Exterior Renovation Blog - Renovating Mums

Exterior Colour Trends 2026 Australia: The Best Palettes for Sydney Homes (and How to Choose Yours)

Marissa — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 03:41:26 +0000

Sydney’s streetscapes are about to get a fresh wave of personality in 2026. Homeowners are leaning into bolder expression, deeper connection to nature, and a more curated approach to architectural heritage. Rather than a one‑palette‑fits‑all moment, colour trends are becoming more nuanced—tailored to the era, form, and feeling of each home.

Four themes are shaping the year ahead: moody tones, high‑contrast accents, warm neutrals, and nature‑inspired palettes. Each brings its own energy, and when paired thoughtfully with iconic Australian housing styles—Federation, Mid Century Modern, Coastal/Hamptons, Californian Bungalow, and Terrace homes—they create exteriors that feel both contemporary and deeply rooted in place.

Moody Tones: Depth, Drama and Sophistication

Moody colours are having a major resurgence in 2026, driven by a desire for grounding, cocooning spaces that still feel refined. Think charcoal greens, inky blues, ironstone greys, and deep clove browns. These tones work beautifully across several architectural styles, but the key is balance.

Photography: Sharyn Cairns

Federation Homes

Federation architecture thrives on ornate detail—verandah fretwork, leadlight windows, terracotta roofs. Moody tones can modernise these homes without erasing their charm.

Deep eucalyptus or charcoal trims paired with warm brickwork create a sophisticated update.
For weatherboard Federation cottages, a rich blue‑black exterior with crisp white detailing feels elegant rather than heavy.

Mid Century Modern

This style embraces boldness, so moody tones are a natural fit.

Try a saturated olive or graphite façade with timber soffits and stone accents.
A matte charcoal front door against pale brick adds instant architectural weight.
Modern Home with moody tones. Builder: Mark Winter Constructions

Terrace Homes

Terrace houses LOVE drama.

Deep navy or smoky plum on the façade highlights iron lacework and tall proportions.
Pairing moody tones with warm lighting softens the look at night, giving the home a welcoming glow.

High-Contrast Accents: Crisp, Clean and Architectural

Contrast is becoming sharper in 2026, but not in the stark black‑and‑white way of the late 2010s. Instead, homeowners are using contrast to highlight form, not dominate it. Expect to see dark trims on light façades, pale stone against deep cladding, and bold front doors that act as sculptural elements.

Coastal / Hamptons Houses

The Hamptons look is evolving.

Instead of pure white with navy, we’re seeing soft greys or warm whites paired with deep sea‑green or storm‑blue trims.
High‑contrast shutters or gables create a crisp, coastal feel without tipping into cliché.

The Californian Bungalow

These homes shine when their architectural lines are emphasised.

A warm neutral base (think greige or sandy taupe) with chocolate‑brown or charcoal accents on beams and window frames adds definition.
Terracotta roofs pair beautifully with high‑contrast detailing, grounding the palette.

Terrace Homes

Contrast is a powerful tool for terraces, especially in dense urban streets.<

A pale façade with black steel balustrades feels modern yet timeless.
Alternatively, a dark façade with light stone steps or pale window reveals creates a striking, contemporary edge.

Warm Neutrals: Comfort, Calm and Timelessness

After years of cool greys dominating exteriors, 2026 is all about warmth. These neutrals feel sun‑kissed, earthy, and inviting—perfect for the Australian climate and lifestyle.

Federation Homes

Warm neutrals soften the ornate details without washing them out.

Creamy limestone, warm oatmeal, and muted clay tones complement red brick and terracotta roofs.
Soft taupe trims feel more modern than traditional white.

Builder: Cordony Group

Coastal / Hamptons

Warm neutrals bring a more Australian interpretation of the Hamptons look.

Think driftwood beige, warm white, and sandy cream.
These tones pair beautifully with natural stone, pale timber, and brushed nickel hardware.

Californian Bungalow

This style thrives on warmth.

Honeyed neutrals, muted caramel, and soft mushroom tones enhance the bungalow’s low‑slung, grounded feel.
Pair with lush planting for a relaxed, welcoming exterior.

Nature-Inspired Palettes: Biophilic, Organic and Local

Homeowners are increasingly choosing colours that reflect the landscapes around them—bushland greens, coastal blues, sandstone neutrals, and earthy ochres. These palettes feel authentic and timeless, especially when paired with natural materials.

Mid Century Modern

Nature‑inspired tones align perfectly with the style’s indoor‑outdoor ethos.

Olive, sage, and muted clay pair beautifully with stone walls and timber battens.
A soft eucalyptus exterior with black steel accents feels fresh and architectural.

Coastal / Hamptons

Nature‑inspired doesn’t have to mean green.

Soft ocean blues, seafoam, and dune neutrals create a calm, breezy palette.
Weatherboard homes look especially beautiful in these tones, with white or warm‑grey trims.

Terrace Homes

Urban homes benefit from nature‑inspired grounding.

Deep green façades with brass hardware feel luxurious and contemporary.
Sandstone‑inspired neutrals honour the heritage of many inner‑city suburbs.

Historical terrace with timeless character. Photographer: Anson Smart

Bringing It All Together

The biggest shift in 2026 is intentionality. Homeowners aren’t choosing colours because they’re trendy—they’re choosing palettes that honour the architecture, connect to the landscape, and express personality.

A few guiding principles for the year ahead:

Let the home’s era lead the palette, not the other way around.
Use contrast to highlight form, not overwhelm it.
Lean into warmth—it’s more flattering in Australia’s light.
Draw from nature for longevity and harmony.
Don’t fear moody tones—they can be incredibly elegant when balanced with texture and light.

For more goodness and advice on renovations check out our articles here
OR get social with our amazing FB community

The post Exterior Colour Trends 2026 Australia: The Best Palettes for Sydney Homes (and How to Choose Yours) appeared first on Renovating Mums.

Summer Holidays Home Renovation: Easy DIY Projects to Improve Your Home

Marissa — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 01:36:02 +0000

Updated December 2023
I think we are all looking forward to a break this Christmas after the year that was 2023!
If you have a few weeks off work why not make the most of this time to fit in some easy DIY projects to improve your home? There are always little things that you can tackle yourself. We’ve spoken to our experts and put together a list of easy DIY home renovation projects for over the summer holidays.

Small improvements can really make a big impact, and you can spruce your house up beautifully to launch 2024 in the right way. Plus, we Renovating Mums love the added feel-good vibes that come from actually doing it yourself (and we need all the feel-good vibes we can get right now :-).

Some tips before you get started

Know your limitations

DIY and home renovation projects are all about knowing your limitations. Some jobs need to be left to the professionals.

For example, bathrooms can be an expensive but effective investment towards modernising your home. Every bathroom and laundry must have a waterproofing membrane designed to keep any water or leaks inside the room and directed to your floor waste. Removing items like baths, tiles etc and replacing them yourself could potentially end up penetrating the membrane and creating further damage throughout your home.

I recommend speaking to a professional before attempting to replace fixtures, to assess the potential risks. It may be worth investing in a new vanity, shaving cabinet, and a coat of paint, or it might be worth saving up the extra funds and completing a full bathroom renovation, eliminating any potential further issues.

See below for great ideas for projects from our expert trades; we have gone directly to the people in the know!

Summer Holidays Home Renovation: Easy DIY Projects to Improve Your Home

In the Bathroom

Do some easy silicone replacement to give your bathroom that refreshed clean feel. Make sure that you choose the right silicone for the job and check out YouTube for neat ‘how to videos‘.
Look at replacing and updating handles on your vanity and cupboards. This easy change will bring new life to an old bathroom
Consider replacing your vanity with a new one, Just In Place have some beautiful original options available

Photo: Custom Timber Vanity, Just In Place

Re-grout floor and wall tiles (again, youtube has some great videos – thank you Bunnings)
Add or change accessories like hooks, toilet roll holders, towel rails or mirrors.
Add alternative storage like baskets for toilet rolls, timber shelving, a bamboo ladder for towels, all of which will add more personality to your bathroom for less $$
A bit of greenery will add positive vibes; this can be placed on a stool, near the basin or try a hanging plant in one of the corners. Go with a full-sized tree or even something small like a vase of flowers or some succulents.

In the Kitchen

Rearrange your storage with labeled unified containers. We love IKEA for this purpose and suggest spices, dried food and even storage containers for your fridge.

Photo: Ikea spice jars ‘Rajtan’

If you are handy you can resurface your laminated bench top. Your nearest Bunnings has a number of suitable DIY products, ask for advice at the counter according to the specific finish you would like to achieve.
Like the bathroom you can update your cabinet handles for a quick, cost-effective change. Just remember to measure the screw hole distance of your current handles and ensure your new ones are the same to save holes in your cabinet doors
Give a new look to your kitchen splashback by painting the tiles & re-grouting – finish the job with a good grout sealer to protect against discoloration.
Find a place in the kitchen or near the kitchen to hang a piece of art, it can be even framed drawing from one of your kids. That ‘pop’ of personality can really lift a space, plus the kids will love seeing their hard work hanging on the wall.

In the Lounge and Bedrooms

Think of creating some big impact feature walls – refresh the colour, consider adding texture through wallpaper or even add a pattern with Easycraft wall VJ panelling or wall moldings and trim.
Indoor plants – bring the outside in! Also consider the pots, you can use woven baskets for that soft organic Hamptons feel or some quirky pieces of pottery, we’re loving these by Jones & Co in Surry Hills

Face Vase Pottery by Jones & Co

Review your lighting – give your light fittings a good clean and consider new fittings, or even pendant lights for a new look
Update cushions/throws and add a new rug to the floor to define a space, simple but very effective
New blinds, sheers and curtains – a continuing trend for 2023 are floor to ceiling sheers
Add a feature mirror. Consider your placement of mirrors carefully; put them in the best location to bounce light around and increase the sense of space i.e. on a back wall.
Think about a photo wall. This is also a great project to work on with the kids… select some fabulous photos that evoke meaning and memories for you all and place them as a collection on the wall. We love mis-matched frames for that added character and find these look fab in long hallways or stairwells.
Upcycle! Over that piece of furniture? wish it was white instead of blue? Chalk paint is fabulously user friendly and it is very quick to dramatically change an item of furniture. Normally no sanding is needed which is also a plus! After the repaint think about new handles and knobs…

For Window and Doors

Clean Your Windows. This sounds like an obvious one but it’s truly amazing what a good window clean can do.
Replacing Window Hardware. When windows are open, the window hardware, i.e., handles and locks are exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, this means that they can rust quite quickly, especially in homes close to the salt air. Replacing the hardware is easy to do if you have a drill and screwdriver.
Vacuum out of the bottom tracks of all doors and windows to remove any dirt, sand & debris that builds up over time
Do not hose down the windows or doors with a high-pressure hose – they are not designed for this and may cause leaking inside or glass breakage
Check all weep holes in the window or doors sills and if blocked clear any debris to allow water to drain out of the window system when it rains
Check timber finishes regularly and re-coat if required
Lubricate any moving parts such as rollers, locks and hinges with a silicone-based spray
Flyscreens can be cleaned by vacuuming or washing with a soft brush. Allow to dry thoroughly before re-installing.

Upgrade safety and install childproofing

Photo: Check your Safety Gates

Childproofing is often a job that gets put to one side – now is the time to get onto this:

Fix any furniture such as shelves or chests of drawers that could tip if a child tried to climb on it.
Fix any child-proofing fasteners that have come loose.
Fix any baby gates that have broken or come loose.
Look around outside and fix any fences or gates that have become a problem, especially anything around the pool area.
Install Child-Proof Locks on doors and windows. All strata buildings in NSW must be fitted with child-safe devices that lock the window opening at less than 12.5cm on windows that are first floor or above to prevent children falling out. It’s not an expensive job and the safety devices can be easy to fit. The peace of mind it will provide you with is priceless.
Also note that flyscreens do not stop children falling. Run your eye over each room of the house and ensure furniture is kept away from windows so children cannot use these to climb

For the Outdoors

Think MULCH MULCH MULCH especially over Christmas if you are going away. The best thing to use is sugar cane – easy to buy at Bunnings and easy to spread from the bag. Aim to cover the soil with a 50-100mm thickness of the new mulch and remember not mulch right up to the base of your trees and shrubs as this can cause the base to rot.
Tidy up and rake leaves, clean out the drains
Lightly top dress your lawn to help level out any depressions and alleviate ponding
Get on top of the weeds
Consider a small vege/herb garden. It’s a great summer project with the kids and they will love being involved and seeing their hard work bare ‘fruit’. Even a few pots and planters with cherry tomatoes and lettuces will bring smiles.

Photo: Little pots of seedlings & veges are great for little hands

Update outdoor furniture with a thorough clean and depending on finish you can give it a quick sand and fresh coat of oil or stain.
Don’t forget new outdoor cushions for that pop of colour or you can even have your old ones recovered!

Phew…what a list!

Good luck with all of your DIY projects and be sure to get some time off with loved ones as well!

Remember, if you’re looking for friendly advice & support, check in with our FB Community where you can share the highs (& occasional lows) of your projects.

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Top 5 Family Pool Designs

Marissa — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 02:01:31 +0000

At the peak of a sweltering summer, the idea of plunging into a cool pool is what dreams are made of. In this article, Aquify Pools has gathered the top 5 family pool designs for a snapshot on what makes them so special for summer in Sydney. Glamorous, relaxing, or innovative, we can guarantee they are always inviting!

1. Introducing Palazzo: Your Gateway to Backyard Bliss

Step into a world of luxury and leisure with the Palazzo pool, proudly part of the renowned Piazza series. It’s contemporary style will complement any outdoor area and not become dated in years to come.

Key Features

Wide seating ledge – running the length of the pool, perfect for taking a break and relaxing or splashing with the kids.
Uninterrupted swimming area – end to end swimming.

Specifications

External 7.4m x 3.9m
Internal 7m x 3.5m
Depth 1.1m to 1.78m

The Palazzo pool showcases clean geometric lines and maximises the swimming space. It’s your ultimate choice for transforming your backyard into an oasis of pure relaxation and serenity. Elevate your outdoor living experience with the Palazzo – where lasting memories are made.

2. Experience Elegance with the Castello Pool

Castello is part of the top 5 family pool designs because it boasts sleek geometric lines with all the features of a modern pool design.

Key Features

Wide entry steps offering an entrance point to both the shallow and deep end
Deep end corner swim-out or steps, perfect for relaxation
Designed for entertaining, recreation and exercise

Specifications

External 7.9m x 4m
Internal 7.5m x 3.6m
Depth 0.98m to 1.92m

Enhance your outdoor oasis with the Castello pool and turn your backyard into a haven of luxury and entertainment.

3. Serenity: Turn your backyard into a peaceful haven

The Serenity pool belongs to the Vogue Series and features the very latest in geometric pool designs created specifically to suit small spaces.

Key Features

Slimline design perfect for narrow spaces
Unobtrusive side entry steps on both sides, allowing greater choice of pool position
Extended second entry step that can be used for seating

Specifications

External 4.4m x 2.9m
Internal 4m x 2.5m
Depth 1.1m to 1.47m

If you have a narrow space, Serenity is the perfect choice to transform your backyard into a peaceful haven to relax and unwind in.

4. Saint-Remy: Luxurious Experience

Create your own backyard sanctuary and relax poolside with this luxurious design. Saint-Remy belongs to the Resort Series, and this pool is the place to be. This pool design received National Gold Awards at the 2023 SPASA Awards of Excellence. It combines a spa within the same pool shell, which not only maximises available space in a backyard but it also helps to reduce installation cost compared to installing a separate pool and spa.

Key Features

Wide entry step and large landing area with option to add air bubbles
2m x 1.86m and 980mm deep spa zone that can be heated separately from the pool
Cascading spillway between the spa and pool
450mm wide extended bench seat along one side of the pool

This design offers the perfect blend of swimming and relaxation zones, making it ideal for warm summer evenings after a long day at work.

5. Dive into luxury and style with the Elysian Pool

Escape to paradise with the Villa Series and experience a deluxe hideaway in your own backyard with this stylish design. The Elysian features a modern design with luxurious cascading entry steps that will complement any outdoor style.

Key Features

Extra long entry steps in the shallow end for easy access
Wider second entry step creates the perfect spot to sit and relax

Specifications:

External 8.7m x 3.7m
Internal 8.3m x 3.3m
Depth 1.09m to 1.76m

Enjoy a vacation at home and indulge in your very own pool experience with the Villa Series.

All Aquify Pools are build to last:

Made in Australia to suit local conditions
Manufactured with full-sized ribs & a full-size structural edge-beam
Manufactured with structurally supported seats, steps & swim-out areas for extra strength
Made with all fittings fibreglassed to the shell for additional structural integrity
Manufactured using Certified Swimming Pool Grade Fibreglass – specifically for pool

Backed by a safe n’ secure warranty:

All Pools include an Extended Lifetime Structural Warranty
All pools include Pool ColourGuard® with a Lifetime Interior Surface Guarantee*

If you would like more information on any of the above or would like to discuss your pool project with the Aquify team, then please contact 1300 467 665 or check out their listing here.

For more goodness and advice on home renovations check out our articles here
OR get social with our amazing FB community

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3 Tips For An Impactful House Number Design

Marissa — Sat, 28 May 2022 04:47:07 +0000

A well-designed house number can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your home. While house numbers can sometimes be an afterthought, they make a big impact on the impression that your visitors have – particularly when they visit your house for the first time.

I chatted to the team at House Numbers for their three key tips for finding or designing the perfect house number to complement your house design.

1. Colour and Finish

The colour or finish is one of the first things that you need to keep in mind when selecting the perfect house number. It’s both the colour of the number as well as the colour of the mounting surface where the numbers are being hung that need to be considered. How these two colours / finishes work together can make a big difference in how impactful the numbers are.

Numbers ideally require a high contrast to the area where they are hung. This helps them stand out when viewed from a distance and can also make them appear more striking when you are up close. You’ve no doubt carefully chosen a colour you like for the external of your home or fence eg Dulux Monument. Rather than matching this colour for your house number, the recommended approach is to contrast it – in this example with a matt white powder coat.

Ensure you choose colours that you like, but that are going to help differentiate the number from the place where they are hung. A related consideration is also taking the finish into account – house numbers are available with a gloss finish, matt finish, or in the case of aluminium metal numbers – a brushed aluminium finish.

2. Font Style

The next element to consider in the design of your house number is the font. Though you might be tempted to use the same traditional number font that your neighbours use for their house numbers, you can also have fun with the font. You want to choose a font that is going to stand out, one that is bold and easy to read, and one that is going to be impactful.

Like many considerations for your home, the font should match the design of your house. A more traditional house – more traditional font, modern house – more modern font, mid-century house – mid-century font. It seems simple, but when there’s a disconnect with these elements they can really stand out and impact the cohesiveness of your overall house styling.

While it can be interesting to go with fonts that are unique, a house number they are also serving a very practical purpose, so they still need to be very easy to read.

There are plenty of fonts out there that can make locking one in difficult. If you are unsure about what might work for you and the design of your house, it’s worth taking the time to print out a few different fonts and stick them up on your intended mounting surface. You want to make sure that the font fits the house, and is impactful, while also ensuring that you generally like it!

3. Size

The last factor to consider when deciding on a house number is its size. This is an area that many people can get wrong and end up selecting a smaller house number than would be ideal.

A house number should be sized and positioned in such a way that it’s easy to view from the street. It should also fit the space well where it’s mounted, not looking over or undersized. Your chosen size should be empathetic to the surface you’re mounting to. If it’s a large beam where you’re mounting the number for example, then for the size to look balanced it needs a large house number. Alternatively, something as small as a letterbox would require smaller letterbox numbers.

You can get away with selecting a font that may be cursive and a bit harder to read, as long as you choose a number that is large enough to be read from a distance and that is clear. With the size of the numbers, you want to make sure that they are large enough to read, but not so large that they are distracting or that they deter from the look of the home.

You can also use the printing tip to see how those numbers are going to fit and what size is going to fit your space. Print out a set of numbers in a font that you like and experiment with the size to see what fits best.

Final Tips

Above all else, when choosing your house numbers, you want to make sure you select numbers that you like and that you are going to be happy with for the long term – it’s a feature of your house that you’re likely to notice every day! Although it’s easy to lean towards more traditional or standard house number styles, this is your chance to add a design element that sets the tone for your house. Floating house numbers, black house numbers, and numbers that are fun colours are all great options to consider!

House Numbers offer a range of sizes, fonts and finishes to suit a variety of house styles. If you have something special in mind, they are also able to produce a custom house number for you. If they can help with any questions or advice, feel free to send them an email or getting in contact by clicking on the link above.

For more goodness and advice on renovations check out our articles here

OR get social with our amazing FB community here.

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3 Reasons Why You Should Replace Your Windows When Renovating

Marissa — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 21:21:23 +0000

Are your windows difficult to clean or hard to open and close? Do they let in water, cold draughts or too much heat? Are you constantly repairing them?

No one wakes up, looks at their windows, and gets excited about replacing them someday. But when was the last time you took a long hard look at your windows and how old they’re getting? Seriously, if your home is built before 1989, your windows probably don’t meet current Australian safety standards.

The good news is that replacing worn-out windows is easy. It’s one of the most effective ways to improve your comfort, safety, and security, and increase the value and energy efficiency of your home. Have a look at some of the reasons why you should replace your old windows when renovating and decide if an upgrade is right for you.

3 Reasons To Update Your Windows In Your Home

1. Your home would feel a lot more comfortable

Louvre Windows; Vision 3 Windows & Doors

With so much time spent at home over the past months, comfort at home has become a priority. We all want a peaceful space with plenty of fresh air and natural light, and a constant air temperature free of draughts… but how do you get it?

It isn’t hard. Vision 3 Windows & Doors have a wide choice of replacement window styles and energy-efficient glazing options can turn your home into a haven.

Noise pollution may be unseen, but it certainly isn’t unheard. It can disturb you day and night. If you live anywhere near a public space or have noisy neighbours, you’ll know how bad it can get. Properly installed windows with either double-glazing or laminated glass like Viridian VLam Hush can significantly reduce noise. A double-glazed window can reduce noise by 31 – 32 DB. Double-glazed laminated glass is even better if you live in a noisy area or on a busy road, with reductions of up to 37 DB.

You may be surprised by the impact a window can have on the temperature inside your home too. Achieving a comfortable temperature without relying on expensive heating and cooling systems is tricky. It requires a balance between sealing draughts, controlling heat flow and allowing in natural ventilation and sunlight. All Vision 3 windows come with full perimeter sash seals that cut draughts. Their energy-efficient glazing options can control the flow of heat into and out of your home, so that you’re cool in summer and warm in winter.

Natural ventilation can also help control the temperature inside your home and reduce the chances of unhealthy mould growth. It makes use of outside air movement and pressure differences to cool and ventilate. To draw breezes through your home, reposition larger openable windows on the more sheltered low-pressure side of your house and smaller openings on the high-pressure side facing the wind. Louvres windows, casement windows and double-hung windows are ideal for the job as they can be partially opened or angled to direct the flow of air.

Modern window replacements also offer better UV protection, keeping your kids safe from UV rays and stopping your furnishings from fading.

Finally, new windows mean less maintenance; older, traditional frames can require a fair bit of cleaning, repainting, and refinishing. With new powder-coated aluminium frames, you spend more time enjoying the comforts of home, and less time working on it.

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2. Increase Your Homes Value

Bifold Servery Window; Vision 3 Windows & Doors

Renovations are often expensive, but they don’t all add the same amount of value to your home. That’s why many homeowners focus on changes that create the most impact, such as exterior upgrades. But what about new windows?

Windows play a big part in the aesthetics of your home. Everything from the style of window to your choice of material and colour will dramatically impact the look of your house, as well as impacting your comfort.

Replacing your windows when renovating gives you an opportunity to thoughtfully adjust the size, position and arrangement of your windows, considering passive solar orientation and natural ventilation whilst improving your homes outlook.

Expand your gorgeous backyard view and bring the outdoors in with a floor-to-ceiling Fixed Window of Viridian ComfortPlus glass. Try installing a Bi-Fold Window above your kitchen sink to create a seamless alfresco servery or add a set of Louvres to direct fresh airflow throughout your home. The options and ability to customize with replacement windows are endless.

3. Save Money On Energy Bills

If your energy bills are going through the roof, it is probably because around 40%* of the warmth you generate is going out your windows and doors. Replacing your old windows with new Vision 3 Timber or Aluminium windows could be the solution.

Nearly two-thirds of heat loss occurs through conduction, when warm air contacts inefficient window glass. The remaining heat loss is due to leaks in the frame and seals. Single-paned windows with standard glass are the biggest culprits, but older double-glazed windows are guilty too. As your windows age, you could be paying to heat the air trapped between the inner and outer panes of glass.

The good news is, replacing your “leaky” windows is one of the most effective ways to increase the comfort, value, and energy efficiency of your home. Modern Vision 3 windows come with full perimeter sash seals to provide maximum weather protection and reduce draughty air leaks.

All Vision 3 windows can be fitted with a range of low e or “low emissivity” glasses, either a single pane or double glazed, with two Low E glass panels separated by a thin layer of non-toxic, inert gas.

Low e glasses are coated with thin layers of transparent material that reflects up to 70% of the sun’s energy so your home stays cool in the summer. It can also reduce heat loss through windows by up to 30%.

Tinted Viridian VFloat Toned glasses are another great option for solar control. They look great in a range of colours that permeate throughout the glass creating superior clarity and reducing the sun’s heat and glare.

All these options help keep cool air inside during the summer months and prevent heat loss in winter, so you don’t have to run your aircon or heater as often. And the less you rely on your heating and cooling systems, the less you’ll pay in energy bills.

In summary, as with any long lasting building material like roofing or cladding, remember to always aim for the highest quality window your budget allows. Products with the best quality materials and glazing will provide greater comfort, safety, and security, plus increase the energy efficiency and the value of your home.

Chat to the team at Vision 3 Windows & Doors and discover what’s possible. You can visit their showroom at 42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale to see all their windows in situ or simply call 02 9905 9700.

For more goodness and advice on renovating your home check out our articles here
OR get social with our amazing FB community

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Home Ventilation – Different Types of Ventilation and Why It’s Important

Marissa — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 04:38:11 +0000

How to improve the health of your home

Carbon monoxide, pet dander, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) mould spores,…these are only a few of the particles that can end up trapped in your home without proper ventilation.

We chatted to the experts from Xchange Air about the different types of home ventilation available to make your home more comfortable and what the pro’s / con’s are on each.

What are the main benefits of a home ventilation system?

A home ventilation system can improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe through circulation and filtration. Here are some of the benefits of installing a ventilation system in your home:

Push hot air out before it builds up in your roof cavity.
Input dry, fresh, filtered air to force out damp stale air.
Prevent indoor pollutants from stagnating inside.
Lower indoor moisture levels and prevent issues like mould or dust mite infestation.
Save money on band air solutions i.e. damp crystals and dehumidifiers.

Different Types of Home Ventilation Systems in Sydney

There are different types of ventilation systems. It’s important to understand each type’s pros and cons to choose the best one for your needs.

Whirly Birds

You can see whirly birds on the roofs of many Sydney homes. These domes are inexpensive solutions that don’t use any electricity.

When a breeze causes the whirly bird vent to spin, it creates a vacuum effect in the roof cavity and draws hot air out.

The main problem with whirly birds is that these domes don’t spin unless there is a breeze, which isn’t always the case in the summertime. A whirly bird might sit and not extract any warm air from your home on the hottest days of the year and during winter it exhausts all the heat out of your roof when you want it there most.

Air Conditioning Units

Contrary to most beliefs, domestic air conditioners recycle the same air in the house. The air is pulled through the return air filter which is a rock catcher that only catches large particles. It either heats or cools the air and pulls it back in.

One of the biggest issues with Air Conditioning is the mould within the unit which it can spread throughout the system and your home.

Positive Input Ventilation System

If you often notice condensation on windows and other issues linked to humidity, a Positive Input Ventilation system could be an ideal whole-house ventilation system for you.

A PIV system will draw air through the roof before filtering it to remove pollutants and other particles. The system will then circulate the outside air throughout your home to create a continuous airflow.

This continuous movement of air from the inside to the outside is ideal for condensation control.

Sub Floor Ventilation

A poorly-ventilated subfloor can result in mould growing in your home. It can trigger asthma symptoms as a result or see signs of damage from humidity on your wooden floor. Termite infestation is another common sign of a damp subfloor.

Moisture typically builds up in your subfloor because of insufficient airflow. Ventilation plays a crucial part in preventing humidity from building up underneath your home and causing damage.

You can prevent damp air from rising through your floor by exhausting the subfloor space with specialized mechanical sub floor fans.

Sub floor damp is very common and most houses require mechanical sub floor ventilation systems.

Forced Air Ventilation

Your roof cavity can become a hotbox during the summertime. As hot air rises, temperatures will go up under your roof, and the heat will remain trapped once the sun goes down. If it’s difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home during the summer, you might need a mechanical heat extraction system.

Installing fans and outgoing vents toward the top of the roof cavity will eliminate the hot air that builds up, and placing incoming air vents lower will let plenty of cool air in. It’s one of the most effective ways of keeping your home cool in the summer.

There are different options to explore for forced air ventilation. You can opt for electricity-powered fans or for solar roof ventilators. A solar-powered system will reduce your bills and your environmental footprint. It’s a solution that can reduce your roof temperature by up to 30 degrees.

Roof Ventilator System

Is your house too hot? A roof ventilator system can make a difference. A roof ventilator system can remove the hot air that builds up in your roof cavity. These systems use a built-in sensor that will stop the airflow once your home reaches the desired temperature.

The introduction of a sensor makes these systems ideal for maintaining a comfortable temperature all-year-round. You can take advantage of the hot air pocket that builds up underneath your roof to stay warm in the winter and maintain a continuous airflow to cool your house down in the summer.

Heat Transfer Unit

Is your house too cold? A ventilation system with a heat transfer unit can draw warm air from the room where you have a heating appliance, like a log burner or gas heater. The heat transfer unit can distribute warm air evenly throughout your home.

It’s a type of ventilation system that will help you save on heating costs while circulating your indoor air.

Learn more about home ventilation specific to our Sydney environment

Xchange Air provides installation services for home ventilation systems in the Sydney area. Their solutions can help with issues like sub floor damp, mould prevention, musty smells and condensation issues.

Their FAQ is a great place to start if you want to learn more about home ventilation or give Michie & the Xchange Air team a call on (02) 9427 8800 to book a free assessment.

For more goodness and advice on renovations check out our articles here OR get social with our amazing FB community

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Top Tips to Renovate Your Semi Detached House

Marissa — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 03:26:42 +0000

Looking to create more living space for your family in a semi-detached house? Renovating and adding a second storey addition is a popular option in many of Sydney’s suburbs. However, renovating a semi comes with its own unique form of challenges; common wall neighbours!

We chatted to the experts from Cape Cod Australia for their best tips on how to manage the renovation of your semi to make your build as harmonious as possible.

1. Design

Neighbours generally worry that your home extension will affect their views, natural light, privacy, and some might even question the changing look.

To ensure you address their concerns whilst achieving all the benefits of your extension, your best approach is to engage a designer who has extensive experience with Semi’s. They will be able to advise you of any alternative ways to achieve what you want should there be a conflict, and also help smooth the process with Council when you apply for planning approval.

TIP: Share your plans with your neighbour early on, and note any concerns your neighbour has. Address these with your chosen designer so that later, you can explain how these were considered in the final design.

2. Damage

You neighbour may have concerns about potential damage considering you share a common wall. To address these ensure that your designer / builder has arranged:

(1) An engineer’s report on whether the party wall will support the new addition; and
(2) a dilapidation report to record any existing defects and the overall condition of your neighbour’s house.

You should also check Fair Trading NSW to ensure your builder is licensed to carry out the type of work you’re engaging them to do and that their insurances are current (check for Construction Works and Public Liability insurances).

TIP: Share copies of the Engineer’s certificate and Dilapidation report with your neighbour.

3. Mess

Construction work is messy!
However this mess does not need to stay around for weeks on end driving you and your neighbours crazy.

Find out in advance how your builder plans to keep things tidy i.e. how often are rubbish pick-ups made? Make sure they have plans in place to limit the impact of construction mess on your neighbours and mess is removed from site in a timely manner.

TIP: Be aware of your builder’s daily schedule and let your neighbour know when there might be more dust than normal

4. Noise

Builders MUST comply with noise restrictions (local councils put limits on what times of day and what days work can be done). Even if your project is running over schedule or under tight time constraints, ensure they adhere to the noise restrictions.

TIP: Again, be aware of your builder’s daily schedule and let your neighbour know what hours the noisiest works will be undertaken.

In Summary,

With a little bit of planning and fore-thought, renovating a semi-detached house should be no more fraught with tension than a detached house. Just ensure you communicate with your neighbour as they will share many of the same concerns that you have.

It is important that you engage a designer and builder who is sympathetic to each concern – design, potential for damage, mess, noise and others – with the experience and systems to actively address each one.

Cape Cod Australia have designed and built additions to hundreds of semi-detached homes in the Waverley, Randwick, Mosman, and Woollahra council areas. With over 50 years’ experience, they understand your concerns and aim to make the process from design through to construction a hassle-free one for their clients. You can find their details here.

For more goodness and advice on project management and how to find and manage great tradies check out our articles here OR get social with our amazing FB community

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Design your dream Hamptons style beach house

Marissa — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 04:02:30 +0000

You can't go wrong with a Hamptons style beach house in Sydney's Northern Beaches...

A Hamptons style beach house suits Sydney’s Northern Beaches climate and location perfectly. That chic, sophisticated Hamptons style aesthetic paired with our own unique laid-back and carefree Aussie beach house style.

We chatted to Bill Derrin from Action Plans in Manly to gain his expert advice on how to design an Australian Hamptons styled beach house and what the key features are of this design style.

Main Features of a Hamptons Style Beach House

1. The Weatherboard look cladding

Weatherboard Cladding Photo: Action Plans

A weatherboard cladd finish is almost essential to the Hamptons style beach house look.

Weatherboard cladding can now be duplicated with more modern materials which require lower maintenance and have better weathering qualities. Both JamesHardie Linea Weatherboards and the vertical Axon Cladding are popular types suited to a coastal inspired Hamptons look.

DOWNLOAD RENOVATING MUMS EPIC BUDGETING SPREADSHEET HERE

2. A Gable Roof

One of the most distinguishable characteristics of a Hamptons-inspired home is an elegant gable roof.

With its traditional nautical ‘boatshed’ appearance, this architecture feature exudes laid-back coastal appeal and, alongside weatherboard cladding, boasts clean, linear lines. Inside, a gable roof promotes higher indoor ceilings, which can open up a room and create a feeling of spaciousness.

Feature Gable Roof Photo: Action Plans

3. Window Trims & Window Grids

A Hamptons style beach house is one that is flooded with as much natural light as possible to emulate those endless summer vibes. And if you have a view, you’ll certainly want to capitalise on it with large windows!

Fractional Window Grid Photo: Action Plans

When you’re looking to accentuate your Hamptons exterior weatherboard, you can’t go past window trims. These thick, timber-look accents add much-needed definition to the windows. Adding a chunky window trim like JamesHardie Axent Trim will add a touch of Hamptons style.

To really embrace Hamptons style, windows with a grid pattern will give your interior and exterior that ornamental touch without compromising on any natural light flow. If a whole window grid pattern is too busy for your liking, you can add a top-row grid style, also known as fractional grids. As the name suggests, this window style only has a grid row at the top of the window, leaving the remainder of the windowpane unobstructed.

4. French & Stackable Doors

French doors certainly have their place in a Hamptons style home. French doors installed in an upstairs balcony, patio or indoor/outdoor room will not only add a classic elegance to the look of your home but also flood your interiors with an abundance of natural light – a hallmark of true Hamptons style living.

Stacking doors are another addition that can open up your indoors to the outdoors with one fell push. Unlike French doors, stacking doors give you complete unobstructed views to the outdoors and are particularly beneficial when creating a seamless flow between your interior and exterior living spaces. You can read more about stacking doors vs bifold doors here.

5. Servery Window

Hamptons style homes are all about the indoor / outdoor living with an endless summer in mind. This is achieved with large windows, open-planned indoor/outdoor rooms and outdoor kitchens. Another way to blur your interior with your exterior is with a servery window.

Hamptons Style Servery Photo: Action Plans

A servery window is an extension of the kitchen whereby the kitchen bench extends out to an adjoining outdoor entertaining area through a bi-fold window, creating a kitchen servery. Aside from being a very convenient way to access the kitchen when entertaining, serveries create even more of an open and airy living space that’s synonymous with luxurious Hamptons style living.

If you would like more information on any of the above or would like to discuss the design of your renovation or building project with Bill and his team of talented Building Designers at Action Plans, then please contact 0403 957 518 or check out their listing here.

For more goodness and advice on renovations or design inspiration check out our articles here
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Sliding Doors vs Bifold Doors – Which one for your living room?

Marissa — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 02:37:21 +0000

Looking to enhance your indoor / outdoor flow?

Indoor living that blends seamlessly with outdoor living has become more popular than ever as we seek to create flexible living spaces for entertaining with family and friends. We explore the differences between sliding doors vs bifold doors to help you create the space of your dreams.

If you are building a new home or planning to renovate your existing home, then you are probably considering a large span of doors to enhance the outdoor connection and increase your living space to take advantage of our fabulous climate.

There are several options you can choose from, and each one has its own pros and cons, as well as its own avid fans. Renovating Mums chatted to Omar from Vision 3 Windows in Brookvale the different kinds of doors you can install into this kind of space and what sets them apart from each other.

Sliding Doors

What are they?

Sliding doors are large glass panels that slide back behind each other on a track. You will have at least one fixed door panel that remains in place for the others to slide past when open, although larger openings could have a fixed panel at each end.

Traditionally sliding doors allowed the space of one to two door widths to open, but modern configurations enable you to open up an entire wall using a sliding door system. These are commonly known as sliding doors, stacking doors (when several panels line up) or cavity sliding doors (when panels disappear into a wall cavity to completely open the space up). With the different systems you can open up 50%, 75% or even 100% of the wall opening.

There are also corner sliding doors which allow two panels to meet at a right angle in the room, and wonderfully join with no post in the way. A corner sliding system can offer the best of both worlds, with the ease and convenience of sliding doors but the drama of a large opening.

Things to consider
Sliding doors are the more common option, generally easier and cheaper to install. They traditionally had less of a boutique look about them however the latest sliding and stacking door systems feature bold designs, recessed tracks with drainage options and sleek hardware.

They will take up more space across the room due to the fixed panels, but are narrow in depth even when opened and all panels are sliding behind each other. Because they slide sideways only instead of opening out, you don’t need to leave much of a clear area around them for folding.

Sliding and stacking doors have less hardware and aluminium holding them together, so create a more seamless view when they are closed. The panels can be larger and heavier than bi-fold doors so if you are opening up a larger space you will need a track system which enables smooth opening and closing.

Sliding doors are easier to screen with flyscreens, giving you more options of having doors partly opened – you can allow breeze in and keep bugs out which is very useful in Sydney.

Cost
While the panels are heavier than bi-fold door panels, they are easier to install and use less hardware, tracks, handles etc, so are generally cheaper. Your cost will depend on the dimensions of the space you want to open up.

Bi Fold Doors

What are they?

Bi-fold doors will fold in on themselves in an accordion-like fashion, generally on the outside of your home. There are many different looks and designs in bi-fold doors, the exotic appearance of which can give your home a more luxurious or resort style look.

There are a number of different configurations with bi-fold doors, so you can design a system that works best for your space and the traffic that will be coming through your entrance. Many homes have at least one door panel which can open on its own for each access in high traffic areas, and then the rest of the door panels stacking to one side which is ideal for open plan entertaining.

Things to consider
Bi-fold doors take up width as well as depth when in the open position because they fold sideways, so they will take up more real estate in your home externally. Ideally you need to allow a width of at least one metre all along the path of the doors to give them space to fold back.

Bi-fold doors don’t lend themselves as easily to flyscreens as sliding doors, so if you wanted to open your doors yet keep out bugs you will have fewer options with a bi-folding system. There are retractable screening systems which you can use with bi-fold doors as well as sliding doors..

The panels in bi-fold doors aren’t as wide as sliding doors, so you will usually need more panels to span your opening. This means more timber or aluminium, glass, tracks and hardware etc.
These sorts of doors look fantastic when fully opened, giving you a complete sense of inviting the outdoors in, but when closed can block your view more than sliding doors as the door panels are smaller.

These types of doors are more bulky and cumbersome to open, so aren’t convenient in a space where you will be often opening and closing them.

Cost
Bi fold doors are more expensive usually than sliding doors.

Sliding Doors vs Bifold Doors: In a nutshell

The type of doors you choose will depend mostly on the dimensions of the space, the view from the room and the purpose for which you intend to use this space. Wider spaces lend themselves more favourably to sliding systems, as do areas where you want to have views and access regardless of whether the doors are open or closed.

If you have a space which is likely to be open more often than closed, then bifold doors can be the way to go. They also look fantastic in smaller openings like side decks and bedroom balconies.

While sliding doors are cheaper, the biggest reason for your choice of doors should be for quality of life. Choose the best system for how you want to use the space.

If you would like more information on any of the above or would like to view the different systems then please feel free to pop into Vision 3 Windows showroom at 42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale, Sydney or visit their website https://vision3windows.com.au/

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Renovation Trends for 2019

Marissa — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 03:02:47 +0000

Renovation trends are always interesting and making little changes to your home can be lots of fun. However if you are considering a home renovation or design changes to your house, you don’t want to pick a trend that is fleeting – do you?

Depending on the amount of money you spend or the amount of chaos to your family life that happens when you put one of these renovation trends into place in your home, you may want the ‘trend’ to last more than just a little while!

Here are some of our favourite home renovation trends for 2019 that we think will absolutely stand the test of time – giving you and your family pleasure for many years to come.

Renovating for Needs more than Wants

There is an awareness now in the cooling of the housing market which seems to be causing homeowners to focus more on needs than wants when renovating their homes. This helps to ensure that they are not overcapitalising when getting this investment back on the resale of the home is no longer guaranteed.

This includes building smaller homes that don’t cost as much to heat or to clean, as well as those without extra optional rooms like a home theatre or a walk-in closet. People are making better use of space instead, as well as choosing homes that offer a flexible solutions for the future.

We still need little luxuries and indulgences in our homes, but these are taking on a more practical approach. This can include space that is more easily adaptable for different targets such as people without kids or empty nesters. It also includes design options and storage that will allow the owners to age gracefully in their homes – planning for long-term practicality.

The surge in people working from home has also seen an increase in beautiful and practical home office spaces. These rooms can be flexible spaces, also functioning as an ad-hoc guest room when the need arises.

Renovation Trends; Home Office. Source: Pinterest

Colours for 2019

Colour trends at the moment are showing a move toward more muted and organic tones, and those that bring a feeling and connection with nature. We are seeing more homes adding colour touches that bring the outdoors in, and are accentuated beautifully by indoor plants (which, quite frankly, should never go out of fashion!)

In exterior colours, we are seeing beautiful botanical shades like greens and browns, as well as elegant and classic looks that will last a lifetime like greys, white and cream.

Trends in interior tones and palettes are seeing injections of rich and bold colours mixed with more muted or natural colours.

We are seeing royal blue, lush red, deep pinks and vibrant greens, for example, popping up to give residents a warm welcome and open embrace. We are also seeing tonal reds and lots of shades of pink, including millennial pink and living coral – two of the most popular colours in interior design.

Colour Trends; Dulux Wholeself Range
Source: Dulux

For colour ideas and inspiration, check out Dulux here.

Bathroom Design Trends

Bathrooms will always be a central part of the family home, because they are just so completely necessary! In renovation trends we are seeing a lot of personal touches and eclectic additions sneaking into bathroom design. They are becoming spaces to express your individuality and create that haven of self-care and relaxation.

Again, the use of natural looks and textures is a feature in bathrooms, with the use of materials such as copper, stone and granite.

We love the look of statement vanities, such as those made from gorgeous pieces of timber, and those that are ‘floating’ or wall hung rather than on a base. We are also excited about the whimsical look of swapping out door handles with quirky knobs & knockers and the use of vintage, ornate and artisan lighting fixtures.

‘Upcycled’ bathroom vanity oozing character.
Source: Just In Place

Interior Design Ideas

Some of the interior design renovation trends we are seeing this year are so much fun, as well as continuing the feeling of natural and organic connection. We love the sustainable and natural fabrics we are seeing, not just in upholstered furniture, throws, and cushions but also in art on the walls such as baskets, hats and more.

The movement towards natural fabrics speaks to the broader conversations happening across architecture and design right now that is all about embracing a peaceful retreat from crazy, modern life.

Some lovely use of patterns is emerging as well including bold black and whites, geometric patterns and even florals.

You don’t need to spend big to embrace these trends, with reasonably priced pieces available online or through department stores. Check out the new Natural trend in Kmart.

Natural Trends for Living. Source: Kmart

Outdoor Entertaining

Outdoor living spaces are incredibly important in our climate and for balancing family life. Following indoor design cues, we are seeing a more relaxed feel with statement pieces and mixing materials for a warm tactile look.

Believe it or not, but 1970s accents are coming back into trend and work wonderfully well in outdoor living areas. Think statement pieces, sunken conversation pits, focal points of fireplaces and luxe textures.

If you have some renovation ideas that you are excited about in your home this year – we would love to see photos! Comment and share your ideas below or join our group here.

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