Design Workshop Videos

In my videos I share tricks of the trade. Everything you always wanted to know about interior design, building design and colour selection.

To get the newest video straight to your inbox, type in your email address on the very bottom of this page.

Kitchen ideas for you

Are you need of some inspiring kitchen ideas?

Watch this short and sweet video to learn about our nifty kitchen ideas that you may easily incorporate in your new kitchen design.

Kitchen idea #1: A rack for pot lids

There is, for instance, a rack that accommodates all your pot lids. Properly stored this way, grab and access the lids easily when you need them.

Kitchen ideas create superb aesthetics

Inside the kitchen cabinet door, install the rack out of sight, keeping your kitchen clutter free. Deciding on this concept for your design will add style and create a superb aesthetics in your kitchen.

White Kitchen Design — Nifty kitchen ideas help you to create a clutter free kitchen

Kitchen idea #2: A pull-out bin

The second nifty idea is to implement a pull-out bin to the kitchen design.

You may install a pull-out bin underneath the kitchen’s benchtop. This allows you to simply slide all your food scraps easily over the edge of the bench right into the bin. It’s a great use of the space that is under your kitchen’s benchtop.

Kitchen ideas around waste management

The pull-out bin may also be divided into separate compartments, making it easy to separate your food scraps from your recyclable items. Doing this helps you to live more sustainably without creating extra work or effort for yourself and your home.

After its use, push it back and your kitchen is tidy again. In other words, the bin is hidden, but still easy to access.

Have a look at different waste management options.

Kitchen idea #3: A cargo pantry

A cargo pantry (also called pull-out pantry). This cabinet is your best friend when space is at a premium

Pull-out pantry also known as cargo pantry — In a cargo/pull-out pantry, stocks are of easy access

It holds all your food that doesn’t need refridgeration from Avocado to Ziti Pasta. Just pull on the handle and all your supplies are clearly arranged for you to grab.

What a great space saver.

These are just 3 of many nifty kitchen ideas you may incorporate into your own kitchen design.

If you have a question about kitchen design, please email to martina@martinahayes.com.au or call on 0434 498 450. Alternatively use this contact form.

5 tips on choosing tiles

Choosing tiles for your house is one of the key elements in a home renovation or new built.

But with so many options out there, what tile is right for you? Here are 5 tips on what to consider when choosing tiles.

New bathroom design in North Sydney — Choosing tiles for the bathroom: Hexagon tiles on the floor, herringbone pattern above the vanity

Porcelain versus ceramic tiles

Not even experts are able to tell one from another. The difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles lays alone in their manufacturing process. Porcelain is fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic tiles, and also for longer. This makes porcelain tiles hardwearing and the go-to tile for your flooring. But if you are thinking wall tile, feel free to select the more economical ceramic tiles.

Choosing tile size

As a rule of thumb, the larger your room the larger the tile size you can select. If you have an open plan kitchen-dining-living area, you can go for a large floor tile, say 600 x 600mm. But in reverse, a tiny bathroom may look best with small, mosaic style tiles. And if you wish to draw attention to your kitchen splashback, why not select a subway tile in a herringbone pattern?

Tile shape

Tiles don’t need to be square or rectangular. Bring a bit of fun into your bathroom by choosing a hexagon shaped tile for your floor or walls. Also on trend are tiles in a triangular shape which is everything but boring.

Colour and finish

Choosing tiles — Laundry design: subway tiles as splashback, patterned porcelain tiles on the floor.

There are so many colours to choose from. The best way to narrow them down is deciding whether to go for a lighter or for a darker shade. Lighter colours with a glossy finish will make the most of whatever light you have. Hence, your room appears bigger. On the other hand, dark colours with a matt finish make your space look cosy and add a bit of drama. Very elegant are tiles with shades of many colours. Have a look at the 1 minute video below that features a porcelain tile in a stunning gradient colour.

Grout

Last not least think about the grout colour. The smaller the tile size the more grout you would need to use. Selected in a contrasting colour, the grout can highlight the tile shape, such as an hexagon tile. But if you wish to achieve a seamless look without a visible grid, a grout colour similar to the tile colour is the way to go for you.

If you want to have as less grout as possible, why not go for an extra large tile, like the one featured in this short video below?

Still feeling daunted about the choices to make? I’m happy to accompany you to a tile store of your choice to assist you in making the right call.

For any questions in regards to choosing tiles that are right for you, please contact me.

Kitchen Measurements Australia

Download your free document on kitchen measurements.

How high does my benchtop need to be? What’s the ideal distance between kitchen row and island bench?

These are questions you might be asking yourself.

I compiled a comprehensive 4 pages document that includes important kitchen measurements and dimensions.

To get a copy of this guide for free, please type in your name and email address:

If you need help with your kitchen makeover, please contact me.

Home Renovation where to start

Time to begin your home renovation where to start

Is your house in need of a sound makeover but have NO IDEA where to even start

Watch this short video, it guides you through your home renovation where to start and a process step-by-step to follow.

Make a Renovation Design check list

First of all, I’d recommend making a list of what you wish to achieve with your upgrade. Include the must-haves, for instance changes to the floor plan to accommodate an open-plan kitchen; or you would like to have an additional bedroom.

Include the nice-to-haves

Also include your nice-to-haves, for instance an ensuite to this additional bedroom. I know it’s not very exciting to create a list, but very helpful down the track to make sure you don’t lose sight of your original goals. And it’s a great document to brief your building designer.

Explore your floorplan options

Your building designer will discuss the brief with you and explore your floor plan options. If you believe an architect is an overkill for the scope of your project, you might wish to consider going to a building designer or an interior designer.

Find the right builder for your home renovation

Once you have the final floor plan, it’s all about finding your builder. Get at least three builders’ quotes in and compare them thoroughly. Then make up your mind which builder works best for you.

Council approval (DA) or CDC?

Then it’s about getting council approval, if you need approval for your project at all. Alternatively to the Development Approval (DA) by the council, you might be eligible for a so-called CDC, a Complying Development Certificate issued by a private certifier. If your house is located in Sydney, check out whether you are eligible for this fast track approval. But don’t be worried, we will help you with that.

Selecting finishes and furniture

Once you have approval for your home transformation to go ahead, it’s all about the fun stuff. You will be choosing the bathroom tiles, the kitchen benchtop and other finishes. We will also develop a colour scheme for both your interiors and the house facade.

If you intend to renovate your home, have a look at our guide for complete home renovations in Sydney. It includes our very own budget confidence process, that keeps your budget in check.

If you want to get the next video straight to your inbox, please type in your email address at the very bottom of this page.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions in regards to your home renovation design.

Create a mood board online step-by-step

If you can’t decide whether to purchase this cosy beige sofa or the stylish charcoal one, just do what the pros do: create a mood board.

Decorate like a pro

Watch this short video that shows step-by-step on how to create a mood board online.

Questions on how to create a mood board

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.