Australians love to entertain at home and we do it all year round, both indoors and out. In winter, the weather may force us inside on occasion, but in summer our parties spill out into our backyards and gardens. And that’s why it’s important not only to provide our guests with a good time, but with adequate sun protection as well.

Awnings

Modern awnings can extend your outdoor entertainment areas by as much as four metres. They are designed to absorb heat and reduce the sun’s penetration, as well as stand up to the harshest wind conditions. They are rated according to the Beaufort scale, which measures resistance to wind speed. The higher the rating, the more resistant the material is to wind damage.

Folding-arm awnings can be motorised and even remotely controlled, with special sun and wind sensors that allow you to position them so they offer exactly the right amount of shade and protection for your guests. Made from long-lasting, UV-resistant materials in a huge range of colours and fabrics, today’s outdoor awnings are the perfect way to party under the sun.

Pergolas

A pergola can be a good solution when you have a group of guests sitting outdoors. Pergolas can be either freestanding or attached to the house and make an attractive focus for a garden or lawn area. Like awnings, modern pergolas are also constructed from weather and wind-resistant materials and come in a range of styles and colours.

If you’re having a band at your party, a pergola is often the ideal place for them to set up and play; much like the bandstands found in public parks many years ago. Make sure you warn your neighbours though, or you may have some uninvited guests at your party.

External screens

Not everyone at the party will be outside, so it’s important to provide shade for those guests who are indoors as well. Any rooms with large areas of glass will become hot and stuffy in a very short time, unless adequately shaded from the outside. Modern external screens absorb heat and provide protection by controlling the amount of direct sunlight that enters a room. And because they are made from low-impact fabrics, they don’t interfere with the view.

Other options

If you don’t do a lot of entertaining and are required to host a large gathering of people, such as a wedding party, you may decide to hire your sun protection for the day. Party hire suppliers offer a wide range of marquees, which can be set up on your lawn to provide catering and shelter for your guests. Parasols may be a better option if people are sitting about in small groups and these can be hired, along with tables and chairs, for relatively little expense.

Whether you party a little or a lot will ultimately determine your choice of sun protection, but remember that even with such effective devices as those described here, you should still wear a hat and sunscreen when out in the harsh Aussie sun.

Protecting Your Party from the Sun is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

The two main styles of interior design are the traditional style, incorporating all that is ornate, comfortable and classic, and the modern style, where form and function are combined for a more clean and uncluttered look. This article describes the main characteristics of each style and those of a third style, ‘transitional’, that combines the best of both worlds.

Traditional

Traditional rooms are designed with comfort rather than style in mind. They reflect consistency, order and attention to detail and have a restful, homey, unfussy feel to them. Furniture is often reproduction and everything is placed in pairs and goes together. Edges are soft and curved and fabric colours and patterns are often muted and understated, with florals featuring heavily.

A traditionally decorated home usually has a separate formal dining room, with a long wooden dining table and chairs arranged neatly along its length and with a matching sideboard for china, glass and silverware. Ceilings are often white with ornate mouldings and walls feature a flat finish or wallpaper. Window treatments are often heavy drapes with underpinnings of pinch-pleated sheers.

Accessories can include pairs of lamps, plants, urns, mirrors, large ornate rugs and shelves lined with books. As its name suggests, a traditional interior features everything that is calm, comfortable and classic.

Modern

Modern interior design is everything traditional design is not. It grew out of the Bauhaus design movement in Germany in 1919 and is based on the philosophy that form should combine with function. Hence, modern furniture pieces are often made from industrial materials such as glass and metal and may be modular in their design, often featuring innovative storage options.

Modern interior design is also influenced by Japanese design, which views space not as emptiness, but as an integral part of the design. Modern furniture features clean, straight lines, contrasted by plain walls, usually in one main accent colour, to produce a cool and uncluttered effect. Modern blinds are usually slimline and elegant, controlling the light without interrupting the view.

Transitional

With traditional and modern design being such opposites, it was inevitable that people would look for some middle ground, where the best elements of each could be enjoyed. That middle ground is the transitional style of interior design. It is a marriage of traditional and modern furniture, finishes and materials that produce an overall look of elegant yet comfortable simplicity.

It features simple lines and neutral colours and uses light to create a feeling of warmth. Furniture lines can be straight with the occasional curve and are neither masculine nor feminine, but comfortably neutral. Colours are subtle and include ivory, beige and tan and warm woods and feature-lighting help to contribute to this warm, inviting feel. Accessories can include both traditional and modern pieces. Window treatments are often either modest drapes fixed on plain wooden rods, or clean-line Roman blinds.

In short, a transitional look is neither overly ornate nor severely basic, but somewhere in between; a blend of comfort and practicality that is much more suited to normal modern living.

Modern vs. Traditional Interior Design is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

An outdoor kitchen is more than just a barbie and an Esky. Today’s outdoor kitchen comes complete with gas, electricity and running water. Creating your own outdoor kitchen is a big undertaking though and needs careful planning and consideration of a number of factors.

Location

Your outdoor kitchen needs to be within easy reach of the house, because you will find yourself running in and out for different things. Unless you make your outdoor kitchen fully self-sufficient, with its own crockery, utensils, cookware, etc., being near the house is essential.

Purpose

Before you begin designing your outdoor kitchen, you need to determine what purpose it is going to serve. Will it be basically a barbecue area, or do you plan to entertain large groups of friends? If the latter is the case, you need to think about kitchen/dining options and make sure you have sufficient room for both in your design.

Menu

The kinds of meals you like to cook will also determine the style of your outdoor kitchen. If homemade pizza is your specialty, you may want to include a pizza oven. If salads and stir-fries are your favourites, then plenty of bench space will be needed for preparation.

Appliances

The type and quantities of meals you plan to cook will also dictate the kinds of appliances to include. A refrigerator is a must, unless you plan to keep running inside every five minutes, and so is a set of cook tops and an oven. You may want to go all out and include everything your current kitchen contains, such as a dishwasher, microwave and freezer. This will depend on your budget of course and it needs to be remembered that a lot of extra appliances will add to your energy bill as well.

Installation

Appliances such as stoves require special wiring and indeed, any wiring needed in your outdoor kitchen must be done by a qualified electrician. Your appliances also need to be installed in such a way as to be fully protected from the weather, so your outdoor kitchen may need to be viewed as an extension to your house, which would require professional construction and appropriate council approval.

Furniture

If you plan to cook for large groups, then seating is obviously an important consideration. If you don’t plan to make your outdoor kitchen too large, then a long dining table with bench-style seating would be a good space-saving option. If the furniture is to be left out permanently, then it must be durable and weatherproof as well.

Protection

Eating outdoors can be very enjoyable, but the weather can never be relied upon, so covering your kitchen/dining area with retractable awnings allows you to take advantage of both sun and shade and also keep the rain and wind at bay. Awnings these days have strong, durable metal frames and their fabrics are tested and rated according to the Beaufort scale to ensure durability.

An outdoor kitchen is a great way to make the most of your backyard. If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, then it’s the perfect combination of practical comfort and al fresco freedom.

How to Create a Modern Outdoor Kitchen is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

A modern backyard is one that is characterised by clean lines and open spaces. It may contain a lawned area, or it may be paved or pebbled. There are no rules, other than it needs to be uncluttered and easy on the eye.

Gardens

A modern backyard will often feature a garden of some description. Modern tastes lean toward native gardens, which are low maintenance and water-wise. It could also be a vegetable garden, or a kitchen garden full of aromatic herbs.

Decks

A modern backyard often has a deck for entertaining. The modern style is a square or rectangular deck, set low to the ground, so that it becomes an extension of the lawn or paved area. It will often have no steps or railings.

Shading

If it is a warm-climate backyard, it will have retractable awnings that extend out over the deck to provide shade from the sun. Modern outdoor awnings are bright and breezy, without being gaudy.

Cooking

Again, if it is a warm-climate backyard, it will feature an outdoor cooking area, often a barbecue, and possibly also a bar. Natural materials such as stone or slate lend themselves best to such areas.

Entertaining

A modern backyard is a place for relaxed entertaining and may feature a swimming pool or spa for this purpose. Modern regulations have strict requirements regarding fencing and gates, so glass and low-profile steel would be the materials of choice, so as not to spoil the aesthetics.

Playing

A modern family backyard would feature an area set aside for children. Again, modern regulations stipulate play equipment must be structurally sound and the surrounding areas cushioned to prevent injuries, so a modern play centre may be more suitable than a homemade tyre swing under a tree.

Paths

Paths lead the eye (and the feet) from one area of the backyard to another. Modern paths are often square stone pavers set flush with the ground, perhaps following the line of a garden bed and with solar-powered garden lights placed evenly along their length.

Features

If the backyard is small, it is best to have just one main feature. It could be a pond or fountain, with the soothing sounds of running water, or a rock garden with cacti and a single tasteful piece of sculpture. More than one feature tends to make a small area feel cluttered and over-crowded.

Surrounds

Fencing provides the backdrop to your yard and a modern backyard would ideally be framed by simple stone walls or Colorbond fencing in a neutral shade. If your backyard is surrounded by ugly wire or picket fences, you can soften the view and provide more privacy by planting shrubs around the borders or growing climbing plants along your fence line.

A backyard is a very personal space and no one can tell you how you should or shouldn’t utilise that space. Whether it’s a playground for the kids, a hub for entertaining, or a quiet oasis to recharge your batteries, how you decorate your backyard will depend on your own particular tastes.

The golden rule for a modern backyard though, is that less is more. Keep it simple and it will continue to reward you every time you step outside your back door.

Creating a More Modern Backyard Setting is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

Your home’s green rating is a measurement system based on its water usage, waste management, indoor environment and, most importantly, its energy efficiency. The average household in Australia produces more than 18 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year and a lot of this is from heating in winter and cooling in summer. Energy conservation measures can dramatically reduce these greenhouse emissions, and having the correct blinds and awnings can play a big part in this.

About windows

Windows are a major source of heat gain and loss, adding to our cooling bills in summer and our heating bills in winter. Installing the correct window coverings can have a dramatic effect on your household energy consumption. It can lower the average electricity bill by as much as $60 a year and reduce carbon emissions by up to 200 kg a year.

About blinds and awnings

External shading from awnings is the most effective way to reduce heat gain through windows in summer, while internal window coverings play a big part in keeping warm air from escaping in winter. Both kinds of window coverings have their own part to play in your home’s energy conservation strategy and you should choose the kind you purchase carefully, with an eye for quality and durability as well as price.

Summer cooling

In summer, external awnings can reduce heat gain by as much as 80%, compared to just 20% with internal window coverings. Awnings should be fitted on all north, east and west facing windows and should extend out at least twice as far as the height of the window, in order to block low-angled morning and afternoon sun.

Awnings can be fixed or retractable and the best kind are those you can adjust to suit the conditions at any particular time of day. They can be made from a variety of fabrics and the toughest are those that rate well on the Beaufort wind scale.

In conjunction with close-fitting blinds on the inside, awnings can have a significant influence on home cooling costs by reducing the need for air conditioning on all but the most stifling of days.

Winter heating

During the colder months, your window coverings need to keep the heat in, and this is where internal window coverings are so important. Lined curtains or close-fitting Holland or Roman blinds work best. They should be made from a tightly-woven fabric, such as a cotton-polyester blend, and should have a box pelmet to prevent heat loss at the top. Open them during the day to catch the winter sun and close tightly at night to keep the warm air in and you should notice a distinct difference in your heating bill.

In Australia, a home’s green rating is something of a theoretical concept at present, but with environmental awareness on the increase, energy efficiency is becoming a selling point for many buyers. Having energy conservation measures in place, such as efficient window coverings, is a wise move not only from a cost-saving perspective, but also as a way of improving the value of your home in the future.

How Blinds and Awnings Help Your Home’s Green Rating is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

When you talk about the merits of wood vs. steel in construction, there are two opposing camps, both claiming superior benefits. But while both materials have their pros and cons, the one that’s right for your backyard ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Decking

Timber is the obvious choice for a deck. It is relatively cheap to buy, easy to work with and has a great look and feel to it, particularly when the grain is highlighted with a stain. Timber is also a more sustainable resource, with a much lower environmental impact in its production than steel. If you want to get technical, you could add that, for every cubic metre of wood used in place of steel, more than one tonne of CO2 emissions is avoided.

On the other hand, wood is highly flammable, requires regular maintenance and deteriorates much faster than steel, so there are trade-offs on both sides.

Pergola

This is a more divisive area. Both timber and steel-framed pergolas can be attractive additions to a backyard. Steel is extremely strong and weather-resistant (provided its galvanised coating remains intact) and is relatively fire and termite-proof.

Choosing a steel-framed pergola also makes good sense if you live in a storm-prone location, as it will stand up to strong winds much better than a timber frame. A wooden pergola, on the other hand, can be much more flexible in style and has a tendency to blend more easily into any landscape.

Awnings

While awnings are generally made from fabric, their frames are usually made from high-grade aluminium and rust-proof steel, for obvious reasons. They are also rated according to the Beaufort wind scale in terms of how well they will stand up to strong winds, and steel certainly has the advantage in this respect.

Fixed timber-framed awnings are more often found on older style homes and tend not to be as strong, weather-resistant or durable as modern retractable awnings.

Garden shed

Here again, opinion is divided. Garden sheds are available in timber, steel and, more recently, vinyl, and each has its merits and drawbacks. Steel sheds usually come in kit form and can be erected by a homeowner relatively easily. They have the disadvantage of being very hot in summer and cold in winter.

Wood is a much better insulator than steel and makes for a cosier shed in all weathers. A wooden shed requires regular painting, however, and can be subject to rotting, warping and attack by termites.

Vinyl sheds will not rot, their paint will never flake and they are available in various cladding styles, some that even mimic the look of wood. The downside to vinyl is the possible health concerns associated with PVC and its negative environmental impact.

At the end of the day, whether you choose to build with wood or steel in your backyard will come down to whether you are after a modern or rustic look and whether aesthetics take precedence over practicalities.

Wood or Steel for Your Backyard? is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

Uncontrolled sunshine through windows will not only fade your carpets and furnishings and make for uncomfortable living conditions, but will also have a huge impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Unprotected windows account for roughly 50% of the unwanted heat absorbed by an average house in summer, so with that in mind, here are some practical ways to protect your windows from heat gain and the sun’s harmful UV rays.

External shading

External shading is a far more effective cooling method than internal window coverings, reducing heat gain by as much as 80%, compared to just 20% with curtains or blinds. External shading can be either fixed, in the form of verandas, eaves and pergolas, or adjustable, such as awnings and shutters.

While fixed shading is suitable for north facing windows, adjustable shade provides much more flexibility, with the advantage of being able to extend or reduce the amount of shade required according to comfort levels, the angle of the sun and the time of year. External shades and awnings come in a wide range of fabrics and colours and can be rolled back during the winter months to protect them from the elements.

One thing to remember with external shading is that, to effectively block low-angled morning and afternoon sun, it should extend out to at least twice the height of the window being shaded.

Internal shading

In combination with external shading, curtains and blinds can significantly reduce heat gain through your windows. On their own, however, they are less effective. For maximum protection, choose drapes, Holland blinds or Roman blinds rather than Venetians, as they provide a better seal around the window and, if properly fitted with a box pelmet above, will trap a layer of still air between them and the window, which will reduce heat flow through the glass.

Modern internal blinds come in a range of elegant options that can reduce heat and glare without restricting your views, and they can be manually operated or fully motorised.

Windows

Another way to prevent heat gain is to treat the glass of the window itself, and there are several ways this can be done:

• Tinting — this is where a tint is applied to the glass during manufacture to reduce heat gain, without greatly reducing visibility. The darker the tint, the greater the heat protection.
• Reflective films — these can be applied to new or existing windows and can reduce heat gain while also providing additional privacy due to their reflective outside surface.
• Glazing — new glazing technologies include photochromic glazing (glass darkens when exposed to sunlight) and thermochromic glazing (glass becomes less light-penetrable as temperature rises). These technologies are largely used in commercial applications at present, but will find their way into domestic use as they become more affordable.
• Low-E glass (low-emissivity glass) — this is glass with a special coating applied to it that reduces the transfer of heat energy by filtering the sun’s short-wave radiation.
• Windows are necessary to see out and to allow light and air to enter our homes, and by using one or more of these methods, you can enjoy the benefits of your windows without the penalties of the harsh summer sun.

How to Protect Your Windows from the Sun’s Heat is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

Renovating or extending your home is not as easy as picking up a sledgehammer and getting stuck in. There are several hoops you’ll have to jump through before you can even bang in that first nail.

Who needs approval

Because it’s your home that’s being renovated, whether you are doing it yourself or having a builder do it for you, you are responsible for getting any permits that are required.

If you are using a builder, he can take care of this on your behalf, as long as the contract you both sign clearly specifies whose responsibility it is.

What needs approval

If you are planning to change the shape or structure of your home, you are going to need approval first. This includes adding rooms, moving or removing internal walls and adding windows or doors.

Carports and outdoor shade solutions such as patio roofs and pergolas may also require approval if they are attached to the existing structure. Garden sheds, fencing, outdoor awnings and other minor additions don’t generally require approval, but if in doubt, find out from your local council first.

Approval is required in line with the Building Code of Australia for such things as:

1. Structural soundness
2. Health and safety
3. Local planning regulations
4. Environmental requirements
5. Heritage requirements
6. Electrical and plumbing work
7. Demolition
8. Cutting down trees.

Regulations vary from state to state and council to council, but as a general rule, if you are planning a major extension or renovation of an existing structure, you will have to draw up detailed plans, which will need to be approved by a local authority or building certifier. A site survey may also be required.

Where to get approval

Your first port of call should be your local council. Check their website or pop in for a chat. They don’t bite and they’re generally more than willing to help you get it right first time. Before you go to all the trouble of submitting an application, talk to a council planner first.

Other approvals

As well as the normal permits, there are other approvals that may be required. If your home is heritage listed for example, you may require approval before you can renovate or add to it. You will also need to talk to your home insurance company to make sure you have adequate coverage both during and after the renovation.

Once you have approval

Once you have all the necessary paperwork and the project gets underway, you will receive inspection visits from the relevant authority to make sure the work being done complies with the plans and specifications. Any electrical or plumbing work will also need to be inspected to ensure it conforms to Australian standards.

If you don’t get approval

The consequences for undertaking renovations without a permit don’t bear thinking about.

In the best-case scenario, the council will issue a ‘Stop Work’ notice until you obtain a permit. In the worst case, they will issue you with an on-the-spot fine, take you to court, make you have the work redone, or even make you remove it from the property altogether.

Getting the Right Building Checks Before Renovations is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

Australians make more use of their backyards than most people. We enjoy a relatively moderate climate for much of the year and many of us like nothing better than to entertain or simply chill out in our private outdoor spaces.

We can experience hot summers though, while winter rain and cold can put a dampener on outdoor entertaining. With that in mind, here are some ways to protect your outdoor areas from the elements and make them accessible for 12 months of the year.

Retractable awnings

Having a retractable awning means you can enjoy the winter sun on your patio and then, when summer rolls around, increase the shade as the heat becomes more intense. Motorised awnings allow you to set just the right amount of shade and, because they’re fully retractable, you can store them safely away to avoid wear and tear in inclement winter weather. Available in a wide range of fabrics and colours, retractable awnings are a simple and cost-effective way to make the most of your outside area during summer.

Pergolas

A pergola can be attached to the roof of a house or freestanding and is the perfect garden accessory. Ideal for providing shade over swimming pools, outdoor dining areas or barbecue areas, pergolas are made from a variety of materials, including fabric and aluminium, and can be customised to suit any backyard situation. They can be permanent or portable and are an Australian favourite for backyard weddings, barbecues, pool parties and general entertaining.

Screens

Outdoor screens can provide protection from both sun and wind, as well as making an outdoor area much more private, particularly if overlooked by neighbours. Screens can be added to existing pergolas and verandas and come in modern fabrics and colours to blend perfectly with your home’s look and feel.

Other ideas

If you’re renting a property and can’t make structural changes to it, or you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there are more portable ways to protect your outdoor areas. Parasols are a relatively cheap means of brightening up a backyard patio, while providing shade as well as protection from rain. They come in a range of sizes and colours and are easily erected and moved to where they are most needed.

Outdoor heating is a great way to make an outdoor area accessible in winter. Types of outdoor heaters include Mexican fireplaces (wood burning), braziers (fuelled with briquettes) and patio heaters (gas fired).

Outdoor cooling can also help you stay cool outdoors in summer. Types of outdoor cooling include misting systems, which produce a fine spray that cools the air through evaporation; outdoor fans, which create a wind chill factor; and portable air conditioners, which work best on enclosed porches or decks.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your outdoor areas in all four seasons of the year, and with a few dollars and a little ingenuity, you can make your backyard warm in winter, cool in summer and downright perfect in spring and autumn.

Making Your Outdoor Area Accessible All Year Long is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips

If you are outgrowing your current home but aren’t yet ready to move, creating more space can help solve the problem. This can be achieved in three main ways.

Altering existing space

Many homes have a lot of small rooms that are impractical as anything other than bedrooms because of their size. If you don’t need three bedrooms and want a larger master bedroom or open plan area, consider removing a couple of internal walls to create larger rooms. The dividing wall between a kitchen and dining room could also be removed to create a large, open-plan kitchen and eating area.

Remember, of course, to check with a builder or your local council before knocking down walls that could be load bearing, as this would seriously weaken the structure of your house.

By the same token, if you need an extra bedroom, adding an internal wall to divide a large bedroom into two smaller ones is also an option.

Another way to make better use of existing space is to change the use of a room. What may have always been a bedroom may be more useful as a study, or a rarely used sunroom could become a great second loungeroom. A small bedroom next to the master bedroom could also be converted into an ensuite or walk-in wardrobe.

If you have a basement, attic or unused garage, these can all be converted into games rooms, dens and gyms with little effort or expense.

Adding new space

Another way to create more space is to add an entirely new space. This could be in the form of an extension to your existing house, adding a second storey, or the addition of a sunroom or enclosed veranda. Installing double glazing and exterior awnings can compensate for any temperature fluctuations that might be associated with converting outside areas.

In older homes, there is often unused space beneath high-sloping roofs that could be turned into a loft bedroom or study. If the available area doesn’t have enough head room, it could still provide valuable storage space that would free up other areas of your home.

Another option is a granny flat in your yard. This can be ideal for a teenager, elderly parent or even as an office for a home business, where you can escape the distractions of the main house but still be within easy reach.

Making more space

If your budget doesn’t allow for renovations or additions, a more economical way to create new space is to make the most of the space you have.

Removing clutter immediately creates a feeling of space. There are a range of great modular storage options available that can get unwanted items out of sight and free up more space in every room of your house.

Choosing simple furniture with clean lines, painting walls in light colours and swapping heavy drapes for Roman blinds or Venetians are all effective ways to make a room look lighter and more spacious.

There are, in fact, numerous ways to create more space in your home and you’ll find that, once you start looking, you’ll be amazed at just how many you discover yourself.

Guide to Creating Space in Your Home is a post from: Blinds, Awnings & Light Management Tips