Lightweight Steel Framing?

Avril from Mornington

I am considering using a steel frame for an upstairs extension to my home. Is steel an appropriate option or should I stay with the same timber frame technique used for the existing ... continue reading

High Gloss Laminates

Sharon from Rosebud

I want to replace the Laminate Benchtop and cupboards in my kitchen, but i would like to know if i can have a high gloss finish, or is that still not suitable for a ... continue reading

Hydronic Heating

Carley from Balnarring

We are in the process of building a new home and would like it to be as environmentally friendly and efficient as possible. We have heard about Hydronic Heating but do not know anything about it, ... continue reading

Kitchen Face-lift

Gail From Balnarring

We have just moved into a fantastic 6 year old dream home in Balnarring. The kitchen is in good condition but we would like to upgrade it with todays colours and add our personal touch. Is there a ... continue reading

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Bathroom Seminar

posted 1 month, 3 weeks, 13 hours, 18 minutes ago

Latest bathroom seminar a huge ... continue reading

Superb time had by all at the Master Builders & Home Inovations Golf Day

posted 5 months, 1 week, 5 days, 20 hours, 57 minutes ago

MBA members and HIDC exhibitors came together for a social game at Mornington Golf Club on a fantastic early summer's day. ... continue reading

Design & Building Industry 2013 Forecast Night a huge success!

posted 6 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 8 hours, 50 minutes ago

Home Innovations has been overwhelmed by the accolades we have received following the hugely successful Design & Building Industry 2013 Forecast Night held last Wednesday, 28th November, ... continue reading

Tycoon’s illegal pool removed

posted 7 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours, 46 minutes ago

A horizon pool illegally built on Crown land beside billionaire tycoon Solomon Lew's Mt Eliza property has been ... continue reading

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Master Builders Green Living - Domestic

Friday 9:00 am, 28th June 2013

A Master Builder course for environmentally aware builders and building public to pursue sustainability options in their constructions. ... continue reading

Interior Design & Decoration

Tuesday 10:00 am, 13th August 2013

Create and experience your own new world of design with this highly practical, stimulating course that will provide you with a thorough grounding in the skills and techniques of Interior Design. ... continue reading

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Lighting Tips

Before designing a room, you need to consider two types of lighting: natural and electric. Make the right choice and you can turn a dull, soulless room into a vibrant space.

Lighting 2

Natural Light

To maximise natural light:

Let light come through windows without interruption. Remove secondary glazing, which absorbs light, and objects from window sills. Replace heavy curtains with blinds or muslin drapes. Mirrors amplify light. Place a large mirror opposite the window to reflect light around the room. Choose light and bright paint colours. White, off whites & pastel tones will make a room look larger whereas red, orange, brown and black absorb light and make a room look smaller and darker. As a rule of thumb, the lighter the paint - the closer to white - the more reflective it is. Remember that cool colours work best in north facing rooms whereas warmer tones help to brighten up the cooler, darker side of the home. Your choice of flooring will affect how light a room is. Carpets are soft, absorbent and hold the light whereas floorboards with a high-gloss finish reflect light around the room. Keep small, dark rooms bright and fresh, with as little pattern as possible. This will make the space look larger and lighter.

Electric light

You can never light a room as efficiently as the sun so think of electric light as atmospheric background - it can create a cosy environment or a really dramatic one.

Choose something more versatile than a single bulb hanging from the centre of the ceiling. Use multi or directional lights on a track, which can be used to highlight your favourite painting or mirror. Layer the lighting throughout the room so you have the right kind of lighting for your different needs, such as ceiling lights, table lamps and uplighters. Put a floor socket in the middle of the room, so you don't have trailing leads across the floor. Highlight architectural features, such as ceiling coving, with uplighters. Each lighting type should be controlled separately to provide a variety or effects and combinations.

HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area;

White Electrical Solutions