Anna's ideas
4. Tuck storage into dead space Often, there will be a narrow gap between the end of a bath and the wall. It could be tiled over and used as a small, extra surface, but if more storage is required, how about this clever idea, created by Best Builders in Vancouver, Canada? The very slim space is fully maximised with storage that goes up to the ceiling. The pull-out function also makes it easy to access everything inside, leaving no wasted space.
1. Ditch the shower tray Using a flush, tiled-over shower tray is now the standard way to create a wet room floor. It’s also a fantastic space-optimiser, since it allows tiles to run uninterrupted across the whole room, giving a sense of more space than if they stopped to accommodate a raised shower floor. In this bathroom by Kitty Lee Architecture in Sydney, NSW, the designer has also forgone a vanity unit to give the wall more space to ‘breathe’ around the basin. The lack of storage is compensated for by a generous bank of mirrored (so space- and light-boosting) cabinetry. There’s also space on the right side of the basin for setting down toothbrushes and cosmetics, and an open ledge for placement of more decorative items, making use of the area created by hiding the plumbing for the concealed-cistern toilet.
The landscaping encompassed many of these references, with grasses, such as fountain grass (Pennisetum), mother-in-law’s tongue (Sanservieria trifasciata), agave, the giant sculptural leaves of split-leaf philodendrons (Monstera deliciosa) and tiny textural ground covers such as Dichondria argentea. Weathered corten steel edging, feature rocks, pebbles and gravel unify the garden layout.
…And a pull-out bin Having your bin integrated into the island just below your work surface is another important functional element – it allows you to simply scrape the scraps straight into the rubbish. It also helps you stay part of the action with family or friends when cleaning up the kitchen and helps keep your floor mess-free.
5. Do mix materials Too many kitchens have enormous island benches that might provide a lot of bench space, but effectively take over the space and look like a big lump in the room. Using different materials can break down the scale of an island bench. But balance is key; too many materials and details start to look messy and fussy. When you’re choosing materials and colours for your island, make sure they harmonise with any hues in the adjoining rooms.
4. Do consider how you’ll use the island If you like entertaining or eating everyday meals at a bench, then an island with more overhanging area and less cabinetry or storage underneath might be for you. Make sure you think about how you envisage using the bench both every day and on special occasions. We are very realistic with many clients who have families in pointing out that children will often sit at the bench and talk with parents, complete homework, use devices and eat (sometimes all at the same time) – I call this the ‘mission control’ island bench. Think about whether the sitting area needs to be closer to the fridge and pantry – this is another way of managing who is walking in and out of the kitchen, and who can be kept on the outside edges of the island bench – for safety as well as to avoid overcrowding in the kitchen.
3. Don’t forget to power outlets and appliances Melonie Bayl-Smith, principal architect at Bijl Architecture says: There’s nothing worse than a beautiful piece of stone ruined by ill-considered power outlet locations. Make sure power outlets and appliances are well-placed so they do not dominate the appearance of the island bench, are easily accessed and make the functionality of all sides of the island bench work really well. Think about how both sides of the island can be ‘working’ sides and not just the ‘kitchen’ side of the bench. There’s nothing worse than a beautiful piece of stone ruined by ill-considered power outlet locations. Think about what will be plugged in – it probably won’t just be hand mixers, but phone chargers, laptops and the like. A charging drawer for items such as these can be a smart inclusion.
2. Do get the proportions right Getting the proportions of your island correct lets you work efficiency in the space and ensures that traffic flow is maintained. Some key measurements to follow are: You want a minimum clearance of 1,000 millimetres circulation space around the island. The overall height of the island should be between 920 and 940 millimetres. The minimum island width would ideally be 900 millimetres and length would be 1,200 millimetres. The benchtop should be between 20 and 80 millimetres thick. If you want to include bar stools around the island, you’ll need 300 millimetres of under-bench space.
Which surface should I choose for the path? “Try to avoid uneven materials that are difficult to walk on or ones that will soon need replacing, such as bark chippings,” says Hirst. He and Orchard both agree that gravel can potentially be a great choice for paths and driveways. “It’s cheap and feels nice underfoot, and the sound is a great burglar deterrent – plus there are lots of material and colour options,” says Orchard. He highlights some considerations, though. “Small-diameter gravel can get caught in shoe treads and car tyres. The trick is to go for a 20-millimetre-diameter gravel rather than 10-millimetre.” Also talk to your designer about the available products, such as stabilising grids, to prevent gravel getting churned up and displaced.
Where should I site a path to the front door? All the designers agree this is a key decision. “It should be clear to anyone entering the garden which route they need to take to get to the front door,” says Hirst. “This might mean ensuring the door is visible from the entrance to the garden. If the area is large and has more than one path, make sure the one to the front door is wider or more direct.”
Hide it behind sliders Looking for ways to make your open-plan kitchen sit comfortably alongside the adjoining living area? One clever solution is to keep the working parts of the kitchen tucked away (but easily accessible) behind large, sliding doors. When closed, they’ll simply look like joinery; when open, they make the kitchen ready for use.
Show your laundry some love If your small laundry is located in a hallway or can be viewed from the living spaces in your home, chances are you’ll want to find a way to conceal it when it’s not in use, while making it as workable as possible come laundry day. Here’s a solution: specify built-in cupboards that hide the washer and dryer away and include a pull-out ironing board and benchtop.
Consider a strategically placed green wall Most gardens can’t do without a shed to house the lawnmower, outdoor furniture and tools, but the reality is that, very often, they are an eyesore. If this is the case in your outdoor space, consider concealing your garden shed behind a vertical wall of lush greenery, as the owners have done here.
Lighting a small ensuite As ensuites are generally small, they don’t usually require as many lighting sources, says Locke. “They can often be lit effectively with just mirror lighting and a nightlight. This set-up allows you to see what matters and you won’t be woken up by the night light late at night. “Depending on the style of your ensuite, you may also want to introduce decorative pendants to add texture and colour,” she says. “If you have a high ceiling in your ensuite, such as 2.6 metres or above, consider adding wall-mounted uplighters to visually lift and expand the space,” says Wild.
Types of lighting you need in a bathroom “The number one thing you need in a bathroom is shadow-free task lighting at the mirror,” says Adele Locke, director of MINT Lighting Design. “So many of us live in homes with poor bathroom lighting, and we all know how frustrating it is to find something’s been missed in the shaving or make-up process when we’re out. “The second layer of lighting you need is subtle, ambient lighting for using the bathroom for short visits. “A night light is an excellent thing to include too. And, depending on the style of your bathroom, you may also need a decorative layer of lighting for luxuriating in the bath,” says Locke. Accent lighting is another optional extra you may want to consider if budget permits, says Genevieve Wild, design director at Wildly Illuminating. “It allows you to highlight specific features in the bathroom and will add character and personality to the space.”
Features: A pull-out bench that provides extra work space in a small kitchen when it’s needed.
Designer: Urban Trend Construction Features: Overhead cabinets that provide lashings of extra storage, while allowing the natural light to flow into the adjoining staircase.
Designer: Emergent Form Architecture Features: A triple-layer drawer with a single, fuss-free facing.
Shelving above kitchen sink window
Shelving
Designer: Wilson & Bradley Features: The most organised under-sink set-up imaginable.
Designer: Wrensted Interiors Kitchen shelving Features: Fine-lined, ceiling-hung shelving is a smart choice for a compact kitchen as it provides extra storage without visually swallowing up space.
bathtub
bathroom
Mid section deck idea for area below dining room
Stair lighting ideas and stepping stones around firepit
out door seating ideas
Fire pit idea
Fire pit ideas
Fire pit ideas
Fire pit area
Feature screens - front and back yards
Save space…For the garage In space-challenged houses or apartments, it’s always hard to find somewhere to store bicycles out of the weather. This Melbourne house uses a floor-to-ceiling pegboard with dowel inserts to hold up bikes, bags and anything that requires hanging.
Hide the air conditioning Another home in Victoria with a smart disguise. This time, it’s all about diverting attention away from the bulky air conditioning unit by sticking a custom-printed adhesive tree decal over the wall.
Hide the TV Hiding the TV is a subject dear to many people’s hearts – and this Melbourne home has one of the cleverest solutions around. When the TV is not in use, it’s hidden by mirrors on rolling barn tracks. This also means the relatively narrow living area appears larger, as light from the mirrors is bounced around the room.
shelves for short kitchen wall where modem is
screening doors
black screen
Sliding doors
wardrobe doors
garden
Roof line
skirting boards
4. Mid-century sideboard
bathroom cabinets
tree
garden
The key is smart storage that will give you a home for everything you need to store, without swallowing up too much precious space in your bathroom. Look to incorporate different-sized drawers in your vanity to accommodate items of various shapes and sizes, such as mirrored shaving cabinets with shelves, generous towel rails, and recessed wall nooks for extra storage.
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