Whether it’s reducing your electricity bill or lessening your reliance on store-bought products, there are a number of ways to set yourself up for a better future – environmentally and financially.

We spoke to sustainability advocate and eco-friendly builder Dean Ipaviz for his best tips to transform your household.

1. Think about thermal mass 

If building or renovating, insulation should be a top priority. For instance, consider concrete floors or masonry walls to help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

“[In winter] the sun hits the concrete, which absorbs and retains the heat during the day, but it doesn’t get hot,” Dean explains.

“Then at night, thermal mass will be released into the home, known as passive heating.”

If you’re building a home from scratch, also consider the orientation for the most effective sunlight exposure.

2. Going solar

By adopting solar power, you could save around $1000 to $2000 on your annual energy bill, depending on location, system size, and actual energy use. Just don’t forget you may need a solar battery too!

Solar panels work hand in hand with storage batteries, which save and re-use the energy generated from the panels for later, when the sun goes down. 

“If you’re going to the trouble of installing a 6kW system or larger, you want to make sure that your home is going be optimised to store and use that energy efficiently,” Dean says. 

3. Get your windows working for you

Having well-positioned, quality windows can make a drastic difference when it comes to heating and cooling your home, and in turn, could reduce your energy bill.

“A quick, easy and cost-effective fix [for summer] is to install window films on north and west facing windows to try and reduce the amount of UV rays that enter the house. Or, just close the blinds on those windows in summer,” Dean says. 

There is always the option to install double-glazed windows or add blockout shutters to make the glass more impermeable to heat.

When it comes to winter, depending on the size and thickness of your windows, curtains can prevent the heat escaping and coolness entering when you have the heater running.

4. Get gardening

Plants not only help purify our air supply, they can feed you too! Starting a herb and veggie garden will save you money on the same store-bought varieties, plus Dean promises gardening can have therapeutic effects for the soul.

The next garden must-have is a compost bin. Not only will it reduce landfill but you’ll never have to spend a cent on fertiliser!

Ipaviz’ number one composting tip is to remember to turn the compost frequently as it needs to aerate properly to work. This will also help you avoid compost nasties like maggots and flies.

“Stir the compost at least once a week to oxygenate it and start the process of the food breaking down,” he encourages. “If you turn it twice a week, it should look after itself.”

Ipaviz also warns against putting meat, dairy and bread into your compost as these won’t break down. 

5. Household green initiatives 

There are so many easy ways you can contribute to a greener world from the comfort of your own home.  The first and most obvious is through recycling.

Make sure to brush up on which items go where and if you have soft plastics, you can even take them to your supermarket to be REDcycled. Also check if you can recycle household furniture and electronics through the manufacturer. Apple and IKEA for example offer store discounts to people who return their used wares back to the brand.  

Ipaviz also recommends a new brand called Zero Co, which minimises single-use plastics by offering a remote return-and-refill system for cleaning products.

6. Make your own household products

You could buy your cleaning products or beauty supplies, but you can also make them at home for a lot less. For instance, instead of purchasing a window cleaner, try a mixture of vinegar and water instead: cheaper and just as effective. 

Got a stain on that white shirt? Get it out with bi-carb. In fact, bi-carb and vinegar are great, eco-friendly and highly effective cleaning products that will cost you a fraction of a pre-made, chemical concoction.

The cleaning benefits of baking soda and vinegar are endless.

Originally published as 6 ways a sustainable household could save you money

Whether you’re a buyer, renter or investor, you can find your place on realestate.com.au. As Australia’s No.1 property site, you’ll find the latest homes for sale, property news and real estate market data all in the one place.

The post 6 ways a sustainable household could save you money appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Did you know that when trees and plants “sweat”, they can cool themselves and cool the surrounding air? 

According to NASA’s Earth Science Study, trees and plants go through a process called transpiration. Water and nutrients are taken up by plant roots from soil and delivered to the stem and leaves as part of photosynthesis. Some of the water drawn up through the roots exits the plant through pores or stomata in its leaves, hence the sweating. As this “sweat” evaporates, heat is removed from the air, which provides a cooling effect. 

Read on for a list of the top houseplants that can help keep your house cool during summer. 

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

With its high-water content, it transpires and releases cool, evaporated moisture into the air. It also gives off oxygen, keeping you cool during those hot summer nights.
This striking succulent is also known for removing toxins from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde. 

2. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

The more foliage a plant has and the bigger the leaves are, the more moisture it will release back into the air. Varieties that tend to thrive in humid environments will take in water through their roots and then release moisture through the pores on the underside of their leaves or fronds. 

3. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)

One of the few trees that grow well indoors, this leafy tree helps to keep the air inside moist and cool. Opt for a tall trunk with a bushy top that could serve as a little forest canopy for other plants below or around it.

Be sure to position your ficus in medium light so it can soak up the sun. 

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

This is another plant well-known for its ability to purify toxins in the air. It also has a high transpiration rate that will help humidify the air around it. 

Group your plants together so they can create their own little atmospheric ecosystem, improving surrounding humidity. 

5. Palms (Arecaceae)

The green leaves of palms like Areca palms, fern palms, fishtail palm and lady palm feature small stomas that take in CO2 and release oxygen.

An arrangement of palms is not only lovely to look at, but also creates a mini indoor rain forest, so it’s the perfect way to give your home a tropical feel during the summer months. 

Looking for more ideas to beat the summer heat? Check out our Energy Efficiency page for more tips to keep you cool – and save on energy too. 

Want to take your environmental friendliness to the next level?

The post 5 plants to help keep your house cool appeared first on The Origin Blog.

What’s your style?

Before you get started, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to start afresh? Do you have a theme in mind? Fancy a modern Scandi twist, a Marie Kondo–style declutter session, boho vibes or rebooting some 1970s classics?

Whatever your personal interior style, jot down some ideas and pull together a mood board on Pinterest. Start planning the items you’d like to add, repurpose, or bring out of storage.

Scrolling social media can help you with planning and inspiration. Follow interiors or styling tags on Instagram, or follow DIY, sustainable and interior design gurus for ideas.

Here’s a selection of favourites to help start your creative engine.

Quick and easy fixes

If you want to freshen things up without handing over a small fortune, some no-fuss basics will serve you well. Rearrange your furniture, fluff pillows, unroll a rug and declutter all surfaces. Even little hacks like these can instantly lift a room with next to no investment.

Keen to splash a bit of cash? BIG W, KMART and Target have an almost cult-like following on social media thanks to their affordable and stylish home décor options.

If you have the time and patience, or are after something unique, check out your local flea markets and op shops. These can contain hidden treasures that can help you to bring your new living space to life.

Wall art and mirrors

Mirrors add depth to a room and the vast variety of wall art will help you express your personal flair.

Depending on your budget, your options are limitless, from handcrafted wonders to one-off pieces created by local artists. Don’t think you need to buy an original artwork – think outside the frame and get creative.

We’ve seen vinyl records and covers become works of art, woven baskets and bowls can be hung to give boho vibes, and macramé wall hangings can add a tropical-holiday vibe to any living room.

If you’re renting, and can’t hang items on the wall, don’t despair. Hang things off furniture, door knobs or invest in some removable hooks, which can display your art without compromising your bond.

Flip a piece of furniture

Looking for a project that will test your skills, get the kids involved, and recreate your living room aesthetics? Dust off that unloved piece of furniture and bring it back to life!

Pinterest and Bunnings have some great DIY ideas to help you through the process.

Don’t have the furniture to flip? Scour ops shops and trash-and-treasure markets and turn someone’s unwanted furniture into a feature for your living room. A quick online search for ‘upcyled furniture’ will get your imagination flowing. We’ve seen an old hutch upcycled into a bookcase and an outdoor chair flipped to statement seating.

Plants, plants, plants

Beyond giving your living space a facelift, there are heaps of benefits to adding greenery to your room. Research shows that indoor plants can boost your mood, increase productivity, purify the air and reduce stress. The choices are endless – whether you’re blessed with a green thumb or not.

Depending on the theme, there are a wide variety of plants to choose from. Some favourites are Devils Ivy, matched with a piece of statement furniture for a chic modern look, a peace lily if you’re recreating a tropical vibe, or a Zanzibar gem for a no-fuss fresh choice.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can make your plants the feature of your living space and hang them from the roof or the walls.

Take things to the next level with solar

At Origin, we’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post Tips to liven up your living space appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Culling is key

Make like Marie Kondo and clear the clutter.

“Children come with a lot of stuff. The clothes, the toys, the books – it can feel endless and often a challenge to keep the home looking neat and tidy, let alone minimalist,” admits Heather Gampe, interior designer and co-founder of interiors blog Oak and Orange.

“Actually culling the number of items in the home would be a great starting point before designing a minimalist home,” adds Heather.

2. Pare back the palette

A monochromatic palette is fundamental to the success of minimalist style.

“It can be very tempting to keep adding colours and textures, but a minimalist design requires restraint,” Gampe says.

Stick to a combination of no more than three colours and finishes, and look to texture instead of colour to introduce warmth and interest.

“Our all-time favourite combination is white, concrete and timber. White is fresh and bright, concrete is cool yet organic, and timber adds a sense of warmth and cosiness,” Gampe adds.

3. Scale matters

According to Gampe, ‘balance’ and ‘repetition’ are the key words to remember when choosing your furniture.

Gampe also suggests having fewer pieces, but sizing up on those you do invest in. “It’s important to measure out the furniture beforehand to make sure it will fill the space correctly,” she says, “and get the largest possible size to fill the space.”

Look to Scandinavian-inspired pieces with clean lines to fit the brief.

4. Storage and order

While most of us can’t actually commit to living the minimalist life, we can create the illusion of minimalism with clever storage. Opt for built-in cabinetry, and take it floor-to-ceiling where possible.

“Keep it simple and choose the same colour cabinetry as the surrounding walls,” suggests Gampe. “Add recessed shaving cabinets in the bathrooms and built-ins to all bedrooms.”

5. Easy cleaning

The minimalist trend heroes a light, neutral palette – but nothing white in a busy family home stays white for long, so do your homework before selecting your finishes.

“The key to maintaining a white or neutral colour palette with children and pets is to consider how easy any particular surface is to clean,” says Gampe.

“In order for a white and neutral palette to be maintainable, do your research and make sure you invest in materials that will be easy to keep clean.”

In the bathroom, for example, large-scale tiles will mean less grout. “The main flooring should be one that is easy to clean and not easily scratched, and if you want to use lighter colours in soft furnishings make sure they are machine washable,” Gampe adds.

The post How to achieve a minimalist look in five family-friendly steps appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Hang a robe

 Add some spa vibes to your bathroom by hanging a robe as you walk in. Whether it’s a waffle robe, classic terry towelling or a statement print, it’ll make the space feel like a little haven away from the outside world.

2. Add some plants

Indoor plants have seen an explosion in popularity over recent years and no room is safe from the trend – even the bathroom. Turn your bathroom into your own tropical oasis by choosing plants that thrive on low light and humidity like golden pothos, monstera, a Boston fern or bamboo.

Want to introduce a touch of drama? Choose plants that trail and can be hung above the bath. Renting and can’t hang plants? Grab some ‘S’ hanging hooks, pop them over your shower screen and choose some lightweight plants that trail.

3. Display your skin products

Why tuck those beautiful bottles of lotions and potions under the sink when you can show them off?

Pick two of your most beautiful skin products, pop them on a trivet or a tray and show them off on your basin/shelves. Practical go-tos like perfumes, hand lotion and body moisturisers often have eye-catching packaging and are perfect to have out for easy use.

4. Grab a matching waste basket and tissue holder

Bins are often purchased with functionality in mind, but swapping out the usual metal waste basket with a cane or rattan option (and matching it with a tissue box cover) can pull the room together and make it more aesthetically pleasing.

5. Make a statement with bath mats

Whether you’re going for a hygge vibe or a modern twist, bathmats are a great way to bring both comfort and style to your bathroom.

Choose from fluffy, boho, coastal, patterned or more vibrant fun options and ditch the basic bathmats.

6. Add texture

Concrete, bamboo, rattan, brass – adding textural elements can elevate the space and the options are endless.

Add some smaller details to your space like catch-all trays for jewellery, laying out bath bombs, soaks or scrub on a marble/bamboo tray or bath caddy, show off dried natives or palm fronds in a vase.

7. Lean a ladder

Ditch the basic towel rack and opt for a ladder instead. This will add texture to the bathroom (choices range from bamboo and traditional woods through to polished metals), add more dimension than traditional rails or shelves, and turn your towels into a real statement.   

8. Choose a fragrance

What does ‘sanctuary’ smell like for you? What fragrance comes to mind when you think about relaxation? Pick up a candle, or some diffuser reeds, that really capture a vacation scent, pop that near your bath or shower and wait for the stress of the day to just melt away. 

9. Hang a statement shower curtain

No shower-screen? No worries! Add some playfulness to your space by choosing a fun shower curtain. Opt for geometric prints, boho fringed or patterned. Tie in your choice with your bathroom linen to really bring a theme out through your space.

10. Add some wall art

Though the bathroom isn’t the first place you think of hanging art, the walls don’t need to be bare and boring. Choose a print that matches your theme, or a cheeky or traditional quote, and hang it near your hamper or over your bath for some added personality.

Solar power your shower

At Origin, we’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post 10 ways to spruce up your bathroom appeared first on The Origin Blog.

The heavy lifting has been done and you’ve moved into your new home. Now’s the perfect time to plan how you’re going to use the most-used space, the kitchen, to make sure it’s both fun and functional.

From utensils, greenery and food prep to appliances, we’ve put together a quick guide so you can create the ultimate kitchen that will have everyone wanting to dine at yours.

1. Add greenery

Introducing greenery makes any space more dynamic and vibrant. Add a leafy beauty to your benchtop, pop a plant stand on your windowsill, or suspend a decorative planter from the ceiling. Growing fresh herbs in those pots will not only look great, they’ll be fragrant and encourage you to mix up the flavours in your cooking.

Perennials like rosemary, oregano and mint do pretty well in pots. Ask your local grower about which others are easiest to grow in your area. Make sure the plants get plenty of natural light and be careful not to overwater.

2. Opt for a statement kettle

Whether you’re going for midrange electric kettle, or a traditional stovetop one, this piece of functional art can really make a statement in your kitchen.

When it comes to seeking out the beautiful amongst the functional, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Think about how energy efficient your kettle is, whether it comes with pre-set temperatures and how easy it is to clean.

If you feeling like splashing out, why not add a pop of colour from the Le Creuset Zen range or a sleek steel piece from the Alessi range?

3. Invest in a Dutch oven

Have you been caught up in the latest sourdough challenge? Seems everyone these days is either faithfully feeding their sourdough starter or searching high and low for ancient grains. No self-respecting bread baker can be without a great Dutch oven, but how do you choose the best oven for your needs?

First, consider what you’re planning to cook. Will it be slow-cooking roasts that require a low slow heat or baking baguettes which requires higher constant heat for shorter periods of time?

Then consider cost, size and material. Choosing between coated enamel, copper and cast iron will depend on what you’re planning to cook – as well as your budget. Cast iron is likely to cost the most, but will last a lifetime and withstand a direct flame, but copper or enamel may be better suited to everyday use.

4. Platter up

If you can’t afford Carrara marble bench tops (and let’s face it, many of us can’t), for around $100 you could buy a marble chopping board for an air of the same elegance. Serving cheese, charcuterie and crudites on one of these will feel a million bucks.

Or if stone isn’t your style, pick a chopping board made from natural products. There’s Acacia or Teak, or sustainable bamboo is mould, scratch, stain, heat and water resistant – while also inviting warm wood tones into your space.

5. Add a time piece

Whether you need to know when to turn the oven on or when to check the stove for the teatime rush, a clock can help you create your masterpiece in the nick of time.

Look for a clock that’s functional and expresses your kitchen’s mood. Going for French Provincial–chic? Find a clock with a distressed white patina and a rustic feel. An industrial-modern aesthetic more your style? Try a clock with copper numerals and exposed inner workings.

Mounted on the wall as a statement piece or on the bench within easy reach, you can turn this timeless and functional item into a standout feature of your kitchen.

6. Make your knives shine

When it comes to kitchen knives there’s a bit to think about. There are everyday knives, specialised knives for certain culinary delights, and chef’s knives which will have you slicing and dicing like a pro. For the casual cook, a midrange set of knives from one of the major retailers will probably do the trick, but if you like to experiment and get a bit fancy, see a speciality retailer.

Once you know what knives you are looking to purchase, think about how you want to display them. You might want to show them using a magnetic wall hanging, or in a stylish knife block that can match your decor. Quality knife blocks will not only add a touch of MasterChef to your space, but protect your knives for years to come – not to mention your fingers!

7. All hail the coffee machine

Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup on the go or trying to recreate that Italian coffee bar vibe, expressing your coffee personality will take your kitchen cred up a notch.

Luckily, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes the machines behind the perfect coffee. If you’re looking to brew via pressure, an automatic coffee machine like the Nespresso, a Moka pot or an AeroPress could work for you.

Other coffee-making alternatives to explore include a French press, siphon, filtration or soft brew to steep that cup of perfection. Whatever your coffee method of choice, choose the colour and finish to tie in with your overall kitchen theme.

Solar power your cuppa

At Origin, we’ll help you on your way to energy independence with tools, information, access to solar quotes from our preferred partners, plus more. In less than 10 minutes, you can arrange up to 3 free solar and battery quotes from our preferred partners for your property. You can also check out recommended solar system sizes, potential bill savings, and more. It’s free and without obligation⁺

Ready to go solar? 

⁺ Origin has a commercial agreement with our partner installers and receives a commission from them for each referral.

The post 7 tips to kit out your kitchen appeared first on The Origin Blog.

Renovation tips proudly brought to you by the team at channel 7 and House Rules

Before you think about jumping into the deep end of home reno’s, we chatted with Aimee and Kayne from Channel 7’s House Rules for some renovation tips to get you started.

From choosing the right furniture, to perfecting the layout of your rooms, the DIY duo share seven tried-and-tested tips.

Aimee and Kayne’s renovation tips

1. Get to know your space

Before buying any furniture for your home, mark it out on the ground with tape and get the feel for the size and space. Can you walk around the table easily? Is it too small for the space? Is it going to encroach on another area of your house (or in our case, another team’s zone, then all hell would break loose).

2. Consider your options

Next time you’re planning the layout of your next space, don’t be afraid to think outside the box with where you’re putting things. We drew up different layouts before finding the perfect one.

3. Replace or add tiles

Try to stick to 2 or, at a maximum, 3 tiles in a space. Feature tiles can look quite nice inside your shower niche if you decided a whole wall in a crazy tile is a bit out there for you. 

4. Change the mood

We had a lot of black, white & grey in our bathroom, which gave a quite masculine feel. If you want to add softness to a bathroom with lots of blacks & whites, try installing a timber vanity or placing a timber shower seat in the shower which brings the whole room together.

5. Play around with colour

If you don’t want too much colour in the room, use a block colour on the sheet set and have it draping out under the doona cover.

6. Inject some personality

Don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun with spaces like a study. After you have functionality right, add in elements which are going to make you enjoy coming into the room. Personally, my favourite things to put in a study are:

• Motivational quotes
• Candles
• Plants.

7. Style your shelves

When you’re styling shelving make sure you work on your diagonals. If you have a plant on one shelf, don’t put another plant directly under it, put it diagonal to the other. The same goes with books, candles and ornaments. Don’t have everything straight and inline either. The rule to styling is always cluster things in groups of 3’s, adding different sizes, shapes & textures.

The post House rules for renovations appeared first on The Origin Blog.

1. Your cooking style

Have an idea of how your household cooks; whether it’s baking, frying, grilling or roasting, knowing how you’ll use your kitchen appliances will help you weigh up the value of different features.

2. The size of your kitchen or workspace

Measure the space you have available for your cooktop or oven and make sure you choose a capacity and shape that fits your kitchen. Consider how many burners you’ll need on a cooktop and the sizes that suit the pots and pans you use.

3. The design and aesthetics of your kitchen

Built-in gas ovens can be installed separately to a cooktop in a wall recess or under a bench. Free-standing units include both an oven and cooktop, and can be handy in smaller kitchens. Also consider what finish suits your home (e.g. white, black, coloured or stainless steel).

4. Buttons, knobs and ignition systems

Buttons should be easy to read and feature a pointer which clearly indicates the setting.

There are also different ignition systems to consider, such as an automatic ignition which uses a spark generated by either a Piezo or electric connection. Piezo ignition uses the impact upon a special crystal to create a spark and no electric connection is required. Electronic ignition is a push button electronic spark-generating device powered by battery or electric mains.

Older styles will have a manual ignition where gas is lit with a match or hand-held sparking gun.

5. Certification and safety

Only buy appliances that are approved as safe for use with gas in Australia. Approved appliances will carry a safety certification label and number.

Also check whether the cooktop model or oven has a safety flame failure feature. This is an electro-magnetic valve fitted to each burner. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, the gas valve will shut off after a short period of time, preventing escape of gas from that burner.

6. Cleaning

Think about how easy it is to clean up spills and avoid designs where crumbs and food can get stuck.

7. Installation

Installations must always be done by a licensed gas fitter. If you’re using LPG, a certificate of compliance should be provided to you once the gas work is completed.

The post How to choose gas appliances for your kitchen appeared first on The Origin Blog.