temperature, and enhance urban biodiversity.

Unlike green facades, where roots are planted in the ground, with stems, leaves and flowers growing vertically on the wall, living

walls are autonomous of the soil below, but are irrigated, rather than relying on rainfall.

Living walls and green facades are popular in some Asian countries and Europe but they are yet to take off in Australia due to high upfront costs, with planter boxes averaging from $500-$700 a square metre.

However, researchers say that over time, the energy savings are considerable and more than outweigh the initial outlay.

In 2018, Rosmina Bustami – then a UniSA PhD civil engineering PhD student – conducted a nine-month experiment investigating the potential energy savings of installing vertical gardens on western facing household external walls.

Bustami compared temperatures on the living wall with a control wall without plants, recording up to 12 degrees difference on the hottest day. ●

AUTUMN 2023

GC GARDENS | SHEDS

A fresh look for an old eyesore When it comes to styling, the hardworking parts of our homes often draw the short straw.

But if your heart sinks every time you look at the shabby shed at the bottom of your garden or your tatty-looking garage, don’t despair.

Transforming these eyesores into stylish, decorative features is easier, cheaper and more rewarding than you might think.

“It’s easy to get excited about sprucing up a living area or bedroom, but the practical parts of our home are no less deserving of attention,” Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says.

“What many people don’t realise is how big an impact they can have on your home’s overall look. The garage, for example, can make up around 30 per cent of your home’s façade – if it’s not looking its best, that’s a whole lot of unattractive on display for the world to see.

“Equally, a shed that’s seen better days can really bring down the look of your garden. It’s details like these that friends and family as well as potential buyers really notice.

“Rather than splashing out on expensive replacements, update what you’ve got with colour. A lick of paint will transform unsightly sheds or garages. It’s quicker and easier than you might expect too – just a few hours over a day or two and your dumping grounds will be transformed.”

For garage doors, the colour expert said it is important to pay attention to the colours and finishes of surrounding walls. Matte black, charcoal, navy and stone can work well against red brick, natural stone and timber.

For an exposed area such as the garage or shed, it’s crucial to choose a paint that can withstand the elements. Dulux Weathershield is weather-resistant and provides a tough, long-lasting finish. It’s easy to apply, mould, dirt-and stain-resistant, and can be used on anything from bricks, timber and aluminium to ironwork - generally without the need for a primer. ●

GARAGE AND SHED WALL REFRESH DIY STEPS 1. Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.

2. Once the surface is dry, start by cutting in around the edges and hard to reach areas using Dulux Weathershield.

3. Apply paint to the surface using short,

GARAGE AND SHED DOOR REFRESH DIY STEPS 1. Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.

2. Once the surface is dry, apply Dulux Weathershield to the surface using long brush strokes, starting with the inner panels and working your way out.

AUTUMN 2023

n A fresh look for an old eyesore

horizontal brush strokes.

4. Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.

5. Repeat this process for the second coat.

Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat.

6. If painting bare timber, a third coat will need to be applied.

3. Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.

4. Repeat this process for the second coat.

Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat.

5. If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied.

n Pictures: Dulux Australia Stylist: Bree Leech Photographer: David Mitchener Colours: Dulux Weathershield in Gentle Calm Quarter, trim in Dulux Natural White™, door in Dulux Jungle Cloak.

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SOCIAL NETWORK | GEELONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

n Renato Trentin (Total Maintenance Solutions), Richard Oppusunggu (Harris Kmon Solutions), Cathryn Walley (LBW Business + Wealth Advisors and Geelong Chamber director) and Mike Deam (Goldmine Bookkeeping).

n Klouymai Aylett (Mai Thai Food Truck), Angie Hilton (GMHBA), Mary Stekelenburg, Elissa Friday (Geelong Chamber) and Kimberley Sinnott (Geelong Arts Centre & Geelong Chamber director).

n Wes Self (GMHBA), Jodie Stangel (NDIA), Michael Stangel (Geelong Waterfront Films chair) and Helen Stevens (GMHBA).

Businesses network After 5 at GMHBA With a fantastic view over the roofs of Geelong, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s first After 5 networking event of the year was a great success. Hosted by GMHBA, chamber members came in droves to experience GMHBA’s new headquarters firsthand. ●

n Maree Herath (Harvest Recruitment) and Hugh Allen (Moore Australia).

n Gary Robinson (Zero400 Photography), Matt Testa (Plan Group) and Damien Chappell (Landserv).

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n Ryan Ainsworth (Bendigo Bank) and Tom Brady (LBW Business + Wealth Advisors).

n Christina Street (Geelong Chamber), Klouymai Aylett (Mai Thai Food Truck), Evan Wailes (JK Personnel) and Kahlia-May Lewis (JK Personnel).

n Julie Hunter (Huntercorp Investments) and Carol Mills (MTA Travel).

n Michael de Stefano (Gartland and Geelong Chamber director), Renee Jovic (Zenith Business Advisory and Geelong Chamber director), Jane Mithen (Harwood Andrews) and Catherine Middlemiss (Sacred Heart College and Geelong Chamber director).

AUTUMN 2023

GC HOMES | AUTUMN READS

n Homecoming

n Aphrodite’s Breath

n Mum Jokes

Cozy up with a good book Spend the cooler autumn days indoors getting lost in a good book. Here’s just a few of the new releases from Allen & Unwin in April and May to add to your reading list.

AUTUMN 2023

in Australian fiction.

HOMECOMING Kate Morton The highly anticipated new novel from the worldwide bestselling author of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, a spellbinding story that begins with a shocking crime, the effects of which echo across continents and generations.

APHRODITE’S BREATH Susan Johnson What happens when you take your 85-year-old mother to live with you on a Greek island? A strikingly original, funny, and forensic examination of love and finding home from the author of From Where I Fell.

MUM JOKES Jessica Rowe Definition of mum jokes? Like dad jokes but a lot smarter.

Over 500 eye-rollingly funny, familyfriendly, witty jokes, ready to bring out at any occasion.

SEARCH HISTORY Amy Taylor Rebecca meets Fleabag in a sharp and funny debut novel about dating in the internet.

Search History explores identity, obsession and desire in the internet age from one of the most perceptive and original new voices

EVERYTHING AND NOTHING Heather Mitchell A powerful, immersive and intimately candid memoir exploring the light and shade that coexist in love, family and the arts, from celebrated stage and screen actor Heather Mitchell. ●

n Search History

n Echo Lake

n Everything and Nothing

ECHO LAKE Joan Saunders A compulsive debut thriller that will haunt you long after you’ve turned the final page. Set in the atmospheric villages and forests of the Southern Highlands, Echo Lake is a compulsive read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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AUTUMN 2023