BUNNINGS September 2019

September 2019 

YOUR 

FREE 

MAGAZINE! 

Spring 

The 

issue 

+CREATE THE PERFECT BACKYARD 

+BE INSPIRED BY MODERN SCANDI STYLE 

+EASY WAYS TO REFRESH EVERY ROOM 

BEFORE & AFTER 

A FAMILY 

BATHROOM 

WITH FLAIR 

CLEVER IDEAS: 

DESIGN A 

HARDWORKING 

LAUNDRY 

OUTDOOR EXPERT 

+SPRUCE UP YOUR LAWN 

+BUYER’S GUIDE TO BBQ SMOKERS 

DREAM IT 

Go for gold 

PLAN IT 

City garden makeover 

UPDATE IT 

Pick a pressure washer 

MAKE IT 

Kids’ toy box

PROTECT YOUR HOME AGAINST THE 

FORCES OF NATURE. 

LIFETIME GUARANTEE. * 

TAUBMANS ALL WEATHER ® EXTERIOR 

*For full conditions around our LIFETIME GUARANTEE visit taubmans.com.au

RET1603

Spring cleaning 

done & dusted 

Three times quicker than traditional 

cleaning methods, the new ONE+ 

Window Vac is the easier choice for 

streak-free glass, tiles and ceramics. 

RYOBI 18V 

WINDOW VAC KIT 

F/L 0124024 

$149 

KIT INCLUDES: 

1 x WINDOW VAC 

1 x SPRAY BOTTLE 

1 x MICROFIBRE CLEANING PAD 

1 x 1.3AH ONE+ BATTERY 

1 x CHARGER 

Glass cleaner concentrate also included 

RYOBI 18V 

BRUSHLESS STICK 

VACUUM KIT 

F/L 0076255 

$349 

KIT INCLUDES: 

1 x STICK VACUUM 

1 x 4.0AH ONE+ BATTERY 

1 x CHARGER 

Representations of products shown in this advertisement are for illustrative purposes only, and actual product may differ. FSA/TECH1014 

ryobi.com.au 

Ryobi AU 

ryobiau

Photography Sue Stubbs 

A word from 

our editor 

There’s something deeply 

satisfying about a good spring 

clean – putting things in order, 

decluttering surfaces, clearing 

out cupboards and going all 

Marie Kondo on your drawers. 

Who doesn’t love the extra 

light that permeates your home 

through just-cleaned windows, 

or the sunshine-filled fragrance 

of line-dried, freshly laundered 

sheets? Trouble is, dealing with 

the aftermath of winter’s effect 

on your home can feel like a 

really big job – but if you follow 

our room-by-room spring 

cleaning tips on page 40, it 

might make the task easier. 

This is just the right time 

to start getting outdoors into 

shape too, so we’re having a 

look at pressure washers (page 

44) and sharing the tips and 

tools you’ll need to tackle the 

lawn, from page 47. We’re also 

taking a tour of a wonderful 

urban courtyard that can 

go from functional off-street 

parking zone to relaxed 

outdoor entertaining space in 

the twinkling of an eye, thanks 

to a host of inspiring ideas. 

Check it out on page 30. 

Enjoy the issue! 

Jane Parbury 

Editor 

Hidden gems 

Tool up! 

Treat yourself to 

a set of hand tools 

to celebrate the 

new season in the 

garden. This timber 

and steel duo has 

form and function. 

Storage solution 

Chic storage is 

a must in our 

space-challenged 

homes, and you 

can’t go wrong 

with a stylish 

basket – or three! 

Soft touch 

Velvet is on trend, 

and no wonder – 

it’s super tactile and 

takes colour so well. 

Tap into the power 

of pink with these 

pretty eyelet curtains. 

5 

Welcome 

Cyclone stainless 

steel fork hand 

tool, $9.98, I/N: 

3360486, and 

garden trowel, 

$9.98, I/N: 3360998 

All Set jute 

storage basket 

in Grey and 

Black, $30, 

I/N: 0108419 

Claremont 1200mm 

x 2230mm velvet 

room darkening 

eyelet curtain in 

Blush, $29.90, 

I/N: 0104436. Also 

available in Navy 

and Silver 

Editor Jane Parbury 

Associate editor Shelley Tustin 

Art director Bridie Mahoney 

Chief subeditors Catherine Sanders 

and Frances Pearson 

Creative services manager 

Katharine McKinnon 

Market editor Matilda Roberts 

Content co-ordinator Amanda Ghalaini 

Contributors Carol Baldas, Lorna Gow, 

Victoria Kingsbury and Judie Siu 

THE MAGAZINE TEAM 

National advertising manager 

Daniel Hennessey (03) 9292 2521 

Victoria advertising manager 

Kristina Frohlich (03) 9292 2273 

NSW account manager 

Aleksandar Jovanoski (02) 8114 8955 

National sales coordinator 

Claire Wischusen (03) 9292 2297 

General enquiries 

bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au 

(03) 8831 9777 

Managing director Gerard Reynolds Executive general manager 

Sally Wright Chief operating officer Fiorella di Santo Chief content officer 

Margaret Merten Digital strategy director Karla Courtney 

Social strategy director Scott Drummond Finance manager Leslie To 

Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct. However, before 

you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at 

hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional 

installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson 

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Upper Ground Suite 58, 

26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, 

16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. © 2019. All rights reserved. 

Peekaboo 

Screen the garden in 

style with a laser-cut 

metal panel. They 

come in various 

colours and patterns, 

like this one in 

striking silver. 

Pretty unique 

As these 100 per 

cent waterproof 

bowls are made from 

poured resin, they 

all have a slightly 

different pattern. In 

white, green and grey. 

Protector ‘ACP 

profile 12’ 

aluminium 1200mm 

x 2400mm 

unframed 

decorative panel 

in Silver Matte, 

$249, I/N: 0025160 

Tuscan Path 

‘Florence’ 24cm 

x 9cm bowl in 

White, $26.50, 

I/N: 0089345 

For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of 

Bunnings Magazine Team, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. Products featured in the magazine 

are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. 

Pricing is to be used as a guide only. This publication is not for sale. 

Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from 

sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. 

bunningsau | 

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

30 

36 

21 

62 

12 

Contents 

September 2019 

10 

DREAM IT 

10 GOLD AS BRASS 

Add accents of modern metallics 

to glam up your decor 

12 NEW-LOOK NORDIC 

Enjoy natural light and clean lines 

with Scandi-inspired interiors 

21 FAMILY SIZE 

A stylish and practical bathroom 

reno crams in all the must-haves 

PLAN IT 

24 RAISE THE ROOF 

If you want to build an outdoor 

structure, read this first 

27 SMART SPACE 

How to give your garden 

a high-tech upgrade 

30 SMALL PACKAGES 

This urban courtyard punches 

well above its weight, thanks 

to a host of good ideas 

34 GREAT OUTDOORS 

Helpful advice for planning and 

furnishing an alfresco living area 

UPDATE IT 

36 TICKLED PINK 

Subtle and pretty, there’s a shade 

of pink to suit every space 

40 DREAM CLEAN 

You won’t miss a spot with our 

spring cleaning cheat sheet 

44 UNDER PRESSURE 

Outdoor cleaning jobs are made 

easier with a power washer 

FIX IT 

47 LAWN ORDER 

These top tools will help give your 

winter turf some much-needed TLC 

51 DRY SPELL 

Maximise your laundry’s space 

54 SMOKE SIGNALS 

Bring extra flavours and aromas 

to your barbecue with a smoker 

34 

MAKE IT 

56 PANEL DISCUSSION 

Cheat your way to a panelled 

feature wall with timber strips 

59 SUPER SLIDERS 

Barn doors are practical, charming 

and an achievable DIY job 

62 PLAY ZONE 

Build a cosy nook to get 

the children reading 

64 CABINET RESHUFFLE 

Turn simple kitchen units into 

a gorgeous Scandi-style cabinet 

REGULARS 

05 A WORD FROM OUR EDITOR 

Which products inspired the editor? 

09 CALENDAR 

What’s on, and what to do, 

in September 

66 TOMATO SOURCE 

Follow our guide for a bountiful 

harvest of these juicy fruits

THE 

“Perfect fit with 

our fire pit” 

DECK 

There is no deck that handles the heat quite like HardieDeck decking. That’s because it’s made 

from premium fbre cement so it’s perfect for bushfre zones, backyard barbies and fre pits. Plus it 

won’t rot, warp or splinter. If you want to make sure your deck makes the grade, rethink timber and 

lesser decking options and ask for HardieDeck by James Hardie. 

Discover more at hardiedeck.com.au 

Copyright ©2019 James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd ABN 12 084 635 558. and © 

denotes a trademark or registered mark owned by James Hardie Technology Ltd.

Cyclone ‘Kids Patch’ short 

handle garden trowel, 

$3.40, I/N: 3360654 

Fiskars take apart 

garden scissors, $17, 

I/N: 3360801 

9 

Calendar 

eGift card, 

from $10 

Hortex ‘Grubs’ 

children’s garden 

gloves, $4.40, 

I/N: 3350166 

Discover what you should be doing in your 

garden with The Garden Diaries from Bunnings, 

which go live on the first of each month. You’ll 

find great tips and advice, and ideas on what to 

plant for your state. Visit bunnings.com.au/ 

diy-advice/garden/garden-diary. 

SEPTEMBER 

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Father’s Day 

Pop online for the perfect 

last-minute Father’s Day gift. 

Take advantage of the warmer spring months and 

blitz your home before the Aussie heat kicks in. 

Check out our room-by-room suggestions on page 40. 

Vax steam classic 

steam cleaner, 

$95, I/N: 0043934 

Mr Fothergill’s ‘Sugar 

Baby’ watermelon 

seeds, $4.75, 

I/N: 2960617 

National Organic Week 

September 9-15 

Now’s the time to try your hand 

at sowing your own homegrown 

produce. Plant some watermelon 

seeds for the perfect summery 

snack, ready for the hotter 

months ahead. 

Photography Getty Images 

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 

Mimosa ‘Honolulu’ timber 

R U OK? Day 

Tumbleweed ‘Gedye’ 

bar chair, $69, I/N: 0101533 

150L compost bin, 

Check in with your friends at a 

$45, I/N: 3160036 

group cooking session around 

your kitchen counter. Grab a 

15 16 17 18 

couple of these stylish stools to 

19 keep your guests comfy 20during 

21 

the dinnertime discussion. 

Clean Up the World Weekend 

Cleaning up the planet starts with 

simple steps you can take at home, 

like throwing your kitchen scraps 

22 and garden cuttings 23 into 

a compost bin. 

24 25 26 27 28 

29 30 

Queen’s Birthday (WA) 

Calling all Western 

Australians! Take advantage 

of the long weekend and 

give your patio a revamp 

with some plants and pots 

or, for a really dramatic 

transformation, we’re loving 

these porcelain pavers. 

40cm x 40cm x 2cm 

porcelain paver in 

Sabbia, $7.90, 

I/N: 3452415 

Assorted flower seedlings 

Dianthus 

Connect with us 

Head in store for our annual Spring Event 

to learn tips and advice and discover 

a huge range of gardening, landscape, 

garden decor and cleaning products to 

kick off the new season. Check with 

your local store for details. 

Marguerite 

daisies 

Northcote Pottery 

35cm ‘Primo Mod Egg’ 

glazed pot in Cream, 

$38.10, I/N: 2830108 

40cm double rim 

pot in Terracotta, 

$17, I/N: 0098218 

Share your DIY creations with us or get inspiration for your next project. Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag 

instagram.com/bunnings youtube.com/bunningswarehouse pinterest.com.au/bunningsau 

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

bunningsau | 


10 

Dream it 

Shop the trend 

2 

4 

3 

1 

5 

6 

Gold 

as brass 

Add the allure of modern 

metallics to functional 

and decorative items and 

lift your decor to a new 

level of glam 

8 

7 

9 

10 

12 

11 

13 14 

15 

16 

1 Pinnacle cupboard lock in Brass Plated, $6.38, I/N: 4011029. 2 Kinetic 40mm basin waste plug in Gold Plated, $20.60, I/N: 4920170. 3 Home Design ‘Farfalla’ 

pendant light in Gold, $44, I/N: 0012898. 4 Brilliant ‘Dainty’ pendant light in Gold, $99, I/N: 0014334. 5 Accord ‘Wicker’ 10cm x 30cm floor vent in Antique Brass, 

$22, I/N: 0810907. 6 Protector ‘ACP Profile 29’ 1200mm x 2400mm aluminium decorative panel in Gold Mirror, $299, I/N: 0034686. 7 Flexispray ‘Oro’ 100mm WELS 

3 star 9L/min hand shower in Gold, $89, I/N: 5002710. 8 Sandleford 150mm ‘3’ numeral in Brass, $16.17, I/N: 3290670. 9 Sandleford 50mm ‘2’ numeral in Brass, $5.36, 

I/N: 3290979. 10 Elho ‘Brussels’ 12.5cm mini pot in Velvet Gold, $6.48, I/N: 0096275. 11 Boutique Collections ‘Cashmere’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper in Cream/Gold, $124, 

I/N: 1662845. 12 Gainsborough traditional trilock lever set in Bright Gold, $204, I/N: 4180961. 13 Dulux ‘Design Effects Collection’ paint in Gold, $85.30/500ml, I/N: 

1400917. 14 Delf 18mm cupboard knob in Polished Brass, $5.59, I/N: 0013325. 15 Prestige 125mm metal case handle in Brass, $5.75, I/N: 4022612. 16 Osram ‘Vintage’ 

6.5W 650lm G120 LED ES globe in Clear Gold, $19.90, I/N: 0018994. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆ 

Paint colours may vary on application 

bunnings.com.au | bunnings | bunningsau

what’s the worst 

that could happen? 

British Paints ® is easy to apply, helping you get it right first time. 

British Paints and the BP device are registered trade marks, 

4 Seasons and Clean&Protect are trade marks. 

britishpaints.com.au

12 

New-look Nordic 

Put a modern twist on the lean lines, soft tones 

and intriguing textures of Scandinavian interiors 


New Scandi style 

introduces occasional 

washes of soft colour, 

like this DIY cabinet. See 

page 64 for instructions 

13 

Dream it 

Contemporary Scandi 

Nothing says ‘understated cool’ quite like 

Scandinavian interior design, so it’s no 

surprise that this trend has such enduring 

appeal. Our climates might be poles apart, 

but the celebration of light that is integral to Scandi 

style works superbly in Australian homes, too. White 

walls create a blank canvas on which to subtly layer 

tones and textures, with timber and a restrained 

palette of pale hues playing starring roles. Add 

elements of hygge, the Danish concept of comfy 

conviviality, with sheepskin, furs and oversized knits, 

but curate your choices carefully. Getting Scandi 

right means strictly no clutter, and furniture with 

clean lines that encourages a feeling of airiness 

and space. Luxe metallic touches update the look. 

Left: Home Design 60cm round hanging mirror in Black, 

$69, I/N: 1730213. Sideboard, made using Kaboodle 450mm 

wall cabinet, $85, I/N: 2662261; Kaboodle 900mm wall cabinet, 

$130, I/N: 2662264; Kaboodle 450mm raw board cabinet doors 

in Modern profile, $27.77 each, I/N: 2668875, painted in Taubmans 

Beyond Beige; Leggz 150mm round plain wooden furniture 

legs, $3.60 each, I/N: 3940040 (see page 64 for how to make 

it). Brass tray, Country Road, countryroad.com.au. Candle, vase 

and books, stylist’s own. 

Make 

it 

Keep furniture pieces 

and materials simple 

and understated 

to reflect the look’s 

less-is-more appeal 

Low-impact living 

Choose lightweight furniture pieces that don’t 

dominate your rooms, and complement with 

irresistibly touchable textiles 

Photography Cath Muscat, stylist Tilly Roberts, styling assistant 

Samantha Torrisi. Paint colours may vary on application 

Opposite page: Mimosa ‘Butterfly’ steel wicker chair (includes 

seat cushion, not shown), $109, I/N: 0098280. Verve Design 

‘Madison’ floor lamp, $62.90, I/N: 0035095. Bayliss ‘Cortina’ 

200cm x 290cm wool floor rug, $403, I/N: 6670903. Smart 

Home Products 45cm x 45cm waffle cushions in Bucharest, 

$9 each, I/N: 0106607, and Odessa, $9 each, I/N: 0106609. 

Home Design 43cm x 43cm cable knit cushion in Grey, $19, 

I/N: 0106474. Smart Home Products ‘France’ 45cm x 45cm 

cushion in Smoke, $25, I/N: 0109222. Polyester 55cm x 80cm 

sheep faux fur rug, $19, I/N: 0098870. Sheepskin cushion, 

Country Road. Coffee table and side table, both West Elm, 

westelm.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. 

Wood works 

Rich timber tones introduce an inviting element 

of warmth into predominantly white spaces 

Right: Hartman ‘Bangkok’ bench, $499/3 piece set with table, 

I/N: 3192637. Smart Home Products ‘France’ 45cm x 45cm 

cushion in Smoke, as before. Some products are not available 

at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

bunningsau | 


14 

Mid-century 

furniture design 

sits comfortably 

with the Scandi 

aesthetic 

Textural play 

Combine wicker, weave and knits in neutral 

hues to create visual interest 

Left: Fiddle leaf fig. Stools, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Vase, stylist’s own. Below: Mimosa ‘Butterfly’ steel 

wicker chair (includes seat cushion, not shown), $109, I/N: 0098280. Verve Design ‘Madison’ floor 

lamp, $62.90, I/N: 0035095. Bayliss ‘Cortina’ 200cm x 290cm wool floor rug, $403, I/N: 6670903. 

Smart Home Products ‘France’ 45cm x 45cm cushion in Smoke, $25, I/N: 0109222. Home Design 43cm 

x 43cm cable knit cushion in Grey, $19, I/N: 0106474. Smart Home Products 45cm x 45cm waffle 

cushion in Odessa, $9, I/N: 0106609. Polyester 55cm x 80cm sheep faux fur rug, $19, I/N: 0098870. 

Smart Home Products 120cm x 160cm throw rugs in Lecce, $11.98, I/N: 0086768, and Lisbon, $11.98, 

I/N: 0086764. Smart Flooring ‘Scandi’ 180cm x 130cm cotton rug in Grey, $39, I/N: 0102807. Sheepskin 

cushion, Country Road. All other products, stylist’s own. 

Quiet appeal 

Maintain minimalist calm and keep surfaces 

uncluttered to showcase carefully chosen items 

Below: Google wi-fi Home Mesh, I/N: 0110198. Google Home 

Mini in Chalk, I/N: 0087794. Google Home Hub in Chalk, I/N: 

0110620. All other products, stylist’s own. 


Trick up a table 

What you need 

•Safety equipment 

•Timber side table (we 

used Hartman ‘Java’) 

•180-grit abrasive paper 

with a sanding block 

•Clean cloth 

•3-in-1 primer sealer 

undercoat 

•Mini roller and tray 

•Interior low sheen paint 

(we used Taubmans 

Frost Fangs) 

15 

Dream it 

1Method 

Lightly sand the table 

all over with 180-grit 

abrasive paper and wipe 

2away dust with a damp cloth. 

Apply a three-in-one 

primer sealer undercoat 

using a mini roller, then 

finish with two coats of 

paint, leaving to dry 

between coats. 

Brilliant ‘Dainty’ 240V 

pendant light in Gold, $99, 

I/N: 0014334. Hartman ‘Java’ 

timber outdoor side table, 

$64.95, I/N: 0045807, painted 

in Taubmans Endure in Frost 

Fangs. Large felt storage 

basket with jute handles, 

$9/pack of 3, I/N: 0119759. 

Smart Home Products 120cm 

x 160cm throw rug in Lecce, 

as before. Bayliss ‘Cortina’ 

200cm x 290cm wool floor 

rug, as before. Smart Home 

Products ‘France’ 45cm x 45cm 

cushion in Smoke, as before. 

Armchair, West Elm. Sheepskin 

cushion, as before. Vase, 

stylist’s own. Some products 

are not available at all Bunnings 

stores, but may be ordered. 

Make 

it

Maximising natural 

light is a hallmark 

of Scandi interiors 

Get the look 

Graphic wallpaper 

makes a bold 

statement in a 

pared-back scheme 

1 

2 

Metal as 

anything 

Introduce metallic 

elements – such as 

chrome or gold – to 

bring a contemporary 

edge to traditional 

Scandinavian style 

Above: Superfresco Easy 

52cm x 10m wallpaper in 

Myrtle Geo Grey, $61.70, 

I/N: 0106454. Brilliant ‘Mika’ 

DIY pendant light in Black, 

$156.50, I/N: 0014345. Smart 

Home Products 45cm x 45cm 

waffle cushion in Bucharest, 

$9, I/N: 0106607. Smart Home 

Products 120cm x 160cm 

throw rug in Bari, $11.98, 

I/N: 0086766. Bed linen and 

throw in Pink, both Sheridan, 

sheridan.com.au. Side table, 

West Elm, westelm.com.au. 

All other products, stylist’s 

own. Some products are 

not available at all Bunnings 

stores, but may be ordered. 

Near-black hues 

create intimacy 

in this bathroom 

4 

1 Sandleford 250mm clock safe, $12, I/N: 4220521. 2 Hudson Living 

‘Logan Kent’ 955mm x 655mm rectangle mirror in Black, $199, I/N: 

0027086. 3 Mimosa ‘Rope’ dining chair, $59, I/N: 0033123. 4 Wet 

by Home Design ‘Puro’ freestanding bamboo towel ladder, $27, 

I/N: 0102585. 5 300mm Fiddle leaf fig. 6 Hudson Living ‘Kurva’ 

585mm x 1220mm leaner mirror in Black, $219, I/N: 0033093. 

5 

6 

3 


17 

Dream it 

Shop for pots 

3 

1 

2 

4 

1 Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ large terrazzo moon pot in Black, $57.80, I/N: 2831977. 

2 Tuscan Path ‘Art Dolce’ 43cm pot in Grey Stone, $78.40, I/N: 0034507. 3 Scheurich 

‘Panna Canvas’ 12cm x 11cm ceramic pot, $12.20, I/N: 2891443. 4 Lotus Collection 14cm 

x 11cm plastic pot in White, $0.99, I/N: 0044294. 

A light-well 

garden bed cleverly 

provides a verdant 

aspect that brings 

the outdoors in 

The white exterior and 

timber decking mimic 

the interior style 

Continue the trend 

outside with a 

timber deck setting 

Above: Hartman ‘Bangkok’ 3 piece bench set, $499, I/N: 3192637. 300mm Dracaena Janet Craig 

(on ground at rear). 140mm Dwarf jade plant in Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ large terrazzo 

moon pot in Black, $57.80, I/N: 2831977. Pink tableware and gold cutlery, all Kmart. Grey tableware 

and glassware, all Country Road. All other products, stylist’s own. 

bunningsau | 


18 

Dream it 

Black magic 

Simple shapes given 

a modern edge with 

tones of charcoal offer 

an update to the usual 

Scandi palette 

Verve Design ‘Nautical’ wall 

light in Antique Bronze, $53.90, 

I/N: 4320822. Mimosa ‘Lava’ 

aluminium corner lounge 

with side table (only one 

sofa with side table and coffee 

table shown), $1,399/4 piece set, 

I/N: 0025683. Mimosa ‘Lava’ 

aluminium single seat sofa chair, 

$299, I/N: 0022756. Smart Home 

Products 45cm x 45cm waffle 

cushions in Odessa, $9 each, 

I/N: 0106609. Cyclamen in 

Tuscan Path ‘Art Egg’ 33cm x 

29cm small stone pot in Grey, 

$34.20, I/N: 0044428. Glassware 

and tableware, Country Road. 

Some products are not available 

at all Bunnings stores, but 

may be ordered. ◆ 


Simply caulk it 

Mounting without drilling 

No more waiting 

Stop the clanking 

1 2 

3 4 

Break it, fix it 

1 LOCTITE RE-NEW 100ml Silicone Sealant, $14.95. 

2 LOCTITE 60 Second 20g All Purpose Glue, $19.55. 

3 LOCTITE Kintsuglue 3 x 5g White or Black, $7.85. 

4 LOCTITE Perfect Pen 3g Super Glue, $6.70. www.loctite-consumer.com.au

21 

Dream it 

Bathroom revamp 

“You can 

create a 

beautiful 

space, but 

it’s got to be 

practical – at 

the end of the 

day, we’ve got 

better things 

to do than 

cleaning!” 

Chontelle Samios 

home owner 

Caroma ‘Aura’ 

1600 freestanding bath, 

$1,498, I/N: 4821598 

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Chontelle Samios: facebook.com/ellesindesignsydney. Some products are 

not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings 

Before 

The bathroom was 

cramped and dark 

before Chontelle 

gave it a makeover 

Family size 

Squeezing in all the necessities of a family bathroom 

doesn’t always mean compromising on style 

When designing her new 

wash zone, interior designer 

Chontelle Samios’ wish list 

was tempered by a streak 

of practicality. She fitted the top items on 

her list into the tiny space – freestanding 

bath and super-sized storage – without 

losing sight of the budget or the less than 

glamorous realities of a family bathroom. 

Bath time 

A bath is a luxury in a compact bathroom 

but, says Chontelle, “With a family, we 

thought having a bath was an essential 

component.” Chic and elegant freestanding 

baths offer versatility as they can be 

placed almost anywhere in a bathroom; 

due to limited space, Chontelle’s bath 

was positioned close to the wall. 

Shuffle around 

A reworked layout means the room’s visual 

highlights – the bath and a black-framed 

shower – are the first things seen when the 

door is opened. Both are situated to take 

advantage of the window for views and 

ventilation. “You can open up that window 

and look into the backyard – it’s a beautiful 

space to have a shower,” says Chontelle. At 

the other end, the door was moved slightly 

and the toilet tucked in behind it, out of 

sight until you step in and shut the door. } 

bunningsau | 


22 

Dream it 

For a similar classic white tiled finish, 

try Johnson Tiles 200mm x 400mm 

ceramic wall tiles in White Satin, 

$34.11/pack of 18, I/N: 6661762 

A large mirrored 

cabinet provides light 

and extra storage 

“We tried to find a balance of 

getting as much as we could 

into the space without it feeling 

cramped and overcrowded” 

Chontelle Samios home owner 

The dark side 

Black accents give the bathroom a chic 

modern feel, with the custom made 

black-framed shower screen forming a 

graphic feature at the end of the room. 

Chontelle selected a matt black basin 

mixer, Caroma ‘Liano Nexus’ bath tapware 

and rain showerhead to echo the look. 

Illusion of size 

With must-haves squeezed into a small 

room, it was important that Chontelle took 

every opportunity to create a sense of 

space. Her top tip for a tight bathroom 

is to invest in the biggest mirror possible, 

which she did with a three-door shaving 

cabinet. This matches the size of the wall 

hung vanity, chosen for its ease of cleaning 

and sleek visual effect. “Lifting a heavy 

item like the vanity off the ground makes 

it feel like there’s beautiful flow rather than 

interrupting the space,” Chontelle says. 

She also chose hooks over towel racks to 

avoid another chunky feature, and now 

prefers them. “I don’t like how towels sit 

on top of each other and don’t dry well on 

a rack – on hooks they dry quicker.” 

What’s in store 

There’s no such thing as too much storage, 

and Chontelle took advantage of every 

inch by building into the wall. Both shower 

and bath zones feature recessed niches. 

“I prefer a niche that’s tiled and clean, and 

you can easily run a cloth over it,” she says. 

The shaving cabinets are also built into the 

wall framework, which gains extra space and 

achieves a tidy, almost seamless finish. ◆ 

Watch it! 

Inspired to refresh your own bathroom? 

Watch this first: bunnings.com.au/ 

planabathroomrenovation 

For a similar look, try Forme ‘Logan’ 

1200mm x 750mm x 150mm three-door 

shaving cabinet, $467, I/N: 4843762. 

This matches the size of the Cibo Design 

‘Slick’ 1200mm wall hung vanity in 

White, $833, I/N: 0116721 

2.70 metres 

Floor plan 

Rearranging the space with the toilet 

behind the door allowed the bath 

and shower to take centrestage 

1.95 metres 

SHOWER 

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered 


Raise the roof 

It may seem like a simple 

addition, but there’s more 

to building a roofed outdoor 

structure than meets the eye 

Do your homework when it comes to 

permits so bringing your design 

to life goes without a hitch

Softened by climbing vines, 

a pergola can define and 

shade an alfresco eating 

area and add rustic charm 

25 

Plan it 

Outdoor structures 

Words Nellie McLaren. Photography Gap Interiors/Devis Bionaz; (opposite) Larnie Nicholson, 

stylist Sam van Kan. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings 

With summer 

on its way, 

you might 

be looking to 

expand your home’s horizons 

with a pergola, verandah or 

carport. While most structures 

need planning permission, 

councils and state legislation 

have, in recent years, allowed 

some to be exempt, meaning 

you can get on with the job 

without having to lodge a 

development application. 

Permission slip 

To make sure you’re doing 

the right thing, speak to 

a planning officer at your 

local council, who can advise 

whether you’ll need plans 

and a certifier. In NSW, for 

example, you can build a 

carport, balcony, deck or 

pergola without planning 

permission if it meets certain 

criteria relating to floor size, 

wall and roof height, and 

distance from a boundary. 

It’s important to do your 

research to avoid getting 

caught out, as structures built 

without permission, that are 

later found to have needed 

it, can be subject to fines and 

even demolished. Ignorance 

of the rules is no defence! Be 

aware that even DIY kit-set 

pergolas may sometimes 

require a building permit – if 

you’re in any doubt, ask first. 

Even if your potential project 

is an exempt development, 

you still need to do your due 

diligence by checking the 

location of all your services 

– water, gas, sewerage and 

power – before you dig any 

footings. Consult Dial Before 

You Dig, 1100.com.au. 

Safety first 

While they might seem like 

simple structures, decks 

and pergolas are serious 

business. If your deck is more 

than 500mm above ground 

level, licensed builder John 

Davis of Open Plan Living 

(opl.com.au) suggests that 

Even structures that don’t require approval 

still need to comply with the Building 

Code of Australia and if you’re in a 

bushfire-prone area, you’ll need to be 

especially careful selecting materials 

you consult a structural 

engineer for advice. “Decks 

and balconies carry live 

loads – that’s people moving, 

and potentially dancing, 

which means they need to be 

structurally safe and sound,” he 

says. “Far better to spend the 

money on an engineer’s advice 

than risk a collapse that could 

cause injury or even death.” 

Decking specialist Greg 

Candrick of Precision Decking 

(precisiondecking.com.au) 

agrees that expert advice is 

worth seeking. “The national 

construction code changed 

recently and I’d recommend 

that anyone planning to 

attach a deck or balcony to 

the house get advice from a 

builder or structural engineer.” 

Blowin’ in the wind 

A roofed structure will also 

need to take into account 

the effect of wind on the 

building. The wind load will 

vary depending on where you 

live, and this information will 

inform what type of tie downs 

you’ll need for the structure. 

You’ll also need to check 

the product specification 

of your roofing material and 

fasteners to ensure correct 

installation and fastening 

– this ensures safety and 

efficacy of the product. A 

structural engineer can help 

you with this and advise on 

what’s needed, as well as 

advise you on the size of 

all framing members and 

footings specifications. ◆ 

bunningsau | 


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27 

Plan it 

Backyard tech 

Smart space 

Advances in new 

technology are 

bringing control 

and convenience 

into the backyard 

The Australian garden 

has become the centre 

of entertaining and 

relaxing, as well as 

a place to get our hands dirty 

and connect with nature. As 

we spend more time outdoors, 

we’re also looking for ways to 

make our yards smarter, safer 

and more efficient. Technology 

for outdoors needs to be 

uncomplicated, simple to use 

and not necessarily dependent 

on electricity. If you’re in DIY 

mode, there are also great 

additions to the yard you could 

be installing this weekend. 

Words Geoff Quattromani. Photography GAP Photos/Elke Borkowski 

Irrigation on tap 

Remembering to turn on your 

watering system in the heat of 

summer could be a matter 

of life and death for plants. 

Timers have been around for 

a long time, but now are digital 

and can be connected to your 

smartphone. Try the Holman 

‘BTX1’, which clips onto your tap 

fitting and allows you to use an 

app to set water times or turn it 

on or off at any time, from the 

office or the couch. From this 

entry-level product, the price 

of smart watering systems can 

rise substantially, but with the 

added cost comes the ability to 

manage watering zones, water 

according to the weather and 

even integrate with your home 

voice assistant (you can ask it 

to water the back garden for 20 

minutes!). Do ensure that your 

watering system is compliant 

with any water restrictions for 

your area – check with your 

local water authority. 

Light ideas 

As the sun sets into a sultry 

summer evening, keeping 

the party going with ambient 

lighting and good tunes has 

never been easier – it’s all 

connected. If your house has 

light bulbs under cover, it’s 

relatively simple to upgrade 

your bulbs. Sengled light bulbs 

are LED, providing excellent 

brightness and efficiency, and 

some models also feature a 

built-in speaker from JBL. Up 

PRO 

TIP 

Set the mood 

and control your 

garden’s lighting 

from your smartphone 

to eight can work together to 

really spread that party audio. 

As lighting embraces the 

internet-connected world, 

Philips have extended their 

‘Hue’ range to include outdoor 

lighting. Their bollard lights are 

weather resistant, can produce 

more than 16 million colour } 

Don’t forget your garage door – use 

smart tech to monitor and control it 

from anywhere using your smartphone 

bunningsau | 


28 

Plan it 

Tip 

Attach your 

watering system to 

a smart irrigation 

timer 

Shut the back gate 

Keeping your garden secure can now be an easy DIY job. The 

wireless Swann security system, for example, uses a battery, 

connects using wi-fi and, as long as it is within range, your whole 

house and yard can be monitored from your smartphone, without 

much effort at all. Even the old padlock on the back gate (with 

an emergency key under a pot plant!) has had a smart-tech 

enhancement, with companies like Master Lock ditching the key 

and adding bluetooth and electronic combinations that allow you 

to either open the padlock through an app on your phone, or 

provide the electronic key to a friend when access is required. 

The Holman ‘BTX8’ bluetooth 

smart controller, $189, 

I/N: 0011579 extends your 

remote irrigation capability 

to eight different zones 

Future finds 

Going forward, gardens 

are likely to lean heavily 

on automation and the 

internet of things (IoT). 

When the system senses 

your tomatoes need 

watering, it will decide 

how much they need 

and whether it should 

water, based on weather 

conditions. Products will 

monitor and educate us on 

what is happening in the 

yard – they’ll tell you the 

roses need fungicide, find 

the product online and 

all you’ll have to do is say 

‘Okay’ to have it shipped to 

your door. Anyone will be 

able to be a green thumb 

with artificial intelligence 

to guide the way. 

Shopping 

Holman ‘BTX1’ bluetooth 

smart valve tap timer, 

$49, I/N: 0011576 

Arlo ‘Pro 2’ 1080p wire-free 

two-camera home security 

system, $729, I/N: 0087053 

Philips Hue ‘Calla’ 8W 

garden bollard smart LED light 

extension kit, $159, I/N: 0087405 

variations and integrate with 

the smart home. Controlling 

them with your smart device 

is only the beginning – why 

not change them to your 

team colours or activate 

via a voice assistant? 

Security! 

Smart lighting can also have 

a security function, switching 

on to flood an area with light 

when motion is detected, or 

operated remotely via an app 

to welcome you home. Arlo’s 

weather-resistant wireless 

version works on rechargeable 

batteries and can be linked 

to the Pro 2 security camera, 

triggering it to start recording 

when the light is activated. The 

Pro 2 can be battery powered 

or charged with a solar panel, 

so can be positioned almost 

anywhere. It has two-way audio 

so you can speak to anyone 

who might turn up at your 

front door, and night vision 

that switches on automatically 

when light levels fall. 

Meat and greet 

One of the greatest Aussie 

traditions is a backyard 

barbie – and when guests 

are over, the pressure is on to 

not burn the steaks! Whether 

you’d call it cheating or clever 

cooking, there’s an app for 

that. The Matador smart 

meat thermometer is a little 

device with prongs, which 

you insert into the meat. 

The device connects to your 

smartphone and alerts you, 

via an app, when the roast or 

steak is cooked to your liking. 

Upgrading your barbecue? The 

Matador ‘Radiant Pro’ kettle 

has this feature built in, and will 

also regulate the temperature 

of the barbecue itself, so you 

can cook or slow cook without 

hands-on intervention. ¿ 

Swann 8-channel full HD DVR 

security system with 1TB HDD 

and six 1080p thermal sensing 

cameras, $529, I/N: 0081491 

Matador ‘Radiant Pro’ kettle 

barbecue, $499, I/N: 0038453 

Some products are not available at all 

Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

Photography (top) TI Media, (bottom) Brigid Arnott 


WHITES 

SEE THE VIDEO 

Freedom to Grow 

what you want, where you like 

An evergrowing range 

Grande Petite Herb / Classic 3 Pot Wall Stacker Terrace 

Mesh Grid Irrigation Kit Hooks & Brackets 

/whitesthinkingoutside 

/whitesthinkingoutside 

For more information 

visit our website at whitesgroup.com.au

30 

Plan it 

Backyard oasis 

Small packages 

A shortage of space prompted some out-ofthe-box 

solutions in this urban courtyard 

This compact terraced home had 

a small outdoor zone that also 

needed to fit in off-street parking. 

Homeowner Carol explains, “I’d 

come from a bigger home where I had 

room for lots more garden, and because I 

love to cook and have to have fresh herbs, 

I had to find a way of maximising the space 

while allowing room for the car.” Carol set 

about planning some clever tricks to turn 

the courtyard into her own urban oasis. 

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography Richard Weinstein, 

stylist Tilly Roberts. Paint colours may vary on application. 


This vertical 

garden is an edible 

work of art 

31 

It’s made of eight 

connected kits 

Pots can easily 

be removed or 

rearranged 

The irrigation 

is built-in 

The hose and drainage 

can be attached at 

any point 

When Carol entertains, the car 

is banished to the street, to be 

replaced by a comfy outdoor lounge 

and durable indoor rug that can 

be stored when not in use 

Art of disguise 

The home connects beautifully from 

indoors to out, but the seamless flow 

was ruined by an unsightly view through 

to the rear-access roller door. “The worst 

thing about the house was, when you 

walked in and looked out, all you could 

see was the roller door,” explains Carol. 

Her solution: a row of troughs, planted 

with Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii), a striking 

red-leafed shrub that provides colour year 

round. Carol’s second trick was to construct 

an aluminium cover over the top of the 

roller door (see page 33). “It’s like a curtain 

pelmet that hangs down over the ugly roll,” 

she says. “And it’s made a huge difference 

to the outlook.” 

Next, a retractable roof was installed 

to provide maximum flexibility. “I chose it 

because I wanted enough sun and light to 

come in for the plants – if I’d put in a fixed 

awning or carport roof, I couldn’t have had 

a proper garden,” she explains. Though 

primarily installed to protect the car, the 

roof has delivered an unexpected bonus. 

“On a blazing summer day, the herbs can 

get cooked. So if I’m leaving for work and I 

know it’s going to be 35 degrees, I shut the 

roof,” she says. For similar sun protection, 

try the Mimosa 3m x 3.6m louvre roof 

gazebo ($899, I/N: 3192510), which has 

louvred panels that can be opened and 

closed with a winding handle. } 

bunningsau | 


32 

Plan it 

Right: Mimosa ‘Avani’ corner sofa setting (includes 

table, back and bench cushions and six decorative 

cushions), $1,499, I/N: 3192159. Bayliss ‘Hampton’ 

155cm x 225cm sisal border rug in Natural, $197, 

I/N: 6670579. Assorted succulents in Northcote 

Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Omni’ 34cm medium bowl 

in White, $32.70, I/N: 2832581. Assorted herbs in 

Holman ‘GreenWall’ vertical garden kit, $50/8 pots, 

I/N: 2940859 (eight kits used). UN-REAL 1.8m x 1m 

artificial expanding hedge trellis in Green Photinia, 

$60, I/N: 0095755. All other products, stylist’s own. 

Pot luck 

The previous owners had paved the 

courtyard, leaving Carol with a blank slate 

to work with, but no greenery. The solution 

was pots, and lots of them! Oversized 

ones provide a strong style statement 

and root room for trees and shrubs, while 

smaller planters in artful clusters blur 

the boundaries of the paved area, their 

foliage popping against walls in Colorbond 

Woodland Grey. The Un-Real hedge tiles 

along one wall further soften the hard 

edges with evergreen colour. 

Up the wall 

As a passionate home cook, Carol’s pride 

and joy is the courtyard’s green wall. 

“Everything in the wall is edible,” she says. 

“There’s all kinds of herbs, along with 

salad greens and ornamental edibles like 

nasturtium flowers, viola and violet.” This 

stunning – and practical – visual feature 

is easy to replicate; Carol used eight of the 

Holman ‘GreenWall’ vertical garden kits 

(each holding eight pots), which fasten to 

the wall with a couple of simple screws per 

bracket. The pots slide into the brackets 

and can be taken out, moved around 

or replaced quickly and easily. The kit 

includes an irrigation system that drips into 

each pot – just plug in the hose and turn 

it on or, like Carol, use a set-and-forget tap 

timer, which automatically waters every 

six hours for two minutes (check with your 

local water authority for water restrictions 

in your area). The drainage system in the 

modules has been designed so excess 

water drips down into the planters below, 

which also hold a selection of edible plants 

A corner setting provides a 

congenial seating area for 

relaxed outdoor entertaining 

Right: Mimosa ‘Butterfly’ steel wicker chair (includes 

seat cushion), $109, I/N: 0098280. UN-REAL 1.8m 

x 1m artificial expanding hedge trellis, as above. 

Aloe in Tuscan Path 43cm x 41cm glazed studded 

pot in Green, $63.40, I/N: 2860803. Holman 

galvanised 9L watering can, $15.91, I/N: 3120984. 

All other products, stylist’s own. 

Create an informal 

look with an eclectic 

mix of planters 


33 

For trans-seasonal colour, 

choose perennial hedging plants 

with brightly hued foliage 

Shopping 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Outside the box 

There’s more to this comfy bench seat 

than meets the eye. “When I moved in, 

there was nowhere to store my garden 

tools, paints, fertilisers and all that stuff,” 

says Carol. A chippie friend built a storage 

box in hardy marine ply, which is watertight 

enough for its sheltered position under 

the roofline, and Carol found a couple 

of plastic tubs to fit snugly inside and 

hold her equipment. A custom-made 

cushion disguises the box’s hinged lid 

and creates handy extra seating. ¿ 

9 

8 

7 

Every available space has been 

utilised for its storage potential 

Top: Hartman ‘Urbane’ concrete dining table, 

$999, I/N: 0045802. Hartman ‘Karlstad’ dining 

chairs, $149 each, I/N: 3192377. Assorted succulents 

in Northcote Pottery Precinct Lite ‘Omni’ 34cm 

medium bowl, as before. Above right: Bench 

cushion, for similar try Mojo 116cm x 48cm outdoor 

bench cushion in Grey, $40, I/N: 3191124. Patterned 

cushions, supplied with Mimosa ‘Avani’ corner 

sofa setting (shown opposite), as before. 

Weather-proof wall 

art adds character to 

the dining terrace 

Watch it! 

Learn more about the Holman vertical 

garden kit: bunnings.com.au/_p2940859 

10 

1 Mojo ‘Provincial’ 45cm outdoor cushion cover, 

$6, I/N: 3192727. 2 Mojo ‘Moroccan’ 45cm outdoor 

cushion cover, $6, I/N: 3192726 (with Mojo 45cm 

outdoor cushion insert, $9, I/N: 3192728) 3 Hartman 

‘Bali’ dining chair, $199, I/N: 3192577. 4 Mr Fothergill’s 

Herb Garden rosemary seeds, $4.45/pack of 75 seeds, 

I/N: 2960542. 5 Hartman ‘Sorrento’ timber outdoor 

dining table, $1,000, I/N: 0045803. 6 Mimosa 120cm 

x 45cm x 45cm timber outdoor storage box, $229, 

I/N: 3190580. 7 Assorted herbs. 8 Holman ‘Water 

Whiz 200’ advanced two outlet tap timer, $99, I/N: 

3111076. 9 Whites Garden Up Vertical Herb Planter, 

$11, I/N: 2941526. 10 Scotts Osmocote ‘Professional’ 

terracotta, tub and vertical garden potting mix, 

$11.87/25L, I/N: 2961979. Some products are not 

available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

bunningsau | 


34 

Plan it 

Set up your exterior space 

TRY 

Mojo 60cm assorted 

outdoor cushion covers, 

$9 each, I/Ns: 0097908, 

0097907 and 0097909. 

Mojo 60cm pillow outdoor 

cushion insert, $16, 

I/N: 3192734 

Great outdoors 

Follow our five tips to create your new favourite 

room, an inviting alfresco retreat 

The perfect outdoor room can elevate 

your life outside, so it’s key that the 

right mix of elements is included, to 

help set the mood, reflect your style 

and ensure comfort and usability – and the 

furniture chosen can make all the difference. 

in nature.” You’ll need access to power, 

so you can set the mood with lights and 

music, and shade. “Shade is critical for 

year-round use,” adds Adam. “Plus, a sense 

of a ceiling makes everything feel cosier 

and more inviting.” 

TRY 

Mojo weathertex 

high back outdoor 

cushion in Charcoal, 

$59, I/N: 3191418 

(chair not 

included) 

2 

The soft stuff 

As well as being comfortable, 

cushions and other soft furnishings 

should be equipped to look good for the 

long haul. “Think about innovative materials 

that can stay outside 24/7,” says Adam. 

“Look for cushions that are rated with 

outdoor quick-dry foam and select slightly 

darker fabrics as they’re more forgiving.” 

Real estate rules 

When selecting the location of your outdoor 

room, landscape designer Adam Robinson 

(adamrobinsondesign.com) suggests, “Have 

it near the house for an easy flow and to 

be close to facilities, or set it out among the 

garden and allow yourself to be submerged 

1 

Space jam 

“Size is a major factor,” says 

Josh Fenton of Hartman. “You 

may want a large dining table, but if 

you can’t walk around it comfortably, 

it’s going to look cluttered.” Measure 

your space and allow at least 1.2 

metres of space around to allow 

chairs to slide back and give access 

to guests getting in and out. 

Be clever with your 

furniture choices. A bench 

seat takes up less room 

than chairs, plus it can 

be tucked under the table 

when not in use. 

Alternatively, look for 

seating that does double 

duty with built-in storage. 

bunnings.com.au | bunnings | bunningsau 

Set your intent 

Understanding how your space is going 

to be used is critical to the design process. 

“This will give you an idea of what size, 

style, shape and material the pieces of 

furniture should be,” says Adam. With 

all this in mind, it’s time to go shopping. 

TRY 

Hartman 

‘Bangkok’ 3 piece 

bench set, $499, 

I/N: 3192637 

TRY 

Keter ‘Rockwood’ 

570L storage 

box, $249, 

I/N: 3192182 

TRY 

Verve Design 

‘Bolton’ LED up 

and down wall 

light, $63, I/N: 

4320821 

3 

Here to stay 

To ensure maximum use of 

your outdoor room, include 

lighting so you can keep the party 

going after dark. Weatherproof 

downlights are useful in a covered 

patio area, while outdoor wall lights 

cast an elegant glow and can also add 

visual impact to surfaces such as 

feature walls. Don’t forget to consider 

seasonal changes – gas heaters or fire 

pits are great for adding warmth on 

cooler evenings, while 

drop-down blinds are 

perfect for sudden 

changes in weather. 

TRY 

Brilliant ‘Manior’ 

42W exterior wall 

light in Stainless 

Steel, $80.90, 

I/N: 0026105 

TRY 

Glow ‘Search 

Light’ outdoor 

electric heater, 

$349, I/N: 

0085714

TRY 

Matrix ‘Tangle’ 

1810mm x 905mm 

x 9mm decor 

screen with frame 

in Charcoal, $99, 

I/N: 0012564 

4 

Outside extra 

For a seamless look that ties 

in with your interior spaces, 

select shapes, colours and materials 

used within your architecture or 

interiors, suggests Adam. “This will 

connect it nicely and make it feel like 

a natural extension of the home.” 

Don’t be afraid to experiment though; 

a bold feature wall or a unique piece 

of furniture can help showcase your 

individual style. 

HEIRLOOMS 

PREFERRED BY GENERATIONS OF GARDENERS 

Tomato ‘Tommy Toe’ 

Tomato ‘Pink Bumble Bee’ 

Capsicum Mini Sweet Mix 

TRY 

Mimosa ‘Corsica’ 

daybed with 

padded seat and 

back pillows, $999, 

I/N: 0098914 

Chilli ‘Joe’s Long Cayenne’ 

Eggplant ‘Listada de Gandia’ 

Cucumber ‘Sweet & Striped’ 

Lettuce Heirloom Mix 

Pumpkin ‘Buttercup’ 

Silverbeet Five Colour Mix 

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography House 2 Studio 

5 

Material 

world 

“Being outdoors, 

furniture will be subject to 

external conditions that can 

test its longevity,” says Josh. 

“Timber has a timeless beauty 

about it and complements 

any space, but if the finish 

isn’t regularly maintained, 

it can quickly look dated.” 

Consider your location’s 

environment and invest 

in high-quality pieces 

that are best suited 

to the conditions. 

“Aluminium pieces are 

great if you’re near 

the coast and they’re 

relatively maintenance 

free,” adds Josh. ◆ 

Some products are not available at all 


TRY 

Mimosa 

‘Silverleaves’ 

3 piece steel bench 

setting, $299, 

I/N: 3192437 

TRY 

Hartman 

‘Sandhurst’ 

midback chair with 

cushion, $99.95, 

I/N: 3192586 

Basil ‘Fino Verde’ 

Beetroot Heirloom Mix 

Savour the flavour 

of heirloom vegetables from 

The Diggers Club 

Download your free backyard 

heirloom vegie garden planting plan 

at diggers.com.au/heirlooms 

for everything you need to 

know about growing your 

own vegies this spring 

Bean ‘Italian Romano’

36 

Update it 

Decorating with colour 

Tickled 

pink 

Sweet and nostalgic, 

yet with a sophisticated 

edge, pink is all grown 

up and delivering the 

perfect pick-me-up 

to interiors 

Some say pink’s recent surge in 

popularity started in 2014, with the 

avalanche of birthday-cake pink 

in every second scene of the film 

The Grand Budapest Hotel. Others credit the 

2015 release of the rose gold iPhone. In 2016, 

colour forecasters Pantone named the peachy 

pastel Rose Quartz as its joint colour of the 

year and ‘millennial pink’ became a commonly 

used term. “This smoky, faded tone – a huge 

departure from the bubblegum pink of 

the 90s – was heartily embraced by gen Y 

tastemakers,” says Rachel Rimmer of colour 

consultancy Hello Colour (hellocolour.com.au). 

“It sparked memories of childhood, but 

without any of the girly-girl connotations.” 


37 

The gorgeous wall colour 

in this charming kitchen 

softens the impact of the 

industrial fittings and 

distressed finishes 

Words Vanessa Keys. Photography (kitchen) iStock, (retro) Taubmans. (Opposite page, backgrounds) 

Getty Images, iStock, (Dulux) Lisa Cohen, stylist Bree Leech. Paint colours may vary on application. 

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings 

Why we love it 

The latest incarnation has 

diversified into a broad palette 

of barely pink tones, all with 

an earthy softness – dusty rose, 

faded peach, muted apricot 

and cherry blossom. “Unlike the 

bolder pinks that were popular 

in recent decades, the new 

pinks on the block are simple 

and subtle,” says Rachel. “These 

delicate hues have a wide 

appeal and slide effortlessly 

into most interiors.” 

The best thing about the 

millennial pink craze is that 

it has helped to universalise 

the hue. “People are starting to 

use pink beyond children’s play 

spaces and bedrooms,” explains 

Rachel. “It’s incredibly versatile 

– a soft pink adds a flush of 

warmth and serenity, while 

more daring pinks, like magenta 

and fuchsia, add vibrance and 

a dash of drama, making it 

the perfect pick-me-up.” 

All grown up 

When picking the perfect hue, 

think sophisticated and serene, 

not saccharine. “Go for shades 

that are slightly ‘dirtier’ with 

hints of grey and lilac,” advises 

Andrea Lucena-Orr, colour 

expert for Dulux. “This subtle 

smokiness creates a refined 

look, and ensures the pink 

doesn’t look too sugary.” 

The colours you use with it 

will also make a huge impact. 

“Keep pink in grown-up 

territory by creating contrast 

with a dark, dramatic colour, 

like inky blue or charcoal,” 

says Rachel. “The strength 

of this darker tone will help 

the pink feel polished.” 

Entry level 

A good place to start is with soft, 

subtle pinks in the living room 

or bedroom. “Pale umber-hued 

pinks remain warm under any 

lighting conditions,” says 

For a retro feel, try a pairing 

like Taubmans Berry Beige (back wall) 

and Enterprising (right wall) 

Opposite, from top left: Wall paint in British Paints Sheer Gown. Rust-Oleum paint in Blush Pink. Wall paint in Dulux Punctuate. Wallpaper swatches, right, 

from top: Graham & Brown ‘Tranquil’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper in Rose Gold, $93, I/N: 1662888. Superfresco Easy ‘Pixie Dust’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper in Pink, $61.70, 

I/N: 0106464. Wallpaper swatches, left, from top: Superfresco Easy ‘Italie’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper in Blush, $61.70, I/N: 1662863. Boutique Collections ‘Water Silk’ 52cm 

x 10m wallpaper in Rose Gold, $124, I/N: 0106468. Wall paint in Dulux Shepherd’s Warning. Windoware ‘Claire’ 1200mm x 2230mm organza curtain in Hot Pink, $7, 

I/N: 0033167. HPM ‘Vivo’ coverplate in Pink, $8.33, I/N: 4332032. Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 330mm x 330mm x 370mm insert in Blush Pink, $10.35, I/N: 0082385. 

Hortico 1.5L plastic watering can in Pink, $6.69, I/N: 3110664. Home Design ‘Cable’ 43cm x 43cm interior cushion in Dusty Pink, $19, I/N: 0106473. Taubmans paint 

in Spring Azalea. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

bunningsau | 


38 

Update it 

Up the glamour 

with dusty pink 

velvet against an 

intense backdrop 

Make a feature of wall 

panelling with a strong 

shade. Wall in British 

Paints Paparazzi Pink 

A door in Pink Dust, 

trims in Snow Drop and 

wall in Stormy Shadow, 

all Taubmans, make 

quite an entrance 

Rachel Lacy, colour category 

manager for Taubmans. “A 

dusty pink like Taubmans 

Raffia Cream is wonderful when 

paired with a cool grey like 

Taubmans Nelson. A grey or 

cooler white gives pinks some 

weight, making them appear 

more solid in space.” 

For a modern feel, opt for 

a salmon-toned hue, such as 

Taubmans Pink Beige. For a 

softer look, try a shade with a 

hint of lilac, such as Taubmans 

Pink Brolga, then add layers of 

bright white and tobacco bed 

linen to complete the look. 

Perfect pairing 

Pink can be used to create 

a modern look or a retro vibe, 

depending on what you pair 

it with. “For a 70s feel, mix 

soft blush pink with terracotta, 

earthy brown and plenty of 

texture,” says Rachel Rimmer. 

“Or to create a playful Palm 

Springs vibe, look no further 

than a zesty orange, magenta 

pink and crisp white colour 

scheme,” she adds. 

Mixing pink with green is 

also a match made in heaven 

– but the secret to getting this 

combination right is opting for 

muted greens, like olive or 

khaki. You can also create the 

look by setting dark-foliaged 

plants next to blush-coloured 

furniture or accessories. 

Make it pop 

You don’t need to think big 

with pink to make an impact 

– just a dollop can be enough 

to change a room’s entire 

dynamic. Focus on creating 

an element of surprise, like 

adding a pastel pink fridge 

to a classic white kitchen, a 

deep blush sofa to a neutral 

living room or a pink rug in 


Mondella’s Signature Collection adds the allure of brushed rose gold to a mostly 

white bathroom. Floor mounted bath mixer, $395, I/N: 5004182. WELS 3 star 9L/ 

min handshower, $79 each, I/N: 5004269. Shower mixer with diverter, $79 each, I/N: 

5004179. WELS 3 star 9L/min shower arm and head, $178 each, I/N: 5004292. WELS 

4 star 7.5L/min tall basin mixer, $119 each, I/N: 5004176. Round Carrara marble basin, 

$390 each, I/N: 4822995. WELS 4 star 3-4.5L/min rimless back to wall toilet suite, 

$348, I/N: 4823018. 800mm silver LED round mirror, $279, I/N: 1730217 ‘Rumba’ 

1500mm x 700mm x 580mm freestanding bath in White, $898, I/N: 4822230. Some 

products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

the bedroom. Incorporating 

pink into a small space, such as 

a powder room or hallway, is an 

easy way to make a statement. 

The right white 

When teaming with white, 

Rachel Lacy recommends a 

cool tone. “Pinks, from orange 

hues to redder tones, are at 

their best with cooler grey-hued 

whites. Yellow-based whites 

can be cloying when paired 

with pinks. Try Taubmans Miss 

Universe, Ornamental Pearl or 

Brilliant White.” 

British Paints expert Kelly 

Magee agrees: “Crisp, cool 

whites, like British Paints 

Infinity White, enhance the 

pale, dusty pinks that are 

so popular right now.” ◆ 

Your colour palette: pink shades 

Photography (opposite page, top left) iStock, (middle 

left) British Paints, (centre) Three Birds Renovations 

1 2 3 

4 5 6 

1 Taubmans Pink Beige 2 Taubmans Pink Brolga 3 British Paints Velvet Slipper 

4 British Paints Pink Groove 5 Dulux Poised Peach 6 Dulux Magenta Limit

40 

Update it 

Spring-cleaning tips 

RANGEHOOD filters 

are a prime grease trap; 

soak them in hot water with 

baking soda and detergent, 

suggests Satya Bourgeot of 

Pristine Professional Cleaning 

(pristinecleaning.com.au). “Give 

cast iron trivets, oven trays 

and racks the same 

treatment,” she says. 

After sweeping or vacuuming, mop the 

kitchen floor with a specialist timber 

or tile floor cleaner. Or make your own 

solution from six drops of dishwashing 

liquid or half a cup of white vinegar 

mixed into half a bucket of warm water. 

Dream 

clean 

Spring is the perfect 

time to tackle a whole 

house clean and enjoy 

the sparkling results 

The prospect of a major spring 

clean can seem daunting, 

but the trick is to break the 

job into achievable tasks and 

create a to-do list for each room, which 

is immensely satisfying to tick off. To 

help get you started, we’ve compiled a 

cheat sheet, complete with expert tips, 

to inspire you to clean like a pro. 

KITCHEN 

This super busy family 

hub is where everyday 

dirt, cooking grime 

and food scraps gather 

DECLUTTER as you clean, suggests Rowena 

Jongejan of cleaning agency Family Clean 

(familyclean.com.au). “In the kitchen, remove 

the contents of drawers and cupboards before 

wiping shelves and doors, tossing out what 

you no longer use as you go. This will free 

up space for well-organised storage.” 


41 

BEDROOM 

Turn a dusty, chaotic room 

into a tranquil sleeping 

space with a quick tidy 

and a bedding refresh 

STAINLESS STEEL can be cleaned using a 

microfibre cloth with a little water and detergent. 

“The best technique is to wipe in the same 

direction as the grain,” says Adriana Aziz 

of Maidforyou (maidforyou.com.au). “Don’t 

forget to clean the oven knobs as well.” 

Blanco fully 

integrated 

dishwasher, 

$999, I/N: 

5104063 

WASH YOUR DUVET and 

pillows on the highest recommended 

heat and add baking soda with the 

washing powder for freshness, says 

Debbie. “Dry your doona in the sun 

and pop pillows in the dryer to be 

fluffed up with dryer balls.” 

REORGANISE your wardrobe and 

pack away winter items. To prevent 

mould, place a couple of moistureabsorbing 

products on the shelves. 

Ecovacs ‘Deebot 900’ 

floor cleaning robot, 

$599, I/N: 0079415 

Complete the 

job with lovely 

fresh bed linen 

CEILING FAN blades can be 

covered with an old pillowcase, 

then gently scraped to loosen 

and collect dust, says Debbie. 

MATTRESSES can be professionally 

cleaned or freshened with a spritz of 

water and eucalyptus oil in a ratio of 

four to one, then left to dry, suggests 

Rowena. Flip the mattress to improve 

longevity and comfort. Remember 

to wash the mattress protector. 

Words Kylie Jackes. Photography (stove) Getty Images, (bathroom) QEP Interiors, (bedroom) Cath Muscat, stylist Tilly Roberts. 

(Opposite page) Kaboodle Kitchen. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings 

DISHWASHERS need cleaning, too! Place a 

glass measuring cup with two cups of distilled 

white vinegar on the top rack and run a normal 

cycle without detergent or dishes, says Rowena. 

“Finish by gently wiping the stainless steel 

door using a stainless steel cleaning product.” 

Remember to check your appliance manual for 

cleaning advice from the manufacturer. 

Kimberley 10L 

stainless steel 

concealed kitchen 

bin, $69.90, I/N: 

4520050 

DISINFECT THE BIN and leave it out 

in the sun to dry and naturally deodorise. 

FRIDGE interiors benefit from a good sort 

of out-of-date condiments, then a thorough 

wipe. Debbie Harrison of Platinum Staffing 

Agency (platinumstaffingagency.com.au) 

says a cut lemon or a small saucer of baking 

soda on a shelf will help absorb odours. 

An organised bathroom 

makes for a relaxing 

shower experience 

BATHROOM 

A little elbow grease along with a few hardworking products can 

turn a much-used wet room into a welcoming sanctuary 

CLEAN SHOWER SCREENS 

“Products like Glitz Power Paste, 

eraser pads and vinegar can help 

break down soap scum on tiles and 

glass screens,” says Satya. 

SCRUB GROUT with a heavyduty 

grout brush, which is also 

effective for cleaning nooks and 

crannies around the shower screen. 

Help to prevent more scum forming 

with an effective grout sealer like 

Selleys White for Life. 

EXHAUST FANS and light fittings 

can be dusted with a soft brush or 

microfibre cloth. 

DECLUTTER THE VANITY 

Toss any expired or unused 

cosmetics and products. 

TACKLE FLOORS with a light 

vacuum then mop with a pH neutral 

floor-cleaning solution. “Follow with 

a dry mop to prevent dust sticking 

to the wet floor,” says Adriana. 

bunningsau | 


42 

Update it 

LIVING ROOM 

Refresh your relaxation zone, then bring in a new indoor 

plant or bunch of blooms for an advance taste of spring 

TAKE RUGS OUTSIDE for 

a shake and leave in the fresh 

air to naturally deodorise. 

WORK FROM TOP TO 

BOTTOM, tackling fans, 

cornices and shelves first, 

and leave the floor for last. 

“This ensures you don’t have 

to keep recleaning the same 

space,” says Rowena Jongejan. 

USE A TRACK BRUSH 

to loosen dirt from window 

and door tracks, then vacuum 

the debris. “Often they open 

more smoothly afterwards,” 

says Satya Bourgeot. 

LIGHT FITTINGS 

Banish insect bodies 

from your lights. “Most 

oyster lights have a springloaded 

clamp that can be 

released for easy removal 

and cleaning,” says Satya, 

who recommends removing 

cobwebs from pendants 

and lamps, too. 

CLEAN BLINDS AND 

SHUTTERS. Debbie 

Harrison suggests placing 

an old sock on your hand 

and dipping it into a 50/50 

mix of vinegar and water 

before wiping the blades. 

Sabco curved 

cobweb brush with 

extension handle, 

$15, I/N: 0065949 

Oates ‘Trackbuster’ 

cleaning brush, 

$4.95, I/N: 4480648 

Riva 1515mm-1814mm x 

1815mm-2114mm 25mm 

made to measure aluminium 

Venetian blind, $237, 

I/N: 1282584 

SHIFT THE SOFA as 

dust bunnies accumulate 

underneath it. “Move it out 

of the way so you can 

thoroughly vacuum and mop 

the floor and wipe hidden 

skirting boards,” advises 

Adriana Aziz. 

An organised laundry 

makes a boring chore 

more manageable 

LAUNDRY 

Get rid of the gunk and your appliances 

and drains will work so much better! 

Everhard ‘Nugleam’ 45L 

drawer system laundry 

unit, $499, I/N: 0084401 

Drain Clean liquid 

enzyme drain cleaner, 

$11.50/1L, I/N: 4460364 

DECLUTTER and clear the 

decks. Assess which products 

and utensils can be thrown 

away or stored in cupboards 

to free up bench space. 

WASHING MACHINES 

can grow mould and start to 

smell. “Pour a quarter cup of 

baking soda with a quarter 

cup of water into the machine’s 

detergent drawer, add two 

cups of vinegar into the drum 

and run it on a hot wash cycle,” 

advises Debbie. “Once finished, 

wipe the seals and, if needed, 

give the detergent drawer a 

scrub with hot soapy water.” 

DRYER “If you used the dryer 

all winter, it exacerbates dust in 

the laundry,” says Satya. “Wipe 

the walls, backs of doors 

and window coverings, and 

use a vacuum attachment 

to get in behind the dryer 

and washing machine.” The 

dryer filter should be cleaned 

of lint after every washing 

load to prevent it becoming 

a fire hazard, but take the 

opportunity to give it a really 

thorough clean. 

SLOW-FLOWING 

DRAINS can benefit from 

a clean-out. “To fix blockages, 

pour boiling water down the 

drain before adding a cup of 

baking soda,” says Debbie. 

“Follow with a mix of warm 

water and vinegar and more 

boiling water.” For seriously 

clogged drains, try Drain Clean. 

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings 


OUTDOORS 

As the weather warms up, prepare for life on the outside 

by sprucing up your home’s alfresco areas and facade 

WASH WINDOWS 

and screens separately. 

“For really dirty windows, 

mix equal parts white 

vinegar and warm water 

with a dash of dishwashing 

detergent. Apply with a 

sponge and use a squeegee 

to remove excess water,” 

says Rowena. For hard-toreach 

windows, try a Sabco 

Professional extension pole 

($34.95, I/N: 4460716). 

CLEAN GUTTERS of 

debris that has built up over 

winter. “It will enhance the 

efficiency of your downpipes 

and make your roof more 

resilient to water damage,” 

says Satya. Make sure your 

ladder is steady – a Ladder’s 

Little Helper safety device 

can help (see below). 

HIGH-PRESSURE 

water cleaners remove 

mould, moss and grime 

from driveways, decks, 

patios and exterior walls. 

For more tips, see our 

story on page 44. 

BARBECUE PLATES 

can be tackled with a 

non-caustic barbecue 

cleaning product, or given 

a scrub with a heavy-duty 

hot plate brush. 

OUTDOOR FURNITURE 

needs a good wash. “To 

inhibit mildew, mix two cups 

of white vinegar and two 

tablespoons of liquid dish 

soap in a bucket of hot 

water and use a soft brush 

to scrub grooves and seat 

pads,” says Rowena. ◆ 

Shopping 

The latest gear makes light work of cleaning chores 

1 

3 

2 

5 

4 

6 

1 Rubbermaid ‘Reveal’ power scrubber brush, $20.95, I/N: 4480430. 2 Ladder’s 

Little Helper safety device, $49.99, I/N: 0860244. 3 Matador 3 in 1 BBQ 

cleaning tool, $19.90, I/N: 3171781. 4 Karcher ‘WV2’ black premium window 

vacuum, $119, I/N: 0111141. 5 Glitz Green cleaning vinegar, $2.74/2L, I/N: 

4460483. 6 Karcher ‘KV4’ cordless all surface cleaner, $99, I/N: 0115455. Some 

products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

44 

Update it 

Outdoor maintenance 

Under pressure 

Making their way from the hire shop to the household shed, 

pressure washers are a useful addition to your cleaning kit 

A high-pressure 

jet of water makes 

light work of jobs 

like scrubbing mossy 

paving stones 

There’s a long list of cleaning jobs outside 

that can be made easier with a pressure 

washer. While all of these jobs can be 

tackled with chemical cleaners and elbow 

grease, a pressure cleaner does them in a fraction 

of the time and with much less effort. 

Why you want one 

It connects to the garden tap (or a bucket or 

water tank) and reduces the water flow while 

amplifying the pressure, which is then released 

in a hard jet when you pull the trigger. “A pressure 

washer provides 50 times more power and uses 

80 per cent less water than a garden hose,” says 

Jo Clark, marketing manager for Karcher. Plus, 

while most machines include a detergent dispenser, 

many jobs can be tackled with water alone. 

Where to use it 

The most common uses for a pressure washer 

include cleaning cars and windows, outdoor 

furniture, eaves, driveways and decks – just make 

sure you choose the right setting to avoid breaking 

a window or gouging into the deck. “We suggest 

starting with a soft setting and working up, 

depending on the task,” says Jo. “Soft pressure 

settings are suitable for timber surfaces; medium 

for cars, trucks and 4WDs; and high settings are for 

hard surfaces such as concrete and masonry areas.” 

Use with care on painted surfaces, as they can 

damage the paint – but this also makes them 

fantastic as a paint-prepping tool. Use a gentler 

setting and a fan nozzle to wash the surface in 

preparation for painting, turning it up to a higher 

setting and using a tighter spray to lift flaking paint. 

How to choose one 

Power washers are measured in psi, which stands 

for pounds (of force) per square inch. Most 

domestic electric models offer between 1600 and 

2600psi, which is adequate for most household jobs. 

Electric models are quieter and more compact 

than petrol versions. Petrol-fuelled washers are 

handy where access to power is tricky, and are also 

generally more powerful than electric, with a psi 

of more than 3000. They’re also a better option if 

SAFETY TIP 

Standing on a 

ladder to use 

a pressure washer 

is a big no-no. To 

tackle jobs at a 

height, invest in 

an extension kit 

Watch it! 

Planning to seal your pavers after 

cleaning them? Go to: bunnings. 

com.au/sealoutdoorpavers 


45 

Karcher ‘K3’ 1800psi 

corded full control home 

cleaner H/press home kit, 

$299, I/N: 6270819 

Safety first 

Exercise caution to avoid injury. Wear closed 

shoes and glasses or goggles (in case debris 

shoots back at you). Hearing protection is 

recommended when using a more powerful 

model, as they can get quite loud. Be particularly 

cautious when using pencil nozzles, which direct 

the water in a concentrated jet, as this can cause 

as much damage to skin as it does to paintwork or 

soft wood. A good safety measure is to always use 

the widest spray angle that will get the job done. 

Ryobi 36V 5.0Ah 

pressure washer kit, 

$499, I/N: 3381160 

Using a pressure 

washer is arguably 

the most fun you’ll 

ever have with a 

cleaning machine! 

the machine will see frequent or extended periods of 

use. The size of the zone you want to clean, and how 

often, is also a factor. For small areas that you’ll only 

clean occasionally, a model with a brush motor should 

be sufficient. For larger areas, opt for one powered 

by a brushless (induction) motor; though generally 

pricier than the alternative, they are more suited to 

heavier use and will last longer. 

Portability may be a factor. A mobile outdoor 

cleaner like the Karcher ‘OC 3’ runs on a battery, 

sprays water from its own little tank and is small 

enough to pack in the car. But the trade-off is 

power; a washer this size is designed for boots 

and bikes, rather than paths and patios. 

If you won’t be using the washer for anything 

more challenging than spritzing loose dirt from the 

patio or gutters, a water jet hose attachment might 

be adequate. This attaches to the garden hose and 

increases the tap pressure from approximately 50psi 

to around 250psi, enough for light cleaning jobs. 

Tips for use 

Washers usually come with a few nozzles and 

brushes, but extra ones can be bought, such as a 

soft brush for cleaning the car, bike or boots. Before 

starting, test the washer in an inconspicuous area, 

particularly when using on less durable surfaces like 

wood or a soft stone. Direct the spray at a 45-degree 

angle and at the maximum distance to clean the 

surface without damaging it; start further away and 

move in slowly towards the surface as needed. Once 

finished, turn off then disconnect the power, turn off 

the tap, squeeze the trigger to release any pressure 

in the hose, then detach from the water supply. ◆ 

To avoid damaging 

timber surfaces, 

be sure to 

select a soft 

pressure setting 

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography (paving stones and chair) iStock 

1 2 

Pressure washer wish list 

3 

1 Gerni ‘Classic’ 1400W 1670psi 115.5 high pressure cleaner, $129, I/N: 0064772. 2 Karcher ‘OC 3’ cordless low pressure mobile outdoor cleaner, $199, I/N: 6270850. 

3 Karcher ‘K3’ 1800psi corded full control home cleaner kit, $299, I/N: 6270819. 4 Ryobi 190cc 3200psi 4 stroke Yamaha petrol pressure washer, $689, I/N: 0094404. 

5 Bondall water jet pressure washer, $19.98, I/N: 0043304. 6 High pressure cleaner for hire, $36.22/4 hours, I/N: 5470100. Some products are not available at all 


4 

5 6 

bunningsau | 


From the front yard 

to the back blocks, 

Victa® has your lawn covered. 

Victa’s complete range of innovative lawnmowers has something for every Aussie lawn. 

Whether you charge, mulch, catch, push or ride, whatever you need –Victa has you covered! 

Petrol Powered Lawnmowers 

Lithium Powered Lawnmowers 

FOLLOW US ON

47 

Fix it 

Grass-care kit 

Lawn 

order 

Tame unruly turf and 

keep your yard pristine 

with these top grass 

maintenance tools 

EXPERT TIP 

Words Gun Arvidssen 

When choosing a new mower, 

consider the size of your lawn 

to decide on a model powered 

by petrol, mains power, 

batteries – or human effort! 

bunningsau | 


48 

The days are warming 

and the grass-growing 

season is upon us. But 

if your lawn resembles 

a paddock, there’s no need to 

stress! These user-friendly 

tools will help you regain 

control in no time. 

Got the power 

There’s something very 

satisfying about firing up a 

powered turf-trimmer. If you’ve 

got a big patch of grass, quality 

power tools like these will make 

it much easier to manage. 

Lawnmower A good mower 

is essential, and there are 

varieties to suit every lawn (see 

box below for the lowdown). 

Line trimmer To tidy around 

trees, you’ll need one of these. 

A rapidly rotating head whips 

nylon line around to trim tufts. 

“Conventional line wears down 

fairly quickly during use, 

depending on the cutting 

conditions,” says Wade King 

from Ryobi. “Some trimmers 

can be fitted with solid plastic 

blades that are stronger than 

line, however, for those line 

Mow than a feeling 

A lawnmower’s deck width is usually described in inches and 

refers to the maximum diameter it will cut in a single pass 

• Push mower 

This stalwart has come a long 

way. Modern varieties feature 

adjustable height, a grass catcher 

and self-sharpening blades. 

• Cordless 

The performance of batteryoperated 

mowers almost competes 

with petrol-driven models. They 

offer impressive endurance and 

quiet operation, without the hassle 

of an extension cord. 

• Mains-powered 

Electric mowers are inexpensive 

and low-maintenance, but they’re 

rapidly falling from favour as 

cordless models (see above) 

become more popular. 

• Petrol 

The type we’re all familiar with 

is driven by a four-stroke petrol 

engine. Modern versions are 

quieter and more fuel-efficient 

than their older counterparts. 

• Self-propelled 

Power transmission to the wheels 

and the blades takes the effort out 

of pushing and achieves optimum 

speed for effective cutting. Great 

for lawns larger than 500 square 

metres, they’re available as both 

petrol-driven and cordless. 

• Robotic 

The ultimate in set-and-forget 

convenience, a robotic mower is 

weatherproof and navigates its 

own way around your lawn, then 

returns to base for recharging. 

• Ride-on 

Ride-on mowers feature a deck 

width of up to 46” (1170mm). The 

king of ride-ons is the zero-turn 

model, which can spin around on 

the spot – their manoeuvrability 

allows them to trim around trees 

and other obstacles with ease. 

Most run on petrol, but battery 

power is also an option. 

Above: Cyclone half moon edger with T handle, $39.98, I/N: 0122522. Fiskars ‘Xact’ 4 prongs weed puller, $74, I/N: 2970049. Cyclone ‘22T’ steel springback leaf rake, 

$31.55, I/N: 3360946. Honda 21” (533mm) self propelled lawnmower, $1,329, I/N: 0048928. Yardking ‘450’ 18” (460mm) cut and catch lawnmower, $249, I/N: 3381307. 

DeWALT ‘Concealer’ safety goggles, $25.95, I/N: 5810163. Craftright ear muffs, $5, I/N: 5820953. Ryobi 38” (965mm) battery ride on lawnmower, $4,499, I/N: 0089488 

(available mid September). Victa ‘Zero Turn’ 22hp 46” (1170mm) petrol lawn tractor, $5,299, I/N: 3381335. Ryobi general purpose gloves, $17.95/medium, I/N: 0088427. 

Previous page: Gardena ‘Sileno City 250’ robotic lawnmower, $1,299, I/N: 0104707. Cyclone lawn aeration sandals, $29.98, I/N: 0098158. Ozito Power XChange 

18V blower kit, $99, I/N: 3381084. DeWALT ‘XR’ 18V Li-ion cordless blower kit, $399, I/N: 0103553. Victa 82V cordless blower kit, $299, I/N: 0018391. Victa 18V 5.0Ah 

cordless blower kit, $189, I/N: 0084372. Ryobi ‘One+’ 18V cordless blower, $99/skin only (battery not included), I/N: 3380889. Saxon disc cut lawn edger, $22.50, 

I/N: 0054565. Cyclone rotary turf edger, $49.98, I/N: 3361477. Ryobi ‘One+’ 18V cordless edger, $169/skin only, I/N: 3380836. Cyclone star wheel edger, $44.98, 

I/N: 3361493. Fiskars ‘Servo System’ long handle grass shears, $75, I/N: 3360151. Toro ‘PoweReverse’ personal pace 22” (560mm) lawnmower, $899, I/N: 0077838. 

Victa ‘Hurricane’ 500E 20” petrol lawnmower, $399, I/N: 0115832. Victa ‘Easy Walker’ 19” (483mm) self-propelled lawnmower, $689, I/N: 0080736. Makita ‘LXT 

OPE’ 18” (457mm) 18V x 2 Li-ion cordless lawnmower kit, $749, I/N: 0067558. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

Photography (goggles) Bryce Carleton 


49 

Fix it 

trimmers that can’t it’s 

important to use good-quality 

line to get the best results.” 

Edger A lawn edger has 

a rotating blade and guide 

wheels for rolling along the 

edge of a paved area, leaving a 

neat border. Many line trimmers 

can be converted for edging. 

Leaf blower Breeze through 

rounding up stray clippings 

with a lightweight cordless 

blower. It operates quietly 

without the noise and fumes 

of a petrol-powered model. 

The manual option 

If you only have a small patch 

of green, manual tools may be 

all you need. “Using manual 

hand tools ensures more 

precise, accurate and healthier 

cutting than power tools,” says 

Julien Laurent, go to market 

manager for Fiskars. 

EXPERT TIP 

Once the lawn is back in shape, keep it that way 

by mowing, edging and weeding regularly 

Star or half-moon edger 

These are heavenly for neat 

edges. “Star edgers are 

perfect for tougher lawns 

like buffalo or couch,” says 

Tristan Eastaugh, product 

manager for gardening 

tools manufacturer Cyclone. 

Grass shears Trim with precision 

using grass shears; these are 

particularly useful for tricky 

or tiny patches of lawn. 

Victa ‘Razor Cut’ 

16” (406mm) push 

mower, $99, 

I/N: 3381201 

Weed puller Pulling weeds 

has several advantages over 

chemical weedkillers. “You have 

better control of the weeding, 

extracting only what you 

need,” says Julien. “Herbicides 

tend to spread over a larger 

surface, creating greater 

environmental and health risks 

than manual weed extractors.” 

Aerator One of the best ways to 

revive your lawn is to make small 

holes in the soil to allow water, 

air and nutrients to penetrate. 

You can use an aerating tool 

or roller, strap-on aerator 

sandals or wield a pitchfork. 

Rake After aerating, apply top 

dressing using a springback 

rake. “The flexible tines enable 

you to top-dress the grass 

evenly without damaging 

the lawn,” says Tristan. ◆ 

Watch it! 

Make sure your machine is in top 

working order: bunnings.com.au/ 

maintainyourlawnmower

51 

Fix it 

Increase drying space 

A portable folding 

rack, like this one 

from Hills, turns 

any space into 

a drying room 

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography (above) Shania Shegedyn, 

stylists Nat Wheeler and Kristy Sadlier 

Dry spell 

Maximise your laundry’s airing capacity and say 

goodbye to never-drying racks of sodden clothes 

Making the most of your laundry’s 

drying potential and putting 

your energy-guzzling tumble 

dryer out to pasture will save 

money, preserve your clothes (which get 

slowly shredded by the dryer) and boost 

your home’s green credentials. If you are 

building or renovating, the ideal position 

of the laundry will give it easy access to 

the backyard and the clothesline, but 

also think about how you’ll process wet 

washing indoors. “The best drying 

laundries have cross ventilation, a large 

window to catch the sun for the longest 

time in the middle of the day, a drying rail 

and floor space for a drying rack in front 

of a window,” says Druce Davey of design 

studio Greener (greenerkitchens.com.au). 

On the rack 

A built-in rack is an efficient way to 

increase drying capacity. A simple solution 

is to fit a rail over the bench and hang 

clothes on coathangers. “This is a real time 

saver, plus you can pop your clothes 

straight in the wardrobe when dry,” says 

Hills product manager Natasha D’Cruz. 

Products like the Hills premium drying 

centre, which looks like a built-in shelf and 

can be used as storage when not hanging 

garments, are a useful addition for renters, 

while a wall-fitted, retractable multi-line 

airer is a precious space saver. Telescopic 

extension is a great innovation; racks like 

the Vileda ‘Infinity’ and the Hills premium 

extendable airer have rails that can pull out 

to hold large loads or items like bedsheets. 

Evaluate your family’s needs before 

buying. “Consider the length of the items 

you often dry,” says Natasha. “Items like 

dresses and trousers will require more 

hanging space, so a unit with wings will be 

handy. If you go through a lot of exercise 

clothes, or have young children, you will 

want more closely stacked racks to cope 

with a higher volume of smaller garments. 

Also look for a rail hanger that has hooks 

that are suited to hanging delicates 

without taking up valuable rack space.” 

bunningsau | 


52 

Fix it 

Overhead drying racks make the 

most of unused space in a compact 

laundry. Flatpax ‘Utility’ 900mm 

drying cabinet, $188, I/N: 2666212 

Combat damp 

Whether you’re using a tumble dryer or a 

rack, good ventilation is essential; dryers 

pump out warm, damp air, particularly if 

they’re front vented and not ducted to the 

outdoors. Even hanging wet washing over 

a rack can add to your home’s moisture 

levels. High humidity is no-one’s friend, 

causing washing to take much longer to 

dry, but it can also be dangerous for those 

1 

2 

Our favourites 

who suffer allergies or asthma. Ventilation, 

ideally by fresh air, or by extractor fan 

or dehumidifier if necessary, is essential 

to air out the room while drying or 

immediately after. “The use of wet 

room wall linings, fully tiled walls and 

mould-inhibiting grouts and paints is 

also suggested for creating a warm 

room, to give it longevity and make it 

a healthier space,” adds Druce Davey. 

1 Hills Premium drying centre, $109, I/N: 0055679. 2 Hills Premium 12m extendable airer, $42, I/N: 0013623. 

3 Vileda ‘Infinity’ 27m clothes airer, $89, I/N: 0035784. 4 Bedford Furniture 1200mm x 597mm x 82mm high 

moisture resistant airer cabinet in White, $154, I/N: 0067677. Some products are not available at all Bunnings 

stores, but may be ordered. 

3 

4 

Hang tight 

Tips to get your laundry from 

wringing wet to ready-to-wear 

• Wash in the morning, 

allowing your clothes 

a full day of sunshine 

and warmth to dry. 

• Make use of the 

dryer’s ambient heat 

to dry items on racks 

at the same time. “This 

will make the most of 

the energy usage and 

get the dryer doing 

double duty, creating 

a ‘warm’ room,” says 

Druce. Be sure to air out 

the room afterwards. 

• Put items on 

hangers, hooked onto 

the edges of the clothes 

airer. You can transfer 

them directly from the 

airer to the wardrobe 

and they won’t get a 

crease line from being 

hung over a rail. 

• Flip clothes for 

faster drying. Turn 

them over or inside out 

halfway through to allow 

air to circulate over the 

other side of the fabric. 

• Space out clothes 

on the rack as much 

as you can to allow air 

to circulate, or hang 

items over two rails. 

This is especially useful 

for heavier clothing 

items such as jeans. 

• Position the airer for 

good air circulation. 

“Look for a spot next to 

a north-facing window 

as the sun and breeze 

will work wonders. Near 

a radiator in a hallway 

or open room is also 

a good choice,” says 

Natasha D’Cruz. ◆ 

Photography iStock 


54 

Fix it 

Backyard entertaining 

Smoke signals 

Fall in love at first 

bite with homesmoked 

culinary 

creations, fresh 

from your very 

own smoker 

Smoking might be 

dubbed the new 

on-trend cooking 

method, but it has 

actually been popular since 

prehistoric times. Luckily for 

culinary novices, it’s as easy as 

firing up the barbecue – all you 

need is the right equipment. 

The big smoke 

The process involves placing 

meat or other ingredients in a 

purpose-designed smoker oven 

or barbecue, where they are 

exposed to aromatic smoke. 

This comes from woodchips 

that are brought to smouldering 

point using briquettes, a gas 

flame or an electric element. 

“The unique thing about 

smoking food is that it provides 

aromas and flavours that you 

can’t get from other forms of 

cooking,” says Matt Hoffmann, 

Bunnings barbecue buyer. “For 

the best results, cook slowly 

over low, indirect heat with 

wood smoke.” Having your 

own smoker also lets you 

experiment with interesting 

foods, like smoked cheese. 

Smouldering looks 

Traditional smokers use 

hardwood charcoal or 

briquettes as the heat source. 

Purists argue that this provides 

the most distinctive smoky 

flavour; the downside is that 

charcoal takes more effort to 

ignite and maintain at a stable 

temperature. Gas-flame models 

offer immediate ignition and 

easier heat adjustment, but 

obviously need to be connected 

to a gas bottle, which can make 

them cumbersome to move. 

Smokers with electric 

elements are easy to use and 

allow accurate heat control. 

They do need to be connected 

to mains power, so might not 

be the best option if you want 

to take your smoker on a 

camping trip, for example. 

Some models, such as the 

Smoking might have been 

around since the Stone Age, 

but a 21st-century smoker 

makes the process easier! 

PRO TIP 

To prevent the food 

drying out, as well 

as to control the 

temperature, a bowl 

of water is kept inside 

the smoker while it’s 

working its magic 


Char-Griller ‘Deluxe’ griller, 

$229, I/N: 3180388. Char-Griller 

side fire box, $129, I/N: 3170924 

BBQ Buddy fish griller, $13.98, I/N: 3180238. 

BBQ Buddy stainless steel smoker box, 

$14.85, I/N: 3180252. Samba seafood smoking 

chips, $8.95/1kg, I/N: 0086981 

Shopping 

55 

Jumbuck charcoal grill and 

smoker, $49.90, I/N: 3180906 

Matador barbecue smoker 

tube, $19.95, I/N: 3171770 

Words Gun Arvidssen. Photography Brigid Arnott, stylist Tilly Roberts. Food stylist 

Kerrie-Ann Jones. Styling assistants Savannah Cohen and Samantha Torrisi 

Pit Boss grill and smoker, 

use hardwood pellets as 

fuel. These are fed into the 

combustion chamber from 

a hopper on the side, and 

ignited by an electric element. 

“Using all natural flavoured 

wood pellets, the digital control 

board ignites the grill and 

allows you to set your desired 

temperature,” explains Paul 

Kosky, sales and product 

manager for Pit Boss. “You 

also have the option of sliding 

the sear plate over open flame 

to sear your smoked food for 

greater versatility.” 

As with standalone electric 

smokers, these are limited to 

use in areas where mains 

power is available. 

Pit Boss pellet grill and smoker 

barbecue, $699, I/N: 0037585 

Which wood? 

Nathan Roberts, of competition 

‘low and slow’ barbecue team 

Basting Bros BBQ, has this 

advice. “Select wood chunks 

that are compatible with your 

choice of meat or fish, as 

some hardwoods can be 

overpowering,” he says. 

You could try cherry and alder 

woodchips for fish and seafood; 

maple and apple chips for pork 

and poultry; and hickory and 

mesquite for beef and lamb. 

For soft and mild cheeses, Matt 

Hoffmann suggests delicateflavoured 

woods such as cherry, 

pecan or apple, and rich, 

pungent woods like oak and 

hickory for hard and strongly 

flavoured cheeses. ¿ 

Hack your barbecue 

The main advantage of 

using a dedicated smoker 

is that you can boost 

flavour by using extended 

cooking times and 

enabling smoke to slowly 

infuse into your food. But 

there are two ways to ‘taste 

test’ the cooking technique 

using both gas and 

charcoal barbecues. 

1 Add a smoker box, 

which is simply a stainless 

steel box or tube that holds 

woodchips or pellets, 

placed over the grill section 

of a barbecue. “A smoker 

box is a great way to 

experiment with smoking 

food on a gas barbecue,” 

says Katrina Paras, category 

manager for Char-Griller 

Australia. “It is ideal for 

small cuts of meat or fish 

when you are looking at 

shorter cooking times.” 

2 Use an enclosed 

charcoal barbecue 

such as the Char-Griller 

‘Kamado’. “Adding wood 

chunks to the charcoal 

after it has reached 

ash-over stage will add 

an enhanced smoky 

flavour,” says Katrina. 

Gasmate dual element electric 

BBQ smoker with glass window, 

$395, I/N: 0066099 

Fornetto BBQ fuel mesquite 

wood smoking chips, $24.90/3kg, 

I/N: 0086998 

Fornetto ‘Razzo’ 18” (457mm) 

vertical smoker, $399, I/N: 3180864 

Char-Griller ‘Akorn Kamado 

Kooker’ barbecue, $549, 

I/N: 3180332 

Some products are not 

available at all Bunnings stores, 

but may be ordered. 

bunningsau | 


56 

Panel discussion 

Take a plain wall from drab to fab with a grid of 

timber strips, designed to create a striking feature 

Safety tip 

Before attaching the 

timber pieces, use a 

stud finder that has 

the capability to 

detect live wires and 

pipework

57 

Make it 

Feature wall 

Transforming a wall from plain to pretty 

is easy with this technique, which uses 

strips of timber to create the impression 

of Shaker-style panelling, and can instantly 

inject a spartan space with charm and personality. 

To ensure a grid pattern of evenly spaced squares, 

start with a measurement of 450mm: the width of 

each square taken from the centre of the timber 

strips. Working from the inside of the existing 

skirting, cornices and trim, mark out the grid on 

the wall, adjusting the final measurement to suit. 

If you have a large wall, it may be more visually 

effective to increase the grid to 500mm. 

TOOLS & MATERIALS 


• Measuring tape 

• Pencil 

• Stud finder 

• Painter’s tape 

• Mitre saw 

• Caulking gun 

• Brad nailer with 

brad nails 

• Combination square 

• 180-grit abrasive paper 

with sanding block 

• Mini paint roller 

and tray 

• 50mm angled 

cutter paintbrush 

• Selleys Liquid Nails 

Fast Grab adhesive 

• 2.7m lengths of 

67mm x 11mm 

primed pine 

• Timber filler 

• Paint in your 

chosen colour 

Project Keiran Sharpe. Instructions and step photography Natasha Dickins. Photography Brigid Arnott, 

stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones, styling assistant Nonci Nyoni. Paint colours may vary on application 

Mark out the rails (horizontal) 

1450mm apart on the left and right 

sides of the wall, working upwards 

from the floor. At four squares high, 

the top rail should measure about 

1830mm from the floor. Add another 

row if you have high ceilings. From left 

to right, mark out the stiles (vertical) 

450mm apart at the top and base of 

the wall. Use a stud finder and mark 

the studs with painter’s tape to show 

where the rails will be nailed. The 

stiles are simply nailed into the wall. 

Measure and cut the next rail 

4 to fit, apply adhesive to the back, 

position it to rest along the top of the 

stiles, then nail into studs. Cut and 

install the row of stiles, then repeat 

to finish with a rail along the top. 

Measure the width of the wall at 

2 the base and use the mitre saw to 

cut a rail to fit. Zigzag adhesive along 

the back of the rail then position the 

rail against the wall. If your room has 

skirting boards, rest the rail on top 

of them. Secure with two nails into 

each wall stud. 

PRO TIP 

Cut stiles for the row to be 383mm 

3 long. Working on one at a time, 

apply adhesive and position using 

a combination square to ensure it is 

straight. Secure with nails. Note: It’s 

quicker and easier to use a nail gun, 

but you can also use a claw hammer 

with small 25mm bullet head nails. 

If your wall is wider than 2.7m, make 

sure the rails meet over a wall stud 

so the ends can be nailed securely 

Smooth over nails and joins with timber filler, leave to dry, then sand. Using 

5 a mini roller and a paintbrush to cut into the corners, apply at least two 

coats of paint, leaving to dry between coats. Tip: For a masonry wall, create the 

panelled grid on a backing of 6mm x 915mm x 1830 standard MDF panels then 

attach it to the wall using masonry anchors. If you have the space, paint the 

panels before installing them, then fill, sand and touch up over the fasteners. 

Wall panel made using Porta 67mm x 11mm 2.7m FJ dressed all round pine moulding, $7.81, I/N: 0220014, painted in Dulux Olive 

Blend. Verve Design ‘Selena’ wall light in Black, $62, I/N: 0019390. Home Design 43cm x 43cm velvet interior cushion in Emerald, 

$15, I/N: 0106469. Smart Home Products 120cm x 160cm throw rug in Lecce, $11.98, I/N: 0086768. Tarkett 1.754sqm laminate flooring 

in Old World Walnut, $55.89, I/N: 6690158. Bed linen, all Bed Threads, bedthreads.com.au. Bedside table, James Lane, jameslane.com. 

au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆ 

bunningsau | 


SOPHISTICATED 

MODERN 

SLIDING 

BARN DOOR 

Flush Barn Door in Natural Wood 

The InBuilt Avellino Barn Door is a beautifully crafted multi panel door that will add 

eye catching interest to any room in your home or business. 

While the InBuilt Flush Barn Door is a single panelled door for those with simple 

elegance in mind. 

Beautiful wood grain textured finish with 14 modern colours available at an affordable 

price you won’t have to sell the farm for. 

InBuilt Barn Doors are space saving sliding doors that will fit all Barn Door tracking 

systems available at Bunnings Warehouse. 

Pre-finished and ready to hang 

Available in: 18mm x 2100mm x 1000mm Avellino Style and; 

25mm x 2100mm x 1000mm Flush Style. 

Other custom sizes available: Height - Min 2100mm, Max 2400mm 

Width - Min 420mm, Max 1200mm 

Order Online or instore today – 10 Day lead time on Special Order Doors 

Beach Walnut 

Ceuta Walnut 

Natural Wood 

Satra Timber 

Rustic Wood 

Drift Wood 

Mila Oak 

Naples Walnut 

Avellino Barn Door in Valence Oak 

Milan 

Marseille 

Valence Oak* 

Andorra Oak 

Arabica Wood 

Black Bordeaux 

We are committed to an eco-friendly and sustainable environment. 

Our product is manufactured from Responsible Wood chain of 

custody certified managed and renewable plantation pine.

59 

Make it 

Install a barn door 

Super sliders 

Add character and an element of 

rustic charm to your interior with 

the inclusion of a barn door 

bunningsau | 


60 

Make it 

Barn doors are enjoying a moment 

with trendsetters and style gurus, 

and for good reason; they look 

great, their sliding mechanism 

means that they save space, and external 

fittings allow a relatively easy retrofit. With 

a broad range of styles, there’s a barn door 

to suit almost any interior look and, best of 

all, installing one is an achievable DIY job. 

1 

Get the look 

3 

4 

Style file 

“Barn doors have a more relaxed feel 

generally and work well in country cottages 

or coastal looks, but can work in most 

styles depending on what design you 

use for the door,” says interior architect 

Sally Rhys-Jones (sallyrhysjones.com). 

They are a fantastic way to add 

character to a modern home. Popular uses 

include as a pantry or laundry door, where 

the hardware contrasts beautifully with the 

slick surfaces of a contemporary kitchen; 

or as a stylish way to close off a kids’ 

playroom or study from a main living zone. 

Personal taste 

Barn door tracks can be used with almost 

any door you like, subject to practical 

considerations like weight. You can create 

double barn doors by using a double door 

kit or two single kits and a track joiner. 

Choose a plain door for a modern look 

that lets the track be the star, repurpose an 

antique one into a striking feature or craft 

your own. “You could do a simple vertical 

v-groove, add a cross detail or a 45-degree 

angle strap – the possibilities are endless,” 

says Sally. Creating a custom door can 

be as easy as using wall panelling – Nat 

Wheeler and Kristy Sadlier of homewares 

store and interior design consultancy 

Norsu Interiors did this in a hallway of Nat’s 

home (see previous page), using Easycraft 

VJ panels to customise a plain hollow door. 

Read it! 

Like the look of these doors? Read more at: 

bunnings.com.au/barnstyleslidingdoors 

1 Rolltrak barn door side fix track set in Matt Black, $95, I/N: 0011861. 2 Lemaar 450mm square door pull 

entry lock in Black, $195, I/N: 4131126. 3 Inbuilt ‘Milan’ flush internal barn door, $399, I/N: 0088394. 4 Hume 

‘Frontier’ 2150mm x 1000mm x 35mm internal barn door, $249, I/N: 0064595. Some products are not 

available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

“Barn doors add interest to a space and are a great option 

where you want a sliding door but have a brick wall and 

can’t do a cavity slider” Sally Rhys-Jones interior architect 

Installing a barn door is a straightforward 

job for a reasonably confident DIYer; 

for example Hume Doors & Timber’s 

barn door systems come with detailed 

instructions and there’s a comprehensive 

how-to video on their website. But there 

are a few considerations to be aware of. 

• Make sure a barn door is the right fit 

for the space. Hume Doors & Timber’s 

national sales manager Patrick Antoine 

says, “You need to check there is enough 

clear wall space beside the opening for 

the track and door to open – the last 

thing you want is to install your beautiful 

barn door and realise you can’t open it 

all the way because it will cover another 

doorway, power points or light switches.” 

• Ensure the wall is strong enough to 

mount the hardware and hold the weight 

of the door. If you have any doubts 

about the structural integrity of the wall, 

ask a carpenter to check it out for you 

first. Even on a sound frame, most barn 

door tracks are only designed to hold up 

to 80kg, which may exclude some solid 

DIY details 

2 

core doors, so check your door’s weight 

is suitable for your barn door track. If 

your heart is set on a solid door that’s 

heavier than 80kg or you’re planning to 

repurpose a heavy antique door, check 

with a carpenter and look to industrial 

hardware, like the Richmond heavy-duty 

barn door kit, which can hold up to 160kg. 

• If creating a custom door, be aware 

that, “The straps that attach the door to 

the track need to be fixed to the face 

of the door,” explains Patrick. “Because of 

this, you need to ensure that the door 

you choose has extra timber in the top 

of the door for the straps to fix into.” 

• The floor guide, which comes with the 

track kit, stops the door from swinging 

off the rail and keeps it sliding smoothly, 

but it requires a groove along the bottom 

edge of the door. Request this at the 

time of ordering your door or, if that’s 

not possible, make the groove yourself. 

• Last but not least, “You need to ensure 

the size you want can be manufactured 

and will work on the track,” says Patrick.¿ 

Words Shelley Tustin. Photography (previous page) Shania Shegedyn, stylists Nat Wheeler 

and Kristy Sadlier. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings 


62 

Make it 

Child-friendly corner 

Play zone 

Set up a cosy nook 

for books and toys 

Encourage your kids 

to embrace the magic 

of books and play 

by setting up a space 

just for them, complete with 

a homemade toy box built 

from a Clever Cube storage 

unit. Simply choose a corner 

of the bedroom or living room 

and assemble the elements. 

TOOLS & MATERIALS 

• Safety equipment 

• Marking pen 

• Mitre saw 

• Drill driverwith 8G 

countersinking bit 

• Random orbital sander 

with 120-grit sanding discs 

• Clean cloth 

• 1m metal ruler 

• Utility knifewith sharp blade 

• 180-grit abrasive paper with 

sanding block 

• Combination square 

• Flexi Storage ‘Clever 

Cube’ 1 x 2 storage unit, 

assembled as per 

instructions 

• 1200mm x 396mm x 7mm 

radiata plywood 

• 25mm timber screws 

• Wallpaper 

• High-strength contact 

adhesive spray oraerosol 

•2.4m length of 40mm 

x 12mm DAR pine 

• 1.2m length of 20mm 

x 12mm DAR pine 

• Timber filler 

• Four 48mm wooden 

ball furniture feet 

• 40mm timber screws 

1To add a base, mark the cube’s 

width on plywood and use mitre 

saw to cut from one side, then flip 

timber over to complete the cut. 

Position plywood over cube with 

equal space around edges. Use 

a countersinking bit to drill pilot 

holes; attach with 25mm screws. 

Spray adhesive on one inside 

4 cube wall and the reverse side 

of one wallpaper sheet, position it 

to fit along the front then smooth 

towards the back. To straighten 

the pattern, pull paper from the 

back and reposition, working 

quickly before the adhesive dries. 

Repeat for other walls. Tip: Flip 

the cube as you go for easy access 

2Roughen the surfaces inside 

the cube with a random orbital 

sander using a 120-grit sanding 

disc. Fold a discarded disc in half 

and hand-sand into the corners, 

then wipe the inside surfaces 

thoroughly with a clean, damp 

cloth to remove all dust. 

Cut the 40mm-wide pine to fit 

5 across the ends of the cube, 

then cut the sides the same inside 

length of the cube. Countersink 

three holes into the ends and four 

along the sides, secure with 25mm 

screws. Cut the 20mm-wide pine 

to fit the centre, secure with two 

countersunk screws. Cover the 

screws with filler, let dry, then sand. 

Use the cube’s cardboard 

3 packaging as a cutting board. 

Along the side of the wallpaper, 

measure eight 335mm-wide sheets, 

then measure 390mm down from 

these marks. Cut with a utility knife, 

using the metal ruler as a straight 

edge and making the long cut first. 

At the corners of the base, 

6 use a combination square 

to mark 26mm from the edges. 

Drill a pilot hole using the 

countersinking bit, then attach 

ball feet with 40mm screws. 

Note: The ball feet are positioned 

so the screws secure into the 

sides of the cube, rather than 

protrude through the base. ◆ 

Project instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins. Photography Brigid Arnott, 

stylist Tilly Roberts. Paint colours may vary on application 


Shelves Install these low on the wall, so even toddlers can reach 

to take down a book These narrow photo shelves are ideal for 

positioning books facing outwards, making them more colourful 

and enticing. Change the books regularly to keep the display fresh. 

Clutter busters Loose toys and general clutter is distracting for kids, 

so easy storage solutions (like our wallpapered toy box) are a must. 

A comfy seat Kids love beanbags, but any seat 

will work – even a big floor cushion – as long as 

it’s soft and comfy enough to snuggle up on. 

Safety tips 

When spraying 

adhesive, wear gloves 

and a mask. Check the 

weight allowance of the 

shelves before placing 

items on them 

Toy box constructed from Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 1 x 2 storage unit in White, $36, I/N: 2583382, lined with Superfresco Easy ‘Inspire Italie’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper 

in Blue/Silver, $61.70, I/N: 1662855. Boyle 5 point star MDF coasters, $0.99 each, I/N: 1660891, painted in Taubmans Peach Shortcake and Nayoo. Flexi Storage 900mm 

photo shelves in White Gloss, $29.90 each, I/N: 2582664. Boutique Collections ‘Safari Midnight’ 52cm x 10m wallpaper, $93.10, I/N: 0106466. Verve Design ‘Drum’ 

lampshade in Rattan, $74.10, I/N: 0021463, with Brilliant pendant light suspension kit in White, $8.40, I/N: 7070172. Home Design 43cm x 43cm cable knit cushion 

in Grey, $19, I/N: 0106474, and Dusty Pink, $19, I/N 0106473. Flexi Storage ‘Compact Cube’ 27cm x 28cm x 27cm fabric insert in Pointy Grey, $4.80, I/N: 0074192. 

Smart Home Products 120cm x 160cm throw in Lecce, $11.98, I/N: 0086768. Polyester faux fur sheepskin rug in White, $19, I/N: 0098870. Bata kids gumboots in Purple/ 

Green, $14.98, I/N: 0095426. Boyle ‘Wiggle Animal’ wood paint kits, $7.98 each, I/N: 1662741 (elephant and giraffe). Boyle ‘Wiggle Train’ wood paint kit, $12.98, I/N: 

1662742. Books, beanbag and toys, all Kmart, kmart.com.au. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

bunningsau | 


64 

Make it 

Revamp a cupboard 

Cabinet reshuffle 

Transform slender DIY kitchen units into 

an elegant piece of furniture – perfect 

for storage and display 

Wrap painter’s 

tape 15mm from 

Pro tip 

the tip of your 

We’ve drill taken bit a as simplistic a depth 

approach indicator, building this to 

sideboard, but you can add 

prevent drilling 

character with a timber top. 

Cut a timber right panel through to fit, apply 

Liquid Nails the to the base top of of the 

cabinet, then cabinet centre the 

panel and clamp 

to dry. 

Kaboodle 450mm wall cabinet, $85, I/N: 2662261. Kaboodle 900mm wall cabinet, $130, I/N: 2662264. Kaboodle 

450mm raw board cabinet doors in Modern profile, $27.77 each, I/N: 2668875, painted in Taubmans Beyond 

Beige. Leggz 150mm round plain wooden furniture legs, $3.60 each, I/N: 3940040. Home Design 60cm round 

hanging mirror in Black, $69, I/N: 1730213. Brass tray, Country Road, countryroad.com.au. Candle, vase and 

books, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 

What you need 


•Sanding block with 400-grit and 180-grit 

abrasive paper 

•Clean cloth 

•Short nap roller with two covers and tray 

•Cordless drill with driver bit 

•4mm and 8mm drill bits 

•Two quick-grip clamps 

•Stud finder 

•Measuring tape 

•Three 450mm raw board DIY kitchen 

cabinet doors (we used Kaboodle Paint Your 

Own Doors in Modern profile) 

•3-in-1 primer sealer undercoat 

•Interior low-sheen paint (we used 

Taubmans Beyond Beige) 

•900mm and 450mm DIY kitchen 

wall cabinets 

•Eight 5/16” vertical leg plates 

•Eight 150mm round plain wooden 

furniture legs 

•8G x 30mm countersunk chipboard screws 

•Six push-to-open door hinges 

•Painter’s tape 

•8G x 65mm timber screws 

1Method 

Sand the raw faces of the doors with 

400-grit abrasive paper, then remove the 

dust with a damp cloth. Use a mini roller to 

apply the 3-in-1 undercoat and leave to dry. 

Sand lightly with 180-grit paper, then remove 

2the dust with a damp cloth. 

To paint, use a clean cover on a mini roller 

to apply the first coat and leave to dry. Sand 

lightly with 180-grit abrasive paper, remove the 

3dust with a damp cloth, then apply a second coat. 

Assemble the cabinets following the 

manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring 

4all fasteners are tightened. 

On the underside of the cabinets, position 

leg plates in the corners and secure with 

supplied screws. Use an 8mm bit to drill into the 

5centre of the plates, then install the legs. 

Set out the cabinets on a level surface, clamp 

together at the top and base, then use a 4mm 

bit to make two pilot holes into the sides at the 

front, and two into the sides at the back, securing 

with 30mm screws. Follow the manufacturer’s 

instructions to install hinges and doors, then 

position stick-on end caps over all visible screws. 

Locate the wall studs and mark with painter’s 

6 tape 800mm from the floor. Position the 

sideboard, use a 4mm bit to drill two pilot holes 

through the back of both cabinets into the 

wall studs, then secure with 65mm screws. ¿ 

Project instructions Natasha Dickins. Photography Cath Muscat, stylist Tilly Roberts, 

styling assistant Samantha Torrisi. Paint colours may vary on application 


Marketplace 

RYOBI 

RRP: 

$129 

This full-featured 2000PSI Pressure Washer from 

RYOBI delivers enough power to easily clean 

vehicles, decks, patios, paths and driveways. 

Hills is delighted to bring you a collection of innovative premium 

laundry products that are not only essential, but are contemporary 

and complementary to today’s urban living and style. 

www.hillshome.com.au | Ph: 1300 300 564 | Email: hhl.enquiries@amesau.com 

Taubmans ® 

Endure Interior 

Paint 

Proven to deliver 

superior protection 

with a lifetime 

guarantee*. 

4L Wall Matt White, 

RRP: $74.90 

*For full conditions around our lifetime 

guarantee visit taubmans.com.au 

CHAMBERLAIN myQ 

GARAGE DOOR OPENER RANGE 

Forgot to close the garage door? No problem. Now you can 

monitor and control your garage door away from home, from 

your smartphone or Apple Watch. Now that’s smart. 

1800 665 438 

chamberlaindiy.com.au 

info@chamberlaindiy.com.au 

RRP: 

$7.85 

LOCTITE 

KINTSUGLUE 

A versatile and flexible 

putty, created to repair, 

reconstruct, protect and 

enhance almost all objects, 

even flexible ones. 

Weed, Feed & Green Up 

RRP $20.98 

Buffalo Weed, 

Feed & Green Up 

RRP $25.98 

A WEED FREE 

LAWN IS A 

BREEZE! 

Scotts Lawn Builder 

Weed, Feed & Green 

Up and Buffalo Weed, 

Feed & Green Up 

make killing weeds, 

feeding and greening 

your lawn easy. 

www.loctite-consumer.com.au

66 

Plant pick 

Tomato source 

Name Tomato 

(Lycopersicon esculentum) 

What they look like 

Plump and juicy fruit (that’s right, not 

a vegetable!) hang beautifully against 

dark green foliage. They’re available 

in a range of shapes, sizes, colours and 

forms, growing into dwarf compact 

shrubs or large climbing vines to suit 

any space, from a balcony to a garden. 

Where they grow 

Tomatoes can grow in most climates, 

from cold areas to the tropics. Plant in 

garden beds or pots, ensuring they have 

at least six hours of full sun each day 

(with a bit of protection from the hot 

afternoon sun if you’re growing up north). 

Heirloom 

Classic 

Why we love them 

Expect a bountiful harvest from summer 

to early autumn. Varieties are usually 

labelled as determinate or indeterminate 

– the former stop growing and set their 

fruit all at once; the latter can be picked 

throughout the season. Plant a few 

varieties to make the most of the harvest 

window. There are tomatoes to suit every 

taste, acidic or sweet, and they will all 

be bursting with flavour. 

Traditional crop available in a range 

of colours, sizes, shapes and tastes. 

Look for ‘Black Russian’ or ‘Tigerella’. 

Large, juicy round fruit growing on 

robust vines. Try ‘Grosse Lisse’ or 

‘Burnley Sure Crop’. 

How to grow them 

Get a head start by sowing seeds 

indoors towards the end of winter. Sow 

in a tray filled with seed-raising mix and 

keep in a warm spot. Once ready, plant 

seedlings in well-drained soil, enriched 

with organic matter. Add liquid lime to 

sweeten the soil and prevent blossom 

end rot. As plants grow, feed with a 

complete fertiliser specific to tomatoes. 

For large growing varieties, gently tie the 

main stem to a stake as the plant grows. 

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT 

bunnings.com.au/plants 

Cherry 

These pint-sized versions grow well 

in pots and are popular with kids. 

Try ‘Tommy Toe’ or ‘Mini Roma’. 

Beefsteak 

An old-fashioned favourite, it can 

weigh between 250g and 500g! Look 

for ‘Black Krim’ or ‘Mortgage Lifter’. 

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography (heirloom) Alamy Stock 

Photo, (cherry) iStock, (classic and beefsteak) Getty Images 


Clear primed, 

so you choose 

a paint or 

stain finish 

NEW 

Primed and 

ready for 

topcoat 

Straight as an Arrow 

Finger Jointed and 

Laminated posts are 

strong and stay straight 

® 

ARROW POSTS

IN 

MULTI-BENEFIT 

PROTECTION 

PROVEN TO DELIVER 

SUPERIOR PROTECTION * 

Lifetime Guarantee. 

RET1697 

TAUBMANS ® ENDURE INTERIOR PAINT 

FEATURING MATT FINISH WITH SEMI GLOSS STENCIL 

*Testing was performed to Australian standards where applicable and against market leading 

competitors in the same segment using white base interior wall paints in Low-sheen and Matt-sheen in 

January 2018. For full conditions around our LIFETIME GUARANTEE visit www.taubmans.com.au

BUNNINGS September 2019

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