Buying, selling or renovating can be a daunting task. Canberra’s home-improvement experts know how to turn a house into a home.

Plants to go during relocation sale

Living Simply is Canberra’s go-to specialist for plant hire in venues and events, says director Graham Holbrook. 

Offering plant rentals for pre-property sales, weddings and special events, Graham says adding a fresh touch of greenery can enhance any space. 

With a track record of the many houses they’ve styled selling, he says it’s a great way to improve a home before listing. 

In February, Living Simply is closing its retail outlet for plant sales in Pialligo with a massive sale of existing stock from anywhere between 10 and 50 per cent off. 

“We will have 25 per cent off storewide until we sell everything,” Graham says. 

“Last year’s stock will be up to 50 per cent off, with indoor plants at 10 per cent off.”

Sales last until their relocation, where they will turn their attention to specialising in indoor plant hire, special-event hire and office plant hire as well as landscaping and garden maintenance.

Working closely with property stylists, Living Simply provides the full styling service on the day of the event, with the team meticulously caring for the plants before, during and after the event to ensure they look just right.

Living Simply, 10 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6249 1552 or visit livingsimply.com.au

Masters of the must-see range of tiles

For more than 40 years Rivoland Tiles has developed a reputation for excellence in the floor and wall tile industry, says general manager James Hibberson.

“Whether you’re seeking inspiration, advice or looking for that perfect tile, come and visit the showrooms and talk to one of Rivoland Tiles experienced staff,” he says.

“The Crawford Street (Queanbeyan) and Mitchell showrooms are a must-see according to leading interior designers. 

“Our showroom display ranges are selected to provide inspiration and ideas for both inside and outside your home or a commercial setting.”

James says Rivoland Tiles is an example of a successful family business that has grown and adapted with the times because of the knowledge, commitment to customer service and genuine passion for the industry given by family and staff.

“With the advice from helpful staff, you could transform your environment to suit your personality, using the best floor and wall tiling products available in Australia,” he says.

By regularly travelling around the world, their import buyers are offered the latest available and in many cases exclusive stock.

“Whether you are seeking modern sophistication or a quirky and unique personal touch, the team at Rivoland will help you find that perfect tile,” he says.

Rivoland Tiles, 100 Crawford Street Queanbeyan, call 6297 4510 or 55-57 Darling Street Mitchell, call 6241 1557, or visit rivoland.com.au

A bright way to spruce up the house

Coming into the warmer months can be a great time to spruce up the home, and what better way to do that than with some new furniture?

Receiving second-hand furniture from commercial and government stock, Ex-Government Furniture has a large selection of quality pieces. 

“We’ve got more than 30 years of experience in picking out furniture and have lots of advice to give,” says co-owner, James Fullerton. 

Specialising in home office equipment and loungeroom pieces, James says they have a bit of everything, from practical furniture to top commercial-grade pieces, meaning there is something for everyone. 

Stock moves quickly in the warehouse, with plenty of new pieces arriving daily. 

“We travel at least once a week to pick up furniture,” says James. 

“There’s always something new to see.” 

Currently, the boys have seen a huge influx in home office supplies, designer pieces, storage solution, cabinets, soft furnishings and lounges, and there’s a recurring theme that has recently emerged. 

“We’ve received a large amount of quirky coloured items,” says James. 

“We’ve got bright orange couches and yellow chairs.

“We’ve got every colour imaginable from purple to electric blue and bright green.

“You don’t have to play it safe.” 

With a large selection of styles, ranging from mid-century to modern and everything in between, James says anyone looking to improve their home with new furniture should come in for some inspiration that won’t break the bank.  

Ex-Government Furniture, 26 Molonglo Mall, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com, facebook at exgovfurniture or on instagram at exgovfurniture

Renovation expert who makes houses shine

Renovations can be an overwhelming process, particularly for those who’ve had a negative experience in the past, but with the right team, experienced trades and a clear plan, the process can be smooth, rewarding and even enjoyable. 

With more than 100 successful renovations under her belt, Renovations Matters owner Kim Persson says a well-executed renovation doesn’t just transform a property, it enhances how the space feels and functions for current and future owners. 

Helping to prevent costly mistakes and delays, Kim says turning to an expert can ensure the work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

“Renovations go far beyond surface-level improvements, they often involve compliance with building regulations and co-ordination across multiple trades,” she says. 

“With the right experience and a trained eye, professionals can take a client’s vision and turn it into a practical result that’s both beautiful and built to last.” 

Thriving on the transformation process, Kim says there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone walk into their renovated space and say, “Wow, you’ve really made our home shine”. 

“It’s more than just design or construction,” she says. 

“It’s about elevating how they live day-to-day, and in many cases, helping them achieve a sale with maximum profit.” 

Renovation Matters, call 0427 696662, or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Sustainable and custom joinery services

“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,” says Robyn Monteleone, partner at Select Custom Joinery.

Operating since 2000, Select Custom Joinery is known for creating sustainable kitchens and joinery.

“We are a niche business and specialise in using timber and other solid materials,” she says.

Their commitment goes beyond just using sustainable materials, and Robyn says they always think about longevity, with everything they design meant to last for a long time.

Robyn’s husband Gino Monteleone, the primary cabinet maker and partner of the business, trained as a furniture maker.

“Gino’s training started with building custom furniture,” she says.  

“Our kitchens and custom pieces are built to furniture-making standards, so they are pieces of furniture that people will love for many years to come.

With the aim of creating pieces that are customised for each client’s lifestyle and personality, Robyn says they often design a feature in each person’s home which is unique to them. 

“The satisfaction that clients get something that really suits their lifestyle and them, something they’re proud of and really enjoy using is the most rewarding thing,” she says. 

“We are only a small team, so client meetings are by appointment.”

Select Custom Joinery, 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414 or visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au

Upgrading a home shouldn’t be expensive, says John

Upgrading or improving a home shouldn’t have to be an expensive adventure, says store-owner John Rivers. 

“At Handyman’s Trading Post, people can find a great range of new, factory used and used parts and pieces at half the price,” he says.

Currently overstocked with many second-hand materials, including windows, glass sliding doors and timber panel (swinging) doors, John says CityNews readers can get a further 10 per cent off the prices of all second-hand items by mentioning this article.  

This excludes never-used, factory-seconds and items that have already been discounted by more than 10 per cent.

A leading supplier of factory-second and used windows and doors, John says they are also the experts in delivering purchased windows and doors safely to homes or job sites. 

Offering to take “want lists” from customers, John says they can alert customers when products from their list have arrived in store. 

John says customers can save hundreds, or even thousands, by buying secondhand windows and doors. Items he says are often the key feature of renovations. 

“For more than 42 years, Handyman’s Trading Post has supplied Canberrans with quality and affordable home and commercial building materials,” says John. 

The Handyman’s Trading Post, 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4036. On facebook.com/p/Handymans-Trading-Post or Instagram at htpcanberra

Experienced team helps clients pack to move

Often left until the last minute when moving, downsizing, decluttering and packing possessions can be a daunting task. 

“Many clients need impartial help working out what will make their new home work and provide the lifestyle they are looking to achieve by letting the excess items we all have find a second or third life,” says House to Home co-owner, Renee Le Grande.

“Our expertise is in helping clients prepare for a sale, downsizing and helping them find where loved treasures can go.” 

Renee says many of their clients have lived in their homes for a number of years and most have more “treasures” than they realise. 

“We take the time to understand the expectation, which is more than just the timeline,” she says. 

“Working out what items to keep, what will fit into their new home, is all part of our process.

“We focus on one area at a time so the process can be less demanding, which frequently delivers a sense of achievement.”

Renee says there is a difference between the “must haves” and “would like to keep” and works with clients by working through the available floor and wall space to help with difficult decisions. 

“My advice is not to leave it until the last minute,” says Renee. 

“It usually takes clients longer than they realise as many have a lot more tucked away into cupboards than they remember!”

House to Home, Removal Specialists. Call 0457 456 767 or visit house-to-home.com.au

Decades of flooring and window experience

Carpet One and CBI Blinds & Awnings, located in Mitchell, have been serving the Canberra community for more than 22 years, says Leonie Gann, co-owner.

Leonie, along with her partner Paul, run the family business and boast a team with more than 100 years of combined experience.

“Our experienced team is well-equipped to assist customers with various flooring needs, from carpets, timbers, laminates and vinyl planks,” she says.

“Under the same roof is our window furnishings store CBI Blinds & Awnings, offering a huge range of internal window treatments, including the very popular Verishades, roller blinds, romans, verticals, shutters and curtains. 

“We are Canberra’s Oztech retractable roof systems specialist and also supply Ziptrak’s outdoor awnings and external shutters.

“Our expertise ensures that customers receive knowledgeable assistance in selecting the right products and addressing any specific installation requirements.

“Carpet One provides free design consults and on-site measures, allowing us to identify and discuss any potential issues during the design process.

Leonie says the team at Carpet One strive to match the products in their showroom with customers’ specific needs and preferences.

“Carpet One offers tailored package deals that provide customers with cost-effective flooring and window treatment solutions while meeting customers’ requirements,” she says.

Carpet One, 141 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Call 6241 5666 or visit carpetone.com.au/mitchell or cbiblinds.com.au

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