In the news this week, house prices rise in all states; 5 reasons to go organic; and do you know your household clutter personality?
One of the biggest mistakes renovators make is failing to consider the needs and wants of their prospective tenants or buyers. There is no doubt that this year’s auction results on reality TV show The Block were as high as they were due to the renovators accurately considering the needs and desires of their ultimate buyers...
House prices just keep going up, according to data released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The new figures show that the total value of Australia’s residential dwellings rose by $213.8 billion (1.9 per cent) to $11.6 trillion in the June quarter 2025.
Sustainable building practices, clever choice of materials and using the environment to best advantage were winning features in the recent 2025 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards.
The top award went to NSW builder Progressive Building for a standout Sydney renovation that shows how uplifting existing housing stock can deliver big on sustainability, comfort, and design.
Next week (15-21 September) is National Organic Week, when we remember why growing, buying, eating, and living with fewer chemicals is good for us and the planet.
Just a decade ago, the idea of growing or eating organic food was something many thought was for the hippies of the ‘60s. Now we see organic products on shelves in supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware stores, community gardens espouse it, and Gardening Australia is all over it. If you’re not entirely convinced, however, here are some reasons why you might go organic now...
No matter how well organised a home is, clutter eventually seems to build up o surfaces, in cupboards, in the garage, under the house and in wardrobes. While we might not be able to uncover the reasons why things take over, understanding your clutter personality could help.
When is a garden shed more than a shed? When it’s a work of art, if the annual Cuprinol UK Shed of the Year is to be believed.
This year’s winner was the Pub Shed, complete with DJ booth with decks, a Space Invaders arcade machine and even a hot tub. But we couldn’t go past the truly unexpected 'Grottoloo' - a shell-encrusted toilet depicting an underwater world with a mermaid holding a trident. Image: 'sheddie' Jane Dorner
To celebrate the return of spring, here’s a quick way to give a room in your house a colour change this weekend without going up the walls.
First, stand back and look at the soft furnishings (curtains, covers, cushions). How could you change them to make an impact on the existing look of the room? Stripes? Bold prints? Perhaps pastels will tone with what is already there, yet still give a fresh look. Next, take a sad old dresser, table, shelf or chair and paint it a fresh colour to complement the new look and the room. Add a vase of flowers and this room may well become your favourite place in the house!