SIX TIPS FOR DIY PAINTERS TIPSFOR Get it right
2023 Sunshine Coast Kitchen of the Year
2021 Sunshine Coast Kitchen of the Year
2020 Sunshine Coast Kitchen of the Year
2020 Sunshine Coast Renovated Kitchen of the Year
2019 Sunshine Coast Kitchen of the Year
2019 Sunshine Coast Kitchen Design
2019 Queensland Kitchen of the Year
itting around the fire pit with my family on a cool and crisp winter’s afternoon is one of my favourite things to do.
A few years ago, we made the decision to landscape our backyard. It went from an unused space to a place we now appreciate and enjoy.
Of course, for a while during the renovation process, there was a lot of dirt and a lot of noise. And then, our project began to take shape. Each day, we would stand on our back deck and take in the progress, pleased we chose to invest back into ourselves.
The finished product is a space we treasure; the fire pit area is a place we continue to make many happy family memories – a bonus of our renovation.
This month, we share some great backyard ideas to get your own inspiration flowing.
Getting started as a DIY painter can be daunting. We spoke with Oldfi elds ambassador Tahlia Williams, a multi-award-winning painter and decorator and leading provider of top-notch painting and decorating services, to fi nd out how to get it right.
Using the right paint is key to achieving a professional finish.
Consider the specific needs of the room you’re painting. For example, consider moistureresistant paint for bathrooms and kitchens. You will also need to determine the finish you prefer. Do you like the look of matte, eggshell or semi-gloss?
YOU’RE WORKING WITH A BLANK CANVAS
Preparing your wall to be painted is what truly sets amateur painters up for success. Before you start painting, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the walls using a damp cloth or mild detergent to remove dust, dirt and grease. Next, repair any imperfections by filling holes, cracks or dents with spackle or filler, and sand the area smooth once it’s dry. Applying a primer is essential for better paint adhesion and to cover any stains or dark colours.
“Investing
Tahlia Williams, renovation expert
CONSIDER YOUR PAINTING CONDITIONS
For the best results, paint in a well-ventilated area with moderate temperatures and low humidity. Proper lighting is also important to help you spot any missed areas or uneven coverage, ensuring a perfect finish.
Investing in good quality brushes and rollers especially those in the Oldfields Pro Series range can make a significant difference in your painting project. Use rollers for large surfaces and brushes for edges and corners. An extension pole for your roller can be particularly helpful for painting ceilings and high walls, reducing strain and ensuring even coverage. Visit oldfields.com.au/ stockists.
To prevent lap marks and ensure a seamless finish, maintain a wet edge by rolling over the last stroke before the paint dries. This technique helps blend the new paint with the old for a consistent appearance. Tahlia suggests using caulk to apply a light layer over the edge of your painter's tape to achieve a crisp finish and ensure the paint doesn’t bleed through the tape.
Is the most important room in your home looking the worst?
DIY painters should always prioritise their safety to ensure a smooth and accident-free painting project. Ensure the room is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling harmful fumes by opening windows and using fans. Always use stable ladders, ensuring they are assembled correctly, and avoid overreaching to maintain your balance. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, goggles and masks, to protect your skin, eyes and lungs from paint and dust.
anyone looking to elevate the look and feel of their home.
Our experienced team specialise in complete bathroom design, kitchen, indoor and outdoor renovations for both domestic and commercial projects. We’re renowned for our high-end, yet affordable work.
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Find a corner in your home and create your own indoor oasis with lush green plants and stylish homewares.
1. Grey and green are a surprisingly beautiful colour combination. For a similar look to this refreshing and welcoming living space, try Dulux Class Blue paint to create a backdrop wall for your plants. Visit dulux.com.au for colours. 2. We love these fun and decorative Vine planters from Pillow Talk Featuring a unique floral design, they will brighten any space. 3. The porcelain Seaside planter features an intricate handpainted pattern and pretty coastal-inspired colours. It’s from Coastal Drift Home . 4. Made from fi berstone, the Apollo pots have a lovely ribbed design and a footed base for extra height. Available in three sizes, they are from Adairs . 5. The beaded Adorn planter is sculptural in design and boasts a ceramic base. Earthy and contemporary, it will look beautiful in your living space. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre
Don’t be afraid to play with different colour combinations. Pair complementary colours, such as blue and grey or green and pink, to create a balanced and dynamic look. For a more sophisticated vibe, consider analogous colours like blue and green or yellow and orange, which are next to each other on the colour wheel.
Adding patterns and textures can enhance your bathroom’s theme. Tiles with geometric patterns, wallpaper with floral designs, or textured paint can add depth and interest. Be mindful of not overdoing it; choose one or two elements to avoid a cluttered look.
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Ready for a backyard makeover? Here are some projects to get the ideas flowing.
Turn a small yard into a stylish and comfortable haven by creating a garden terrace from hardwood or composite decking. The circular stepping stones create interest.
The natural stone is complemented by the grass and white hydrangea edging. Natural stone pavers vary in colour, size and texture so you will be able to find a product to suit the design of your home and surrounds.
Incorporate the architecture and build of your home into your outdoor space. The white rock border brings another element to the yard, balancing the greenery, stone and wooden elements of the home. We love: The smaller grassed area means less yard maintenance. The bench seat nestled in the shrubs is a nice touch.
Create a beautiful oasis like this lush outdoor lounge zone. Keep in mind that it will take a few years to achieve this look if you start with young plants. We recommend using a mixture of young and more mature plants. Young plants often have vibrant foliage and blooms, while mature plants provide structure and depth. This combination creates visual interest throughout the seasons, as the garden grows.
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1. Before you decide on a yard design, take a good look at your garden. Analyse its size, shape and existing features. This will help you make the right decisions about layout and design.
2. Decide what type of outcome you hope to achieve – a child-friendly garden, an entertaining area, a fire pit?
3. Research different landscaping styles. Contemporary, minimalist, Japanese, cottage, formal – there are many different types of garden designs. It will come down to personal preference.
Queensland’s Budget, released in mid-June, commits billions of dollars towards tackling Queensland’s housing crisis – but fails to trigger levers that could provide immediate relief.
This is the clear message from construction peak industry association, Master Builders Queensland.
In a statement, Master Builders said the issues impacting the building and construction industry show no signs of abating. These include the skilled labour shortage, a 40 per cent jump in building costs over the past three years, and an “avalanche of regulatory change” including those under the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022.
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said the government’s commitment to deliver what it calls “Queensland’s biggest decade of infrastructure investment” will see $107 billion splashed across the next four years, placing more pressure on an industry already struggling to deliver the homes and infrastructure, and again driving up construction costs in the face of trade shortages and falling productivity.
“There is action the State Government can take right now to turn this around. We need the Best Practice Industry Conditions applied more flexibly, to ensure government projects over $100 million and large high-rise unit developments can be delivered more affordably. A common misconception is that this means we want to cut corners or rush jobs to get homes built faster. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“We share the Miles Government’s goal of delivering more homes, sooner, and more affordably – and we do welcome the Budget measures to address the existing crisis.”
However, Mr Bidwell said there were a number of issues that needed to be addressed. “While the Budget was not the place to deliver on change to laws and regulations, we are concerned the government has continued to ignore our calls on this issue. We need to roll back the unwarranted changes in NCC 2022, and scrap project trust accounts. We remain committed to working with the State Government to find workable measures to address the housing crisis.”
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According to the latest statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s inflation rate currently stands at 3.6 per cent and is projected to reach 2.5 per cent by 2025. With rising costs and higher interest rates, coupled with slow wage growth and employment uncertainties, embarking on renovation projects requires smart financial planning.
A WORD FROM THE EXPERTS:
When planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation, it is crucial to define a clear scope of work and set a realistic budget. This helps in avoiding common pitfalls such as inaccurate estimates, unforeseen changes and project overruns, which can add up to 20 per cent to the overall cost generally, according to Mike Turner, the managing director at one of Australia’s leading renovation expert companies, Nouvelle.
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Thorough planning:
• Create a detailed renovation spreadsheet listing necessary and desired changes for each room.
• Engage with a reputable designer or architect to develop a wellthought-out plan.
• Decide whether to manage the project yourself or hire a comprehensive contractor.
Informed choices:
• Research contractors, check reviews and verify licenses.
• Investigate various materials and fixtures to find budget-friendly options without compromising quality.
• Learn from others’ experiences to avoid common mistakes.
Budget management:
• Prioritise spending on essential elements and be cautious about overextending.
• Include a contingency buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses.
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Practical tips for kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchen renovation:
• Consider top mount sinks, which are practical and protect stone benchtop edges.
• Opt for laminate doors and benchtops to save costs while maintaining a stylish look.
• Evaluate the necessity of open-plan designs and handleless drawers based on your needs and budget.
GENERAL TIPS
Custom-made items generally cost more than off-the-shelf alternatives.
Delay some finishing touches until after living in the renovated space to better understand your needs.
Factor in insurance costs and ensure all contractors have the necessary certificates and licenses.
Bathroom renovation:
• Use cost-effective tiles for walls and invest in higher-quality floor tiles.
• Avoid complex tile patterns that increase labour costs.
• Choose practical fixtures like back-to-wall toilets and off-the-shelf vanities to reduce expenses.
Renovating for Profit by Cherie Barber, Hardie Grant Publishing.
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• Easy to handle light weight 40cm x 60cm panels
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Cherie Barber is one of Australia’s leading renovation experts with more than two decades of profitable renovations under her belt. Her book, Renovating For Profit, reveals Cherie’s secrets to success and equips you with the knowledge to renovate and make a profit. It includes information on budgeting, time saving ideas, organisation and how to successfully use colour and space, as well as how to avoid common mistakes and make the most out of every renovation project. for
Boasting the bustling understory of a tropical paradise, the Jungle wall art is a lovely accent piece. Captured from the vantage point of the forest floor, rich and earthy tones depict the jungle’s towering canopy. It’s from Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre.
Unleash your inner artist and invest in a piece of art that you love.
Luina – The Blue Wren is the work of Palawa woman Domica Hill. This piece is created from acrylic and alcohol ink on canvas and is available through Stevens Street Gallery, Yandina.
This is art with a difference. This vibrant and fun tea towel features artist Kaylene Whiskeys’ acrylic on linen painting, Seven Sistas, 2018. A colourful functional addition to your kitchen, or as wall art to brighten any space, it’s from Coast Store, Cotton Tree.
The Ciscara ceramic plate from Coastal Drift Home features natural, unique edges and beautiful blue/
Create floralarrangements with
Create floral arrangements with this round flat vase, pictured here in midnight blue. Geometric and playful, its bright glaze finish makes it a great accent piece. Visit kasaustralia.com.au for local stockists.
omKasAustraliawilladdasophisticated fi
The Rarak cushion from Kas Australia will add a sophisticated finishing touch to cushion arrangements in any lounge or bedroom. Its steel blue cotton base features a two-toned twisted embroidery. For local stockists visit kasaustralia.com.au.
