My favourite area in our home has always been the window seat in our Master bedroom. I do love to perch there on a Sunday morning and watch the world go by. Curling up with a cup of coffee, a good book, daydreaming  (I'll admit it, catching up on social media) and relaxing amongst the plush cushions in the morning sunshine is one of life’s little pleasures!

So when we were finalising our dinning / living room renovations we discussed how best to make the most of the dinning area bay window… why not another built in window seat? An awesome solution because we knew it would make the most of the space. 

• We wouldn’t be losing much floor space. 
• We’d gain comfortable seating around the dinner table. 
• A lovely sunny place to curl up and relax in the afternoon sun.   
• Extra storage places if we wanted.
• And a terrific place to work. 

Although you can build a bench seat pretty much anywhere in your home, a sunny window in the living space is a beautiful spot. We’ve always kept our design style clean, simple and fresh so this was a way to add character and function without being fussy or cluttered. Plus with 2 kids it’s nice to have designated space to chill out without going off to different rooms. 

Ahhhh good old Pinterest, the place to daydream about decor and see what others have done before you… some with varying degrees of success. If you’re ever feeling bad about DIY projects gone wrong, you have to check out our Home Show collection of Pinterest fails here. Guaranteed to give you a laugh and feel better about your own attempts. 

But in all seriousness... it is the best place for window seat inspiration, you can check out my collection of window seat inspiration on the Auckland Home Show Pinterest page. There are so many ideas, that you’re sure to find something that will work for you.

Our Master bedroom has the classic window bench seat with a hinged opening in the top, underneath the mattress. While it's great for storage it is a bit difficult to build. More importantly though, we thought it’d be a bit bulky in the dining room if we enclosed the whole seat. We wanted to still be able to see the floor underneath, to keep the space looking open so we deemed the hinge style unnecessary. 

It was a bit harder to find examples of window seats used in dining areas that would suit our needs and current chunky table. After scrolling through 100s of ideas on Pinterest, we found a combination of ideas to tweak that would be ideal. We went for a simple classic design. Yes, there's a theme here throughout our home - 'simple'. We wanted it to be no fuss, comfortable, and retain the practicality of working with our dining table. Dale set out a 'guideline' for how we’d approach this (sketch with stick figures) and went to work. 

Our bay window space is 2.6 mts wall to wall, a very generous area to work with. This allows 3-4 people ample space sit very comfortably.  And more than enough room for an adult to fully stretch out and use it as a glorious daybed. 

Luckily since our renovations when we added the reclaimed window, we had the idea of building in the window seat in the back of our minds. We did not add skirting back into the room in that area. So, keep in mind that if you are retro-fitting a window seat it’s a good idea to remove the skirting board, so the bench legs sit flush against the wall. We also removed our carpet and restored the original wooden floors which was ideal for installation. Having to build onto, or remove carpet would make it a bit more difficult. 

This design is pretty basic and a combination of ideas we’d seen. As always we began with measuring the length, depth and height of the space, then mapped it out on the rudimentary line drawing so we knew what we were working with and could purchase supplies. 

A good height to set your bench at is 350mm. This way 100mm foam padding will have you sitting 450mm off the floor, which is a nice height for kids and adults alike. We went a bit higher to include the extra framing and baseboard height which gave a little higher result. But that works for us since our table is taller than standard. 

1. We created 6 legs for the seat all 350mm high, sanded and painted with base coat. Using a clever little pocket hole jig system we screwed the legs into the floorboards. You could also use brackets to secure the legs if you don’t have the pocket hole tool. While it is built-in we did not attach to the wall at any point and the load is completely carried by the legs. We also chose to move the legs in from the wall to allow enough space each end to incorporate a device charging / storage space.

2. We measured the length, and width, that we wanted our bench seat to be. The old adage of measure twice and cut once is never more true here!!! We created a rectangle frame to fit using 75x50mm framing timber - and doubled up both lengths against the wall and in front for extra stability. 

Tip: You might have an option to nail or screw directly into the corner studs and that will work well too. We decided on a free standing frame that slots in.  Doing that means less damage should we ever want to remove it.

It’s at this point our old faithful Drop saw gave up ghost which meant another trip to Bunnings for a shiny new addition to the tool shed (hence the packaging in this shot). Guess we’ve got a lot more Home Improvement projects coming up to make use of this investment!!!

3. To strengthen the frame we used offcuts across the width of the frame -  attached by nailing straight through the top of the legs.

4. The rectangle frame was completed with more framing timber - once again we doubled up for extra stability on the edge.

5. Finish your bench base construction with dressed timber wide enough to cover the framing. We actually used our architrave to tie in with the rest of the room. Cut 1 length for the face, fix with wood glue and small screws. You could also use smaller pieces to cover the legs.

6. Use wood filler over the screw holes, fill all the gaps. Sand the filler and lightly sand and round all sharp corners. Undercoat the whole bench, and any timber that can be seen with 1 coat of primer. We used Resene Quick Dry Primer Undercoat, then finished with 2 coats of paint to match our existing white architraves.

7. For the base of the seat we used a length of 18mm plywood (MDF would be good as well) to fit the length and width of the bench seat. We had to connect 3 pieces because of the size and used the pocket hole jig system again with screws and wood glue.

Tip: take your measurements down to your local timber supply store and get them to cut the plywood to fit. Both Bunnings and Mitre 10 offer this service in New Zealand and probably many others.

8. Who knew there were so many options when it comes to foam? Not me, that's for sure! In the end we went for a very firm foam top for longevity since it’d be getting daily use.  We sourced ours from the super helpful PARARUBBER team. They cut and glued some high density foam perfectly to size and for us.

9. Continuing on with the DIY we chose to upholsterer the foam mattress ourselves. It was a relatively simple process; staple gunning the upholstery fabric to the plywood board. There are a lot of tutorials online... but here's what we did.

1.We glued the pre-cut foam to the ply board, letting it dry overnight.

2. Next up was a quick trip to Spotlight. We choose heavy-duty upholstery fabric and added a batting layer for in between the fabric and foam. 3mt was the perfect amount for us to work with. We allowed for 200mm excess on all edges to wrap over the foam and board. Actually there was enough fabric left over because of the fabric width - it might get used to create cushions with in the future.

3. Next the fabric was Ironed, laid out (face down), batting layer on top, then foam and plywood laid face down. We allowed a generous margin at each side for folding.

4. Starting with the batting layer first we followed these steps to secure and repeated with the fabric.

• Fold the edge over the foam and ply, keeping the fabric looking neat and straight. We brought up one side and stapled it into place using heavy duty staple gun (we got this one from Bunnings and it did the trick).
• Then did the opposite side pulling the fabric taut, (but not so tightly that the edges of the foam became rounded) until both lengths were secure. Tip: Lightly sand the sharp corners of the plywood or MDF board so when you pull the fabric over it, you have less chance of making a hole.
• There are a few options when it comes to the short edges and folding the corners; we used a similar process to wrapping a present: Bringing the fabric up on the diagonals to make a corner fold. They were held this in place while tucking the excess fabric snug against the width of the foam and board. With the first corner fold stapled into place, we then brought up the triangle of fabric and made a second diagonal corner fold.
• Continuing to pull the fabric taut, we repeated this process for the opposite corner. Working together made it easier to keep constant tension on the fabric. We finished the stapling and tweaked the fabric here and there. 

I’ll admit that we were still a little nervous flipping it over, hoping for a smooth, wrinkle-free surface… but phew, because we took our time we ended up with a perfect result. 

Next we held our breath for the real moment of truth as we slotted the upholstered seat cushion into place. I will admit it was ‘snug’. Luckily we had allowed 5mm (give or take) for fabric with our measurements so it was perfect!

With the cushion fitting nicely against the walls, the corner folds were invisible.We added cushions to complete the look and add to the plush comfort level.

Having this window seat has transformed this area into a dining / relaxing / work friendly nook.  It’s now inviting, multipurpose and a genuinely happy space where the kids love to curl up as much as we do. There’s no doubt that the window-seat is by far the best place to sit at at meal times now!

* This is not a sponsored blog, all materials and tools were chosen and paid for by the author. And are not representative of any relationships with the Home Show. Dale and Eve are purely enthusiastic DIY’ers so all instruction and tips are opinion only. Good luck with your own projects - we'd love to see you share them on our FaceBook page. 

Firstly remember, this is not a TV show. While you may have been inspired by the last season of the Block, where the wonderful old Kingsland fire station over looking Eden park was refreshed... your project is not being bankrolled by a production company and their major sponsors!  This renovation project is funded entirely from your back pocket. The focus is on your Home and your lifestyle! You don’t want to be spending more than the resale value of your property.  So first up be realistic about what you’ll be spending your money on! It can be far too easy to overcapitalise. A general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 25% of the value of your house on major renovation work.

Talk to architects, master builders or quantity surveyors to find out the average building cost per square metre in your area.  Also, consider calling in a property expert like an agent or valuer to discuss your plans, they’ll help you to determine what your project’s cost versus potential gain in sale price will be – and if they don’t add up – don’t do it.  Luckily the Auckland Home Show has all the experts under the one roof ready to answer your queries!

Staying onside with your local council by using them as an advisory is far better than crossing your fingers for a retrospective consent.  If you’re planning any external renovations i.e. changes to the building’s footprint or structure; new decks and plumbing relocations – remember these will require building consent from your local council. By speaking with your local friendly council you’ll find out pretty quickly what you can and can’t do, and what consents will cost.

What you’re hoping to renovate can be dependent on what time of year is most suitable.  Summer is obviously ideal for that large outdoor upgrade while interiors are often done in the middle of the year – when you won’t lose your painter on a nice day to an exterior job.  Depending on how intensive the work is, kitchens can take up to eight weeks on site (not including design development or ordering of materials). Bathrooms can be faster at around three weeks; but as the point below will state its important to build a contingency within your planned timeframe for those unexpected aspects that may arise once reno is underway.

Remember, once your renovation gets rolling, excitement may quickly dissolve into despair if you encounter unexpected issues (like rotten beams or a busted pipe) and not have any space in your budget to rectify it.  Keeping track of your costs and budget from the beginning (yes even down to the nails). Keeping track will help to ensure you’re not caught off guard when the invoices start to come in.

If you're thinking of renovating or building this year, then visit the Home Improvement Expo. 28 February - 1 March 2020 at ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane. 

Get free expert advice from more than 200 leading industry experts and suppliers.

When selecting a houseplant you're probably looking for something that can thrive without constant maintenance or direct access to sunlight, like succulents and cacti. These are easy-going plants and a good way to gain confidence before moving on to more colourful, exciting specimens.

Different plants require different levels of light and picking a spot with the right requirements for your indoor plants will go a long way to keeping them alive.  Most foliage plants do best in bright, indirect light, like south facing windowsills. Desert cacti and most succulents are sun lovers and need a sustained period of direct afternoon sun. Many flowering plants need lots of light to bloom.

Some plants don’t fare well in the bathroom because of low light and humidity but others, like potted palms or maidenhair ferns, positively thrive for the same reason. As a rule the thinner the leaf the greater its need for humidity. Tropical plant pals like ferns are the biggest fans of humid air and will make a happy home in your bathroom as well an exotic addition to your decor.

Growing edible plants in the kitchen means you can get fresh flavour into your meals.  Mint, basil and chives grow fast and add a splash of greenery that’s useful and delicious!

A plant’s water needs are closely related to the amount of light it receives. The more light absorbed, the greater the growth and the more water is needed. It’s easy to overwater indoor plants and kill them with kindness. So dip your finger into the top soil layer once or twice a week to see if it needs a drink.

Choosing the right home for your indoor greenery is not just about aesthetics. It’s important to select a pot that gives the roots room to develop and the height to suit the plants' growth. To avoid having to re-pot too regularly aim for something about 2-4cm bigger in diameter around its base. Indoor pots should have a hole in the bottom and a saucer for collecting any water overflow, as poor drainage can lead to root rot. Add a layer of rocks and sand in the bottom to keep any excess water away.

Ready, steady, grow! 

Even if Halloween guests never enter your home — like trick-or-treaters — they’ll definitely see the front porch so give it a festive feel with a colourful rug, lanterns, and piles of pumpkins. For a spooktastic finishing touch, add a pair of gnarled faux trees that are wrapped in mini orange lights that’ll cast a spell long after the witching hour.x

Give the front of your home a haunting makeover in a flash with curtains stencilled with Halloween designs to transform windows or clear doors into a spooktacular scene.

Limiting your decor’s colour palette to just a few shades creates a look that’s perfectly pulled together. For this Halloween mantel, they chose black-and-white and shades of orange. Metallics are a must for any well-styled look so why not mix in copper, gold or silver for an added touch of glam.

Seriously, where would our digital lives be without the handy emoji? Give your Halloween pumpkins the same shorthand sense of fun with a little yellow paint and craft paper.

Inexpensive paper party bunting, colourful card stock and double-sided tape are all you need to turn an interior wall or door into a menacing monster. Best of all, you can make your beastie as large or small as you’d like and it’s a snap to make this scary guy disappear when Halloween’s over.

Inexpensive (and removable) supplies give an everyday shade a creepy-crawly makeover that’s only visible when illuminated. Learn how to craft this lampshade with a scary surprise, below.

Get creative to turn $1 finds and basic craft supplies into creepy-crawly wall art. 

School glue and black glitter are all you need to give natural or faux pumpkins a chic makeover. Choose an easy pattern for crafting with kids or go with a timeless design, like a monogram or graphic pattern, for a sophisticated look.

Give inexpensive white dinner plates a creepy-crawly makeover with black ceramic paint and bug silhouettes. Learn how to make the painted plates food-safe, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Hand-Painted Insect Plates

Hit your local craft or dollar store for googly eyes in assorted sizes and shapes to give everyday objects big and small an ever-watchful gaze.

Don’t toss that old bottle. Instead turn it into sleek Halloween decor. To get the look: Thoroughly clean the glass; once dry, coat each bottle with one coat of spray primer and 2-3 coats of matte black spray paint. Add a handwritten label and display your potent potables as a group.

Black + white is a classic colour combo for a reason: It never goes out of style. For a timeless look, stick to just the high-contrast hues or mix in pops of orange or red or green for a more colourful take.

You certainly don’t need sorcery on your side to magic up this budget-friendly decoration. There are many free printable templates via a quick Google search making it a snap.

We know it’s easy to take Halloween decor too far – if you’re not careful, and it cab become gaudy if you’re too heavy-handed. So hopefully these ideas keep your home on theme, while not messing with your daily living spaces and decor!

Dark hues are cocooning in bedroom and living spaces, creating spaces to hunker down and relax in, away from busy life. Use a tone on tone palette where the darkest colour leads the design and progressively lighter versions are added to complete the look.  Remember to add in texture too. Emphasise this trend of darker colours by using matte finishes. Resene recommend SpaceCote Flat, which helps emphasise the depth and moodiness of dark hues.

Dimension and design are being added to dark feature walls using battens.  Arrange battens in a variety of designs and add sophistication, style and beautiful shadowing to enhance dark feature walls. They are increasingly popular in bedrooms for an ultra-luxe look, living areas and bathrooms. When combined with lighter colours, such as weathered blues and greys like Resene Dusted Blue and Resene Silver Chalice the look becomes timelessly classic.

While neutral colours are still popular, there is a trend to using more variations of a colour to avoid a bland colour scheme. This started as just single variations of one colour, such as full strength Resene Black White for the walls, quarter strength for the ceiling and double strength for the doors.  The look is now going deeper and starting with the darkest colour. Then adding lighter variations of that hue, such as dark grey walls, lighter trims and lighter floor colours. Lastly add a few pops of colour in accessories such as cushions, throws and artworks. It’s an easy look to replicate and allows you to use a range of tones to get just the right depth of colour in your room even when you step away from neutrals.

Timber has been increasing coming indoors and helps connects us to nature.  Rather than painting over it, the latest trends are to clear finish timber, in products such as Resene Aquaclear Natural, to protect the timber and keep a natural sheen.  Or use Resene Colorwood stain to rejuvenate or enhance the colour before clear finishing. From feature areas to flooring, timber brings a sense of relaxed, craft vibe into a home.

As nature comes indoors, we also see our interiors start to head outdoors. This means outdoor living spaces and rooms that look like they could be inside a home. If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with an outdoor living space, think about decorating it like you would an interior. Use interesting colour choices, pops of colour in accessories such as plant holders and furniture. Don't forget to soften the look with comfy cushions.

Colour blocking has evolved from a myriad of blocks of different colours into more randomly placed blocks of colour, larger and used in place of art as a feature on their own.  Whether it’s a large square of colour on a wall, a vertical wide stripe or a circular shape, the size and focus on the colour draws attention. Paired with a neutral background, the accent colour is given the freedom to sing.

For those yearning for more colour, multiple colour blocks can be used. But the key is to give each colour block some space to breathe rather than filling up the whole wall. An easy way to create a multi coloured colour block feature is to use classic complementary colours – such as orange and blue. These hues naturally contrast each other well. Or opt for a tone on tone look with variations of the same colour.  For small areas use Resene testpots, or opt for Resene SpaceCote for larger blocks of colour.

Who said you had to be an artist to paint all over your walls? The trend in hand-painted wall murals is for a relaxed, anything goes, freehand style including small painted features that meander over your walls to sections of colour, doodled lines and curves that move across spaces from wall to floor, wall to wall or wall to ceiling.  You don't need to fill the whole wall for the work to be finished, those days are gone. All you need is a small collection of Resene testpot colours and a little imagination.

Wallpaper features are continuing to be popular with a fresh line-up of designs to choose from.  Styles range from faux finishes through to quirky conversational pieces that bring a sense of energy and life.  Collections like the Resene Portobello Wallpaper Collection use fun designs in sophisticated colourways to work well in a wide range of homes and add a little levity to otherwise serious spaces.  Interesting wallpapers are an instant conversation starter and the perfect way to express your personality on your walls.

When it comes to trends, don’t just choose a colour or wallpaper because it is trendy.  Make sure you love it too. Always pick and choose the ones that suit your own tastes and lifestyle.  You don’t need to completely redo everything. Just like adding a new jacket or scarf to freshen up your wardrobe, so too can an accent in your home. New trend colours and wallpapers give your home a fresh new look.

For more inspiration on fresh trends, see the latest looks on the Resene website, www.resene.co.nz/latestlooks visit your local Resene ColorShop, and see the Resene specialists at the 2019 Auckland Home Show.

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