Situated in an old Victorian hospital development the striking lateral space is punctuated by large sash windows, leading you through to the large open plan living space. Finished with white oak herringbone floors and soft white walls the designers created a neutral and warm palette on which they layered carefully curated iconic vintage pieces and one-off antiques. This was the perfect backdrop for introducing more contemporary pieces and carefully selected bespoke elements. Covet & Noir particularly loved the hand-crafted bar stools they commissioned to sit at the kitchen island. Expertly upholstered in a rich mustard velvet they added character to the modern kitchen.

The high ceilings and large blank walls were crying out for art. An important part of designers brief was to source a collection of art for their clients. Using a curated mix of original pieces, lithographs and prints they added life into this architecturally beautiful home. As with most of their projects, the designers sourced everything from furniture, to lighting, right down to the salt and pepper shakers.

Project by Covet & Noir

Photography by Edmund Dabney

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Yarraville Light House is a three-bedroom home in Melbourne’s inner West. To the front, the original single fronted Victorian cottage has been carefully renovated with original features retained. To the rear, a new single-story extension has been added. The extension is designed to embrace contemporary courtyard living making the most of a long, narrow site. It features a curvaceous timber façade edged by a long timber bench seat. A pocket courtyard sits between old and new and brings light into the center of the house. The design makes the most of the long and narrow (50m long x 6m wide) site.

Project by ROAM Architects

Photography by Tatjana Plitt

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Home renovation is not an easy task to take out, and you’ll have to put a lot of things under consideration before you even start the project. But when it comes to renovating your home, it is always a great idea to know what is trending and what is not. If you haven’t updated your house from years and planning to do so, then you are in for a treat. Below in this article, we’ve mentioned some trending ideas for your home. Designers and editors have been raving about them, and you definitely do not want to miss them out. Make sure to check out this article till the end if you do not want to miss out what is trending!

Transform your Swimming Pool with Glass Tiles

If you have one in the back of your home, then it is about time to modify your swimming pool. For doing so, what could be better than choosing glass tiles? Selecting tiles for home is not an easy decision, especially for your swimming pool and when you have countless options to choose from. Do not worry! We have picked out a few for you. You can choose tiles such as colored glass tiles mosaic solid blue blend, pool glass mosaic beach blue blend, ocean glass tile mosaic beach turquoise, etc. If you want amazing tiles at a reasonable price, then check out glass pool tile for sale as well.

Smart Home Innovations

We all know that new and advanced technologies are brought to the market every other day and home appliances are no exception. You might not have heard about it, but some refrigerators alert you when groceries are running low, and it is expected that soon they will have the ability to reorder them. Wow!  Home appliances are becoming smarter and smarter. So, if your budget does not bind you, then it is time to switch your appliances with the smarter ones.

Renovate Your Master Bathroom with Tiles

Thinking to transform your master bathroom? Then go for pebble tiles or river rock tiles. Renovating your house is a great idea but never forget your bathroom. It is probably that part of your home from where you start your day, so it has to be a calm and quiet retreat. If you do not know what types of tiles you should choose, then it is recommended to go for pebble floor tiles. These tiles are ideal for shower and appropriate for both wet and dry areas, plus they can also be used as mosaic floor tiles.

Custom Murals

This trend is here to stay and slay! You can never go wrong with custom murals when you think of renovating your house walls. Moreover, if you really want to give your space a personal touch, then opt for choosing an image or some quote that is close to your heart. Forget to hang paintings and frames on your walls as it is outdated and consider to give your wall a trendy transformation with customized murals.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

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A rear side extension opens the back of this Victorian terrace house to its garden. A new glazed roof brings light deep into the plan. The floor throughout the rear of the house was lowered to provide additional head height and a consistent level with the new patio. The large pivot door allows unobstructed views of the garden, visually extending the space.

The exterior is imagined as three volumes each defined by a different material. The painted brick of the first floor sits on top of a striped timber cube with the smallest volume realized in a ribbed render. The party wall is defined with white mosaic tiles and an oversized galvanized downpipe.

The tiles continue inside, defining a structural column and the plant shelf which extends from front to back. The interior uses a paired back material palette; whitewashed douglas fir joinery sits on top of a seamless resin floor with an enamel splatter ware worktop and full wall pink curtain bringing interest to space. The use of Douglas fir continues for the structural fins and window reveals in the side extension. This large open plan space has become the new heart of the home for the clients and their young family.

Photography by Jim Stephenson

Project by CAN

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Hiring a professional can help when you need to prevent or fix water damage in your house. But it helps to know what causes this damage in the first place. Here is a guide to keeping your home safe from water damage.

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

It’s important to check on the status of your roof, especially before and after a storm. Also, you should be inspecting your roof at least once a year. You or a professional can check for missing, damaged, or old shingles on your roof. Identifying problems and patching up holes can help prevent leaks.

Reseal the Basement

Cracks in your floor slabs or foundations can cause water to flood the basement. Always make sure your basement walls and floors are waterproof. You can easily paint over any cracks with a water sealant to stop damages.

Make sure to put any belongings in the basement on shelves. That way, any sewer backups or water leaks won’t be able to damage them. Waterproof bins are also a great way to make sure your belongings are protected.

Water damage restoration companies generally have waterproofing and basement sealing services. Contact a company near you to find out more.

Replace Your Pipes

You can tell a pipe has been leaking when it has dark spots underneath it, or if you notice these spots on your ceiling. Many pipes break down from old age. Usually, piping in homes lasts around 50-80 years. If you have an older house, it’s a good idea to get a professional to inspect their condition.

Buy Water Detection Devices

Water detectors are electronic devices that sound an alarm when it comes into contact with water or moisture. You can get devices to put over all appliances that are likely to leak. This includes washing machines, water heaters, sump pumps, and dishwashers. They can detect low moisture levels and slower leaks that you might have overlooked.

Make Sure You Have Good Drainage

If you have bad drainage in your home, it can cause cracks in the foundation that let in water. That’s why it’s important to look out for methods to improve your drainage. Ensure that you:

• Clean your gutters. When it gets clogged, water can run down the side of your house and allow the foundation to deteriorate it. It’s an annoying chore to do, but it’s an important one!
• Direct downspouts away from your house. They should direct water 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation.
• Slope your yard away from the house. You may have to purchase topsoil to fix the slope, but it’s worth it to make sure water can’t cascade into your home.
• Keep your soil moist. This may seem backward, but if the soil around your house gets too dry, it can shrink and then expand again the next time it rains. Use a hose to water six inches from the foundation and three inches beneath the soil to prevent it from drying.

In Conclusion

To keep water from damaging your house, you have to make sure your house is in peak condition. Checking your roof, pipes, and drainage regularly can help prevent these problems.

When you have water damage or mold, it’s important to contact a professional right away. The longer the problem sits, the more harm it can cause to your house. Don’t wait–take action to protect your home now!

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

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Amos Goldreich Architecture has completed the refurbishment and transformation of a maisonette in Tufnell Park, including the addition of a new loft conversion to provide a tranquil haven for the owners.

The property forms part of a Victorian end of terrace house on St George’s Avenue and includes a bespoke feature staircase to the new loft space, fulfilling the clients’ requests to maximize all possible space whilst creating a new home that felt light, airy and calm.

The loft, although relatively small due to planning policy constraints provides the clients with a light-filled room for use as a multifunctional, zen space. Additional storage has been subtly integrated into the eave space, which is easily accessible, and the new dormer windows open to a Juliette balcony, maximizing natural light and providing an indoor/outdoor flow.

A bespoke winding timber staircase provides access to the loft from the floor below. The existing layout of the top floor only allowed for a very tight footprint for the new staircase which was one of the biggest challenges. The staircase had to be both functional and beautiful.

The stair treads are built out of solid oak to match the existing floor throughout the flat. Timber slats, spanning the full height of the staircase provide a safe enclosure while keeping the staircase transparent. At the loft level, the slats become a balustrade. A glass balustrade is fixed to the inner face of the stairs and the space beneath the staircase utilized as built-in storage.

Elsewhere in the property, the bathrooms have been transformed with a carefully selected palette of materials that continue to provide tranquil spaces across a small footprint.

Amos Goldreich, Director at Amos Goldreich Architecture, said: “We are delighted with how this project has turned out. What started as a confined, dark maisonette, has been utterly transformed with the provision of a new, multifunctional loft space, alongside the clever integration of storage throughout the property which allows the homeowners to keep the spaces uncluttered and reflect the sense of lightness and calm they were so keen to inject. Just because it is a small project does not mean it has not been challenging. The integration of the bespoke staircase was particularly tricky, but we feel it is a triumph and encapsulates the very essence of the brief; to be beautiful and purposeful, as well as adding value to the property through thoughtful design.”

Photography by Oliver Hammick

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The English Village is a cluster of charming houses built in Center City Philadelphia in 1929 to evoke the imagery of an English country town. A landscaped, stoned-paved common garden provides a beautiful setting for the house fronts. The abundance of shared beauty contrasts with the backs of the houses, which abut a side street with tight parking spaces.

Driven by their desire for a garden, the homeowners decided to give up their parking space and use the area to construct a greenhouse. The intention was to create an indoor environment for tropical plants and connect the house to the natural world. The project also included a renovation of the kitchen and the addition of a third-floor deck.

A raised floor was constructed in the former parking spot and a glass roof was inserted between two exterior brick walls. The stone paving of the front commons was the inspiration for the bluestone flooring, which extends into the kitchen where it is used on both the floors and the countertops. The dining room window was enlarged into a pair of French doors which now open to a lush, tropical world. The garden climate is carefully controlled with hydronic floor heating, a humidifying system, and operable roof panels. The greenhouse is a source of visual pleasure and gardening activity, and the begonias are perennial award winners at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

A new window was cut into the former garage wall to connect the kitchen to the garden. The owners now look to their garden each morning from their kitchen counter seating. The third-floor deck offers a very different experience. It provides a view to the city skyline and a perfect setting for an evening drink. While the garden room brings calming verdant beauty to the interior, the new deck provides a rooftop view of the bustling city beyond.

Photography by Jeffrey Totaro

Project by Timothy Kerner

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Most pieces of furniture are bulky, often oddly-shaped, and delicate despite their sturdy appearance and feel. To move your furniture without causing any damage to it, you need to make adequate preparations. Here’s how to properly protect furniture during a move.

Call in the Professionals

Most of the damage that happens to furniture and property when moving is as a result of inexperience. To securely move your valuables, hire professional movers. These experts have years of experience on the job and have handled countless relocation tasks.

Professional movers have worked with varying types of furniture, including antique pieces, and are aware of the biggest threats to each object. With them taking care of your furnishings, you don’t have to worry about dropped items, chipped corners, scratches, and dents that occur during relocations. All you have to do is look for experienced and licensed furniture movers like Removalist Sunshine Coast.

Gather Packing Supplies and Tools

If you opt for a DIY move, you will need to have the right tools for the job. Investing in these items ensures your move is fast, damage-free, and injury-free. You need disassembly tools like screwdrivers and other supplies such as moving blankets, mattress covers, bubble wrap, tape, gliders, and cardboard sheets.

While it is easy to lift and move chairs and small desks, larger items like dining tables, pool tables, and couches can be difficult to lift. They can also damage floors and walls if not handled correctly. Therefore, you need to hire additional equipment to move the heavier pieces. Dollies, hand trucks, or skid boards will make your work easier.

Measure Your Doorways, Hallways, and Furniture

It can be quite disappointing to move your furniture to a new home only to realize they can’t fit through the doors. Prior to the move, take accurate measurements of the width, height and diagonal dimensions of each of your sizeable furniture pieces, and the doorways, and hallways of your new place, as noted by the Spruce. These measurements will help you know which items to disassemble in advance.

Dismantle Furniture in Advance

Although not all furniture requires to be disassembled before moving, it’s recommended you dismantle those you can before a move. Take apart attachments and protruding parts such as table legs, shelves, drawers, bed frames, and glass tops. This will help make the furniture smaller, lighter, and easier to move without banging on the walls.

Use the original assembly guide to help you dismantle the furniture correctly. Remove each part one piece at a time, ensuring you place the fastening elements such as nuts, bolts, and washers of each item in separate, labeled, and sealable plastic bags. You can also take photos during the disassembly process to help you remember where each piece goes when resembling.

Wrap and Protect Fragile and Valuable Pieces

Delicate furniture and priceless pieces like antique and ornaments can easily be damaged when moving. Therefore, you need to use an excellent protection technique. Secure the fragile items using bubble wrap. Wrap large pieces using thick cardboard, cover the outside using blankets and ensure no part is exposed. Tightly apply packaging tape to fix the blankets in place.

Wrapping Up

To get your furniture to your new home in good shape, you need to plan and prepare every detail of the move. Start by gathering all packing supplies, take measurements of door frames and large furniture, dismantle parts, and wrap all pieces securely. If you think you can’t handle the move on your own, it’s best you leave it to the professionals.

Image sources:  Pixabay, TheSpruce, Instagram

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Creating a seamless continuity between the interior and the exterior the verandah is supported by a singular boundary wall which contains, drainage, insulation, wiring, electrics, all concealed within the brick boundary wall to create the seamless interior to exterior space. Glazed side and rear extensions are pretty typical, but tend to be limited to façade openings or individual skylights, our angled glazed structure which extends from roof to facade with the use of solar controlled structural glass cantilevered off a single post and beam structure, is an innovative fully glazed extension (roof and walls) which minimises the transition between internal and external living spaces.

The existing building appears to be suspended above the glass verandah through the innovative use of structural glass, and the glass prism is angled to counterbalance the volume and maximize the size of the windows. We were able to achieve significant spans and spatial lightness to space via the verandah structure. There was a to and fro process on the technical detailing to achieve a successful fit with the existing building, which due to its age, presented a number of structural challenges.

Photography by Rei Moon

Project by DROO

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So how can you ensure that you keep your kitchen in tip-top shape and functioning well? Here are some simple tips you can follow.

Clean Appliances on a Regular Basis

It can be really difficult to turn out fabulous meals if your appliances aren’t functioning at their peak levels. The fridge may not be circulating cool air as well as it should, the oven may not bake at a consistent temperature, the dishes don’t seem to come out clean from the dishwasher, or perhaps the burners on your stove create an odor once you turn them on. It could be that you just need to give your appliances a good clean in order to remedy these problems.

Keeping your appliances clean will help them to run better, with less effort, and will also prolong their lifespan, which means you won’t have to worry about replacing them as often.

Make Sure Your Knives are Kept Sharp

This leads us to food preparation. Food preparation can take what seems like forever when you don’t have the proper tools, or tools that aren’t maintained. One of the most important tools you have in the kitchen for food prep is your knives. You’ll want to be sure you have a variety of types and sizes to handle various jobs, but also that they are kept sharp.

When your knife gets dull, it won’t be able to make clean cuts, and you risk cutting yourself since you have to apply a lot more pressure to “saw” through the item.

As another tip, you want to be sure you also have a level and sturdy surface for cutting on – ideally a cutting board. Over time, cutting boards can start to become warped, especially if they are wood. Cutting on a surface that isn’t flat can be difficult, to say the least, so you may be wondering if it is possible to fix warped cutting board made from wood.

If the warping isn’t too bad you can flip the board and start using the other side. If it’s a bit more noticeable then you may need to soak the board in hot water overnight, then lay it on a flat surface, weight it down, and leave it. Steam can also help to take the warp out of the wood.

Keep Countertops Clear of Clutter

Sometimes it’s not the tools and appliances that are the issue, rather it is the lack of space. In order for your kitchen to be functioning well, you need space to move around, lay out your ingredients, and prepare the food without any issues. Take a look at your counter and try to remove any non-essential items. This step alone could make all the difference in the world when it comes to the functionality of your kitchen.

Make a Habit of Cleaning Up Right Away

The final tip is to get into the habit of cleaning up right away. This prevents a mess from piling up, it makes it easier to disinfect food preparation surfaces, and it just feels a lot more inviting and welcoming when the kitchen is clean.

Each of these tips will help you to maintain a well-functioning kitchen.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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The project was to refurbish and extend a 1920’s semi-detached cottage in Cambridge. A fairly straight forward brief, but because of the particular site and house the architects were able to extend to the front as well as back and loft.

This transformed the original cottage into a much more refined and spacious house. In addition, the entire house was insulated to bring the house close to new build standards.

The client is a consultant doctor working in Cambridge. She has a particular eye for what design and wanted something out of the ordinary. She owned a flat nearby and purchased the house which was un-modernized. She contacted Sam Tisdall Architects after seeing a completed job which had been published and wanted something with a similar look and feel.

One unusual element of the project is the treatment of the external cladding to the new elements. This is most noticeable to the front extension which was carefully crafted. The walls and sloping roof are all clad in cedar boards, with no flashings visible to form an interesting form which whilst clearly a new addition, was also designed to be sympathetic to the original building, with its roof extending up to meet the sloping side roof of the existing house.

To the rear of the house, the language of cedar cladding continues with an old extension extended up to the first floor. This contains a kitchen and dining space on the ground floor and adds two new bathrooms above. This is more blocky in character with flat roofs and carefully placed roof lights and windows.

Project by Sam Tisdall Architects

Photography by Richard Chivers

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The project consists of the extension, renovation, and reconfiguration of a 1970’s semidetached house. The original house is held between two bold interventions to the front and rear, made of contrasting but complimentary materials of black corrugated metal and timber. The new elements help better define the threshold between street and rear garden while maximizing views to Howth beyond.

The new large open plan, split level family room consists of a kitchen and sunken living/ dining room with an adjacent children’s play area. This new north-facing family area is connected to the garden via an internal/ external polished concrete floor, raised covered terrace and timber privacy wall and lit from above by large roof lights stretched across the width of the house.

Architect: Architectural Farm
Main Contractor: FJB Construction
Photographer: Ste Murray

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