TOP TIPS TO HELP BUILD THE BEST BUTLER’S PANTRY
A keen kitchen comrade, the butler’s pantry handles the practical tasks so there’s more space to entertain. They act as a mini kitchen inside your regular one, allowing you to hide dirty dishes from guests, provide more storage and give your home a deluxe flair. The modern butler’s pantry comes in various formations and dimensions, a proud domain of servitude for preserving kitchen cleanliness.
Here are some of our top tips to help build the best butlers pantry for your home.
Consider Size
A kitchen with a butler’s pantry does require some space, but it doesn’t have to upheave the entire blueprint. It is possible to create a small butler’s pantry that won’t compromise the powerhouse work ethic you want. Think about the size of your future butler’s pantry, and see how it can fit into your home’s design. Once you have landed on a size that suits your lifestyle and budget, you can begin planning the interior features.
Working Triangle
The key to any functional kitchen is the working triangle, and ideally, a butler’s pantry should aid that instead of interrupt it. A triangular workflow usually consists of the stove, fridge and sink placed in a triangle shape to maximise efficiency. If you’re going to put one or more of these items in your butler’s pantry, ensure they are placed strategically to not interrupt kitchen flow.
Cabinetry and Bench Space
Cabinetry and bench space are essential features in any butler’s pantry. You want to have enough room for storage and preparation but also enough space to move around easily. If your butler’s pantry is on the smaller side, consider adopting more open-air shelving or sliding doors for cabinetry. This is because pull-out drawers in an already cramped area can further shrink available space.
Lighting
A butler’s pantry is, first and foremost, a place of work. Installing adequate task lighting helps ensure that this part of the home can run efficiently. If you do not have a window in your butler’s pantry, it can be dim and easier for food and appliances to get lost. If you include pull-out drawers and cupboards, perhaps add strip lighting underneath benchtops to illuminate the contents of your cabinetry. While warm lighting is ambient and soothing, it is often better to have cooler-toned lighting in a workspace like a butler’s pantry to clarify vision.
Accessorise
Now for the fun part — choosing the accessories to help complete the space. Consider fixtures, fittings and general hardware that fulfil pillars of style and efficiency. For example, cabinetry handles are a simple way to elevate your space while ensuring that your drawers function properly. Another common feature of the butler’s pantry is a kitchen mixer and kitchen sink. They allow you to hide dirty dishes and keep more space available in your kitchen. Consider a traditional rectangular-shaped sink, as it’s easier to fit bulkier items such as chopping boards.
Want our advice on how you can build a butlers pantry the best suits your style and space? We are offering a FREE 15-minute design call with one of our team today. Get our top tips for your unique space today completely cost and obligation free.
WET ROOM REVIVAL 2022
The wet room bathroom isn’t necessarily a new concept but is having an invigorated resurgence in homes. Last year we saw many renovators adopt the open-plan formation, which typically sees the shower, bath and sometimes vanity in a boundary-free space. Now, in terms of modern bathroom ideas, wet rooms are certainly up there with the most popular.
While the process of installing a wet room might be more disruptive and expensive than a standard bathroom re-fit, by tanking the envelope of your bathroom, you can streamline finishes and create rooms which are more practical. So let’s dive into this exciting design revival and all you need to know about wet rooms.
In this design from Melissa Lunardon, a walk-through wet room set-up allows for a freestanding bath in the centre of the room and a shower that can be used from either side behind the bath. Without disturbing the flow of the room, a walk-through shower like this gives a luxurious feel which is well-suited to high-end bathrooms.
Wet Rooms; Make a Splash
Wet rooms aren’t far removed from standard bathrooms at all. The difference is that their open-plan design features little to no dividers between each bathroom component. This means that the bath, shower, vanity, and toilet are kept close by in one central minimalistic space. Usually, the shower and bath are contained together, with a partial glass shower screen separating the vanity and toilet.
Wet room bathrooms also require adequate waterproofing, as the space is designed to get entirely saturated. This is done by a process called tanking, whereby a membrane makes the wet room invulnerable to leaks. Wet rooms also need to be tiled from floor to ceiling.
Wet Room Pros
All Sizes And Spaces: Wet rooms are a fantastic bathroom design choice for small and larger spaces. It has an advantage in smaller bathroom sizes since the open-plan formation can make the area feel more spacious. In bigger bathrooms, a wet room can look opulent and add a point of distinction.
Mobility: The minimalistic concept of a wet room is also helpful for the elderly or those with mobility issues, as moving around between each fitting faces fewer obstructions. Just ensure that there are handrails to promote added safety.
Cleaning Ease: As a wet room is meant to get the whole area wet, cleaning is an easier task. Also, suppose you section off the bath and shower with a partial glass screen. In that case, water is protected from the vanity or toilet, offering less opportunity for watermarks to stain those areas.
The Wet Room Vanity
Having a minimalistic vanity to accompany your wet room is essential. Consider opting for a floating one so there is no opportunity for water to pool near the bottom and cause damage. It also suits the stripped-back aesthetic of a wet room to lift and lighten the space.
Wet Room Practicalities
Airflow: A wet room can quickly become a humid environment, where everything can remain damp for a while. It’s imperative to have good airflow to prevent mould and grime from building up. Proper fans and windows dry out moisture and can make it a safer place to move around. This should be a strong consideration in the design process.
Storage: In smaller wet rooms, it’s easier for items you would like to stay dry to get wet. Ensure that these belongings, such as toilet paper and towels, are stored in a location that ensures they don’t get affected by moisture. Storage of such items should not be ignored in the design for the sake of aesthetics.
Budget: Waterproofing and tiling expenses can add up quickly and should be carefully budgeted for. It may be more costly, but ensuring that this area is properly fitted out to withstand moisture means that you won’t run into any complications down the track. Work with experienced and knowledgeable professionals to form a realistic budget.
LAUNDRY- THE HARDEST WORKING ROOM
The laundry is one of the most hardworking rooms in the house. But with a little effort, the laundry room can be just as stylish and organised as the rest of your house. From coloured cabinetry and detailed tilework to unique hardware and storage baskets, it is possible to transform your laundry room into a standout and stylish space you'll want to show off to guests.
RENO SUCCESS - COMMON HOME RENOVATION MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
If you are seeking home renovation success, be sure to avoid these common mistakes we see all the time. It will mean your project is enjoyable and achieves what you both want and need, while also being delivered on time and on budget. In a world full of reno nightmare stories, who doesn’t want that?!
Classic Mis-Steps
Home renovations usually spring from a positive place, where updating a property in order to add value and influence the ambience is the primary objective. Therefore, it should be an inspiring journey full of optimism. However, without careful planning and preparation, sometimes these once noble intentions can lead to missteps that cause more hindrance than hope.
Budget Failures
When refreshing your home aesthetic, sometimes it can be tempting to ignore the numbers and literally go for broke. However, by knowing your budget and keeping to those set limitations you are more likely to maintain a positive mindset on your home renovation project and avoid any potential financial upsets or unexpected pitfalls along the way. So stubbornly stick to your budget!
Under Estimation
As well as sticking to your budget, it’s important that you don’t miscalculate those renovation costs either. Apart from location, the level of renovation required, project complexity and the size of your property, the biggest factors that influence price are labour and material costs. Also keep in mind that renewing your home’s flooring will increase your budget as this is one of the most expensive aspects to replace.
Doing It Yourself
While it can be tempting to try and save a few dollars by doing a home renovation project yourself, there is a multitude of reasons why selecting specialised professionals is the more sensible solution. Designers, for example, come with invaluable home renovation experience. As a result, they can anticipate any unforeseen problems and manage all the ‘heavy lifting’ so you don’t have to.
Going Cheap
You know the old saying, ‘you get what you pay for’. Doing things cheap now will have a greater cost down the track. Therefore, it’s important to invest in quality fittings and fixtures for your home renovation. The best products come with competitive peace-of-mind warranties too, guaranteeing the level of quality. In addition, sophisticated products that have their functionality and durability guaranteed are more aesthetically pleasing too. The bottom line: it pays to invest in quality products.
Not Consulting
While it can be tempting to let your inspiration lead you, obtaining an expert opinion for your home renovation is often the best way to ensure your overall interior design aesthetic is pleasingly consistent.
Therefore it’s always a good idea to consult a team of experts. Melissa Lunardon Interior Design offers a free design consultation to accommodate your dream home renovation. Our friendly team will help feed your inspiration by listening to your intended reno plans and offering the best advice to turn those interior design dreams into a reality.
TEXTURED TIMBER
Wood is a key feature in many standout kitchen designs and it’s easy to see why! As one of the hero natural materials in kitchen design, timber is versatile, ageless and comes in endless variations. And a timber kitchen will complement any interior design style.
This earthy, tactile material instantly adds warmth, richness and texture to a kitchen. Timber is also favoured for its functionality and durability, making it a smart investment.
Click here to watch our Masterclass on creating a Mood Board that incorporates your favourite materials like textured timber.
MATTE BLACK MOMENT
Your bathroom is meant to be a retreat, regardless of its size. The key is to weave in stylish accents like low-maintenance plants, vibrant window treatments and plush towels for a picture-perfect space that offers the serenity you need to start and end your day.
Two bathroom trends worth keeping on your radar in 2022 is matte black fixtures and organic elements. We will see people bring the outdoors in, incorporate natural and organic elements like stone, and create luxury spa-like vibes.
Antique brass has had its fair share of the spotlight in bathrooms, but now there’s a new kid in town. Matte black fixtures have been having a moment, and we will see even more of this trend in 2022.
RENOVATION IS THE NEW VACATION
COVID-19 has brought an interlude to our holiday plans abroad, but we’ve seen that it has kick-started a plethora of plans at home. Renovating your home has become a fun way to escape, so on your next project why not add a dash of poolside luxury into the mix.
This year, why not use your funds to holiday at home. Because for now at least, it would seem that renovation is the new vacation.
Planning a renovation? Book a FREE design consultation with us to help you get on track with the style, selections and options for your home.
FAVOURING LOCAL - THE GREAT MOVEMENT OF 2022
Supporting local business is at the forefront of minds, particularly as international and interstate import routes have slowed significantly. Consequently, there has been a great movement towards buying locally and we’re seeing this trend extend throughout the entire home building process. In 2022, many people are favouring locally sourced and manufactured materials, as this has become a more convenient and transparent option that also supports local businesses.
This has presented an opportune time for home builders and renovators to incorporate local products into their homes design. This can be seen in the materials chosen to build homes, right through to the décor used in the completed home. From the perspective of Melissa Lunardon Interior Design, this is a movement we are very much behind and will continue to embrace throughout 2022 and beyond.
In the Covid era, the impetus to buy local has been supercharged, even outweighing considerations of intrinsic quality in the product itself. In a survey conducted across 20 markets in July 2020, 6 in 10 consumers said they were actively seeking out locally-sourced products, and 80% of them said they thought they would continue this behaviour once lockdowns had finished.
INTERIOR DESIGN PREDICTIONS 2022
The turbulent years of 2020 and 2021 that saw us approach our homes as multi-functional spaces that could still reprieve us from stress. Curves, soft colours and natural influences were of high popularity, as we needed to soothe our day to day lives.
Going forward into 2022, we expect a similar continuation of those concepts, but with a bit more excitement. As events rapidly progress and the world starts opening up again, the liveliness we feel could be reflected back in our spaces. Keep reading to see what other interior design trends we think will feature this year.
Bold Statement Walls
For the past couple of years, we have found solace in the peacefulness of neutral tones. As we begin to emerge and adjust into a new phase, we’re excited to splash vibrancy in our homes — but in tasteful ways.
This means the colourful statement wall is back. But we’re not just throwing out what we’ve learned about cultivating calm at home. Instead, we’re picking one main wall within a space and ensuring its colour or pattern is visually exciting without overwhelming. If one strong colour isn’t for you, you can always adopt patterns into the mix instead.
Continuation of Nature
Biophilic principles were a strong theme that underpinned the way we approach design in 2021, and that sentiment is set to flow through into 2022. We still want to merge the intricacies of the outdoors into our built environment, as it provides an aspect of tranquility that only nature can achieve. It also makes the home a more exciting and sensory experience.
Biophilic design is much more than putting plants in the home. It encompasses the kind of shapes, colours, textures, scents and visuals we decide to implement into our day to day scenes.
Spaces With Texture
This year, we will broaden our exploration into the world of texture at home. Fabrics, walls, and decor all become an opportunity to create more personality-driven spaces, as visual and physical textures create more nuance while administering a biophilic quality. Textures can be as bold or as subtle as you like, their versatility allowing you to mix and match as many as you like.
Sophisticated Wet Rooms
Wet room bathrooms are designed to allow the whole space to be entirely waterproof. This often means that the shower and bath are contained in their own area, sometimes with the vanity unit divided by a partial glass wall. It works well for smaller dimensions while administering a minimalistic air into the design. The appeal of open-plan bathrooms will thrive in the 2022 as we continuously look for new and innovative ways to curate our homes.
An International Fusion
As international travel starts to resume, we anticipate that the souvenirs we take from our trips will be adorned in the home upon return. Even non-travellers will still want to incorporate some design concepts from other countries, incorporating a fun international flavour into home design.
PREPPPED AND READY GARDENS FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Keen to get your gardens ready to entertain this summer? Don’t forget these top 3 tips!
Garden Clean-Up
With most Summer entertaining happening outdoors in Australia. it is time to have a big clean up in the garden.
Weed, trim and mulch your gardens for a fresh look
Feed your lawns so they are barefoot-ready
Clean up alfresco areas. A good pressure clean of pavements and outdoor furniture is a must before the family Christmas lunch
Store away external furniture and toys that are not used on a daily basis and treat yourself to some new accessories to brighten up your exterior spaces. Seating cushions, umbrellas and pot plants can all transform a space.
Set The Tone
Hang outdoor Christmas lights and decorations in the surrounding garden and space to create a pretty and festive environment for you and your guests. Alternatively, try scattering decorative lanterns around areas of the garden or deck and patio areas that will benefit from some additional light.
Prep The Deck
External decks are a big part of Australian living. But a deck means maintenance, including restaining and regularly renailing or tightening screws. Over time, expansion and contraction of the timber tends to loosen the nails or screws and they can pop up above the boards. This looks messy and can create a tripping hazard. It is also important to stain decks at least once a year to protect the wood from sun damage.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING DESIGN
Whether you’re all about low-key weekday dinners outdoors with your family, or dinner parties on the weekend with friends, having a great outdoor space to use and love all year round is a great addition to your home. By making clever design choices, you can create an outdoor entertaining area that is beautiful, intimate, sparks interest and encourages easy engagement between guests. In true Melissa Lunardon style, we of course always want to be comfortable for you, your family and friends each season.
Outdoor Kitchen
A great way to minimise moving from the kitchen to the outdoor area while entertaining is to have some of your cooking amenities outside. An entertainer’s kitchen, which it is often called, will include a barbeque grill, sink, prep area and a hidden bar fridge, perhaps even a built-in pizza oven. Having all or even just some of these outside means you can still be chef while enjoying the company of your family and friends, plus snacks and drinks will never be far away while relaxing outdoors by yourself on a warm afternoon.
Focal Point
Creating an outdoor entertaining area is like designing an outdoor room, so you should still create areas of interest and a focal point to anchor the space. For example, a central feature in a living room may be a beautiful feature wall, or a central island bench in a kitchen around which people gravitate. This is easy to replicate in your outdoor space as well.
Whether you're completely redesigning your yard or just giving it a bit of an update, pick something that you want to be the focal point and go from there. Is it an element of fire like a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace? Perhaps it's around water, like an outdoor pond or water feature? Or maybe your focal point is simply a sofa, bench, or oversized chair that's the anchoring piece to a seating area? Whatever it is, you want to build pieces around that accent and support where you want the eye to focus
Incorporating a ‘wow factor’ focal point will also help draw your guests from inside to out, and make them want to stay and enjoy the space.
Comforts
Whether entertaining friends or just enjoying your outdoor space yourself, you want your space to be comfortable to use all year round. Consider the climate, from temperature to positioning of the sun throughout the day, and even direction of the breeze. Ensure you will have shade and shelter from the elements but can still enjoy your outdoor surroundings. Allowing breeze to flow through to the space will also help keep you cool in summer, but underfloor heating or a fireplace will help keep you cozy during the winter months.
Furniture
When selecting furniture for outdoor spaces, be sure to pick pieces comfortable enough for an afternoon of relaxing, but durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Wicker, poly wicker and outdoor timbers are popular choices that easily can be made comfortable and inviting with plush soft furnishings.
Also make sure there is plenty of room for seating, not just for your family but options for more guests on larger occasions, like dinner parties or events. In addition to traditional chairs and tables, you could consider built-in benches, stools in a bar area, etc.
Furnishings
Incorporating inside touches in your outdoor space are what makes them comfortable. Soft furnishings, like throws, cushions and rugs, make a space feel inviting and warm. Changing up the textiles is also an easy way to update an outdoor space each season.
More permanent fixtures like mirrors also work beautifully outdoors. You can use them to reflect your favourite part of the garden making the space feel larger, or even reflect candles illuminating the space and creating the illusion of more.
Lighting
Lighting can greatly impact the mood of your gathering. When you’re entertaining into the evening, votives and lanterns will create a pleasant ambience. Consider adding lights further out within your garden as well so even at night you can still fully enjoy your surroundings. We love to light up steps, pathways and even garden beds.
Mix Textiles
Adding a mix of materials and textiles makes a space immediately more interesting. It also adds texture and depth. Concrete, natural wood, woven materials, and metals can all be meshed outdoors to great effect.
