Open shelving in the kitchen is a bit of a love-it-or-leave-it idea, and whether it’s practical or not largely comes down to how you use your kitchen. But if you do want to incorporate floating or open shelves, a question emerges: where should you hang them? There are many great places to put open shelves,…
Laminates have had a bad rap in the past, often seen as a cost-effective alternative to their authentic counterparts, such as natural stone and marble. What’s more, up until now, dark-coloured laminates have been vulnerable to fingerprints, marks and scratches, resulting in lighter-coloured laminates being the preferred choice for countertops, cupboards and vanities. Thanks to…
Last Tuesday Bank Australia announced their Clean Energy Home Loans, where Australians who are purchasing a home rated 7 stars or higher qualify for a 0.40% discount on their home finance per annum. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, on behalf of the Australian Government have supported Bank Australia with an investment of up to $60M…
A well-considered outdoor lighting scheme will show your garden off to its best and allow you (and your guests) to enjoy the space long after dark. But with so many lighting styles on offer – spike lights, uplights, downlights, flood lights and hanging lights – working out what you need and what you don’t can…
There are so many other options out there to make your retaining wall a bit more personal and funky that the traditional railway sleepers. 1. Rock Retaining Walls Natural rocks piled on top of each other an a gradient gives both an industrial and natural look. To enhance the look simply add plants in and…
This year we have launched a new limited video series called Hurst Homes Helpful Hints. This is a weekly video series deigned to educate new home buyers on the building process from start to finish. As a local Wagga Builder with over 30 years experience in the industry, we have seen it way too often…
The past 15 years have seen the biggest advancements in lighting since Thomas Edison brought his incandescent bulb to the market. Light bulbs are now smart enough to listen to our voices and promote a better night’s sleep. Perhaps the most helpful advancement in lighting is the improved quality of LEDs. Today’s high-quality LEDs deliver…
Plants are a crucial resource for the environment, playing a key role in stabilizing the ecosystem. Not only do they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, they also provide wildlife with habitats, create shade, and lay an important role in the water cycle.Plants help reduce stress, purify the air and are important during all climate…
The year 2020 might see the end of the ‘official’ kitchen area and the rise of cheeky leftover spaces. It’s certain to see terrazzo move from an accessory to a foundational material in a home in 2020. 1. The Unkitchen It’s no surprise that kitchen design has turned away from a look of pure functionality…
Choosing a finish for bathroom tapware often stumps people. What’s the difference between brushed and polished nickel? What are the benefits of satin brass versus satin bronze? Fear not. Here’s a crash course in tapware finishes that will elevate your knowledge in less time than it takes you to brush your teeth. 1. Polished Brass…
