Australian home design trends explained with James Hardie
The room: Kitchen
Cash spent: $17,968 (Budget: $10,000)
Score: 28.5/30 (equal first place)
“Everything here – the materials palette, the colour palette – feels expensive and luxurious,” said Darren Palmer.
Topped off with a show-stopping timber ceiling, Britt and Taz delivered a kitchen with heart, soul and sophistication.
WA couple Britt and Taz decided to capitalise on the amazing (and expensive) kitchen appliances they won earlier this season, by showcasing them throughout their winning kitchen design.
“This is a chef’s paradise,” said Shaynna Blaze when checking out the appliances, noting that the ovens were commercial grade and the fridge was a full metre wide.
The couple decided to configure the space, reorientating their eat-in island bench, which is the longest on The Block at 4.6 metres. It now sits parallel to the couple’s dining table, overlooking the views to come, and provides an informal space for meals.
Britt and Taz also extended the wood panelling on their ceiling from the living room throughout the kitchen to create one cohesive space – resulting in a big “wow” effect. The timber helped to warm up the area, which had a neutral colour palette, even if it was offset by the stainless steel appliances.
“The richness in that timber is incredible,” said Shaynna Blaze. “It’s so cool … it says country without being hokey.”
When choosing a neutral or pared-back colour palette, go heavy on textures for depth and interest. Stone, timber and other natural materials create an authentic look and feel, especially in kitchens.
The paint colours that Britt and Taz used in their kitchen were British Paints' Ceiling White and ‘Colorbond Paperbark’.
Crossland Match Extra Textured Tile
Create the Natural Neutrals kitchen style at your home
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.