Designs By Andrea

Today, I'd like to share an experience that highlights the importance of thoughtful storage solutions in home design. Recently, I visited a stunning architecturally designed home in Western Australia. Upon reaching the master bedroom, I was presented with a common challenge: how to increase the robe area in a limited space. The situation was far from ideal. The existing walk-in robe only provided enough space for the lady of the house, leaving her husband to use a built-in closet in another room. This arrangement was neither practical nor conducive to a harmonious living space. It was clear that a creative solution was needed to maximise storage while maintaining the architectural integrity of the home. After careful consideration, I proposed an innovative approach: removing the partition wall and installing fitted robes. This transformation yielded remarkable results. The new fitted robes not only doubled the hanging space for shirts and pants but also provided single hanging for ...

When designing a kitchen, flooring plays a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. One of the first decisions to make is whether to keep the existing floor plan or modify it. If alterations are needed, but you don’t have enough spare tiles stored away, a cost-effective solution is visiting the  Tile Library in Osborne Park , where discontinued tiles are available. This can save you from replacing the entire floor. However, if a perfect match isn’t possible, here are the key flooring options to consider: Wood Flooring Solid wood flooring is a premium choice known for its natural beauty and warmth. However, it comes with significant downsides: High installation and maintenance costs Susceptibility to water damage and furniture marks The need for sanding and repolishing over time, which can be as expensive as a brand-new floor If damaged, sections or even the entire floor may need replacement Tiled Flooring Tiles are a  durable and long-lasting  choice, offering s...

G'day, fellow food enthusiasts! As we approach the festive season here in Western Australia, I'm thrilled to share my experience cooking Christmas dinner with my new Siemens oven. It's been a game-changer, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. First off, let me paint you a picture. Christmas in Perth is a far cry from my previous experiences in England. Instead of cosying up to a warm oven on a chilly day, I'm now battling the summer heat while trying to create the perfect holiday feast. In the past, this meant hours of sweating over a hot oven, feeling more exhausted than festive. But this year, thanks to my new Siemens oven, I'm looking forward to being the hero of the kitchen without breaking a sweat. The star of the show is undoubtedly the oven's inbuilt camera. It's like having your own cooking show right in your kitchen! I can watch my turkey browning to perfection without opening the oven door and losing heat. It's not just entertaining; ...

  In my 38 years of experience in home renovations, I've come across many kitchen features that are often misunderstood or misused. Today, I want to talk about one such unsung hero of the kitchen: the extractor fan. As the owner of Designs by Andrea, I've been sharing this wisdom with my clients for three decades, and now I'm thrilled to share it with you. Let's start with a common scenario. Picture this: you're cooking up a storm in your beautiful kitchen. The pots are simmering, the pans are sizzling, and suddenly, you realise the air is thick with steam and cooking odours. What's your first instinct? If it's to switch on your extractor fan to full blast, you're not alone - but you might be doing it wrong. Here's a little secret I've been sharing with my clients for years: using your extractor fan effectively is all about timing and subtlety. To understand this better, let's use an analogy that might surprise you - a bathtub. Imagine your k...

Today, I want to chat about something close to my heart - benchtops. After 38 years in the renovation game, I've seen my fair share of materials come and go. Let's dive into some of the most popular options out there. 1. Engineered Stone : This man-made wonder has really grown on me since it hit the scene in the late 80s. I was a bit sceptical at first, being a natural granite lover. But the uniformity and light colour options have won me over. It's a great alternative to marble, which I wouldn't recommend for kitchens due to its porous nature. There's been a bit of a kerfuffle in the media about engineered stone lately, but don't worry - it hasn't been banned. It's like a banana cake recipe - even if you tweak it, it's still a banana cake! With all the new colours coming out, it's my top pick for Aussie kitchens right now. 2. Granite : If engineered stone is man-made, granite is nature's masterpiece. I absolutely love visiting my local...

As seasoned professionals in the Perth renovation industry, we understand the critical importance of comprehensive budget planning before embarking on any kitchen or bathroom renovation project. With over three decades of experience, including 12 years specialising in the Perth market, we've developed key insights to help homeowners navigate the financial aspects of a kitchen renovation or indeed a bathroom. Strategic Design Modifications : When considering structural changes, such as removing walls to create open-plan living spaces, it's imperative to factor in potential additional costs. Load-bearing walls or those supporting roof structures may require significant investment, but often result in transformative outcomes that enhance both functionality and property value. Flooring Considerations : In Perth's residential architecture, kitchen flooring frequently extends into adjacent living areas. As such, altering kitchen layouts may necessitate comprehensive flooring ...