Q
The white wall tiles in my laundry are
looking grotty. Is there a natural way
to clean the grout? Ellen, via Instagram
To get rid of that discolouration, clean
them with a natural solution of baking
soda and white vinegar. For a mess-free
approach, allow the mixture to dissolve
and add it to a spray bottle. Protect your
hands with gloves and spray the grout
with the solution until it’s damp, then
scrub with a toothbrush. It requires some
elbow grease, but should do the trick!
DAVID COMPAGNINO, COMMERCIAL SALES
MANAGER, SIGNORINO TILE GALLERYQ
I want to incorporate some eco-friendly
features into my home rebuild. Where’s a
good place to start? I’m working with a budget,
so affordability is important! Nik, via Instagram
Think about sustainable, long-term solutions
that will save you money over time. Choose
appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings,
and look for ways to keep your home naturally
cooler in summer and warmer in winter. For
example, I recommend insulating your home
to reduce your electricity bills. You could also
install double glazed windows, or if this is too
expensive, consider curtains with a thermal
lining. Ceiling fans are also a more sustainable
cooling option. And to keep costs down, don’t
forget to re-use existing building materials. If
you plan on knocking down a brick wall, why
not use the bricks to pave your backyard.
ANDREW BLAKE, FOUNDER, ECOHOUZQ
I like the look of seamless joinery in
the kitchen, with no visible appliances,
and I’ve heard the latest integrated fridges
and freezers are easy to customise and
install with the cabinetry of my choice.
What should I be looking for, and can you
suggest any products? Gemma, via email
It’s important to select a product that can
be seamlessly integrated into your joinery
so that the space feels cohesive and you’re
able to position your appliances where you
want them. I recommend looking at Fisher
& Paykel’s Integrated Column refrigerators
and freezers (above). These appliances fit
flush with cabinetry, have minimal 3mm
gaps and no visible hinges or grilles. The
new Column refrigerators and freezers are
available in different widths, which means
you can customise the size and also
choose from a range of skins, panels and
handles to complement your existing
cabinets. Installing these appliances with
no visible gaps in between them is made
easy with a joiner kit.
MARK ELMORE, GENERAL MANAGER
OF DESIGN, FISHER & PAYKEL
Hunter ‘Industrie II’ fan,
$349, Urban Lighting.Mille 1000 thread count
queen sheet set in Pewter,
$279.99, Canningvale.Q
My bed linen is due for an update. I’m looking for something that feels luxurious,
in a solid colour — no prints or patterns, please! Any suggestions? Lill, via Instagram
It sounds like you need something that’s not only soft and smooth but will uphold
its quality through years of wash and wear. Canningvale’s Mille 1000 thread
count bed linen in 100% cotton has a smooth sateen finish that glides over skin.
Plus, the superior thick, anti-pill fabric will continue to feel luxurious for years.
The Mille collection includes sheets, quilt covers and European pillowcases in
a range of beautifully sophisticated solid colours, finished with a tailored edge.
JORDAN PRAINITO, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CANNINGVALEAeratron FR 3 Blade 50” DC
ceiling fan with remote,
$749, Lighting Illusions.INSIDE OUT | 123INSIDE | RENOVATE