<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>341647</docID> <postdate>2025-04-02 12:28:03</postdate> <headline>Experts who make home improvements easy</headline> <body><p><span class="kicker-line" style="font-weight: 400;">And now's as good a time as any to get that home improvement plan started or be tempted to imagine what's possible from the experts showcasing their skills and services in this feature.</span></p> <p class="p1"><b>There’s no place like home… especially when you’ve got it just right, just how you like it.</b></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-314150" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ex-Government-Furniture.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Ex-Government Furniture owners Taylor Radnell, left, with dog Tilly and James Fullerton.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Pairing the perfect piece of furniture with clients</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Ex-Government Furniture co-owner, James Fullerton, says there’s nothing like their store in Canberra.</p> <p class="p2">Receiving second-hand furniture from commercial and government stock, Ex-Government Furniture has a large selection of quality pieces.</p> <p class="p2">“We’ve got more than 25 years of experience in picking out furniture and have lots of advice to give,†he says.</p> <p class="p2">Specialising in home office equipment, James says they have a bit of everything, from practical furniture to top commercial grade pieces, meaning there is something for everyone.</p> <p class="p2">“We’ve got chairs from $5 here and have something in the budget for everyone.â€</p> <p class="p2">From entry level to top-level pieces, James says they have furniture spanning 100 years.</p> <p class="p2">“We’ve got pieces from 1879 all the way to this year,†he says.</p> <p class="p2">“It keeps it interesting to see the different types of stock that we have in store.â€</p> <p class="p2">Featuring coffee tables, metal storage solutions, vintage dining sets, lounges and other finds, James recommends customers come in to see the furniture for themselves.</p> <p class="p2">“We would love to have a chat with you about what it is you are looking for and how we can help you to find the perfect piece for your home.â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street. Call 6280 6490 or visit <a href="http://exgovfurniture.com">exgovfurniture.com</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/exgovfurniture">facebook</a> at exgovfurniture or on <a href="http://instagram.com/exgovfurniture">instagram</a> at exgovfurniture</i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-331148" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kim-Perssons-owner-of-Rennovation-Matters.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Rennovation Matters owner Kim Persson.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Handling renovations with expertise and care</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Renovation doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming, says Renovation Matters owner Kim Persson.</p> <p class="p2">“With the right guidance and a well thought out plan, it can be a smooth and rewarding process,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“At Renovation Matters, we take the stress out of home improvements by handling everything from start to finish.â€</p> <p class="p2">Alongside a team of trusted tradespeople, Kim says her team ensures projects are completed on time and within budget, keeping their focus on adding real value to a property.</p> <p class="p2">“Whether you’re renovating to sell, rent or simply improve your space, we make sure every detail is handled with care and expertise.â€</p> <p class="p2">Seeing a property transform and witnessing the positive impact it has on clients is Kim’s favourite part of the job.</p> <p class="p2">“I love helping people achieve their goals,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“Every project is unique and I enjoy the challenge of problem solving to bring a vision to life.â€</p> <p class="p2">With more than 100 successful renovations under her belt, Kim says the key to success is approaching projects with a practical, transparent and flexible mentality.</p> <p class="p2">Helping clients make informed decisions about where to spend and where to save, Kim says her extensive experience of the Canberra market allows her to know what to look for and what will deliver the best return.</p> <p class="p2">“I aim to take the stress out of the process by managing everything efficiently from start to finish,†she says.</p> <p class="p1"><i>Renovation Matters. Call 0427 696662, or visit <a href="http://renovationmatters.com.au">renovationmatters.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-341651" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Canberra-Pergolas-founder-Andy-Stodulka-with-the-original-curved-pergola-design-built-30-years-ago.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>Canberra Pergolas founder Andy Stodulka with the original curved pergola design built 30 years ago.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Reinventing the pergola to suit individual needs</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">Andy Stodulka knows a thing or two about pergolas.</p> <p class="p2">“We specialise in designing unique structures that maximise a house’s livability,†says the founder of Canberra Creative Pergolas.</p> <p class="p2">“After 30 years of finessing the steel-framed cantilevered pergola designs, I was surprised to invent a new and simpler column design which allowed relatively easy curving to achieve special aesthetic looks and space enhancement,†he says.</p> <p class="p2">Andy has more than 35 years of experience within the engineering industry and prides himself on creating pieces that suit individual needs.</p> <p class="p2">“I accommodate to what my clients want and not what simply could be done,†he says.</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">“Ultimately, it’s my job to make the customer happy.†</span></p> <p class="p2">Andy’s goal when he first began looking at the typical pergola structure was to provide extra space.</p> <p class="p2">“Most are leaning and provide no headspace in the corners,†he says.</p> <p class="p2">“So I created something that provided extra space, was UV protected, waterproof, had less pillars and had a curved roof.â€</p> <p class="p2">Looking at the successes, wins and satisfaction over 30 years of pergola design and the manufacture of more than a quarter of a million square metres of sun protection, Andy says the greatest reward is the ultimate happiness of his clients.</p> <p class="p2">“Steel-frame pergolas were created through love,†he says.</p> <p class="p2">“Love of family and love of people, with the aim of conservation of the environment.â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Canberra Creative Pergolas offer obligation-free designs and quotes. Call Andy on 0411 725886, email <a href="mailto:finance@designconstructindustries.com">finance@designconstructindustries.com</a>, visit <a href="http://canberrapergolas.com.au">canberrapergolas.com.au</a> or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.</i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-289794" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/The-Kitchen-Company-Charlotte-left-Adam-Batley.png" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>General manager Charlotte with owner husband Adam Batley.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Transforming kitchens with passion</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">The Kitchen Company is very much a Canberra-focused family business, that’s very much about the homeowner.</p> <p class="p2">General manager Charlotte Batley said the company was started by her husband Adam Batley’s father, Peter, in 1981.</p> <p class="p2">Adam had worked there for 25 years, 15 years running it, “and I’ve been here for 10.â€</p> <p class="p2">“We offer custom kitchens in forever homes, we have dedicated interior designers who will work with clients for months or even years to achieve their dream, and a fabulous team who can do it all, from start to finish,†she said.</p> <p class="p2">“The kitchen is such a big part of the home, so really we feel like we’re transforming people’s lives.</p> <p class="p2">“We are big believers in Canberra, we love it here and we love the community, some clients are repeat clients or spread the word about how pleased they are with us, and seeing them so happy keeps us passionate.</p> <p class="p2">“People really get a personal, lovely and different experience when they come through us.â€</p> <p class="p2"><span class="s1">Charlotte said they also offered a free design and quote service, so customers could be confident in their decision before making a financial commitment.</span></p> <p class="p1"><i>The Kitchen Company, Unit 1/4 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 2944, or visit <a href="http://thekitchenco.com.au">thekitchenco.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-216224" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-team-at-House-to-Home-can-help-with-decluttering.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="460" /></p> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Experienced packers save time and stress</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">The local team at House to Home are experienced packers who have been helping Canberrans get their property ready for sales, renovations, insurance work, downsizing and relocating for more than 12 years, says co-owner Renee Le Grande.</p> <p class="p2">“Our expert team will save you hours of time and stress by packing all your personal belongings, household items, right through to packing up the shed,†she says.</p> <p class="p2">“Our team offers a personalised service and recognises every client is unique and has different needs and expectations.</p> <p class="p2">“Some people want the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobes packed, others want absolutely everything including the garden pots at the front door.â€</p> <p class="p2">Renee says her business also offers a full walk-in walk-out service, where clients hand over their keys and the staff completely clear the property, remove the furniture, take necessary items to a charity store, get the old property cleaned, and set everything up again in the new home.</p> <p class="p1"><i>House to Home. Call 0457 456767 or visit <a href="http://house-to-home.com.au">house-to-home.com.au</a></i></p> <p><img class=" wp-image-341650" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Select-Custom-Joinery-Forrest-Kitchen.jpg" alt="" width="735" height="490" /></p> <caption>A recent Select Custom Joinery kitchen in Forrest.</caption> <h3 class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: #800000;"><b>Sustainable and custom joinery services</b></span></h3> <p class="p1">“The kitchen really is the heart of the home and when you have a kitchen that is not only functional but is really beautiful to look at, it’s a great joy,†said Robyn Monteleone, partner at Select Custom Joinery.</p> <p class="p2">Operating since 2000, Select Custom Joinery specialised in creating sustainable kitchens and joinery, she said.</p> <p class="p2">“We are a niche business, we specialise in using timber and other solid materials,†she said.</p> <p class="p2">Their commitment went beyond just using sustainable materials though, and Robyn said they always thought about longevity, with everything they designed meant to last for a long time.</p> <p class="p2">Robyn’s husband Gino Monteleone, the primary cabinet maker and partner of the business, trained as a furniture maker.</p> <p class="p2">“He trained in high furniture, and building kitchens and things out of solid timber, it is in a sense creating pieces of furniture that people will love for many years to come,†she said.</p> <p class="p2">“We aim to create things that are customised for each client’s lifestyle and personality and we often like to have a feature in each person’s home that is unique to them.</p> <p class="p2">“The satisfaction that clients ultimately get something that really suits their lifestyle and them, and something they’re really proud of and really enjoy using is the most rewarding thing.</p> <p class="p2">“We are only a small team, so it is by appointment.â€</p> <p class="p1"><i>Select Custom Joinery. 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414 or visit <a href="http://selectcustomjoinery.com.au">selectcustomjoinery.com.au</a></i></p> </body>