Summers nearly here, bring on the barbeques!

With the AFL Grand Final weekend been and gone, Australia can truly say goodbye to winter and hello to summer. With the arrival of summer I’m predicting a lot of cricket, sun-burnt noses and the constant smell of barbeques. On this note I wanted to write this week about creating the perfect, low maintenance outdoor entertaining area.

In Australia the barbeque has become something of a spiritual ritual, where whoever holds the barbeque tongs truly holds the power. Consequently, us Aussies seem to take a lot of pride in the condition of our backyard, however, hardly any of us have the time to maintain our backyard regularly. This is where some of my handy hints come in.

1. Opt for tiles or pavers. Of course we’re going to opt for tiles in any case, we sell them. However, for a low maintenance area tiles and pavers make sense. Typical decking, being wood, requires constant maintaining to retain its condition. Tiles won’t rot and maintain their good looks. If it’s the decking look you’re after there are now tiles that replicate the wood look, so it’s win-win.

 2.  Keep the grass to a minimum. Although grass looks and feels great it requires consent mowing in spring and watering to stay alive in summer. If you’re not sure you have time to maintain a lawn don’t plant one! 

 3.  Choose native plants. Our climate is not a very welcoming one and those water loving foreign plants won’t love it. Australian natives were born and breed here, they are made for our weather, and with such a wide variety of plants to choose from why wouldn't you go native? 

4.  Make it your own. You’re not going to love entertaining out there if it’s not you! So flick through magazines, scroll through the web and find your own style. Don’t conform, be you!

Hopefully this helped you with your outdoor entertaining area or at least got you thinking about it. Now I’m back to counting down the days until summer (and fingers crossed warm weather) kicks in. Only 60 days now I think...

Global Tiles: Mexico

When I think of Mexico, I wouldn't necessarily think of tiles. In fact, you wouldn't find tiles anywhere near my list of “things that remind me of Mexico”, which consists entirely of tacos, sombreros and the little girl on the ‘Old El Paso’ ad. However, if you put tiles and Mexico into the same search bar on Google you will not be disappointed!

(photo credit: http://www.sunset.com/home/before-after/oakland-home-remodel/tiled-stairs)

Mexico is actually famous for their beautiful hand crafted ceramics tiles known as Talavera. Talavera is white, tin-glazed type of ceramic, first introduced to Mexico by Spaniards in the sixteenth century. The city of Puebla is home to these stunning tiles where, due to the city being founded nestled between volcanoes, an abundant supply of quality clay can be found. The prevalence of art in Puebla means Talavera is achieved to such quality and beauty that it is exported to the rest of the American continent.

And Talavera is not limited to tiles! You can find an array of Talavera pottery that feature the same vibrant colours and hand crafted mastery. The craftsmen of Puebla make everything from a simple urn to a magnificent toilet with Talavera.

(photo credit: http://virtualvallarta.com/puertovallarta/puertovallarta/behind-the-scenes-at-a-ta.shtml)

A craft that has not changed since the sixteenth century Talavera is a true tile treasure of the world.

Mez's Living Room Reno

One of our team members shares a few of her living room renovation photographs using our stunning new Woodstyle Noce 300x1200. The transformation of this room is unbelievable! 

Before: 

During: 

After:

Bright and Bold Bathrooms

Eclectic Bathroom by Winnipeg Interior Designer Fenwick & Company Interior Design

Quite often our clients select bathroom tiles that are 'safe' and 'won't date too quickly', despite the fact that they really love a particular colour or look.

It's quite clear the the owner of the above bathroom loves blue as they have committed to the colour in a very large way, and there is no reason you shouldn't too!

If used well, colour can look fantastic! In this bathroom, the blue tones all work together to create a very luxurious space. They are then grounded by the neutral floor. 

If you are staying in your house for a number of years, whatever you pick will be dated by the time you sell anyway, so why compromise on having what you love?

Finally your home should be a reflection of the people who live in it. If you are vibrant people who love a bit of colour, then why compromise so that other people like it?

Decadent Dining

Sharing food with family and friends is an important part of any culture, which is why it is imperative for dining rooms to not only look great, but be comfortable and functional as well! 

We are seeing much more focus and importance being placed on the design of "entertaining areas" (living, dining and alfresco) as these form the social hub of the home, and so have decided to share some favourites with you.

Image From: Houzz

This dining room  uses a stunning combination of natural textures and tones to create a warm and welcoming feel.

Carefully selected furnishings ensure that this area is comfortable and stylish, while the deep tones ooze sophistication.

Products to view: Traverstone, Travertino Navona, Claystone 

Image From: Houzz

This space draws on lighter brighter tones, large open windows and mirrors to create a bright. open space. Once again, the furnishings have been carfully selected to be asthetically pleasing, functional and comfortable.

Products to view: Valmalenco, Travertino Navona, Caraculla

My Top 5... New Releases

I'm not going to deny it... I've been a bit slack on the blog writing of late. I've been going a bit crazy working on our new website, which has been a massive job, and forgot to update our blog... Sorry! 

But, on the up side, I have now decided that my main Monday job will be to write a blog post so below is today's. Enjoy!

Kim

My Top 5... New Releases

Counting down from 5 to 1, here are my very favourite new releases:

5 - Soho Walls

I love these wall tiles! They're available in 4 neutral colours and are 70x300mm. Their slightly textured surface gives real a point of difference.

 

 4 - Runway Walls/Light Traffic Floors

This series come in 2 formats (300x600 and 150x600) and 3 colours and offers a really funky option for a variety of applications.

3 - Compact Floors

These tiles come in 3 colours and would be perfect for a rustic/industrial concept. They have a fantastic textured finish and are great for feature walls in a variety of areas

2 - Graphic Walls

These wall tiles come in a sensational array of colours. My favourite is the blue! At under $50m2 they are a great deal cheaper than glass, but they look just as incredible.

1 - Zenith Floors

I have always loved travertine look tiles and these are no exception!
450x900, a gorgeous satin finish and

Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

We know that entering our showroom can be quite daunting to many. There are so many options and the hard part is always where to start. I often get asked what I would pick for my own home, and to be honest, I have no idea at all! There are so many different styles and items that appeal to me that I really would struggle if I were on the other side of the counter.

What I can share with you however are a few of my favourite magazines, websites and blogs. These have all, at some stage, given me amazing ideas and inspiration.

Without a doubt, my favourite website would have to be Pinterest. For those of you that have not discovered this amazing website, Pintrest is essentially a pinboard of inspiration and ideas for everything from home decor, to events, to automotive. There are thousands of images shared by thousands of users which means plenty of idea sharing! 

Another of my favourites is IKEA Hackers. I'm not a massive fan of the Ikea product as it is over used and not always the best quality, but I do love this website. It provides plenty of 'think outside the box' ideas that can be applied to a variety of objects. It is also great inspiration for small spaces. 

My newest favourite thing is Inside Out magazine. It's a magazine that has been out for quite a while but I have only recently discovered and I find myself counting down the sleeps until the next issue is released. This magazine, unlike many others, has something useful on almost every page, rather than being filled with product advertising. 

I also love the tips and tricks provided on the Honey&Fitz blog. There are also many other blogs floating on the internet that are full of information and inspiration which can be discovered by performing a blog search.  Enjoy x