Achieving Five Star Rating
Natalie from SorrentoI am building a new house and I have heard about 5 Star Ratings, but am not really sure what it is required. Can you please explain the "Basics" as I would like my house to be as energy efficient as ... continue reading
Water Savers
Mick from Arthurs SeatWe realise that the current water shortage situation is not a short term problem and believe in saving as much water possible as a family, the kids have even made a competition of how much they can ... continue reading
Heating Alternatives
Brad from Mt ElizaOur home is quite cold and damp so we are looking at heating options. We know a little bit about Gas fires and we have heard about pellet fires, can you tell us more and do you have companies that ... continue reading
Solar Power
Renae from BitternWe are building a new home and want it to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We are looking at having Solar Power, can you help ... continue reading
Book the Home Innovations Training Room
posted 2 months, 5 days, 11 hours, 2 minutes agoHome Innovations offers a modern facility perfect for company training, seminars and group meetings. Click the link to check the room ... continue reading
Home Innovations is Closing for Renovations
posted 2 months, 6 days, 11 hours, 25 minutes agoHome Innovations is having a reception make-over in the first week of December. The Showroom will be closed on Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th of December. Home Innovations apologises for any ... continue reading
2012 Industry Forecast
posted 2 months, 1 week, 7 hours, 46 minutes agoThe Inaugural Industry Forecast Night was a major success! The night was attended by a fantastic group building professionals. Special thanks go to Simon Tiller for Archicentre, Shane Murphy from ... continue reading
Latitude 37 Sweeps the HIA 2011 Awards
posted 2 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes agoAn unprecedented sweep of 2011 HIA Awards goes to Latitude 37 ... continue reading
Interior Design Course - Thursday
Thursday 10:00 am, 9th February 2012Create 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
Interior Design Course - Saturday
Saturday 10:00 am, 11th February 2012Create 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
Kitchen & Bathroom Expo
Saturday 10:00 am, 25th February 2012It's That Time Again! The Annual Home Innovations Kitchen & Bathroom Expo Is Here. You will be among the first to see the latest products released in the market place providing you with cutting edge ... continue reading
Kitchen Design Seminar
Saturday 11:00 am, 25th February 2012Come and be inspired by our panel of experts announcing all the latest new colour trends, innovative products & sleek modern finishes. This FREE seminar is not to be missed...... ... continue reading
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.

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;
