“CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts who can help to improve a home.

The saying “there’s always room for improvement” is as relevant in the home as it is in many other areas in life. 

Here “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts who can help you achieve those objectives…

‘Best in the business’ when it comes to safety gear

Backed with more than 90 years’ combined industry experience, the Seears Workwear team is the “biggest and best in the business” when it comes to providing work safety gear and equipment, says owner Pat Seears.

“Everything is the best quality from the best manufacturers,” he says.

“We have high-vis clothing, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, safety glasses and goggles, respirators and much more.”

Having first started as a “two-bob shop in the early ‘80s”, Pat says Seears Workwear has grown to provide one of the largest ranges of workwear in Australia, including from brands such as Cat, Akubra, Rockport, Huski, FXD and Steel Blue to name a few.

The store also includes workwear for chefs, paramedics and firefighters, says Pat, who knows the needs of local businesses.

Located on Barrier Street, he also says they stock safety work boots, leather shoes and steel-toed canvas shoes, from brands such as Puma and Dunlop.

He says Seears can also assist companies through their corporate uniform services, which provide customised embroidery services for promotional clothing and business uniforms.

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4111 or visit seearsworkwear.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.

“Our in-house magazine serves as a visual guide, aiding customers in finding the perfect style for their homes.”

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

Furniture restorations that focus on detail

From antique heirlooms to modern club lounges and TV recliners, Ebsworth Upholstery can assist with any furniture restoration or re-upholstery project, says office manager Robyn Ebsworth.

Robyn operates the business with her husband Mark, a skilled upholsterer with more than 20 years of experience, and together she says they work with designers, timber restorers, metal fabricators and frame makers to deliver attention to detail that’s second to none.

“We often have customers with furniture that once belonged to their grandparents that’s been passed down through generations,” says Robyn.

“When it’s restored for them, there can be a real emotional response. “These heirlooms are often a way to remember loved ones.”

It’s just one of the valued services that Ebsworth Upholstery offers, says Robyn.

“We’ve got one of the biggest fabric libraries in Canberra that includes soft furnishings, fabrics, upholstery and drapery, and customers can come and purchase fabrics for their own projects through that library as well,” she says.

They’re also proud to offer custom-made furniture and lampshade making services, with the manufacturing process all done here in Australia.

“With us, customers can add their own style and flair to their furniture, something you can’t get at the large furniture retailers,” she says.

Ebsworth Upholstery, unit 4, 1 Alumina Street, Beard. Call 0434 982708 or visit ebsworthupholstery.com.au

Upgrade your home with one-of-a-kind items

At Canberra’s leading second-hand furniture store Ex-Government Furniture, there is something for everyone, says co-owner James Fullerton.

“Every week, we get high-quality second-hand furniture from government departments and the occasional private business, he says.

“We have a huge range of prices, the cheapest chair is literally $1, all the way through to chairs that have been in Parliament House.

“We have something for every budget.

“Now that so many people are working from home, we are selling a lot of office furniture because the home office is now integral to the family home. 

“Then we’ve also got lounges, chairs, bookcases, safes, garage storage as well.

James says that not only is the price range hugely diverse, they also stock a wide range of styles so that there is truly something for everyone. 

“We have a huge amount of furniture coming in at the moment and a lot of really interesting and unique pieces,” he says.

“We have desks here that are 100 years old, and then brand new ones. 

“We also do custom sit-stand desks, to cater for a home size. 

“So if you are doing a home-improvement renovation, we can make it custom to your home, and custom colour to fit in. 

“We have a huge amount of furniture, hundreds of chairs, thousands of items. 

“We’re having a huge chair sale at the moment of things that haven’t been advertised anywhere else in Australia or NZ, so super unique.”

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com

Woden’s ‘booming’ architecture team

Arkitex is a firm that has been operating in Canberra since 1997, says director Alessandro (Alex) D’Ambrosio.

“We are a focused firm dedicated to enhancing and improving the local architectural fabric of our immediate local community and surrounding regional areas alike.”

And, Alex says, they’re excited to be expanding to south-east Queensland soon.

But, of course, “Woden is a great place for our office here in Canberra”.

“Woden Valley has experienced something of a boom in renovation, addition and knock-down and rebuild of homes over recent years. This has led to the commute to our office being littered with our previous projects, which is not only rewarding to see from our perspective, but it is a good primer for clients meeting at our office.

“We have a focus on the design development phase, working closely with our clients and meeting as often as required to ensure an outcome that meets or exceeds our clients’ desires as well as achieving an architectural outcome of high quality.

“The experience we have garnered through the projects we have completed informs each project we undertake, applying what we have learned through our many years of providing our services,” says Alex.

“Arkitex architecture is less of a career and more of a lifestyle and passion.”

Arkitex, Shop 5, 24 Torrens Place, Torrens. Call 0413 570599 or search Arkitex on Facebook.

Kim’s passionate about improving homes

Kim Persson, owner of Renovation Matters, has turned her love for renovating into a thriving business. 

With a portfolio of more than 60 property renovations, Kim says she has the expertise and skills to effectively transform homes.

Kim says she has noticed a recent market shift. 

“Properties in need of extensive renovations tend to linger, while those that have undergone makeovers sell faster and at higher prices,” she says. 

Kim says, it is really important to present homes well in this evolving market.

“Renovation Matters has introduced a unique ‘fix up, profit and pay later’ process, allowing them to cover upfront renovation costs prior to settlement,” says Kim.

“This proves especially beneficial for those facing financial challenges or struggling with mortgage payments.”

In addressing client needs, Kim says the company is committed to ensuring a stress-free renovation experience.

She cites a testimonial from a recent client, who wrote: “We recently undertook the renovation of our apartment in Canberra, being Sydney based we opted to engage Kim from Renovation Matters to co-ordinate and supervise the project. 

“Kim was outstanding! Working to a tight window due to the Christmas break, she gave us progress updates with photos, insightful design recommendations and streamlined various trades to complete the work on schedule.” 

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 specialises in creating sustainable kitchens and joinery, says Robyn.

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

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

“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 says.

“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.

“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. 

“We are only a small team, so it is by appointment.”

But, Robyn says they will be at The ShowRoom Canberra exposition show at Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park, March 16-17. 

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

Distinctive ways to give the home a special touch

South Pacific Hemp, Canberra’s first all-hemp store, features a range of linen, fabrics, bedding, cushions and more to add a special touch to the home, says a spokesperson.

“Hemp gives years of wear while its breathing ability, antibacterial and antiviral properties help promote good sleep, health and wellbeing. 

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours. It has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.”

But that’s just the start of what’s on offer at the store.

“In terms of fabric, there’s everything from belts, bags and bedding to scarves and throws, plant-dyed yarns to reusable make-up removal pads,” they say.

“Our selection of products extends to a special collection of hemp foods, hemp seed oils, with gorgeous balms and skin creams, babycare, homewares, accessories and pet products.

“Come ask us about what the hemp plant offers, from the benefits of CBD oil to the selection of skincare and beauty products.”

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, visit southpacifichemp.com.au

Tara can make properties shine

Salient Property Styling prides itself on creating fresh, cohesive and thoughtful interiors for those wishing to put their homes on the market, says owner Tara Nolan.

“Using our expertise we can make a home feel welcoming and create that important emotional connection to a property, one that will stick out in the minds of buyers as they explore the property market,” she says.

“We are dedicated to enhancing the best features of all properties we enter by creating flowing, functional spaces as well as drawing on the use of light, colour, texture and the smallest details.”

Tara says an empty room has no frame of reference.

“Many people struggle to imagine living in a vacant home. That is why styling a property is a game changer and becoming the new norm,” she says.

“Our knowledge and experience ensures each home we style is presented at its best before going to market.

“With a long background in design, we understand the elements and principles, and this shines through in our properties.

“We provide all furniture, artwork, linen and decor items to create a space that buyers won’t want to leave!”

Salient Property Styling. Call Tara on 0408 155362 or visit salientpropertystyling.com.au

Canberra’s biggest home and lifestyle expo returns

The ShowRoom Canberra is the ACT’s premier home and lifestyle show, says Emma Pieper, owner and event manager.

“Now in its fifth year, the ShowRoom Canberra’s Home and Lifestyle Show is your go-to destination for home and lifestyle inspiration, professional information and amazing show specials,” she says. 

“Whether you’re looking to transform your home or lifestyle, indoors or

out, in the realms of home design, construction, renovation or lifestyle, this event is tailor-made for you!”

The show will be held over two days in the Budawang Pavilion at Exhibition Park, March 16-17, 9am-3pm.

“The show boasts Canberra’s most creative, innovative and informative industry professionals all under the one roof for one weekend only,” says Emma.

“Set in a relaxed atmosphere, our diverse range of home and lifestyle exhibitors include home automation and entertainment, sustainable living, home renovation, solar and energy-efficient solutions, home designs and construction, window and floor dressings, trade services, responsible pet ownership, living and lifestyle solutions, spas, pools, Weber barbecues and outdoor structures including decking, sheds and granny flats.

“Leading experts in their field with the latest trends and up-to-date information will present in the Speaker Series presentations and answer all of your questions in the Q&A sessions, including information on the new ACT RZ1 zoning regulations.

“Best of all, entry and inspiration are free!”

The ShowRoom Canberra. Budawang Pavilion, Exhibition Park. Visit theshowroomcanberra.com.au

Knowledgeable staff with a range of natives

Cool Country Natives stocks the largest range of Australian native plants in the ACT and surrounds, says owner Karen Brien.

“We have deliveries of new stock every week, and offer drought and frost-hardy plants for your home garden,” says Karen. 

“Drought and frost-hardy plants will be easier to manage, and make it easier for watering.”

Karen says her dedicated team of reliable and knowledgeable staff are happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries. 

“We go out of our way to help people find the right plant for the right spot; we’re attentive and we know what stock is in the nursery,” she says. 

“Please come and talk to us for advice. We have plenty of tubestock and farm trees, and we know how it grows and what it requires.

“The team do their best to help our shoppers wherever they can.

“We are open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and most public holidays between 10am and 4pm.” 

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666, or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au