These projects, featuring the Thredbo random stone cladding, demonstrated the transformative power of stone in elevating the aesthetics and market value of a home.

The Origins of Stone Cladding

Stone cladding has deep roots, reminiscent of traditional building practices that emphasised both form and function. Initially used for protection and insulation, stone cladding evolved to become a statement of architectural elegance, providing an appealing blend of durability and beauty. Today its application aligns with O’Shea & Sons Builders’ commitment to integrate more biophilic principles into the homes they design and construct.

Thredbo Random Stone Cladding

The Thredbo random stone cladding offered by Stone and Tile Studio is a versatile, natural stone product known for its organic look and distinctive texture. Its unique arrangement creates a striking visual impact that evokes natural rock formations, making it perfect for feature walls, fireplaces, and exteriors.

Benefits:

• Authenticity and Aesthetic Appeal: Thredbo random stone cladding adds an unmatched natural charm to any space, enhancing both modern and traditional designs with its earthy tones and varied shapes.
• Durability: This cladding is highly durable, providing long-term resilience against weather and wear, perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.
• Market Value: Using Thredbo stone cladding elevates the overall market value of a property. It becomes an eye-catching feature that appeals to prospective buyers and adds to the property’s perceived luxury.

Considerations:

• Installation: Professional installation is recommended to ensure that the natural stones are securely placed for a seamless and enduring finish.
• Weight and Structural Support: Stone cladding is heavier than synthetic alternatives, so it’s essential to consider whether the existing structure can support it or if reinforcement is needed.
• Maintenance: While stone cladding is low maintenance, occasional cleaning and a premium coat of sealer can help preserve its natural luster and protect it from environmental damage.

The Impact of Stone Cladding in Home Design

Stone and Tile Studio’s Thredbo random stone cladding can transform a space by adding texture, depth, and warmth. The organic look of the cladding pairs beautifully with modern architecture or rustic themes, making it a versatile choice for any design. Whether used as an exterior façade or an interior accent wall, it creates a statement piece that enhances the space.

Selecting the right stone cladding, like Thredbo random stone, requires thoughtful planning and consideration, but the result is a home that stands out with timeless elegance and increased market value. When the design team from O’Shea & Sons Builders talk about biophilic they are referring to the practice of connecting people and nature within their build environment. If we think about design as creatively solving the puzzle of look, feel and function, then biophilic design turns to nature for solutions. It is intuitive and fundamental to good design at every step, not an aesthetic trend or afterthought – it’s a way of thinking and working.

For more inspiration and to choose stone cladding that elevates your home’s style and worth, visit Stone and Tile Studio today.

For more information

O’Shea & Sons Builders

The post Elevating Home Design: The Luxury of Stone Cladding in Life Ready Homes appeared first on Completehome.

The Good Design Tick, a symbol synonymous with design excellence, has been awarded annually as part of the prestigious Australian Good Design Awards program since 1958. It recognizes the efforts of those who strive to create better products, experiences, and a brighter future in Australia and globally.

On Friday, September 8th, Stormtech was announced as one of this year’s winners during a ceremony attended by over 1000 esteemed guests from the industry. As a passionate family-owned business that has risen to prominence in the field of high-quality drainage, Stormtech is now a favoured choice among architects and designers. Their latest product, the Wave Grate, exemplifies why the brand is an industry leader.

Designed by Stormtech’s Troy Creighton and Peter Tucker, the innovative Wave Grate was awarded the prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Product Design category. The jury’s statement praised the product, stating, “The Wave Grate is a stylish and functional product that has clearly embraced a new approach to manufacturing and design. Achieving a patented design is highly commendable and a clear reflection of its innovation. Well done on a beautiful and seamlessly integrated design!”

Manufactured in Australia using locally sourced and treated aluminium, the Wave Grate cleverly conceals drainage channels for seamless integration. The product combines exceptional functionality with a simple and unassuming design, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence. Stormtech Managing Director, Troy Creighton, emphasized the importance of simplicity, quality, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics in the product’s development, resulting in well-deserved recognition in the Product Design category.

Dr Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia and Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards stated, “To be recognized with an Australian Good Design Award tells the world this project not only represents design excellence but also surpasses the criteria for design innovation and design impact.”

The 2023 Awards marked 65 years of Good Design since the founding of the Industrial Design Council of Australia (IDCA), the organization behind the awards. This year’s award-winning projects showcased design as a powerful tool for problem-solving, celebrating the impact of design on the world.

Stormtech stood among other winners across 11 Design Disciplines, covering over 35 Categories and Subcategories, embodying the essence of good design and the ethos of the Australian Good Design Awards. They exemplify the transformative power of design in finding innovative, customer-centric solutions to local and global challenges.

For more information

Stormtech

The post Stormtech’s Wave Grate has earned acclaim at the Australian Good Design Awards. appeared first on Completehome.

We often like to talk about clever storage, waste bins that hide inside a cabinet and other products that can add functionality to your home. We pride ourselves by adding functionality without compromising on design. This goes far beyond what goes inside your cabinets!

Furniture Handles can make or break a room. They can add a modern touch to your home or support an antique design throughout. Furniture Handles are an individual choice and shouldn’t be approached with a “one size fits it all” attitude. Design varies from long and robust handles to ornate designs. Finishes vary from bright colours to traditional steel and silver handles.

At Häfele, we’re excited to offer you an ever extending handle range with new global collections launching every second year and new local additions regularly. The latest global collection by Häfele is the H19 range featuring designs aligned with latest trends in the industry: Textile, Nouveau Art Deco and Cube Design.

Our H1910 furniture handle, that features the Textile Theme, has impressed on an international scale – being awarded with the Red Dot Design Award.

Handles and knobs no longer just serve functionality, but need to also meet the high demands when it comes to different finishes and designs. We see an increased popularity for black handles in vintage style but also a consistent demand for the classics in brushed nickel and polished chrome plated. The handles feel good and are comfortable to hold, there are no unpleasant corners or edges to impair the tactile experience and are made of zinc alloy, aluminium and leather. The handles are suitable for any type of opening. With them, you can also easily open heavy doors, like those on refrigerators, dishwashers or pull outs for kitchen pantry units.

Furniture Handles are often overlooked. If you’re renovating on a budget, changing the handles on your cabinets can be the easiest (and cheapest) way to change the look of your kitchen, laundry, bathroom or complete home. So don’t wait until the last minute to decide on your handles. Head to Häfele Home now and add your favourite handle to your design theme from the start of your plans. We’re always happy to assist you, if you have any questions or simply need help deciding!

For more information

Häfele Home

The post Decorative Hardware that will change the look of your home appeared first on Completehome.

Rather than being an isolated product, tiling from a practical perspective makes up only one portion of drainage and waterproofing, complementary to substrates, waterproofing membranes, sanitary ware, tap ware and the drainage itself.

A failure to address all of these components as a system can lead to the leakage of water into floor spaces or wall cavities, causing incredible amounts of damage before any physical evidence of such reveals itself. Aside from their aesthetics, the primary purpose of tiling is to direct water to a drain to prevent pooling, which can subsequently lead to both leakage and becoming a slip hazard.

Foresight is necessary if tiles are to perform as required, with proposed layouts ensuring those involved understand how any tiling decision will subsequently impact drain selection and the grading required over the site. Of course, other elements within the same system also impact how tiling is approached. For instance, a decision between linear and traditional circular drains can have a drastic impact on time and difficulty of a tiling job. While traditional drains require multi-directional grading to ensure adequate water egression, linear drains are designed to need only a single gradient fall.

Aside from their aesthetics, the primary purpose of tiling is to direct water to a drain to prevent pooling, which can subsequently lead to both leakage and becoming a slip hazard.

Potential problems associated with tiling jobs

Inadequate planning can lead to a number of possible mistakes associated with tiling jobs. The majority of tiling problems can be linked back to installation issues. Without suitable planning
and preparation, tiles or grout can crack, and tiles themselves can shift in position. The tiling around a central floor waste can also prove to be an eyesore, particularly around circular drains. Ultimately, these issues can not only prove to be ugly to look at, but also potentially compromising for the integrity of a system’s waterproofing.

Without an intact waterproofing system, structural timbers can rot and the added moisture can warp any other timber elements present, while the presence of stagnant water also promotes the growth of mould and mildew. Given that the worst of the damage is typically hidden until it has passed the point of no return, investing in high quality products and construction from the outset is imperative to prevent any surprises.

Tiles must also be chosen with slip resistance in mind. Slip resistance standards for pedestrian areas are outlined by AS/NZS 4586, and specify the friction level that any surface material needs to comply with for adequate slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions. Conditions are often inexpensively tested with a ‘wet pendulum slip test’, although there are three other tests also available to measure the slip resistance level of a floor material. However, while materials may pass the minimum recommended slip resistance, which takes into account “some degree of wear and contamination in service”, the Standard acknowledges that abnormally high traffic may create wear that is beyond the scope of the Standard. Choosing higher quality compliant products is the best way to ensure a system’s longevity and prevent accidents.

Long-lasting Waterproofing

There is little room for error when it comes to waterproofing. However, the potential for mistakes can be minimised with proper planning and suitable material specification. Tiling must work in tandem with a number of other elements, such as membranes, substrates and drainage. Stormtech’s linear drains are designed to make any tiling job easier and reduce the risk of system failure further down the track.

Given that surface area of a drain is less important than the peripheral length available to capture water, tiling is simpler with linear drains, requiring only a single direction of grading rather than multiple. Furthermore, linear drains reduce any unattractive tile cuts around a central circular waste.

Stormtech’s “GRATE GRIP” Slip Resistance Dimple Finish holds the highest possible wet pendulum test rating, and the second highest oil-wet inclining platform test rating. Combined with new slip resistant flooring materials and a suitable gradient to prevent water from pooling, the chance of any slip-related incidents occurring can be minimised.

For more information

Stormtech

The post Tips to avoid a tiling disaster appeared first on Completehome.

But what really sets this gorgeous kitchen design apart is its focal point – a timber breakfast bar connected to pale island bench in 12mm QuantumSix+ Super White porcelain, the perfect benchtop for the industrial aesthetic of the space. Its solid look not only captures the eye, but vividly complements the style of the space and draws down on the rich black seating arrangement. The splashback and back bench in Costa Concreto are perfect for creating the tying in the modern industrial look, with its rich grey tones.

Not only does the aesthetic of the Super White island tie together the overall appearance of the kitchen, it serves to effectively blend form and function with its extreme durability and low maintenance. Quantum Six+ porcelain not only has a classic profile, it’s also extremely durable while being thinner, lighter and easier to work with than natural stone. The range features all the beauty of natural marble in a stunning array of colour combinations and finishes, allowing homeowners to mix and match to suit their individual style. They are available in three distinct and inspiring styles; marble, stone and industrial.

All WK Marble & Granite’s QuantumSix+ surfaces are Italian-made and created sustainably. Plus, with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty, you are guaranteed peace of mind when it comes to the renowned durability that porcelain provides.

Want to see how you can make the look work for you? Check out WK’s Visualiser app in your browser now!

The post Set in stone: a porcelain finish for a stunning kitchen design appeared first on Completehome.

Drainage is a core component of any wet area, and Studio RD has a wide range to suit any project. With over 15 years of experience within the Australian bathroom & plumbing industries, Director Tom Barnhurst has the knowledge and experience to produce the best bathroom product, as well as drainage systems and solutions for balconies, pools, driveways, and anywhere else in the home.

Studio RD have partnered with an independent stainless steel factory based in metropolitan Melbourne who not only provide a wide range of stainless steel products including channel grates & point drains but also guarantee that the products are 100% manufactured in Australia and use the best 316 grade stainless steel.

Although choosing the right drainage system is always essential, it can sometimes be difficult to get an aesthetically-pleasing look that compliments your dream bathroom design, or that of any other wet area. That’s why Studio RD’s products are available in stainless steel and matt black, as well as a range of other finishes to suit any space.

Tom Barnhurst, the Director of Studio RD and R.D Agencies has a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 15 years within the Australian bathroom & plumbing industry. Our mission at Studio RD is to constantly strive to ensure we deliver top quality products and leading customer service.

For more information

Studio RD

The post Custom drainage: explore the possibilities appeared first on Completehome.

The surface material you choose for your benchtops and vanities can make or break a room. As anything and everything will be placed on the surface, it must be able to withstand a high amount of usage. Longevity of the material, easy maintenance and factors such as being chip and scratch resistant are all vital considerations. Kitchen benchtops face the wear and tear of cookie-laden baking trays, spilled wines and as a resting spot for children when on the go.

Bathroom vanities need to be particularly heavy duty. They need to meet the challenge of a humid environment combined with enduring the variety of creams and liquids that are often spilled on them. Knowing which surface can have a straightening iron placed directly on it, or is easy to clean, is crucial. Especially if maintaining a bathroom that is high functioning and aesthetically pleasing if central to your agenda. From neutral tones and eye-catching marbling to rugged industrial textures, there is a surface for every home design.

1. Concrete:

Image credit: Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone

Benefits

Besides having an appealing industrial aesthetic that can give any space a raw edge, concrete is an extremely durable surface. It is strong enough to support skyscrapers, and it certainly has the strength to support any household’s kitchen or bathroom demands. When sealed, the surface is heat, stain, scratch and chip resistant. So, no need to fear any wine spills or toothpaste remnants! Concrete is easy to clean, simply wipe down with warm, soapy water to wash away any spillages or crumbs.

Drawbacks

It is extremely important to ensure your concrete surface is sealed from first installation. Concrete is a highly porous material and without proper sealing, strong heat, stains and bacterial growth can cause unwanted problems. Despite being more affordable than many other surface types, there are some upkeep costs that can arise from the recommended resealing of the concrete every one to three years. We advise hiring an experienced installer to place the joins, as they will require fillers to keep their sleek appearance.

Pair With

Soften concrete’s raw industrial edge with natural marble-inspired designs and beautiful timber finishes. Neutral palettes can soften any harshness that may arise from concrete’s eye-catching appearance and can provide a smooth finish to this rugged material. Alternatively, embrace industrial vibes, using dusky greens and weathered wood as the backdrop of your kitchen or bathroom. Hanging pendant lamps or aluminium light bulb cages, as well as copper accessories (think tapware!), are the perfect finishing touches to your urban-styled room.

We Recommend

Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone is an engineered stone that delivers the authentic look of a hand-poured concrete benchtop with a robust, industrial-inspired design. Each Caesarstone slab is unique; the colour variations arising from a mixture of white haze surface patina and the new “rough” matt surface finish.

This engineered stone is exceptionally functional with many of the same sturdy qualities as concrete and it is resistant to stains, scratches and chips. The rough, low-reflective, matt surface finish is more susceptible to showing everyday marks and spills, but this just means a little bit of extra care when cleaning may be required. Caesarstone’s Rugged Concrete is heat resistant but not heat proof. It is recommended to place hot pans or baking trays onto a chopping board to best preserve the material and avoid scorch marks.

2. Natural Stone:

Image credit: Sensa Orinoco benchtop by Cosentino

Benefits

Natural stone such as granite is one of the hardest materials on the market and is extremely heat resistant, perfect placing the family roast or a hot hair dryer onto. Natural stone is also unique in appearance — no two slabs will look the same, as the veins that run through the rock are created from nature in action. It offers a dramatic beauty that can tie a bathroom or kitchen together.

Drawbacks

Because of the valuable properties of authentic natural stone, the price often reflects the quality of the product and uniqueness in composition. Due to the porous nature of the stone, marble benchtops are prone to being scratched or stained. They might be difficult to repair. Natural stone should be resealed periodically to keep the stone looking as polished and protected as possible.

Pair With

Natural stone goes well with almost everything. Showcase a sleek, modern kitchen with marbled countertops, a more uniform base cabinet and a shiny coffee maker. Alternatively, for a more rustic and European-style kitchen, choose wooden accents for window frames and pantry doors, or add some contrast with timber flooring.

We recommend

Sensa by Cosentino® is a range of granite surfaces that provides exclusive stain-resistant protection, combating the stone’s major weakness of high porosity. These surfaces repel liquids such as water and oil, perfect for both kitchens and bathrooms, and are a maintenance-free and durable material. The stunning collection of granite is unique and versatile, suitable for either classic or traditional designs.

3. Solid surfaces:

Image credit: Designed by Shaynna Blaze, Corian Charging benchtop by CASF

Benefits

Cost effective and low maintenance, solid surfaces have many advantages. Ideal for a bathroom or kitchen, solid surfaces are durable, water resistant and easy to clean. The surface itself is warm to the touch, and perfect for the chillier winter months. Solid surfaces can also be joined seamlessly, so are great for long island benches or curves where no ugly joins can be seen.

Drawbacks

There aren’t too many disadvantages of solid surfaces, as the material is composed largely of natural minerals and a high-performance acrylic binder. Aesthetically, solid surfaces can look homogenous or unnatural, as they are normally uniform in appearance. However, this can be a plus for a homeowner who doesn’t want the unpredictability of natural stone. Like many finishes, darker colours tend to show more everyday wear and tear, especially in high-use areas such as the kitchen.

Pair With

Anything you’d like! For every room, there is a solid surface colour or style to match. There are numerous finish options such as matt, satin or gloss. For a more natural look, we advocate a neutral benchtop that mimics a stone’s natural veining, complemented with modern accessories.

We recommend

CASF’s Corian® Wireless Charging Surface uses the latest technology in benchtop surfaces. It offers unique and highly practical functioning of charging your phone while it is placed over the pre-installed charging station.

A simple solution to decluttering your power board and benchtops and fuelled by state-of-the-art technology, this wireless charging option is more affordable than expected, coming in at $180 plus GST for the transmitter unit. Newer phone models have the wireless charging function built in, while older models have the option of a charging ring: you can buy this separately to enable the same wireless function.

4. Timber:

Image credit: Designed by Kim Duffin for Sublime Architectural Interiors. Spotted gum veneer benchtop.

Benefits

Timber is a classic material that suits both country- and modern-style kitchens. Wooden benchtops or vanities are warmer to the touch — something that many stone surfaces are not able to achieve. They are also warm to look at. Their earthy, natural tones perfect for turning a kitchen into a welcoming family area. There are many environmental benefits of timber. You can also buy recycled or salvaged wood at a fraction of the cost. Plus, for the DIY-savvy homeowner, at the end of a countertop’s life, you can re-purpose the timber for shelves or window frames.

Drawbacks

Timber is a soft material and, consequently, scratches and spills can cause more damage. However, with the right care and maintenance, it can last a long time. Imperfections that arise from frequent use can be easily sanded away and resealed to leave the surface looking fresh and clean. Timber does require a bit more upkeep as, depending on the sealant, you may need to reapply the finish two or three times a year to add longevity to the life of the surface.

Pair With

Wooden accents and soft pastels create an inviting space where the family can gather. Black or white tiled floors in the bathroom look particularly sleek. Due to a combination of such tiles with a timber vanity,  a modern space with homely charm can be achieved.

We recommend

Jarrah timber is glossy and chic, suiting a range of kitchens and bathrooms. Its dark wooden tones pair well with a lighter colour scheme, drawing the eye to the benchtop or vanity. This Australian tree can be sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers that are carbon friendly, so that when a tree is cut down, the carbon that is normally released will be captured.

Want more advice like this? Visit our kitchen or bathroom advice pages for more useful information

Written by Cassie Haywood

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Volume 25 Issue 1

The post Beyond the surface: how to choose the perfect countertop for your home appeared first on Completehome.

Increasingly, bathrooms are becoming havens of solitude, a place where one can unwind, relax and take time just for oneself. Australia’s leading manufacturer of designer drainage, Stormtech creates efficient drainage solutions by delivering levelled drainage for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Drainage is an essential element to any bathroom or wet area, however more often than not, design and aesthetic considerations go unanswered.

Stormtech’s innovative drainage systems allow for level-entry into showers, with the narrow profile system ideal for modern bathroom designs. Seamlessly integrating a balance of touch and technology, Stormtech linear drainage solutions offer a sophisticated and elegant design statement. Offering flexibility and tailored solutions, the linear drainage systems are a modular system that ensures complete design freedom and personalisation.

With no compromise on quality, Stormtech manufactures their products in marine grade stainless steel, while also offering cost efficient installation possibilities across any project. The option for custom design means that whatever your taste, the linear system from Stormtech will provide both function and elegance to any bathroom.

To complement the current trend in home design that uses metallic or bronze tones in kitchen and bathroom hardware, Stormtech offers now its different grate designs in 3 metallic colours – Sunlit Brass, Blazing Copper and Rustic Bronze – to offer more creative options to designers, specifiers and consumers. These coloured finishes will add an elegant touch to any design.

For more information

Stormtech

The post Designer Drainage for streamlined bathroom design appeared first on Completehome.

Rough. Refined. Rugged Concrete is an authentic, robust, industrial-inspired design. Accentuated by dramatic gradients of grey textural patterns, white haze patina and a rough matt surface finish, each slab is distinctly and individually unique.

Symbolic of urban environments and the converted loft aesthetic, Rugged Concrete blends well with neutral palettes that soften its raw industrial edge.

For more information

Caesarstone

The post Rugged concrete: a robust, industrial-inspired surface appeared first on Completehome.

The COLOURpyne® range of melamine laminated board has for many years been well suited to and widely used for doors, panels and shelves in any interior joinery application, where a practical and durable decorative surface has been the desired outcome. In keeping with ever changing trends, the COLOURpyne range has been enhanced by the addition of 4 new solid colours and 3 woodgrain designs. These new solid colour and woodgrain designs broaden the scope and opportunity even further for an individually unique joinery colour selection that will add attractive feature to any new home or renovation.

Melamine Colour Range and Finishes

Elegant, practical and versatile COLOURpyne® is a tough, scratch resistant and hygienic surface which can be used on cupboards, shelves, pantries and cabinets, storage units, bathroom cabinetry, wardrobes, general shelving, and much more. Melamine technology ensures high quality, durable panels available in a variety of colours and surface finishes. The complete range is matched with a tough and durable ABS edging.

Colours

The COLOURpyne® range features a palette of contemporary and classic prints from solid and special colours to authentic woodgrains, including leading edge colours and designs featured in the Naturale range.

Surface Finishes

Changing the look of your COLOURpyne® Melamine can be as simple as changing the surface finish*.

Gloss: a smooth, shiny finish.
Décor: A lightly textured orange peel like surface.
Naturale: An embossed natural woodgrain like surface.
Velvet: A delicate eggshell surface.

*Not all colours are available in all finishes.

For more information

COLOURpyne® by Carter Holt Harvey

The post COLOURpyne® enhances range with new colours and authentic woodgrain designs appeared first on Completehome.