7 HOME FEATURES AUSSIE HOME BUYERS WANT

From swimming pools and garages to a sun-filled aspect, whether building or buying, these are the features Aussie buyers are wanting in a new home in 2020, as revealed by Australia’s number one real estate agent, Alexander Phillips from Phillips Pantzer Donnelley Woollahra.

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Cristy Houghton
THE TOP 4 AUSTRALIAN INTERIOR TRENDS FOR 2021

This year Australia’s best home wares, furniture and design minds met online to reveal the direction of our homes’ decor for 2021 and 2022. Read on to see what you can expect and why on the coming years’ projected colour and materials palettes, shapes, and design directions.

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Cristy Houghton
3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A POOL

Search data on realestate.com.au shows that Australians are as pool obsessed as ever. And with our harsh climate in Wagga its a great way to beat the heat in summer. But before you decide whether or not to include a pool in your new dream home, it pays to know what you are getting yourself into. You might think that pools automatically increase value, but this isn’t always the case. Below The Block royalty Carlene Duffy and Dave Franklin provide some great advice to help you decide what and if a pool it right for you!

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Cristy Houghton
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TIMBER-CLAD WALLS

Texture, warmth and natural appeal – there’s much to love about timber cladding or lining boards as a design feature in your home. And designers and architects can’t seem to get enough of them right now, using them on everything from walls and curved ceilings to bedrooms and kitchen islands. Here’s exactly what you need to know if you’ve got your eye on tantalising timber for an upcoming build.

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Cristy Houghton
HOW TO DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE TO PROFESSIONALS

When you’re preparing to make all of your selections for your new home, communicating your preferences in a clear way can help us understand exactly what you’re looking for and assist you to deliver results you will love.By gathering inspiration and assessing your likes and dislikes, you will be better armed to have those crucial conversations with your builder/designer.

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Cristy Houghton
NEIL WHITAKERS 2021 INTERIOR TRENDS INSIGHT

The Block’s resident judge and co-host of Foxtel’s Love It Or List It, Neale Whitaker, recently visited the biannual interior design trade fair, Maison & Object, Paris. The show, which is one of the most important interior design events in Europe, was held in January – conveniently right before global lockdowns were rolled out – and proved a great opportunity for the interior designer to take a peek at some key design trends for the coming year…

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Cristy Houghton
WOOD HEATERS VS GAS LOG FIRES

Since fire was first used by humans thousands of years ago, we’ve been hopelessly drawn to it. So if you’re thinking of installing some kind of fireplace this winter, you’re probably responding to an age-old inclination to create a hearth in your home – a place for people to gravitate and gather. But which type of fireplace is best, and what kinds of things do you need to consider? Wood heaters and gas log fires are both good options, but what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Here are the things you need to think about when shopping for a new fireplace.

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Cristy Houghton
HOW FLOORING IS THE NEW STATEMENT WALL IN YOUR HOME

Hands up if you’ve painted or wallpapered a statement wall in your home? Yes? Well, you’re definitely not alone as many of us have been making features of single walls for some years. But now there’s a new way of creating a statement in your home, thanks to stunning carpet designs that create instant impact. From rich, opulent jewel tones to bright, refreshing shades, these innovative carpets have been designed to not only add luxury and interest to a room scheme, but to provide a durable base that’s resistant to wearing and stains. Read on and discover how striking carpets are giving statement walls a run for their money.

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Cristy Houghton
ATTENTION ALL FIRST HOME BUYERS

Dear First Home Buyers, your 2020 is about to get a whole lot better! If you are a First Home Buyer in NSW it has never been a better time to build your first home than it is right now! Last week the Government introduced the Home Builder Grant as an economic response to the coronavirus.

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Cristy Houghton
NEW GOVERNMENT HOME BUILDER STIMULUS

Today Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new Home Builder Grant to assist Australian citizens looking to build or renovate their home. Eligible citizens will receive a $25,000 grant to build an owner occupied new home, or for them to carry out substantial renovation projects.

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Cristy Houghton
10 KITCHEN HARDWARE INCLUSIONS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Do you remember when deep drawers replaced cupboards in the kitchen? It changed our lives, because suddenly we could find the right Tupperware container, see what was lurking in the back of the pantry, and retrieve a saucepan without doing a complete reshuffle. Hardware technology has continued to grow, as manufacturers expand the scope and usability of drawers and pull-outs with various types of electronic operation and automation.

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Cristy Houghton
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISPLAY HOME PRESENTATION

As you wander through display homes, looking at various layouts and designs, you’ll find yourself drawn to different fittings, finishes and other features. But you need to be aware that everything you see might not be included in the home’s standard price. Some of the features might be optional upgrades, which will cost you more. They have been used by the builder to show what variations are available for different tastes and budgets.

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Cristy Houghton
HOW TO CREATE AN INDUSTRIAL STYLE HOME

Why is it that industrial style continues to be such a hot interior trend year on year? Could it be its versatile aesthetic that works within a range of settings, celebrating the form and function of structural and architectural features? Or perhaps it’s the ease in which the look can be created on any budget, big or small, thanks to its preference for vintage and recycled finds, and raw or unfinished surfaces? Maybe industrial style is quite simply so cool and edgy that we never tire of its timeless style, which can be added to and adapted so quickly and easily? Well, we think it’s all these aspects combined that make this interior trend a choice for life, so here are 5 ways to create the industrial style in your home.

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Cristy Houghton