Incorporating Sustainable Design in Your House Extension

Environmental concerns have become increasingly important over the recent years. The increasing population levels on the planet, when combined with the drive to industrialization and profits at all costs, have put more pressure on our natural resources than ever before. It seems that not a day goes by that we don’t hear news of pollution at different sites, extraordinary levels of waste being generated and the potential toxicity of the products we might want to purchase.

The focus on environmental conditions and sustainability has also been in the spotlight because of extreme weather events amplified by climate change. So often, we hear of 100 year floods and once in a lifetime wildfires events. The problem is, with a rapidly warming and unstable climate, these events are happening every couple of years, not 100 years apart. It’s become very obvious that every person has to do their part to take care of the Earth, and to incorporate sustainability in our everyday lives.Take a Holistic Design ApproachWhen you are planning a major expansion of your home, you can work with building extensions Sydney to take a holistic design approach. You’ll want to examine how the extension will impact not only the inhabitants of the house, but also the neighbours and neighbourhood too.With a holistic approach, you can also look carefully at how both the new and existing space within the home is to be used. Many times, you can have elements within the design serve more than one function, thus improving the yield and efficiency.Goals of Sustainable DesignIf you are planning a substantial expansion of your home, like a first floor addition from building extensions Sydney, you’ll want to work with a contractor with years of experience and success. They will be able to build sustainably and help you and your family creates a sustainable way of life.As you look at adding to your existing home, your designer can help address your current energy use and come up with ways to reduce your overall energy consumption and expenses. They can add, or enable, home energy generation that is renewable too.Key Idea for SustainabilityThere are many approaches you can take to incorporate elements of truly sustainable design. One that you might want to consider is to take a multi-generational approach to housing and your planned house extension. By sharing a home with multiple members and generations of your family, you’ll reduce the overall use and cut total consumption too. With more people available to help, you might even be able to come together and create gardens so you can grow your own food and vegetables.

How to Optimise your Space to Support your Growing Family

Space is often a premium in growing families. You need more bedrooms, more seating at the table and everyone needs a dedicated space to call their own. And that’s not to mention the extra clothes and accessories that come with adding a new member to your family! If you’re looking around you hopelessly wondering where you’re going to fit all this extra stuff that you need, we’re here to help. If you’re already tight on space when meal time comes around and your kids are sharing bedrooms when really they should have their own space, we’re here to help. On that note; here are four tips to help maximise space in your home for your growing family; 

1. Move to a bigger house

When a family starts to grow, many homeowners begin to feel the strain of being cramped for space. The kids are fighting over who gets the larger bedroom and there’s nowhere for the new baby to sleep but in your room. Suddenly, your home that once felt so spacious now feels like it’s closing in on you. Sound familiar? It may be time to start looking for a bigger house to make sure everyone has enough space to feel “at home”.

There are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration before making the move to a bigger house, especially if you live in Sydney where the house prices are climbing to new record highs. First, consider your budget and what you can afford. A larger home will likely come with a higher price tag and higher running costs too.

2. Create extra rooms

Maybe looking into building extensions in Sydney would be a better option? If you need an extra bedroom, you can add an extension or convert an old office space or playroom. If you are going to extend instead of moving, hire a contractor that specialises in building extensions in Sydney.The company will be able to guide you through the process from start to finish and make sure you’re maximising your available space and the layout of the rooms.

3. Make the most of outdoor space

For families with young children, having an outdoor space is almost a necessity. Picture spending long evenings in the sunshine playing games and enjoying a barbie. Imagine sending the kids outside to play for a few hours whilst you catch up on cleaning and laundry. It’s time to think of the outdoor space you have and come up with a plan on how you can make use of every single inch you have to work with.

  • Maximise the use of storage solutions

As families grow, so does the amount of stuff they accumulate. It can be tempting to just stuff everything out of sight, but out of sight doesn’t always mean out of mind, right? Instead of taking the easy way out, make a list of the available storage space that you have. Think about ways you can maximise that space. Perhaps you could add some shelving? Or use storage containers to keep everything organised? If you don’t have enough space, there’s always the option of buying some extra closets and garage storage solutions.

Now that you’ve read our top tips, we hope you’re feeling more positive about your growing family and creating some extra space for everyone to feel like they are “at home”.

4 Reasons Why We LOVE Sydney So Much!

There are many beautiful major cities in the world, but Sydney is second to none. From its iconic harbour and skyline to its amazing beaches and multicultural wonderland, you could spend a lifetime revelling in the magic that Sydney has to offer. New discoveries are always waiting around the corner in this cosmopolitan playland by the sea.

The mild climate and beautiful weather in Sydney make it ideal for both residents and visiting travelers alike. Generally, there are over 300 days a year of sunshine so you are able to make the most of your outdoor time. It’s fun to cool off from the hot days of summer with an ocean swim, and to enjoy the distinct but mild temperatures during the other seasons too.

The Harbour

Stunning harbours around the globe have a universal appeal, but Sydney’s oft-photographed harbour is the very definition of an iconic panorama. Picture a perfect azure sky, sunlight dancing on water and illuminating the brilliant architecture of the Opera House and the magnificent Harbour Bridge.

Best of all, there are so many beautiful places to view the harbour from. For a totally idyllic experience, a cruise through the harbour is the perfect choice.

The Views

Sydney is blessed with so many amazing views, from the skyline to its miles of coastline and ocean vistas. Local residents who want to enjoy the immense beauty of those views have found that building extensions in Sydney are the way to go.

When you hire a top-rated building extensions designer and contractor in Sydney, you’ll be able to add tremendous value to your property. You’ll enjoy incredible beauty in your everyday life with the view from the new upper floor of your home.

The Beaches

The coastline of Sydney sports numerous beautiful beaches, which you can enjoy almost eight months out of the year. While world-renowned Bondi beach is the most famous, there are many other delightful beaches that are perfect for a swim or a seaside meal of fish ‘n’ chips.

You’ll be able to select from great spots for surfing, calm placid waters or picture perfect coves. You can also enjoy the nature trails and beach-to-beach strolls along the coast.

Nearby Green Space and National Parks

Sydney residents who are looking for a break from the city can enjoy the wonders of Blue Mountains National Park. When you stand on a bluff above the forest, you feel like you are viewing a primeval wilderness untouched by humankind.

The Blue Mountains are so named because the vast Eucalyptus forest casts off fine droplets of oil which mix with water vapour and dust to give the forest its distinctive blue haze.

The House Headache: To Renovate or Rebuild?

Do you live in the Northern Beaches? Do you need more space? If so, you might be thinking about rebuilding or renovating as moving might not be an option considering the huge surge in house prices in the area. Thinking and trying to figure out which option is best can give you a headache so let us help you decide which option might be the best for you.

Renovating 

It can be cheaper

Renovating is a great option as it can be a lot cheaper than completely re-building; not only is it cheaper because the house does not need to be re-built but renovating can retain the value of the house. In addition to this, when you only want one or two rooms more, unnecessary costs don’t go into rebuilding an entire house. There are lots of companies that just specialize in home renovations in Sydney, which will tell you how high the demand is.

It’s not a complete re-start

Renovating mean parts of the home that are still loved can stay. Some people just want a new bathroom or a new kitchen, and renovating means they can do exactly that without having to redecorate parts of their home they still cherish. This is especially important for those living in houses with a historical value that they want to preserve.

Cons of renovating 

Interference of construction 

The main downside is you’ll have to share your home with construction workers for a couple of months.

Pros of Re-building 

The structural integrity of the house 

This is an ideal option if your home is not structurally intact. It is best to speak to a professional and allow them to assess your property, with the goal of finding out if it is worth rebuilding.

Love the area but hate the house

Many people love the area they live in, but hate their house. This scenario calls for a re-build.

The perfect house can be designed

Many people want to rebuild their homes so it can be perfect for their families and their lifestyles. Starting fresh gives you a complete blank slate to work with.

Cons of Re-building

It can be time-consuming

Building an entire house can take a lot of time and effort; it will include searching for architects, builders, and interior designers, amongst other professionals. This can be difficult, especially for those with a busy schedule.

It will be expensive 

Building a new house will be super expensive. And with the cost of labour and materials skyrocketing, there’s no sign that things are going to get cheaper any time soon.

Overall, both options have pros and cons; however, home renovations in Sydney is a quicker, cheaper and less complicated process.

Home Renovations in Sydney: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Remodelling Your Kitchen

Remodelling or replacing a kitchen is one of the most popular home renovations in Sydney. It’s an easy way to update your property and create a modern space where you can prepare meals and entertain. But there are many things to consider when carrying out a kitchen makeover and it can be easy to overlook something important or make a mistake. To make sure your kitchen makeover doesn’t turn into a kitchen disaster, here are five mistakes to avoid when remodelling your kitchen.

Avoid Trends – Timeless is Best

While it’s tempting to incorporate the latest trends into your kitchen makeover, bear in mind that most design trends have a shelf life of around five years. If you select permanent or hard-to-replace items such as cabinets or countertops in trend-led finishes, you may feel the need to remodel again sooner rather than later. Having a ‘trendy’ kitchen can also date the room and affect the resale price should you decide to sell. So, if you have your heart set on incorporating the latest trends into your new kitchen, do so by choosing smaller and less costly items such as taps, window treatments and kitchen accessories.

Don’t Underestimate the Effects of Lighting

Lighting can make or break any room, but that’s especially true in the kitchen. If you reorganise your kitchen, your current lighting provision will likely be inadequate or in the wrong locations. Don’t skimp on lighting; installations such as under-cabinet lights and base and top lights can lift even the most basic kitchen and give you much-needed illumination. They can also add value to your property. 

Give Your Electricals the Respect They Deserve

With so many labour-saving devices available, it’s easy to go crazy with electrical equipment. But can your circuits cope with all the extra energy requirements? When it comes to home renovations, Sydney-based contractors recommend that you evaluate your electrical needs and change, relocate, or add sockets as needed.

Don’t Skimp!

Your budget will dictate your choice of fixtures and fittings, but there are some areas where you should invest and some areas where less-expensive options are entirely appropriate. For example, you don’t have to buy top-of-the-range appliances. High-quality countertops, flooring and cabinets are likely to give the most return on your investment.

Have A Contingency

Remodelling any home can bring up unexpected expenses, especially if your property is more than 25 years old. You may start to pull out your old cabinets to reveal rot and water damage. So always ensure that you have some money in your budget for unforeseen costs.

Remodelling your kitchen is one of the most common renovation projects and possibly one of the most exciting, so don’t let it turn into a disaster through bad planning.

How Can You Create the Space You Need in Your Home?

A lack of space within the home is a common complaint amongst homeowners, yet the solution does not always mean that you have to move. Moving comes with many costs associated with it, and sometimes the smarter choice can be to adapt the home you have with building extensions in Sydney.

Whether you are after more living space, a home office, bedrooms or storage space, home extensions can make your Sydney home the place you have always wanted it to be. Not only this, but house extensions can also make your Sydneyhome go up in value, and if you ever do decide to move in the future, you will have a home that is more saleable as long as the design is done right.

Create more space downstairs

You may be after more living room or simply ways to make your home more spacious. Smaller extensions such as adding a porch to your home can make your entranceway feel more spacious and inviting. Along with this, it can give you extra storage space to clear the clutter of shoes and jackets away.

Other ideas could be to extend the back of your home into your garden. Perhaps you dream of having a larger kitchen and more entertaining space, or maybe you want to create a more open plan living where the family can enjoy some quality time together? A single-storey extension can be a great way to do this.

What about a double-storey extension?

If you want more space at the top of your home as well as your living areas, then a double-storey extension could be what you are after. When you create a single-storey extension, your builders are already laying foundations and groundwork, as well as applying for the relevant legal permissions. This can mean that it may not cost too much more to also create more space upstairs.

By doing this, you can add extra bedrooms to your home or perhaps create a stunning master bedroom that you will love to spend time in.

Granny annexes

If you have elderly parents who still want some independence, yet want to have family close by, a granny annexe is a fantastic option if you have the space in your garden. You can create a self-contained living, and they can rest assured that you are never far away.

These can also make ideal spaces for teenagers to have their own space, and it helps to keep the noise and mess away from the rest of the home.

Contact Your Style

If you want to find out how an extension could give you the extra space you need, contact Your Style today. We work with you to create the right design for your home.

What You Need to Consider When Planning for a House Extension

Maybe you have been thinking about extending your home for a while, or you may have just started thinking about it. When you are planning building extensions in Sydney, there is a lot that needs to be considered, and it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed.

However, with the right team on board who are skilled at completing home extensions in Sydney, you will soon find that everything falls into place, and you will be left with the home you have always wanted.

Start by deciding what you want

Before you make contact with any builders or contractors, it is a good idea to know what kind of thing you are looking for from your extension. Do you need additional living space? Do you want a kitchen that can entertain large groups of people? Has your family grown and you need more bedrooms? Do you need better storage solutions?

Note down your ideas. You may also like to create a scrapbook of any thoughts or inspiration that you have found from others ready to show your design team so that they can get a good idea of your taste and what you are after.

Decide on a budget

When it comes to home extensions, there is a lot that can be done, but ultimately, a lot of your decisions may come down to how much you can afford to spend on it. Determine a realistic budget for your project. Do not forget to also add in a contingency budget as building projects can sometimes uncover unexpected things that you might need to pay for.

Contact a company who can complete your extension for you

One of the greatest advantages of choosing a specialist home additions company is that they can project manage the whole thing for you. You will not have to worry about organising different designers, contractors, surveyors and other tradespeople.

At Your Style, we follow the same process with each of our clients, so that they know exactly what is happening, and we can create the home for them that they have always wanted.

Once you have decided the kind of thing that you want from your extension, and you have your finances sorted to complete the project, give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form, and we can get the ball rolling. We cover everything from your consultation, the designing and planning and the building stage right through to completion. If you are looking for a company that can complete house extensions in Sydney, look no further than Your Style for a stress-free journey and experts on hand to guide you through the process.

Bathroom Renovation Ideas for 2021

A beautiful bathroom doesn’t just happen by chance; it takes careful planning and a team of experts to execute the ideas and give you a bathroom that you can be proud of. At Your Style, our home renovations in Sydney allow you to have the home you have always wanted, and your bathroom is no exception.

For some great ideas about how you can renovate your bathroom, read on.

The use of natural materials

Design trends are focusing on the use of natural materials, including wood. A wooden floor looks fabulous in a bathroom, although you need to be careful not to get it too wet. If you’re concerned about this, why not add elements of wood in a countertop or vanity unit?

Marble is also set to be a big design trend, and it gives your bathroom a touch of elegance.

Combine these natural materials with lush green plant life for a fantastic modern look that truly allows you to rest and relax.

Gold hardware

Chrome has been a staple in the bathroom for many years, but if you’re daring enough to switch it up, then gold is a great alternative. Brushed or satin gold metal hardware is going to be big, and it makes a fantastic option for tapware. If you want to go for more of an industrial look, why not have exposed pipework finished in gold too?

A range of tile options

Tiles are essential in any bathroom, but it doesn’t mean that they have to be boring. Patterned tiles are making a comeback with geometric tiles and zigzags. You could also opt for smaller, mosaic tiles, which can create great textural detail and give your bathroom a chic look.

The finishing touches

If you dare to go big, then dots and dashes are going to be a big bathroom trend. These can easily be achieved with some paint, and it is a design that is easily modified if you decide that you no longer like it.

Bold colours are also popular right now with deep blues, forest greens and black features seen in popular bathroom designs.

Don’t forget to think about the smaller details that create the personality of your bathroom, such as accessories and drawer handles for your vanity units.

You too can make your bathroom Insta-worthy with a new bathroom and a little help from Your Style with our renovations in Northern Beaches. Contact us today.

Could Your Home Benefit from an Additional Bedroom?

Home extensions in Sydneyare a great way to achieve the much-needed additional space that you need for your family. At Your Style, we specialise in designer home additions where we work with you to create your dream home.
 
An extra bedroom is an ideal way to create more space, and it can be used for many different reasons. We’re going to explore how you could use an additional bedroom.
 
A child’s room
 
Perhaps your children have been sharing a bedroom, and they long for one of their own? With Your Style’s house extensions in Sydney, we can make their dream become a reality and create a bedroom space that any child will love. What’s more, you may find that an extra bedroom will bring harmony to your home as there will be no need to fight for space.
 
A teenager’s room
 
Is your teenager stuck in the box room? If so, now might be the time to give them a bigger space. As teens often spend so much time in their room, they need space to sleep, relax and study. An additional bedroom can help to give you a more useable space that means that your teen will be happier and have space for all their belongings.
 
Room to house an elderly relative
 
Additional bedrooms don’t just have to be put upstairs, and you could create a beautiful additional bedroom on the ground floor to allow elderly relatives to live with you and receive the support they require.
 
At Your Style, our building extensions in Sydneycan also create a granny annexe for you if your relative would prefer more of their own space and independent living, and this could include a bathroom and kitchen.
 
A beautiful guest bedroom
 
Maybe you love to entertain and have people to stay, yet you don’t have a spare bedroom for them to sleep in. You might be fed up with turfing the kids out of their bedroom when you do have guests or not want to ask them to sleep on the sofa.
 
A designated guest bedroom will take away these worries, and you can decorate it to your taste and enjoy giving your guests a lovely home from home experience when they come to stay.
 
A study or space for extra storage
 
An additional bedroom doesn’t just have to be used as a bedroom. A bedroom space could make the perfect study or office, especially as more and more people are now working from home. What’s more, they give you more space to use for storage and keep the clutter away from the rest of your home.
 
Contact Your Style
 
To create your dream home, contact Your Style today, and we’ll create a design that works for you.

Updating Your Kitchen? The Latest Kitchen Trends for You to Try

Kitchens are the hub of the home, and they’re often an area where the whole family comes to talk about their day and share meals. If you have been thinking about updating your kitchen, here are some of the latest trends to help you when you consider the design that you should go for.

Don’t forget to also enlist the help of the best building contractors in Sydneyso that you can get a kitchen that you will be proud of.

Dark, moody shades

Forget light and bright. This year’s trends are all about creating a moody atmosphere in your kitchen. Whether you are feeling daring and want to incorporate matte black or deep blue cabinetry into your design, or you want to subtly include it through the use of tapware and hardware, our builders in Northern Beachescan help to execute your ideas.

Daring splashbacks

Prepare to go bold with your splashback choice, and you will see that it has a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen. Geometric patterns and bold colours can be used to achieve this look.

A streamlined look

This year has seen a trend growing in integrated appliances. By hiding your appliances away behind cabinetry, you can create a beautiful, uniformed look. This also gives you the freedom to place your appliances in the most practical places without it detracting from the look of the kitchen.

A pantry

Creating enough room for a butler’s pantry could be at the top of your wish list, and our Northern Beaches builders can create the perfect space for you. They are extremely useful for storage and allow you to clear away the clutter and entertain, especially when your kitchen features an open plan design.

An island

If you’ve got space for an island in your kitchen, they are worth considering. Whether you are planning to sit around them or want the extra storage space, they can look incredible. If you don’t have room, why not consider a peninsular instead?

Ultimately, kitchen trends are always changing, so make sure that you choose a style that you love, whether it is on-trend or not. Here at Your Style, our design team can help you to get the kitchen of your dreams that you will love for years and install it by our building contractor in Northern Beaches. Call us today to book an appointment.