ask an expert
Each issue, we’ll find stylish solutions to all your decorating and design dilemmas from those in the know
designer tip Open shelving is the way to go in a laundry
Q
Where is most of the cost in a bathroom renovation – the labour, the materials, or something else? I’m trying to work out how best to save money. Belinda, via email “Everything can add up in a bathroom. It’s one of the most expensive rooms to renovate as it involves so many trades: a builder, electrician, plumber, tiler and painter at a minimum. It’s also quite labour-intensive for the size of the room. Keeping the plumbing in the same place and minimising electrical changes should save some money. Fixtures and fittings are a good way to save money, too; there are some good-quality products on the market that don’t cost a bomb. The type of tiling also changes the cost substantially; a simple 300mm x 600mm wall tile is much cheaper to buy and lay than a fancy glass mosaic.”
Q
Would adding a floating timber floor add value to my apartment, assuming the body corporate will let me do it? Cathy, via email “Floating timber flooring is very popular and cost effffective, and adds value when done well, as it’s seen as a premium material that is low maintenance,” says Bernadette Janson, founder of The School Of Renovating (theschoolofrenovating.com). “There are two main types: engineered or laminated. Engineered is a premium product with a real timber veneer; laminated is more economical and the quality has become very good. Go for a long board product with the largest width possible. One of the biggest advantages of floating floors is that they are pre-finished, so there’s no inconvenience of sanding and sealing.”
Q
Can you suggest some stylish options for laundry storage? My laundry is full of ugly plastic baskets and bottles. Bianca, via email “A line-up of jars works well to display washing powder, fabric softener and stain remover,” says stylist Sam van Kan of Città (cittadesign.com). “You could use a few in different sizes or all the same in a tidy row. Having a designated reusable container to house these laundry essentials means that you’re able to buy refills, which are often cheaper. Win win! For items that can’t be transferred into other vessels, you can hide these in a basket or a crate pretty enough to sit proud on your bench or on a shelf. Wooden crates are strong enough to hold heavy bottles, and it’s easy to slide multiple crates next to each other to make the most of the space you have. Not all baskets and vessels need to be the same either! Pick a few finishes and try to keep one element constant for cohesion. If space is limited, using floating shelves is an easy way to display the things that you use regularly or as a place to put a few personal items to help the space feel more like a part of your home.”
Q
Can I paint my polyurethane kitchen cupboards? How would I go about this? Crystal, via Facebook “You can change the colour of your kitchen cupboards by resurfacing them,” says Anthony Schmidt, technical specialist from Resurfacing Australia (resurfacingaustralia.com.au). “Resurfacing is the professional process of spraying a specialty polyurethane coating. Once the surfaces have been repaired and prepared, you can select any colour in a high gloss, satin or matte finish. Your cupboards will look new, without being replaced. Kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, as well as bathroom wall tiles and fittings, can also be resurfaced. A DIY approach can lead to problems: most sealers will bleed through, standard paint won’t adhere and the surface won’t be seamless.”