Interior Design

7 Steps To A Kitchen Renovation That Works For You

September 21, 2022September 23, 2022 Good Art & Design

Of all the many projects that can take place in a home, resdesigns and renovations done on kitchens are arguably the most comprehensive. Large-scale projects in bedrooms, lounges, and even the bathroom, all seem somewhat minor by comparison due to the planning, materials required, and logistics required to renovate kitchens.

Not that we are diminishing in any way the hard work and effort it would take to renovate any of those other rooms, but we hope you will agree, given the importance of a kitchen in a home and the work required to renovate one, we can give the title of “Most Comprehensive”, to kitchen renovations.

As such, it will not be surprising to you that a kitchen renovation project for homeowners requires a significant investment of their time and thoughts. As for the financial investment, we are sure that is also not the least significant investment a residential property owner makes in their home. Given the size of the project, it can easily lead to homeowners becoming somewhat overwhelmed by what is necessary.

Interior Design

Tips for Hiring a Bathroom Renovation Expert

June 27, 2021June 14, 2022 Good Art & Design

Early on in your bathroom renovation project, you may have realised that you need to hire an expert. You couldn’t possibly tackle everything on your own. But how do you hire a bathroom renovation expert? completebathroomsolutions.com.au offer some tips that might help.

Decide on Bathroom Designers vs. Bathroom Contractors
Even though the two professions have ‘bathroom’ in their name, it doesn’t mean they do the same job. A bathroom contractor works from your plan, while a bathroom designer handles everything from start to finish.

The beauty of hiring the latter is that you don’t have to worry about managing any part of the project yourself. Once you choose your preferred design and materials, they can handle everything else.

Make Sure They Have the Appropriate Credentials
Bathroom renovations can require consents, insurance, and licencing. That’s why you can’t do the majority of bathroom alterations yourself. Ensure that the expert you hire has the appropriate experience level and qualifications for the job at hand.

Pay attention to any licencing they have – if licencing is required in your state. Make sure they have insurance and even ask for references. Otherwise, you can search for their business online to see if they have any social media or Google reviews you can check out.

Interior Design

5 Tips For Successful Interior Design

October 15, 2017October 11, 2024 Good Art & Design

Whether you are choosing the interior design your entire home or just one or two rooms, there are several ways you can make the whole process, and most importantly the final result, successful. Here they are for you in no particular order.

#1 Think Comfort Before Looks

Renovation Network tell us that one of the biggest mistakes people make is they fall in love with a style or look of an item such as a chair. They then buy it, and when it arrives realise it is not fit for purpose because it is too uncomfortable to sit on for any length of time. Always ensure that when you are selecting chairs, sofas, stools and beds, you remember that their purpose is to be used, and to be comfortable.

#2 Don’t Rush It

There are countless interior design projects that have fallen by the wayside because the person ran out of money before they could complete it. The main reason for this is that they rushed out and bought everything at once, including the more expensive and luxurious items. Be patient by purchasing the items which are essential first, and then as your budget allows, buy the luxuries one by one.

Commercial Design

Commercial Building Design Options

June 17, 2017October 11, 2024 Good Art & Design

Many commercial applications can be found for limestone blocks. These strong and durable blocks can be used for stairways, walls and paths outside a commercial or public building, enhancing the area so that customers are drawn to it. Stone cladding can also be used for the walls of such buildings, making them both beautiful and functional. A stone wall is not likely to wear out or crumble away, even in bad weather.

While weathering does occur with rock, it is most likely to be in the fine details, such as if a name was carved into the rock, or at the very corners of the building the edges may wear from sharp/ to rounded over many years.

Construction Ventures Guide advise that many commercial or public buildings are large structures, making them perfectly suitable for an internal feature wall of limestone. This can really improve the looks of the place and become a feature that people go to see, as well as to do whatever it is the building is for. Libraries, art galleries, museums and many other public buildings are ideal for the installation of a limestone feature wall.

Many such buildings can be made almost completely with stone. Outside, stone can be used as a footpath, driveway, staircase and for walls dividing areas or going up each side of the staircase. It can be used for retaining walls for terracing and garden walls in the landscaping, enhancing the look of the garden or grounds of the building.

Interior Design

What’s in Your Bathroom?

April 30, 2017November 30, 2023 Good Art & Design

The trend today is for superyachts to have everything possible for the guests’ enjoyment including pools, a Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym, beautiful glass shower screens and even a sauna. This is often found on yachts designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, who is known for innovative and creative design in the world of luxury yachts. However, up-market homes are a bit like luxury yachts and you can easily install a sauna in your own home.

It can be part of a bathroom if there is enough room, or it can be separate. You can even have a room built in the garden especially for a sauna. However, don’t forget to look into council regulations because a building in the garden may need council approval. Adding a sauna to your home will not because it is part of the home; not separate.

So what are the benefits of a sauna? First, let’s be sure we are on the same page. Some saunas have dry heat while others have moist heat. Dry heat saunas can sometimes be both if there is provision to splash water over the heater. Naturally enough, it has to be a special type of heater so you don’t get electrocuted.

Generally speaking, a moist heat sauna is made from tiles, while a dry heat sauna is made from timber. The room for the sauna can be of any size you like, depending on how many people will be using it at one time. It should contain bench seating for the people who use it to sit or lie on. The benches should be covered with a towel for hygienic reasons, but it will also make the bench a bit more comfortable.

House Design

Contemporary Kitchen Design

January 21, 2017October 11, 2024 Good Art & Design

If you are one of those people who consider the terms modern and contemporary to be interchangeable you might get into difficulties when it comes to kitchen design according to the kitchen professionals. While many kitchens have elements of the two merging happily, contemporary kitchens can easily be identified by certain specific elements.

According to homecenternews.com, to confuse you even further, a contemporary kitchen is more modern than a ‘modern’ kitchen because it incorporates all the latest trends. Here is a list of elements you can expect to find in a contemporary kitchen.

A mix of different textures, colours and shapes all blended in together. For instance, you might see turquoise countertops and splashback with warm, wood grain floor and cupboards.
A splashback that is quite different from the surrounding walls in colour and texture.

House Design

A Flooring Choice for Inside and Out

December 8, 2016June 3, 2019 Good Art & Design

Most homeowners and builders would agree that the floor is one part of the home that deserves a full budget. If you need to cut back on spending, don’t do it on the floor. The reason for this is that without a floor the home is useless. In addition, some part of the floor is always in use so it needs to be strong. Natural materials such as limestone blocks can be used for the floor, for cladding and for the entertainment area outsideStone cladding is also used for feature walls inside the home or outside, depending on the style and design of the home. Having a feature wall can make your home look truly amazing as well as unique. If you’ve never considered using it in this way, take a look at some home designs where it is included and you will see what a difference it makes to the look of the home. It can take the home from ordinary to spectacular.

Furniture Design

10 Essentials for Your Outdoor Kitchen

October 18, 2016October 11, 2024 Good Art & Design

If you are sick and tired of always being indoors, creating an outdoor kitchen may be just what you and your family need. That way you can all enjoy time outdoors whenever the weather is balmy and there is no need to head back inside to cook the evening meal. While a handyman can easily make the deck for the kitchen, you’ll need a qualified electrician to install the lights and connect any electric appliances you need.

Here are some of the essentials you’ll need for an outdoor kitchen.

Storage – this needs to be sealed so that rodents and insects can’t get in. Make sure doors on the cupboards shut tightly. A mobile kitchen island is ideal for an outdoor kitchen as it provides both storage and a bench to work on – and you can move it around as needed.
A spare set of cutlery and crockery so you don’t have to bring it out from inside all the time. It doesn’t have to be expensive; even plastic will do.

Interior Design

7 Secrets to a Minimal Interior Design

May 25, 2016October 11, 2024 Good Art & Design

Many interior designers such as Sam Sorgiovanni, love the minimalist look and it certainly makes small spaces look larger if you don’t overcrowd them. But even the look of a large room can be spoiled when it contains too much ‘stuff’, being reminiscent of an overcrowded shop. You can’t appreciate the interior design because there is just too much to see.

Here are 7 secrets from mcmcabinets.com.au to a minimal interior design.

Balance and proportions are key elements to a minimalistic look. Nothing, especially the furniture, should look too big or too small for the size of the room. Don’t put more on one side of the room than the other or it will look unbalanced and uneven. Furnishings should complement and coordinate together – which doesn’t mean you can’t use accent colours.
Consider quality over quantity. Don’t just choose things from a catalogue. What is in a minimalist room will really stand out and become a focal point, so it needs to be at least uncommon, if not unique. If it is just ordinary, the room will look kind of blah.

House Design

Important Points for Designing an Outdoor Room

January 22, 2016April 25, 2019 Good Art & Design

As well as landscaping their garden according to Lone Pine Landscapes, many people these days have an outdoor room they use for entertaining or just for the family to relax in. It enables them to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, cool evening or even a cool morning coffee before heading off to work. But for an outdoor room to really work well there are certain points that must be remembered.

It should be close to the house and preferable close to the back door for convenience. No one wants to wander all the way down to the bottom fence if they are on a time schedule. Having it close will ensure it gets used more often.
It needs to have a paved floor. This will save your shoes getting wet or muddy after rain and there will no need to worry about the lawn getting trampled or worn out in high traffic areas. It will also ensure more use can be had from this area. If it is not joined to the house, you’ll need a paved path to link the two for the same reason as above.
Shelter is important, especially in the summer. It need not be anything more complicated than a table with an umbrella, a small area of shade cloth or even a bushy tree to cast shade on hot days. You may also need a wall to protect against prevailing wind if your situation is exposed to strong winds. You could also enclose it in a framework that will support a louvered roof that can open and close or a permanent roof, especially if your climate is showery.

Furniture Design

Furniture Design: What Is Boat Wood Furniture

April 1, 2015April 25, 2019 Good Art & Design

When designing your outdoor haven it’s good to have some idea of the kind of material you want your outdoor furniture to be made from. While there are many different kinds and styles available in the furniture store, not all may be suitable for your location, or for your comfort level. For instance, you may want to use your outdoor space just occasionally due to living in a cold climate. In this case it might be more budget friendly to purchase alfresco furniture that can double as indoor furniture during the colder weather.

If you are into recycling, you may be interested in boat wood furniture. Generally speaking, boat wood is timber recycled and reclaimed from boats, both locally and overseas. You can be sure that such wood is suitable for outdoor use, since it survived many years as a boat. It’s not only a strong and viable option, but offers an interesting conversation with guests while speculating on where exactly it came from and who owned it when it was a boat.

House Design

Airconditioners And Home Design

August 24, 2014October 11, 2024 Good Art & Design

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase an air conditioner, you’ll need to decide which one is best suited to your needs and budget. It may also depend on your climate. It doesn’t take a lot of research, since there are basically 4 different types of air conditioner. Ducted air conditioning, split systems and window systems.

Ducted air cons

Ducted air conditioning must be the king of all types, because you can have it in every room so you are totally comfortable no matter which room you have to be in. But it costs more than the other options. However, you get more for your dollar with vents in every room. It is likely to cost more to run, since you lose coolness through the ductwork because the ceiling cavity is extremely hot, unless you pay extra for insulated ducting.

Ducted models can be evaporative or refrigerated. The former works only as a cooler, while the latter can become a heater in the winter. This saves on the expense of adding another type of heating.

House Design

Flooring Design: Carpet Tips

April 24, 2013April 25, 2019 Good Art & Design

Even though they are some of the most expensive, wool carpets are still popular due to their superior look and feel. In addition, they are ideal for anyone looking for organic and eco-friendly choices. Wool is a natural substance that is renewable, making it a sound, environmentally friendly choice for your floor coverings. However, carpet cleaners like brilliance carpet cleaning will tell you that cleaning procedures need to be undertaken carefully.

Just like a wool jumper, care must be taken in cleaning it, not only because of it being wool, but in some cases due to the type of loop the carpet is made with. So here are 7 tips to help you clean your wool carpet in a way that will not harm it. Its life will then be extended, giving you many years of beauty and the pleasure of soft but strong wool underfoot.

Interior Design

How to Keep Your Mirrors and Glass Safe When Moving

January 25, 2013September 10, 2021 Good Art & Design

Mirrors and glass are two very fragile items that can easily break in a move if not packed properly. Even if they are only chipped this can render them unsafe to use as well as being unsightly. For instance, a chip on the edge of a glass table top would be highly visible and could cause a cut on a child’s hand if it was kept in use. So here are some tips from the removalist to keep your glass and mirrors safe on moving day.

Use wide packaging tape to make large Xs on the back and front of the glass item or mirror. If the glass is dropped, this can help stop it from shattering and potentially save the frame if it does break.
The corners are most likely to take the knocks, so buy corner protectors or make them from thick cardboard. Tape them in place before wrapping the item in bubble wrap.

House Design

Flooring Design: 4 Different Carpet Types

June 4, 2011April 25, 2019 Good Art & Design

No one wants to become a slave to carpet cleaning so in order to make the best choice, it is essential for consumers to know all the ins and outs of the different types of carpet as far as their cleaning methods and soil resistance is concerned. This will help them to make the right choice of carpet and carpet cleaner. There are 4 main types of carpet and they are: –

Nylon
Olefin
Polyester and
Wool

Each one of these products has good and bad points in their durability and resilience as well as their ability to resist soiling – or not, as the case may be.

Nylon is the most popular carpet choice due to its affordability and durability. It is also known to be the easiest type of carpet to clean and usually looks amazing afterwards. However, it does tend to stain more easily from the usual food and drink spills and is especially susceptible to acid spills such as from some soft drinks. While it is fairly colourfast, chlorine bleach will remove the colours. For this reason it should not be used where pool water is likely to be tracked into it, or in bathrooms or the laundry.