SPRING EDITION 2014

BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

HOW ONE COUPLE HAVE CREATED THEIR PERFECT RETREAT

A TREETOP HOUSE

SPRING STYLE BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR HOME

WHAT’S COOKING? YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE PERFECT KITCHEN

FROM THE GROUND UP GARDEN DESIGN ESSENTIALS

HOLIDAY AT HOME 5 WAYS TO ENJOY A STAYCATION

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A R E P U TAT I O N B U I LT O N Q U A L I T Y

20 1 3 H I A- C S R N AT I O N A L D I S P L AY H O M E O F T H E Y E A R

For details of this multi award-winning home, as well as inspiration and ideas for your next project,

visit classicconstructions.com.au or call us on 02 6299 8467.

Head Office 1/66 Dacre St Mitchell ACT 2911

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CONTENTS2 A Treetop Home

5 Get the Look

6 Multi-living Rooms for Multi-generations

8 Holiday at Home

10 Plant the Seed for a Beautiful Garden

12 Cooking Up the Perfect Kitchen

16 Spring’s True Colours

HOME VISION SPRING 2014

P 6299 8467F 6299 8461homes@classicconstructions.com.au

classicconstructions.com.au

ACT License Number: 2012823

NSW License Number: 264470C

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WELCOME Apart from being the busiest period for selling homes in the real estate market, spring is also a time when people start to focus on the appearance of their homes – both indoors and out – and consider making significant changes.

With this in mind, we have featured articles on the areas that homeowners traditionally focus on – namely the kitchen and outdoors – with advice from two or our most trusted suppliers.

And even if you’re not planning on making any changes, we have some simple and affordable ways to give your home a refreshing update.

Enjoy!The Classic Constructions Team

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AFTER DISCOVERING THE PERFECT BLOCK OF LAND, PERCHED ON THE EDGE OF A TREE-FILLED NATURE RESERVE, HOMEOWNERS STEVE AND ALICE, APPROACHED CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS TO PRODUCE A HOME THAT WOULD FULLY MAXIMISE THEIR BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDS. HERE THEY TELL KATE EDWARDS ABOUT THEIR SEAMLESS JOURNEY.

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TREETOP HOME

Having stayed at some of the world’s most exclusive lodges on a recent trip to New Zealand, it struck owners, Steve and Alice, that their own home was in the same league.

“We really do enjoy the same feeling of calm and luxury that other people spend hundreds of dollars per night to experience,” smiles Steve. “I mean just take a look outside.”

He gestures to the lush green foliage that encircles the open plan kitchen,

dining and living room on the second storey of their elegant home.

A wrap around balcony, floor to ceiling windows and bi-fold doors that open onto an alfresco terrace, create a peaceful feeling of being amongst the trees, as the home blends seamlessly with the neighbouring bushland reserve.

Of course finding the right block of land was the first major coup for Steve and Alice who had been looking for a north facing aspect for some time. But the

2 HOME VISION BY CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

home design was something they’d had in the back of their minds well before the search began.

“Some friends of ours had built a home with Classics based on the Newington design and from the moment we went over to have a look, we knew we wanted something just like it – to get that fantastic solar aspect,” explains Dave.

But when it came to choosing a builder, what got Classics over the line was the fact that they really took time to

understand the couple’s needs – in particular, taking into consideration Alice’s Chinese background.

“Dave Richards (Project Manager) from Classics went to great lengths to make sure that we were all on the same page – even using pictures to describe what he meant,” explains Steve. “That gave both Alice and I the level of confidence to proceed.”

As a Project Manager himself, Steve was genuinely surprised by how smoothly and efficiently the building process went.

“Every time we asked for a change, Classics was extremely upfront and transparent about how that would impact our budget and timing,” says Steve. “So we never had any surprises and were always kept informed about how the build was proceeding.”

From getting advice from Classics before they bought the actual block to being able to make changes to the Newington design to suit their lifestyle, Steve and Alice also loved the collaborative working relationship that they developed with the team.

WE ENDED UP WITH A HOME THAT WELL EXCEEDED OUR

EXPECTATIONS

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“WE REALLY DO ENJOY THE SAME FEELING OF CALM AND LUXURY THAT OTHER PEOPLE SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS PER NIGHT TO EXPERIENCE.”

“We felt that they really respected and listened to what we wanted,” explains Steve. “But we also trusted their experience when they offered improvements or suggestions to our ideas. So it meant that we ended up with a home that well exceeded our expectations.”

Apart from a tranquil, light-filled haven, Steve cites the kitchen and segregated spaces as being the key loves of their home. As empty nesters with frequent visitors from around the world, being able to entertain with comfort and ease was top of their wishlist.

“In our old home, we used to hear our visitors move about the house all the time, offering very little privacy for either parties,” says Steve. “Whereas now we have dedicated guest quarters downstairs and a spare bedroom on the upper level that is completely at the other end of the house from our bedroom.”

Four separate living areas, each offering a unique aspect, add to the feeling of a five star lodge, allowing the couple to accommodate guests needs as well as their own.

“We’re able to incorporate elements into this home that we simply didn’t have the space for previously,” says Steve. “We’ve got a media room, an infra-red sauna, a cellar – simple luxuries that really enhance our lifestyle.”

A kitchen that could cater to the large number of people that the couple frequently entertain, whilst facilitating Alice’s Asian cuisine was another must-have.

“We’ve got some really heavy duty kitchen appliances including a steam oven that we just couldn’t live without,” says Steve. “With 20 plus people here last Christmas and more expected this year, it’s fantastic to have a kitchen that can cope with such large volumes.”

Now that the warmer weather is here, you’ll find Steve and Alice hosting impromptu gatherings on their alfresco terrace as friends and family are treated to tranquil views, a playlist of tunes piped through their outdoor music system and Alice’s inspired cooking. Maybe they should charge guests in accordance with the world-class lodges their home is akin to?

‘Maybe!” laughs Steve. “We could make a great living out of it if we did!”

STEAM OVENA steam oven uses pressurised steam, resulting in food that is more flavoursome, healthier and faster to cook. Best of all a steam oven is easy to clean! Simply wipe it out with a damp cloth once you’ve finished cooking. What’s not to love?

HAMMOCK What could be more luxurious than an outdoor afternoon snooze? A backyard hammock lets you rock at your leisure while catching up on your favourite magazines or some much-deserved shut-eye. No tropical beach required – just two sturdy trees or pillars.

INFRARED SAUNAOffered by some of the most exclusive health retreats and hailed by health experts such as Dr Oz, infrared sauna technology can help you release toxins, lose weight, relax, lower blood pressure, relieve unwanted pain, increase your circulation, and purify your skin.

GET THE LOOKTIMBER CLADDING Apart from its ability to create a striking natural feature on any exterior wall, timber cladding is also environmentally friendly and has strength, acoustic and thermal properties that only add to its stylish look.

OUTDOOR SPAOnce the exclusive preserve of the wealthy, today’s home spas are more reliable, lower priced and more popular than ever before.

Transform your home into your very own luxury resort and put the ‘treat’ into retreat with some of these luxury inclusions:

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Whether you have boomerang kids, ageing parents, a blended family or are simply at a stage in your life where family members need their own space, multiple living zones are becoming the norm for new homes.

Open plan living became hugely popular during the post-war housing boom. The idea of an open plan kitchen in particular meant that those who spent a lot of time there were able to carry on with their social and family life while they worked. Not to mention the other benefits of enjoying more natural light and the illusion of more space.

Whilst the open plan kitchen, dining and living room formula is here to stay, additional living zones are the perfect solution to some common household conflicts: from who wants to watch what on the TV, computer game noise restrictions, music tastes, friends visiting, exercise schedules or study needs.

MULTI-LIVING ROOMS FOR MULTI-GENERATIONS

These zones can take many forms including family, parent’s or teenager’s retreats, media rooms, home gyms, formal living rooms or completely separate sleeping quarters, allowing for household members to carry on with their activities undisturbed, yet under the same roof.

And it seems this trend is here to stay. A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that just under half the adults surveyed aged 18 to 28 have never left home because they couldn’t afford to. Combine this with the fact that our population is living longer and staying healthier and you have a situation where many families are returning to the boom years of the post-War period, when it was not uncommon to have several generations living in the same house.

“We’re definitely seeing the traditional family model becoming more fluid,” agrees Jason. “Whether it’s adult children returning home after Uni, elderly parents who need to be looked after or relatives visiting for extended periods of time. Our job is to cater for this model by creating homes that provide every household member with a fantastic quality of life, whilst living under the same roof.”

Over the past few years, there has been a surge in the design of homes that incorporate a number of

separate living zones. Jason Tanchevski tells Kate Edwards why this trend is growing.

“ALL OF OUR HOME DESIGNS INCORPORATE AT LEAST

TWO LIVING AREAS”–JASON TANCHEVSKI CLASSIC CONSTRUCTIONS

“All of our home designs incorporate at least two living areas,” agrees Jason. “By having a combination of living spaces, we can provide families the best of both worlds – they can enjoy the benefits of open-plan living, but also have areas that they can retreat to for separate activities.”

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HOLIDAY AT HOME IF YOU CAN’T GET AWAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN PREPARE YOUR HOME THIS SPRING, TO ENJOY A STAYCATION AT HOME.

INSTALL A WATER FEATUREYou don’t have to pitch a tent next to a babbling brook to unwind. With a huge range of affordable and easy-to-install water features on the market, you can easily and affordably inject some much-needed tranquillity into your garden.

EAT OUTDOORSIf you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen—or preferably, take the kitchen outdoors. If you don’t have the time or funds to professionally design and build an outdoor kitchen, simply create an outdoor eating space and ensure that your trusty BBQ is nearby – perfect for enjoying family time or gathering a crowd. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent.

GIVE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE A MAKEOVERSoaking up the sun is far more enjoyable if your outdoor furniture looks the part. All it takes is a coat of varnish, fresh mesh or vinyl straps, and a few stylish cushions in the latest spring shades to bring your furniture back to life.

HANDS ON DECKIt’s hard to get in the vacation spirit when your deck looks more like a dried out splinter trap than a welcoming hangout. Not to mention the unsightly mould and mildew that may have accumulated over the winter months. To prepare for the season and enjoy being outside again, make sure you thoroughly wash and bleach your deck first, then wait a few days and apply new stain and sealer.

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FIRE PITWind down your evening with a fireside chat—literally. A circular stone-walled pit dug into the ground lights up the yard, whether there’s a fire blazing or not. All you need to complete the picture is comfy seating, marshmallows for toasting and a good bottle of red.

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At Simplicity We Listen

PLANT THE SEED FOR A BEAUTIFUL GARDENWHEN BUILDING A NEW HOME, THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: SIZE, STYLE, DESIGN, ORIENTATION…BUT TOO OFTEN LANDSCAPING IS COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. FURELLA BAKER FROM EASYCARE LANDSCAPES TELLS KATE EDWARDS WHY IT’S CRUCIAL TO PLAN YOUR GARDEN FROM THE START OF A BUILD AND OUTLINES SOME OF THE HOTTEST TRENDS IN LANDSCAPING RIGHT NOW.

Picture this. You’ve been handed the keys to your new home and there it is waiting for you to open the front door. All you need to do is navigate your way through the mud and dirt to get there, and try not to stomp it through your pristine new home.

According to Furella Baker from Easycare Landscapes, this is an all too common scenario for new homeowners. “Clients are so focused on the house and the interior, that they have very little budget to complete the landscape,” she explains. “So they end up with a muddy backyard until they can afford to construct the garden.”

By developing a landscape design at the start of your build, you’ll not only be able to incorporate these costs into your budget – and possibly your bank loan – you’ll also save money, time and end up with a far better result. Furella explains.

“If your landscape design has any retaining walls or built structures that require a development approval, you can submit these to the council with your house plans – saving you at least six weeks of waiting time.”

“And once the building commences, builders will often need to do a cut to achieve a level base for the home. Why

not make that cut suit the landscape design as well, so that the bobcat is only engaged once?”

By coming up with a landscape design at the same time you decide on the design of your home, you’ll ensure that your home will work seamlessly with your outdoor spaces and vice versa. And that’s where the experts can help.

“A beautiful landscape also needs to be functional and too often people get caught up with the aesthetics without thinking about how they’ll actually use and maintain the space,” she explains. “A professional landscaper will be able to take your vision and make it work, so that you and your family can get maximum enjoyment from your garden for years to come.”

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IN THE SAME WAY THAT HOMES ARE BEING CREATED AS AN EXTENSION OF OUR PERSONALITIES AND LIFESTYLES, GARDENS ARE ALSO BECOMING SPACES FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND ENJOYMENT. HERE FURELLA TAKES US THROUGH SOME OF THE TRENDS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN GARDENS AROUND THE WORLD:

1. SMALL-SCALE GARDENINGWith block sizes shrinking, the principles of good garden design really come into their own. “In order to maximise every square inch of land, we keep the design simple and make everything work harder,” explains Furella. “For example using plants that bloom in spring and have stunning foliage in autumn and using cooler colours to make your garden appear larger.” It’s also a great opportunity to tap into the trend of vertical gardens. “They’re the ultimate small space gardening feature and are great for covering unsightly brickwork or concrete,” agrees Furella.

2. EDIBLE LANDSCAPESBecome self-sufficient and go organic by planting food that you can put on the table. “Be ambitious and don’t limit yourself to just herbs,” says Furella. “You can experiment with potted fruit trees and more substantial vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes and peas – for a garden that looks and tastes great.”

3. LAWN-FREEThere is a definite move away from water-hungry, high maintenance lawns to alternative forms of hardscaping. “People don’t want to spend their weekends mowing the lawn,” Furella points out. “And there are so many other creative ways to fill the space.” Think decking, gravel, pavers, rocks and synthetic grass as alternatives for your outdoor areas.

4. NATURAL PLAY AREASThe temporary swing sets, trampolines and plastic kiddie pools that once defined the “kid’s zone” section of the yard are being transformed into something far more beautiful and long-lasting. Influenced by research showing the benefits of children spending unstructured playtime outside, parents are creating exploratory spaces for their children. “We’ve built a little bridge over stones and brought in big boulders to garden spaces, where children spend hours playing,” agrees Furella.

5. ARTFUL GARDENINGLandscaping is an art form, based on composition, textures, colour, focal points, and other classic components. And a chance for people to really showcase their creative side. “It’s amazing how a single sculptural piece can elevate a garden,” says Furella. “Whether it’s a metal art sculpture or a brightly painted boundary wall, you can really transform your garden into something extraordinary.”

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WHERE ONCE KITCHENS WERE DESIGNED SOLELY FOR COOKING, NOW THEY NEED TO ACCOMMODATE FOR THE FACT THAT WE DO MOST OF OUR LIVING THERE TOO. KATE EDWARDS TALKS TO DAVE JACKSON FROM SIMPLICITY KITCHENS ABOUT HOW TO PLAN AND DESIGN A KITCHEN THAT WILL SERVE UP FORM AND FUNCTION FOR YEARS TO COME.

THE ONE-WALL KITCHENPROS: Perfect for small homes, the one-wall kitchen keeps all appliances, cooking tools and ingredients within easy reach. It can even be hidden behind sliding or pocket doors to minimise visual clutter.

How many times have you ended up with guests congregating in the kitchen as opposed to the dining or living room? When you think about it, a kitchen is not just where we make our meals, it’s where we start and end our day, do our homework, open our mail, discuss our lives and create some of our most cherished memories.

Your kitchen also represents a significant portion of your entire home spend. So no matter how much you’ve budgeted for, if it’s not planned right from the beginning, your money will be wasted.

“A kitchen might have beautifully-made cabinets, technologically advanced appliances and high-end finishes,”

agrees Dave Jackson from Simplicity Kitchens, “But if the layout doesn’t work efficiently, then the rest doesn’t matter.”

Whilst the work triangle is often touted as the ultimate design consideration, Dave believes that it isn’t the solution to every spatial problem. “How a kitchen should function is an extremely personal matter,” he explains. “And a floor plan needs to be customised to reflect the individuals using it, as well as the physical limitations of the space.”

Here Dave runs us through the pros and cons of the four main layouts for kitchens:

CONS: Because the sink, range and refrigerator take up a fair amount of counter space, finding enough work room for food prep can be a challenge. And having two cooks using the space can be tricky.

HAPPY MEDIUM: Many people choose compact appliances and use the dining table or a movable island for additional work space.

COOKING UP THE PERFECT KITCHEN

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GALLEY KITCHENPROS: Based on the same design principle used in most restaurants, the galley kitchen is the most efficient of layouts when it comes to the original and primary use of the kitchen: cooking. Having the cooktop and sink located on the same wall also keeps the messiest part of the kitchen close to the cleanup area.

CONS: It doesn’t offer room for a dining area, and it limits interaction with family and guests, making the cook feel confined to the kitchen.

HAPPY MEDIUM: A galley kitchen that is open on both sides, helps to bring in more light and create a feeling of connection to the rest of the home.

U-SHAPE KITCHENPROS: It’s a great design for one primary cook, keeps onlookers out of the main work area while remaining open to other rooms, and provides maximum bench and storage space.

CONS: It doesn’t offer room for a kitchen table and chairs and, if not designed properly, can leave you cramped for space.

HAPPY MEDIUM: Use one side as a breakfast bar so that people can eat, do homework or pay the bills. Space allowing, you can also add an island bench to increase functionality and interactivity.

L-SHAPED KITCHENPROS: Great for multiple cooks and for people who like to mingle with guests while cooking.

CONS: Depending on the length of the room, the kitchen workflow can be longer and more challenging.

HAPPY MEDIUM: For maximum flexibility in cooking, entertaining and hanging out, an L-shaped kitchen with an island is the way to go and creates three distinct zones with enough space between them to avoid collisions and catastrophes.

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STORAGE = PRIME REAL ESTATEAccording to Dave, the number one mistake people make when thinking about kitchen storage is to assume that one size fits all. “I tell my clients that the fastest way to lose up to 20% of your kitchen space is to go with industry standard measurements,” he asserts. “Flat-pack draws and cupboards only allow for 600ml depth. By having your cabinetry custom made, you’ll maximise every square inch of space in your kitchen.”

Cabinetry is particularly great for making use of dead or tricky spaces and making existing spaces work harder. “We can incorporate study nooks with sockets for charging phones and laptops, add integrated coat pegs under the lip of a counter, create wine storage or install bookshelves,” says Dave. “The kitchen is more and more becoming a living room and we’re creating zones for clients never traditionally found in kitchens.”

Dave is also a huge fan of drawers. “Looking down into a well-lit space is much more efficient than rummaging in a deep, dark cupboard,” says Dave. “We can also custom make heavy duty drawers that allow you to place and lift heavy items safely and conveniently.”

TRENDS VS TRIED & TRUEWhilst Radiant Orchid might be the Pantone colour of the year and the hottest look of the moment, chances are that in five years time, those lurid purple hues are going to look garish and dated. The same applies to some of the latest design trends in materials, flooring styles and lighting fixtures. Even if you’re sure that purple will be your favourite colour forever, your circumstances may change and when you move, the new owners may not share your passion.

“If clients are really attached to a particular colour or trend, I advise them to incorporate it in smaller elements that can be easily replaced and updated – such as the splashback or lighting fixtures,” says Dave. “But in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with classic earthy tones. They work perfectly in the hot and cold extremes of the Canberra climate and will complement any décor for years to come.”

As for surface materials, Dave is adamant. “Composite or engineered stone is my choice every time,” he says. “It’s available in a huge range of colours and textures, is easy to install, extremely hard working and durable and outlasts the changing fads of fashion.”

BRING IN THE EXPERTSOne of the best things you can do for yourself and your kitchen is to secure the help of experts who have had lots of experience with kitchen design. But don’t just take their word for it, check their previous work and ask for references. Dave also suggests that the process works so much better when it’s a collaborative approach.

“Good communication is the cornerstone of a great kitchen,” says Dave. “We need to get a solid understanding of what our clients want and how they’ll actually use the kitchen before we do anything,” says Dave. “After all, when all the dust has settled, they’re the ones who’ll be living with the results day after day.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT simplicitykitchens.com.au

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YOU ONLY HAVE TO LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE CATWALKS AROUND THE WORLD TO TAKE A CUE FOR WHAT’S HOT IN INTERIOR DESIGN. HERE KATE EDWARDS TAKES A LOOK AT THE COLOUR TRENDS THIS SEASON THAT WILL KEEP YOUR HOME LOOKING EFFORTLESSLY UP TO DATE.

1. PRETTY PASTELS Once associated with femininity and children, pastel colours are emerging this season to make a powerful design statement.

Drawing inspiration from the fashion world, decor and accessories in pastel shades are making an elegant and understated style statement combining audacious patterns with pleasing colours. Pillows, bedding, quilt covers, stylish furnishings and eye-catching tableware in shades ranging from elegant rose to fresh aqua are an easy way to grab some pastel power!

2. OMBRE AMBIENCE Derived from the French word ‘ombrer’ – to shade – the current definition for ombre means using colours that graduate from light to dark. This trend has been making plenty of waves in the fashion world and is about to surge to a whole new level in the realm of interior décor. Luxurious light to dark shades creates a dramatic effect and whether used as a focal point in a room or as key accents throughout your home, will create an effortless chic to your home. Try applying these mesmerising hues to furniture, textiles, walls and key pieces throughout your home such as rugs, vases and cushions.

3. COLOUR BLOCKING You might have a few colour blocking pieces in your wardrobe, so how about bringing this trend out of your closet and into the rest of your home?

Colour blocking is all about using contrasting blocks of solid colour rather than stripes, textures or patterns. Hyper-saturated mixes lie at the heart of this trend, but subtler versions – such as monochromatic combinations – are also possible, making the possibilities endless.

While it’s okay to pair three intense colours, the safest formula that guarantees harmony and good balance is “one bright, one bold, one neutral”. This way you will maximise the impact of each colour and avoid blinding your guests. The combination should attract attention, but remain easy on the eye.

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SPRING’S TRUE COLOURS

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