Project Focus | A Family Kitchen with Class

Budget Makeovers Geelong worked closely with the homeowners of this kitchen to transform it into a functional and vibrant space. The previously dated and beige kitchen didn’t allow for a seamless workflow and could not keep up with the demands of the growing young family. We think they’ve absolutely nailed the design and created a functional space that will serve them for years to come.

Build: Budget Makeovers Geelong
Design: Owner + MRT Cabinets
Images: Patrick Redmond

Featured Products

Splashback: GT&B 100x100 Zellige Gesso Gloss
Sink: GT&B Uptown Granite 1 3/4 Bowl with Drainer
Sink Mixer: Eden Matte Black Mixer

Project originally featured in Complete Home

Top Tips to Create Your Dream Home

Are you about to start renovating or building your dream home? If you are, congrats! I’m so happy for you, but I also have some words of wisdom I’d like to share as you embark on this exciting journey. Considering the supply and logistics delays we’re currently facing globally, I think you’re going to want to hear this.

Close-Up-Planning-Session

If you are renovating or building make sure you plan ahead Image: Green Chameleon via Unsplash

Plan, plan, and plan some more

The number one thing you must do when planning your renovation or build is to do just that: PLAN! And well in advance. The planning stage includes everything from style, budget, and finding the best tradespeople to take your project from concept to completion.

Take the time to look into the fixtures and fittings you’d like to incorporate into your home. Understand the potential lead times and specifications of these items to ensure they will fit in with your timeline and spatial requirements respectively.

To put it simply, if you see something you love and you know it will work within your needs, place the order as soon as you can. Because unfortunately, the harsh reality is that suppliers everywhere are struggling to keep up with demand and the likelihood of a delay in manufacturing or supply is extremely high right now.

Surround by Laminex Wall Panelling Scallop

Surround by Laminex Scallop wall panelling in Dulux Natural White Image: Surround by Laminex

Budget and lock in prices

Since the pandemic struck, price rises have become more frequent than ever. Back in the day, we could expect one price rise per supplier per year. Now, it’s looking more like one every quarter.

So, to help you stick to your budget, it’s wise to lock in prices for your fixtures, fittings, furniture, décor (basically everything) at the point of receiving any quotes. It’s likely those prices are the lowest you’ll see for the lifecycle of your project, so you’ll want to get in before your quote is no longer valid.

Coastal Bathroom with Green Accents

Trust the process, and enjoy the building experience for what it is Build: Atla Constructions Design: Studio A2 Architect Image: Nic Stephens

Trust the process

Building can be a stressful and overwhelming process – we know this. Even with the best planning, and all the material, labour, and supply delays, it’s so important to trust your builder and suppliers during this time. We’re all feeling the pressure, but we’re professionals and we’re here to support you the whole way.

If your weatherboards or tiles are delayed, it’s okay. These kinds of things are inevitable now, so you’ve just got to be flexible, embrace it and enjoy the experience for what it is. Don’t let one small hiccup ruin the whole build for you. It’ll get finished, and you’ll forget it even happened. 

Words: Alana Perin
Published: GT Magazine 16 April 2022

Project Focus | Victoria Terrace by Furtulla Constructions

Build: Furtulla Constructions
Design: RLD Design
Images: Supreme Digital Media

Furtulla Constructions, along with architects RLD Design, have transformed a 1980’s Belmont home into a modern and sophisticated gem. The project saw an extension and complete internal revamp of the existing home to create a spacious, functional, and timeless space for the owners to enjoy for years to come.

Timber and black accents work together in harmony to create a sophisticated kitchen in this Belmont transformation Build: Furtulla Constructions Design: RLD Design Image: Supreme Digital Media

The interiors take on a masculine aesthetic, with accents of black and mixed metals featured throughout the home. Timber features predominantly on the floors and kitchen cabinetry to inject a sense of warmth against the bold, dark elements.

dark-moody-ensuite-with-gold-and-nero-marquina-marble

Luxe in all the right places Build: Furtulla Constructions Design: RLD Design Image: Supreme Digital Media

The homes’ sophistication is taken up a notch upon entering the ensuite. With honed Nero Marquina marble on the floors and walls of this glorious space, you can’t help but think you’ve stepped into a luxury 5 star hotel. Brushed brass tapware and fixtures from ABI Interiors complement the dark marble to add to the luxe factor in the space. It’s a big yes from us!

Sophisticated luxury continues in the combined laundry and bathroom Image: Supreme Digital Media

Marble and brushed brass tapware continue into the combined laundry and bathroom. Featuring both Nero Marquina and our 600x1200 Messina Grey porcelain marble-look tile, this space is refined and works harmoniously with the rest of the home.

terrazzo-balcony-tile

Our 600x600 Venetian Marble Rainbow external tiles take centre stage on the balcony Image: Supreme Digital Media

Moving outside, the balcony features our classic 600x600 Venetian Marble Rainbow external tiles. The terrazzo-look porcelain tiles take on the black and timber accents of the home to complete a cohesive inside-outside look.

Tile Selection Made Easy

Tile selection. For some, this task is the most fun and exciting step of the building process. But for others, the mere thought of choosing tiles is anxiety-inducing. If you fall into the second category, please don’t fret. We’re here to walk you through the absolute basics of tile selection to make sure your experience is seamless and stress-free.

Large tiles create the illusion of a bigger space

Large tiles create the illusion of a bigger space

Get the Size Right

One of the first elements to consider when selecting tiles is the size of your space and the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Most people seek to get the most out of their space by making it look bigger than it actually is. The best way to achieve this is by installing larger tiles. Tiles 600mm x 600mm and larger require less grout, creating a more seamless finish. This also means less grout to worry about cleaning – winning!

If you’re not really interested in creating the illusion of grandeur, then any tile combination will work in your space. Just remember, as long as the design is a reflection of your personality, you’ve created a winner.

Different colours evoke various emotions, so think about this when you’re designing your space

Different colours evoke various emotions, so think about this when you’re designing your space

Colour Your Mood                     

Just like the size of your tiles, the colour you choose can have an impact on the way people feel within the space. Lighter colours like whites, greys, and neutral beiges will add to the illusion of a larger space – if that’s what you’re looking to achieve.

Adding colour to accent walls, floors or splashbacks can impact the mood of a room. Different shades evoke various emotions, so it is important to think about the kind of atmosphere you wish to create.

Naturally, blue hues create calmness and tranquility – perfect for coastal-style homes. If you’re looking to radiate optimism and joy, yellow is your best friend. Power and sophistication are instantly achieved with black.

Matte vs Gloss

There is a common misconception that matte tiles are less desirable because they hold more grime than polished tiles. Let us set this record straight right now; matte tiles don’t hold any more dirt than their polished counterparts.

Generally, porcelain and ceramic tiles are glazed, and regardless of their final finish, this glaze acts as a sealant to prevent stains and ensuring easy maintenance. Matte tiles are also perfect for floors (especially in wet areas) and create a natural finish.

Gloss tiles are traditionally used on walls. Whether they’re large format or smaller subways or mosaics, gloss tiles will reflect the light to create the illusion of a larger space. Gloss tiles, however, can show water spots and streaks after cleaning more easily.

Matte and gloss tiles have a place in every space and it always comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic you want to achieve in your space.

Grout Selection 101

Selecting grout could quite possibly be the most important choice you make during this process. So, you want to make sure you get it right. Here are some things to consider: 

Matching grout

By selecting grout that is the same colour as your tile, you can achieve a much more seamless look. Matching grout also helps achieve a textural finish. Use this method if you don’t want to draw too much attention to the tiles. This works perfectly with plain tiles like penny rounds, square mosaics, or subways.

Contrasting grout

Contrasting your grout colour is a sure-fire way to create a statement with your tiles. This method will emphasise the shape and pattern they’re laid in; think black grout with white subway tiles in a herringbone pattern.

Complementing grout

Multi-coloured pattern tiles, terrazzo, or natural stone will work best with complementary coloured grout. Heck, any tile will benefit from a complementary colour.

Select tiles that reflect your personality and aesthetic Build: Doherty Building Group Styling: GT&B Image: Tim Turner

Select tiles that reflect your personality and aesthetic Build: Doherty Building Group Styling: GT&B Image: Tim Turner

Do You, Always

 At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to design the space that speaks to your aesthetic and personality. Now that you understand the basics of tile selection, you should feel more confident as you embark on your renovation or new build. Visit the Geelong Tiles & Bathware showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown to explore our extensive range of tiles for your next project.