– Engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed quartz and adhesive polymer resin.
– It is available in a variety of styles, including flat colors, natural-like stones, and other artistic finishes.
– Most brands stock their slabs at a standard thickness of 20mm, but 30mm and 12mm thicknesses are also available.
– The standard size of the slabs for most brands is 3,040 x 1,440mm. Larger sizes in a Jumbo format (1,580 x 3,200mm) are also available.
– Engineered stones are priced from middle to high, depending on the brand and style of slab.
– The standard polished surface is easy to maintain and requires no ongoing maintenance. Pros: include non-porous, resistant to scratches and stains, easy to clean, and can reproduce natural stone well. Cons: include visible grout joins when joining pieces together, chipping along exposed edges, and long exposure to high heat leaving a mark. Honed or matt surfaces are also harder to clean.
– Solid surfaces are acrylic-based materials used in commercial and domestic settings
– Corian® is the most commonly used brand and is available in slabs of various sizes
– It has some unique advantages, such as being weldable, thermoformable, warm to touch, and backlit
– It’s easy to clean and maintain, but scratches over time (can be repolished)
– Prices are mid to high, similar to more expensive engineered stones Pros: include seamless construction, easy fabrication, UV stability for some colours, non-porous and hygienic, no sealing, stain resistant, able to be repaired, and more Cons: include susceptibility to damage from heat and abrasions, and not as natural looking as engineered stone.
– Porcelain benchtops are a newer option for kitchens made of powdered clay and colored pigments
– They resist heat, UV fading, staining, and scratching, and can look like timber, concrete, rusted steel, and marble
– Slabs are available in large sizes up to 3,200 x 1,500 x 12mm
– Porcelain is easy to clean and maintain, but brittle and susceptible to chips and cracks
– It is priced at the higher end, competing with granite and marble Pros: include resistance to stains, heat, and scratches, and a wide variety of colors and designs, can be used for outdoors. Cons: include the need for full support, difficulty in repair and fabrication, and limited depth of surface pattern.
– Marble is a natural stone known for prestige, uniqueness, and beauty
– Marble benchtops are the stone of choice for many luxury kitchens
– Marble is a metamorphic limestone, quarried from hillsides with much of the best slabs coming from Italy
– Slabs of marble come in irregular shapes and sizes, with standard thicknesses of 20mm and 30mm
– Marble is priced at the high end of the market, with different marbles priced higher or lower depending on scarcity, grade, and demand Pros: include its elegant aesthetic, uniqueness, and association with art and beauty Cons: include its requirement for sealing and resealing, susceptibility to chipping, cracking, staining, and marking, and difficulty in finding similar-looking slabs when multiple slabs are needed.
– Granite is a naturally occurring coarse type of igneous rock with large visible grains
– It is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with small amounts of other minerals
– It is incredibly strong in compression and comes in many different types with great differences in grain patterning and colour
– Most granite slabs are irregularly shaped and share similar overall sizes to marble, with standard slab thicknesses of 20mm and 30mm
– Granite is easy to keep clean and maintain and is scratch, stain, heat, and chemically resistant
– Pricing varies widely and is dictated by the quality and beauty of the stone Pros: include unique appearance, large variety of colours, easy to clean, and edges that can be mitred successfully Cons: include susceptibility to staining when not sealed, varying density and coldness to the touch, and difficulty in getting similar looking slabs when multiple are needed.
– Solid timber benchtops are made of large pieces of timber glued together
– They are custom made to size, with some pre-made options available
– Timber is a warm and inviting material that comes in many species
– They are susceptible to scratches, dents, staining, and burn marks
– Regular maintenance is required to preserve appearance
– Their price point ranges from mid to high, depending on the type of timber used Pros: include being environmentally friendly, unique in appearance, and suitable for both modern and traditional kitchens Cons: include susceptibility to heat and water damage, as well as denting in softer species of timber.
– Laminate is a popular benchtop material, made from decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin and bonded onto a wooden substrate
– It can recreate a range of designs but the success can be hit and miss
– Preformed laminate benchtop slabs come in various sizes, can be cut to size on site
– The melamine surface is stain-resistant, but can scratch and be damaged by heat or impacts causing dents and swelling
– Laminates are priced at the lower end of the market, making them a cost-effective option Pros: include easy to clean, lots of colours and styles available Cons: include heat damage, impacts and scratches can damage the surface, repairs are difficult
– Stainless steel benchtops are made of thin sheets that are bent, welded and glued to a timber substrate
– They are popular in commercial and domestic kitchens due to their durability, stain and chemical resistance and ease of cleaning
– Comes in various sheet sizes and thicknesses, typically using 304 grade 1.5mm sheet glued to a pre-fabricated timber substrate
– Mid to high price range depending on the skill of the fabricator and number of welded in sinks or cooktops Pros: include able to withstand heat, easy to clean, no seams, stain and chemical resistant, able to be fabricated into many shapes, well suited to industrial look kitchens Cons: include susceptible to dents and scratches, noticeable fingerprints and smudges, hard to fabricate, specific cleaner needed for maintenance
Thank you for reading our guide on kitchen benchtops! At The Renovation Broker, we prioritize educating our clients on all aspects of kitchen design. If you are currently researching for your own kitchen renovation, we encourage you to consider our services. Speak directly with one of our expert designers by calling our design studio and make an appointment to visit our showroom to see our work firsthand. Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams.
Are you looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you want to experience the beauty of the countryside and the serenity it has to offer? Then, look no further than the Gallery Farm. Once left neglected for many years, this old farmhouse was transformed by The Renovation Broker into a stunning cottage unit that is a 5-star luxury Airbnb getaway. With panoramic views of the farm and a huge deck to take them in from, the Gallery Farm has been receiving rave reviews from guests all around the world, and for all the right reasons.
The Gallery Farm
The client had approached The Renovation Broker, desperately seeking to transform this old rundown farmhouse into an oasis of peace and tranquillity. The goal was to create a space where guests could escape the stresses of everyday life and connect with nature in its purest form. With The Renovation Broker’s keen eye for design and a deep passion for preserving and reviving old structures, the once-tattered farmhouse was given a second chance at life.
At over 100 years old, the original farmhouse had good bones, but a terrible layout that made it an uncomfortable living space. However, with the aid of the renovation broker’s design expertise, the space was transformed into a luxurious cottage that is both contemporary and traditional. All the original features of the farmhouse were restored, while the layout was reimagined to incorporate a modern open-plan living space. The full designer kitchen with all the modern appliances and luxury stone benchtop & splashback from Talostone is a delight to prepare meals in.
The Gallery Farm’s transformation did not go unnoticed – it was featured in The Australian Traveller magazine’s edition of 100 unique stays. The article praised the cottage’s elegant and peaceful setting, as well as the great lengths that the renovation broker went to preserve the building’s rich history, while still making it relevant and functional for modern-day living. Not surprisingly, the farmhouse is now a highly sought-after location for guests from all around the world.
One of the deciding factors that make the Gallery Farm stand out as an Airbnb location is its sweeping, picturesque views overlooking the farm. The massive deck outside was added to take full advantage of the magnificent views, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or the sunset with a glass of wine in your hand. On a clear night, you can even enjoy a panoramic view of the Milky Way – an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
For the renovation broker, the farm needed to look more like an estate. So, they circled the house with a post & rail fence. But it wasn’t just any fence, it was a hand-crafted timber beauty, made with the original mortise and tenon. This is how you convert a farm into a masterpiece.
The Gallery Farm is a testament to the transformative power of good design, and a tribute to the solid structure upon which it was built. It is both simple and grand, rustic and modern, and a perfect spot to escape the noise and pace of city living. As an Airbnb getaway, it has been rated five stars by guests from all corners of the world, and for all the right reasons. Book yourself a stay at the Gallery Farm and experience the epitome of a luxurious countryside retreat.
Experience the ultimate freedom of creating a diverse range of high quality drawer and pull-out solutions with only a few components thanks to MERIVOBOX – Blum’s recent box system release in Australia available from Lincoln Sentry.
Created to combine stunning design with maximum functionality, MERIVOBOX simplifies the production process, and increases workshop efficiencies thanks to its simple manufacturing process.
Smooth transitions are also a key feature of MERIVOBOX’s industry leading design – a design that delivers an extremely smooth running drawer with high load bearing capacity.
With Blum quality and stability, MERIVOBOX and SPACE TWIN provide a world of possibilities for narrow cabinets in small spaces. By working together to create diagonally offset runners, this combination allows you to store more — ranging from kitchen utensils & bottles to spices & baking trays!
Regardless of the application, MERIVOBOX looks just as good whether its in the kitchen, living, bathroom, bedroom or study.
Are you looking for a kitchen or bathroom designer on the mid north coast in New South Wales? Look no further than Brett Patterson, a freelance designer and member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) who has won multiple industry awards. Brett has been recognized as the HIA Kitchen Designer of the Year and was a finalist for the Bathroom Designer of the Year. He is now looking to work with builders and home owners on projects in the region.
Polytec Steccawood
Brett’s Services:
Brett offers an array of services for his clients either working with builders or home owners. He is able to provide full concept drawings, 3D models, detailed plans, construction documentation, material selection advice, colour consulting, and more. His portfolio of completed jobs includes multi-million dollar luxury homes, high-end renovations, modern apartment designs and more. You can see his work on Houzz where he has over over 50 five star reviews.
What Sets Brett Apart?
What sets him apart from other designers is his attention to detail. He takes great care to ensure that all his designs are tailored specifically to his customers’ needs while taking into account factors such as budget constraints and existing architecture. It is this commitment that makes him stand out in such a competitive field. In addition, Brett also stays up-to-date with new technology so he can always be sure he is using the most up-to-date tools to create beautiful designs for his clients.
Why Choose Brett?
Brett has already designed numerous stunning jobs on the mid north coast nsw area and he is looking to expand even further. Brett has invested heavily in our design software Pytha, so we can deliver Ultra realistic 3D renders which allow clients to truly understand our design intentions, eliminating room for error and costly design changes in the final design and construction phases of their projects. Once we have completed the design consultation, we are able to put it all together in our CAD software Pytha and send our clients proofs via email, this enables our clients to see their project and have the opportunity to make changes before going to production and build stage.
If you are located on the new south wales mid north coast area then Brett Patterson is one of your best bets when it comes kitchen or bathroom design needs! With years of experience in designing some of the most luxurious kitchens and bathrooms in the area, he will make sure your project meets all your expectations while staying within budget constraints. From concept drawings right through to material selection advice—you can trust that with Brett you will receive only top notch quality design service every step of the way! So don’t hesitate any longer—contact him today! Mb: 0423 092 491 Email: brett@therenovationbroker.com.au
When it comes to home renovations, the sky is the limit. This project was no exception! We were tasked with transforming a run-down shed on the side of a house into a stunning hair salon fit for 5-star clients. Our client, Denise, is a hairdresser to the stars, so we knew we had to get this design right and create enough space out of this tight area. Read on to find out how we did it!
Denise Hairdresser To the Stars
The Design Process
Our first step was designing a functional yet aesthetically pleasing layout that made full use of the space while ensuring maximum comfort and convenience for Denise’s clients. We focused on creating an inviting atmosphere by adding plenty of natural light and modern touches such as stylish furniture and fixtures. Also required was lots of useful storage space, we achieved some clever solutions by cutting through the brick work and creating access space to the outside for extra storage.
Before Shot – The Shed
CAD 3D Render
Finished Project
Choosing Quality Equipment
We wanted to ensure that Denise’s salon was equipped with only the best products available. That’s why we imported the equipment from Italy, Maletti is an Italian company known for its high quality products used in luxury salons all over Europe & the world. From styling chairs to shampoo bowls, every item was carefully chosen for its design, durability, comfortability, and reliability, Maletti is the bench mark globally for salon furniture design and fabrication.
Design, Technology, Innovation, Passion.
Just one name: Maletti
Denise’s impressive clientele over the years included Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, TLC, Gina Rinehart and the Bold & The Beautiful just to name a few! Denise has been thrilled with how her business has been able to grow since moving into her new salon space thanks to its modern design and comfortable atmosphere. To see photos from this transformation or read more about other projects we’ve completed for satisfied customers like Denise, visit our profile on Houzz today!
Australian PM Tony Abbott
Richard Wilkins
The Bold & The Beautiful
TLC
The Big Reveal
After weeks of hard work, our team was ready to show off their handiwork! When Denise saw her new salon she was absolutely blown away – she couldn’t believe that we had managed to turn her run-down shed into something so luxurious. Her clients were equally impressed – they loved how spacious yet cozy the space felt and they raved about how comfortable their experience was when getting their hair done. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive!
Salon Dispensary
Salon Entry & Parking
Salon Outside
At The Renovation Broker, we take pride in seeing our clients’ visions come alive before their eyes! This project may have been one of our favourites yet – transforming an old shed into a star-studded hair salon was truly rewarding work and creating a salon as stylish as the owner Denise. Whether you want your home renovated or need help with interior design services, our team at The Renovation Broker is here for you – contact us today for more information about our services!
The Renovation Broker has won the prestigious Best of Houzz service award for an unprecedented nine years in a row, cementing their status as one of the leading providers of renovation and home design services. The award recognizes the company’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service, professional advice and comprehensive design capabilities.
The Renovation Broker is renowned for their award-winning designers, who work closely with clients to bring their renovation dreams to life. Their team of experienced professionals are passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces that reflect the personality and needs of the client. The company’s award-winning designs have been featured in various publications and have earned them numerous industry accolades over the years.
HIA Awards
Whether you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, redesign your bathroom or tackle an entire home renovation project, The Renovation Broker is the perfect partner for all of your interior design needs. With their award-winning service and commitment to customer satisfaction, they can help make your dream space a reality. So contact The Renovation Broker today to start designing the home of your dreams!
. The Renovation Broker is a family owned and operated business that has been providing high quality design services for over 20 years. They specialize in residential renovations and have expertise in everything from bathrooms, kitchens, home theaters and living spaces to updating lighting and fixtures. Their team of experienced and talented designers will work with you to bring your vision to life and create a home that you’ll love for years to come. So when it comes to creating the home of your dreams, trust The Renovation Broker to get the job done right!
If you’re looking for award-winning service and design capabilities, The Renovation Broker is the perfect partner for all of your renovation needs. With nine consecutive Best of Houzz service awards and a commitment to customer satisfaction, they are dedicated to helping you create the home of your dreams. Contact The Renovation Broker today to start planning the perfect space!
Call us today to book an appointment: 02 9484 3464
The new Pantone® colour of the year is here. Introducing Viva Magenta – a crimson red designed to bring a pop of colour to any space.
The new Pantone® colour of the year is here… Introducing Viva Magenta!
Viva Magenta 18-1750 is a shade of crimson red that expresses power & strength, and creates positivity through design. This versatile shade has warm and cool tones, and can standalone or be used in smaller portions to add a pop of colour into anyone’s home.
Feeling bold? Why not create a full-on statement by painting all kitchen cabinets in Viva Magenta, Want something a little more subtle? Why not introduce this colour into your new space in the form of floral arrangements, artwork, pendant lighting or statement splashbacks – Viva Magenta will catch anyone’s eye, even in small doses.
Click here to learn more about the colour of the year.
Macleay Argus – First published October 21 2022 – 11:00am
A Collombatti kitchen has scored local business The Renovation Broker the Housing Industry Association (HIA) award for northern NSW kitchen design of the year.
The business also was a finalist in three other categories for Northern NSW and a finalist for the renovated kitchen of year NSW (Sydney area) in collaboration with award winning cabinet maker “Gallery Living”.
Managing director Brett Patterson said that it was good to be a finalist but taking out the win was great.
“It’s something we all try to work towards and to be recognised for the design work is pretty cool,” he said.
“There’s a lot of new stuff out now and people are pushing the boundaries of design and coming up with unique ideas.”
The annual HIA awards allows home builders and designers to showcase and receive recognition for their work.
Entries in the kitchen design category were judged on their features, ergonomics, specification, lighting, work zone as well as design and flair.
Ultimately it was the Macleay Valley kitchen that took the title with it’s large stone splash back, custom made canopy and stand out kitchen island.
“The kitchen island was a real statement using the steccawoods and making it a sort of architectural look on the island,” Mr Patterson said.
But the design is more than just an award winner- it’s also Mr Patterson’s kitchen.
Based in his property “The Gallery Farm” which also hosts luxury farm stays, the award winning kitchen is in use daily.
“[You are] not only getting the design to… look the best that you can but… getting the function right of the kitchen,” Mr Patterson said.
“Every design is different [and] that’s what’s so good about working in this industry.”
With a design studio in Sydney, Mr Patterson runs the business from his 82 acre property in Collombatti.
The Gallery Farm
After COVID-19 Mr Patterson found that more clients were willing to have discussions take place over email or video call.
The company complete onsite measures in person and using high quality software are able to create life-like renders to show clients.
With all the resources and communication available online, most clients usually only come into the design studio once the pricing is finalised.
“People are so busy now and…are a lot more comfortable making decisions without sitting down with people in front of them,” Mr Patterson said.
“It’s streamlined the whole processes where back in the day, everyone was coming in and out of the show room
I’m actually doing a job for someone in Hong Kong at the moment [who] bought a house in Castle Hill and everything is over email or via.”
The Renovation Broker may be able to gain more clients from outside of NSW but Mr Patterson said he wants to do more work in the local area.
He’s already designed the beer garden for Bucket Brewery and has more local work coming up.
“I’m already doing a kitchen for someone in Kempsey but I’ll be looking to do kitchen, bathroom [and] interior design in the area,” he said.
The Renovation Broker may be able to gain more clients from outside of NSW but Mr Patterson said he wants to do more work in the local area.
The Renovation Broker wins at the recent HIA Northern NSW & NSW Region Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. We were finalist in 4 categories & won the big 1 Kitchen designer of the year.
2022 – HIA Northern NSW Kitchen Design of the Year – Winner
2022 – HIA Northern NSW Kitchen of the Year – Finalist
2022 – HIA Northern NSW Bathroom Design of the Year – Finalist
2022 – HIA Northern NSW Small Bathroom of the Year – Finalist
2022 – HIA NSW Region Renovated Kitchen – Finalist
The annual HIA awards allows home builders and designers to showcase and receive recognition for their work.
Entries in the kitchen design category were judged on their features, ergonomics, specification, lighting, work zone as well as design and flair.
Ultimately it was the Macleay Valley kitchen that took the title with it’s large stone splash back, custom made canopy and stand out kitchen island. See the full project on Houzz!!!
This spectacular kitchen delivers immediate impact. An entertainer’s delight, it’s highly functional with clever storage solutions and equipped with the latest technologies and integrated appliances. Quality workmanship is evident in the custom-made Hamptons-style pale grey cabinetry. The stone benchtops and gold fittings add sophistication and elegance to the generous-sized space. Thoughtfully executed, this kitchen is a welcoming heart to this harbourside home”. See the full project on Houzz!!!
The farmhouse has been updated and modernised with a more functional luxurious open plan design with architectural elements, such as a curved wall in the bathroom with feature penny tiles and black border trims around the bathroom to highlight its features. See the full project on Houzz!!!
If you are planning a renovation in 2023 and would like to work with an award-winning design business then contact us today!
Long-time PYTHA Pro, Brett Patterson, recently used the power of PYTHA renders to help the Bucket Brewery get a well-deserved grant.
With Brett’s fantastic renders, the brewery owners were able to clearly illustrate their big visions for an outdoor stage and beer garden upgrades. The grant application secured the small business $50k plus in funding, and the Kempsey community will reap the rewards when they’re enjoying a locally-brewed beer in their revamped premises.
They’re not stopping there, though. The Brewery’s next step will be to expand to take advantage of the majestic Macleay River that winds by its back door. Brett will once again use his PYTHA 3D CAD skills to represent their visions, and we look forward to seeing the results.
Pat Conaghan MP
Review – Sam Preston (Owner @ Bucket Brewery)
The Renovation Broker helped us design our beer garden and stage at our Brewery in Kempsey – Bucket Brewery, we could not be happier with the outcome and being able to bring our visions to life with their fantastic renders to see how it will look. These renders and plans also helped us secure a small business grant 50k plus to go towards the renovation and live music for local artists. The beer garden has been a great success for us and the community, we have now held numerous events, the patrons & artists just love it. We are now getting The Renovation Broker to design more upgrades to our brewery, we are looking forward to seeing them come to life, we highly recommend The Renovation Broker.
