Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Welcome to our renovation issue! You might be thinking, “But I’m not doing a renovation.” That’s okay, there’s still so much here for you. Because this isn’t a how-to manual. It’s a collection of ideas and tips inspired by the spirit of renovating. It’s about making something better, fresher, more functional, and sometimes, just more you. Earlier this year, I renovated my bathroom. It was a full gut job. Was it more expensive than expected? Yes. Were there surprises and setbacks? Definitely. But in the end, it turned out better than I could have imagined. Now, every time I walk in, it’s not just a room – it’s a celebration of effort and meaning. There’s the 1920s wooden and terrazzo washstand I restored. The tiles we finally agreed on after…

EMMA BLOMFIELD Interior designer Emma Blomfield is an interior designer, author and founder of EB Studio. She’s known for creating stylish, attainable interiors, and has put her design smarts into books including HOME and her latest release, Style Your Home. Emma loves a practical solution. She sat down with BHG to share some of her tips for renovating bathrooms (page 46) and we also have an exclusive extract from her book. BRENT WILSON Photographer Brent Wilson is a seasoned photographer with over 40 years behind the lens. Specialising in gardens and horticulture, he’s also covered celebrities, interiors and travel. You can dive into his beautiful images of waterlilies on page 90 of this issue. “Working for BHG is always an enjoyable fun day. The talented team of people make my…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 As the last of your autumn-flowering plants curl up their toes and trees drop their colourful cloaks, it’s time to think about how camellias can transform your winter garden. While the sun sits low in the sky, camellias bring dazzling light to your outdoors from autumn right through to spring. They also solve several problems your garden may experience in winter, all while providing easy and innovative landscape options. Transform your garden with the perfect camellia There are three main types of camellias. • C. sasanqua (from China) blooms with white, pink, red and variegated flowers from late autumn to early winter. Grows 3–6 metres high and 4 metres wide. • C. japonica (from Japan) blooms with white, pink, red and sometimes yellow flowers…

Complex GREY Far from the flat, cool greys of 2010s interiors, today’s iterations of the mercurial hue display warmth and movement, says designer Annie Downing. “It’s all about making grey feel dynamic rather than one-note.” In this bathroom, tonal variations and richly veined marble help create depth and contrast. Petal PINK The colour of pale spring blooms, pink brings a glow to a bathroom and is flattering to all skin tones. Pair it with floral prints for a fashion-forward scheme that softens subway tiles, as seen in the powder room at this LoveShackFancy boutique (far left). Or embrace the return of the wet room (popularised in the 1990s) with a grid of rosy tiles. Designers at 2LG Studio keep the look current with sleek white and chrome fixtures (left). "I…

360 STYLE The Cassidy is a compact chair with a striking curved silhouette. You’ll love the smooth 360˚ swivel and how easily it fits into tight spaces, making them look stylish, too; $449, from Castlery. SCANDI CLASSICS IKEA’s new STOCKHOLM 2025 collection puts handmade touches and natural materials into 96 items, all designed to age beautifully. This cabinet has a solid pine frame, rattan sliding doors, brass handles and adjustable feet; $699, from IKEA. Green with envy A machine washable rug is perfect for parents, pet owners and households living through a renovation. The Olive Skyler Wavy rug is modern, playful and makes any space pop. It’s $169.99 (230 x 160cm) or $249.99 (290 x 200cm), from Temple & Webster. SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items.…

Heavy rainstorms may work wonders for your garden but they’re less beneficial for your house, particularly if it’s below a sloping site. One solution is a French drain. These underground trenches contain perforated drainage pipes covered with gravel and soil. They allow you to control where rainwater run-off flows, but can be expensive to install. An alternative is to bring your ‘drain’ out into the open by making a dry creek bed. This directs rainwater away from your home – and it can also be visually stunning. It’s designed to mimic a meandering stream and can be a beautiful feature of your garden, wet or dry! A practical and stylish solution Benefits of a dry creek bed • It creates a natural-looking element in your garden and can complement your…

Step 1 PREP WALLS Smooth surfaces Fill uneven areas with joint compound using a large putty knife. Let it dry for 24 hours, then sand smooth. Wipe walls with a sponge and bucket of warm water. Let dry thoroughly. Apply primer Use a brush or roller to apply primer to walls. (Primer helps the wallpaper stick.) Let it dry for at least two hours before hanging wallpaper. Gather your supplies • Wallpaper • Stepladder • Measuring tape • Worktable • Pencil • Scissors • Newspaper or drop cloth • Wallpaper paste or adhesive (if not prepasted) • Water pan • Spirit level or plumb-bob • Wallpaper brush • Straightedge • Utility knife • Sponge • Seam roller Step 2 APPLY WALLPAPER Mark the paper Measure wall from the ceiling to…

SHOP NOW HEDGE FUN Hailed as a landscape designer’s dream, Eremophila ‘Thriver’ makes a dense, fast-growing and seemingly bulletproof informal hedge. This Aussie native puts out vivid, dark fuchsia flowers for months on end, especially in spring and autumn. Happy in full sun or part shade, it’s not fussy about soils and stands up well to humidity and frost. It grows to 1.5 metres high and wide. More details at ozbreed.com.au. SNUGGLE UP GETTING WARMER Stay warm in your winter garden with this Aussie-made Ultimate XL firepit. Constructed from tough 5mm steel, this kit is 735mm (L) x 615mm (D) x 465mm (H) when assembled. With optional extras including grill, hotplate and rotisserie brackets, it’s a standout choice for alfresco dining! Priced at $635 from Timberwolf Fires, timberwolffires.com.au. FOR THRIFTY…

You put so much effort into looking after your home, but what about that place you live in every single day – your own body? Just like a fixerupper, your health and fitness routine can benefit from a thoughtful renovation. So, set yourself a little challenge. Instead of staying on the couch this winter (so easy in Australia’s cooler, southern states!), add one new activity to your routine. If you haven’t exercised for a while, check with your doctor about what’s appropriate. It doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Just have a fling with something you think could be fun. And if you love it, keep going! STEP outdoors Getting out into the fresh air and going for a brisk walk or a jog is completely free. If you’re…

Finance options for your reno It pays to consider these choices before committing. COMPARE PERSONAL LOANS Thinking about getting a personal loan to cover your reno project? It pays to shop around! You could save a lot on interest rates and fees. Government website Moneysmart (moneysmart.gov.au) suggests you compare fixed and variable interest rates, fees, and to check if you can make extra repayments. A variable rate loan often has no early exit fees, while a fixed rate loan means you know exactly how much you’ll pay each month. USE THE EQUITY IN YOUR HOME Accessing your home’s equity, either by increasing or redrawing on your home loan, is another way to pay for a reno. Equity is the difference between your property’s value and the amount you still owe…

If you don’t have a tradie friend or a sibling with a shed full of tools, getting those odd jobs done around the house can be more costly than you’d think. Hanging a picture doesn’t just require a screw; you’ll also need a drill and level. Fixing that leaky tap will usually need a wrench, and mowing the lawn means a lawnmower and Whipper Snipper. For those without the space for a pile of tools, or the funds to buy a whole set, it’s time to check out your local library – not for books, but for your hammer, saw and screwdriver! Tool libraries are becoming more popular throughout Australia, with members able to borrow an array of items that can help them with home and garden maintenance, DIY projects,…

French Impressionist Claude Monet made waterlilies the subject of many of his paintings. He even renovated his Giverny garden, making it a place where he was stimulated by the beauty of waterlilies, and fascinated by the play of light and reflections in the smooth, still waters of the lily ponds. You can bring Monet’s paintings to life by creating a waterlily pond of your own and enjoy the calm and serenity it creates. A small in-ground pond or a large bowl can be filled with these starlike wonders and you can sit back and dream you’re in Giverny! A waterlily for everyone There are two main types of waterlilies – hardy (or European) and tropical. Hardy waterlilies • Monet’s pond grew hardy lilies. • They grow in all climates in…

Monster CLAN Conquer clutter with a clutch of charming monster containers that can store small toys and craft supplies. Here’s how STEP 1 Collect empty cans with lids (ours held tennis balls, bickies and coffee). STEP 2 Cover them with colourful scrapbook or craft paper, using the double-sided tape to fix it in place. STEP 3 Play with cut-out paper pieces to see what fun expressions you can make, then attach to the can with craft glue or tape. PHOTOCOPY AT 220% TO ENLARGE Pet PHONE STAND Little friends help you go hands-free as you video chat. Here’s how STEP 1 Cut out a template, wrap it around a cardboard tube, then trace its outline in pencil. Cut out the shape. STEP 2 Coat tube with gesso (if using) and…

SEASON SPECIALS Put some dazzle into your winter days! WHITE MAGIC Fragrant gordonia is also known as the fried egg tree. Sending signals Flowering quince tells you spring is not so far away! All of a flutter The vibrant flowers of the orchid tree come in purple and pink. PLANT NOW In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. FLOWERS ALL ZONES Carrot, garlic and peas. ZONES 1–3 Beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum (pictured left), eggplant, kale (pictured bottom left), leek, lettuce, potato, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. ZONES 4–6 Coriander, onion, shallot, rhubarb and snow peas. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Pansy, protea (pictured left)…

5 Living room revamps Wood accents, bold color palettes and refreshed focal points can renew a well-loved living space. 5 Kitchen renovations A splash of colour, updated hardware and extra storage can inject new life into your cooking command centre without breaking the budget. 5 Bathroom refreshes Welcome tranquillity in your get-ready room with subtle, yet bold, pops of pattern and colour. Photography Adam Albright, David Tsay, Jason Donnelly, Marty Baldwin/ Photography Laurey Glenn, Jason Donnelly, Adam Albright, Helen Norman, Edmund Barr/ Photography Jay Wilde, Adam Albright, Edmund Barr, Werner Straube…

Whether you have a traditional Hills Hoist in the backyard or a modern retractable clothes line, inclement weather poses the same problem for drying clothes: what happens if it rains? Many households have a tumble dryer on standby, ready to do the job. But it can be a hard call balancing that drying convenience with paying your energy bills in winter, especially if you love blasting the heater on cold nights like I do! So, how can you get your clothes dry indoors without racking up a big power bill? Read on and find out. 1 Indoor clothes lines If you have space in your laundry, an indoor clothes line is a must. It can be mounted on the wall, tucked inside a cupboard to be pulled out when needed,…

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Editor Megan Osborne Creative director Scott Cassidy Managing editor Elizabeth A. Nixon JD Chief sub-editor Jo McKinnon Digital editor Tahni Mesann Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Garden editor Jenny Dillon Senior food editor Sarah Murphy DIY editor Tiff Bancroft Stylist Nonci Nyoni Senior content producers Jade Coull, Rachel Iorfino Editorial & production assistant Jada Susas Enquiries (02) 9282 8000 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS  Beauty editor Annie Millar  In your garden Tony Fawcett  Moon guide Milton Black  Better pets Caroline Zambrano  Better finance Andrea Black  Better books & experiences Rachel Iorfino ADVERTISING  Head of commercial, home & lifestyle Rhyl Heavener  Advertising enquiries (02) 9282 8000, advertising@aremedia.com.au TELEVISION  Host Johanna Griggs  Presenters: Pets Dr Harry Cooper  Gardening Graham Ross, Melissa King  DIY Adam Dovile  Food Colin Fassnidge, Clarissa Feildel  Landscaping Charlie Albone …

ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH PISTACHIO CRUMBLE Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 1 hour 10 mins Serves 4 1.8kg kent pumpkin, skin and seeds removed, roughly chopped 1 large brown onion, roughly chopped 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1L (4 cups) vegetable stock Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season Cream, to serve PISTACHIO CRUMBLE 50g butter 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup sourdough breadcrumbs 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 Tbsp pistachios, roughly choppd 1 Tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. STEP 2 To make the pistachio crumble, in a deep round or oval flameproof casserole, heat butter and oil on medium heat. Cook breadcrumbs for 4–5 minutes, until golden. Add garlic, cook 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Transfer…

BHG: What advice would you give to someone planning their first bathroom renovation? EB: It’s all in the planning! If you can prepare as much for your builder in advance as possible it’ll be a much smoother ride. That’s all the tiny details like the heights you want your taps, shower head, toilet-roll holders, where you want a shower ledge, if you want tile grates or long shower grates, do you want built in shaving mirrors and what kind of lighting you want. Choose all of your fixtures before engaging your builder, then check them all off with the build team before placing your orders so they can spot any potential issues before you commit to purchasing. BHG: If someone has a limited budget, where do you recommend they invest…

When presenting a home for sale, stylists focus on five areas to attract potential buyers: enhancing kerb appeal, decluttering, making repairs, cleaning and styling. But your home doesn’t need to be on the market to try out these secrets for yourself. These do-it-in-a-weekend tweaks are simple yet oh so satisfying. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach – just do what your house needs and skip what it doesn’t. Who knows? Maybe fixing that squeaky door will make you fall in love with your space even more. Start with kerb appeal Don’t judge a book by its cover, and don’t judge a home by its yard, right? Not so fast. The outside of your home gives guests and neighbours a sneak peek of what’s inside. Spruce up what they see…

PORK AND FENNEL MEATBALL PASTA Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 1 100g dried fusilli pasta 2 Italian-style pork sausages 1 Tbsp olive oil ½ small onion, diced ½ small onion, diced tsp fennel seeds 1 stalk celery, diced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tsp dried Italian herbs 2 tsp tomato paste 2 Tbsp red wine ½ x 400g can diced tomatoes ¼ cup beef stock Sea-salt flakes and freshly grated black pepper, to season Chopped parsley, finely grated parmesan, to serve STEP 1 Cook pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water following packet instructions. STEP 2 Meanwhile, squeeze meat from sausage casings and roll into small balls. STEP 3 In a medium frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning, until browned. Add…

Pets are family, but sharing a bathroom with your pooch or puss may not be the ‘togetherness’ you crave. It’s no surprise then that more homeowners are renovating their laundries or mud rooms to include a dedicated pet wash station. “People want that salon finish at home. Their pets feel good and are cleaner, happier and healthier for it,” says Melanie Newman, a certified master groomer who has her own line of premium canine grooming products, Melanie Newman Salon Essentials. With her 20 years of experience grooming dogs, we asked Melanie for her tips for a wash station that works for you and your pet. Efficient and STRESS-FREE Bath time can be stressful for pets and people. One moment you’re rinsing; the next, you’re soaked! “Organisation is key to making…

Step 1 PREP WALLS Repair imperfections Remove all nails and fill holes with a compound such as Selleys Spakfilla. Once dry, sand the surface smooth with 150-grit sandpaper; wipe away dust with a cloth. Clean surfaces For better paint adhesion, wash walls and skirting boards using warm water and a sponge. For extra-dirty situations, use a grease-cutting detergent. Wipe away residual cleaner with clean water, and let dry completely. Protect surroundings Tape off skirting boards and architraves using painter’s tape, pressing down firmly with your finger or a plastic putty knife for more leverage and precision. Let the tape set for 30–60 minutes before painting. Protect floors and furniture with drop cloths. To protect skirting boards from splatters, try a two-in-one painter’s tape and masking film product. Remove light switch…

Milton’s tips for Cancer season (June 22 to July 22) Cancer signs are ruled by the Moon, which throws the sun’s rays back to Earth. The Moon reflects all colours and this is why Cancers, known for their emotional nature, need colour in their garden – to keep them happy. Outdoors in full sun, a variety of brightly coloured perennials will always keep Cancers thriving. Try a mass of coleus, lungwort, bergenia, shamrock and wormwood. Planting varieties of Dracaena fragrans alongside a show of maidenhair ferns, either indoors or sheltered from direct sunlight, is also favoured for their psyche. Cancers also love their homes and are very handy in the kitchen. Feeding the multitude is easy for them with a quick whip-up of favourites such as spaghetti Bolognese and crusty…

SCAN ME Scan the code to shop these great reads. TOP READ UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN by Francis Mayes, Bantam, $22.99 After coming across a first-edition copy of this novel in a secondhand bookstore, I knew it was fate that I’d review it; much like Frances Mayes knew it was fate that ‘Bramasole’ would be her home. Her famous memoir, first published in 1996, captures all the joys and troubles that came with restoring the 200-year-old Tuscan villa. A beautiful writer, Mayes lures in readers by fulfilling their every dream of living in the Italian countryside. From explaining the buying process in detail, to that satisfying sigh of “Finally, I’ve done it”, Under the Tuscan Sun puts an idyllic spin on renovating. Let’s just say there are many afternoons of…

When planning a bathroom renovation, modern glass enclosures, stylish tile textures and a bright colour palette are often front of mind. But let’s be honest, one of the biggest frustrations with an old bathroom is poor drainage. No-one wants to waste time dodging puddles or dealing with constant maintenance when they’re rushing to get ready. The BHG team shared their pet peeves with poor drainage, and we’ve matched them with innovative solutions from Stormtech that offer both high-performance and style. The modern minimalist Monique, design director “I love clean lines. The old-fashioned round drains don’t work for my modern aesthetic.” Top pick: Linear drains. Linear drains offer a sleek, minimalist solution, designed for effortless integration into your bathroom renovation. With their high-performance water management and long-term durability, there’s no need…

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY Bunnings bunnings.com.au Growing Grounds growingrounds.square.site Austral Watergardens australwatergardens.com Four Seasons Nursery fourseasonsnursery.com.au Petbarn petbarn.com.au Water colours with Graham, page 90 Project supplies Austral Watergardens Water bowl in polymer resin, 750mm wide x 350mm deep, in Millstone, Marble or Smooth Cream, $265. Honey blue-eye fish, $11 each. Waterlilies, $55–$65. Baumea, $40. Vallisneria $15. Bunnings Fritz Complete Water Conditioner, 58ml, $9.99. Ki-Carma 20kg 10–20mm gravel, $12.99. Four Seasons Nursery Aquatic Lily Pot (two pack), $24.95. Petbarn API Quick Start, 118ml, $29.99. Side hustle with Charlie, page 136 Project supplies Bunnings Australian Builders 20kg Off White Cement, $13.27. Bastion 20kg Yellow Brickies Sand, $10.50. Adbri Masonry 600x400x 40mm Prague Euro Stone Paver, $26.56 each. Jack 15kg 8-12mm Fine Decorative Pebble, $20.88. Going up with Melissa, page 140 Project supplies Growing…

When the weather outside is uninviting, the last thing you want to do is head to the shops for that one missing ingredient. A well-stocked pantry is your secret weapon for easy winter cooking that’s simply satisfying. CANNED TOMATOES A classic staple, canned tomatoes are the base of lots of winter dishes. Available crushed, diced or whole, these are invaluable to keep on your shelf. CANNED CHICKPEAS AND LENTILS These budget-friendly superstars are a great way to bulk up pasta sauces, soups, casseroles and warm winter salads. STOCKS A quality stock gives dishes an extra depth of flavour. Keep reduced-salt varieties in the cupboard to add fast flavour to casseroles and stews, or make a quick soup. FROZEN VEGETABLE MIXES  Frozen peas, broccoli, carrots, corn and other frozen vegie mixes…