The kitchen is the heart of your home. No longer just a place for cooking and washing up, it’s become one of the key entertainment areas. With all this activity, most people want their kitchen bench tops to look great, as well as be durable and easy to clean.

The bench top has become the focal point of any modern kitchen.

But choosing the bench top that works for you can be a daunting task with so much available today. When you have stone, laminate, granite, marble, steel, timber and concrete to choose from, it’s very challenging to choose the ideal bench top surface for your new kitchen.

Your decision often comes down to price, aesthetics and practicality, but wouldn’t it be good if you knew all the pros and cons of every surface so you can make a fully informed decision?

Here’s a quick helpful guide from Blueprint Interiors of the different types of bench tops available:

Laminate – This synthetic cost effective option is made up of several layers. It’s affordable, durable and versatile, coming in a variety of colours and styles that can emulate a particular natural look like timber or granite.

Granite & Marble – Go back to basics and back to nature with these classic surfaces that come in a highly polished or matt-honed finish. It’s visually spectacular, ultra smooth and cool on the fingers. 

Staron – This beautiful solid surface is a patented blend of acrylic and natural minerals. It’s nonporous and stain resistant and comes in many colours, both matt and gloss. It can also be welded together to form seamless joints.

Caesar Stone – This ever popular manmade stone is low maintenance, as well as stain and scratch resistant. It’s non-porous, waterproof, heat resistant and looks fantastic.

Stainless Steel – Great for that cutting-edge industrial look and feel, stainless steel is highly durable. However, you must maintain it regularly, as scratching can happen quite easily and smudging can show.

Celebrity chef Iain “Huey” Hewitson has a new kitchen on his show, Huey’s Kitchen. Better yet, it was manufactured and installed by a West Australian Company.

“The craftsmanship of the kitchen is first rate,” Huey says enthusiastically. “Obviously the layout for our kitchen needs to be a little different than the norm, but I like the fact that everything is within reach – yet there’s tons of bench space.

“My favourite features are the amount of storage space and the compartments in the drawers for cooking utensils and all the other equipment we need.”

This is the 12th year of Huey’s Kitchen and his studio set has been relocated to Melbourne’s Southgate, the heart of the city’s food area. Huey says there’s no particular ritual to christen a new kitchen but “just, as my mother used to say, in and at it”. Plus for the first time ever Huey’s assistant, Miss Maddison has been spoilt with a dishwasher.

Blueprint Interiors, who custom-built the kitchen, came highly recommended by a fellow cook in WA according to Huey and of course the Neerabup-based business can’t be more thrilled.

“I really enjoy Huey’s show and have always been a fan,” says Tracy Foley, half of the husband and wife team who own Blueprint Interiors. “So of course we were really happy to have won the job and are excited that the kitchen will be seen all over Australia every afternoon. Last year an average of 1.2 million people watched the show every week.”

You’ll be able to see the new galley kitchen on Huey’s Kitchen, weekdays from 3.30pm on Channel 10 for the rest of this year’s season and the new kitchen starts featuring from September 17.

Wayne and Tracy Foley established Blueprint Interiors in 2007, though Wayne has 20 years experience as a cabinetmaker. From minor improvements to major renovations, the company specialises in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms through to custom-made furniture for both residential and commercial properties. The company offers complete renovation solutions from initial design to project management.

As well as a sizable roster of residences, Blueprint Interiors’ commercial portfolio includes Cafe Elixir, Chippy’s Fish Cafe, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and Wok in a Box stores as well as various projects through a local building company including City of Joondalup, City of Vincent and West Coast Eagles offices.

Quick quote: “The craftsmanship of the kitchen is first rate,” says Iain “Huey” Hewitson. “Obviously the layout for our kitchen needs to be a little different than the norm, but I like the fact that everything is within reach – yet there’s tons of bench space. My favourite features are the amount of storage space and the compartments in the drawers for cooking utensils and all the other equipment we need.”

Huey’s Kitchen Fact File

Blueprint Interiors choose to work with the following suppliers:

• Cabinets: Laminex ‘Pumice’
• Benchtop: Staron ‘Tempest Horizon’ – island bench with 38mm waterfall ends and back wall in 38mm
• Splashback: Glass ‘Resene Wellywood’

Kitchen manufactured and installed by Blueprint Interiors, Perth, Western Australia.

Contact: 08 9404 5153 or 0439 930 900. www.blueprintinteriors.com.au

We are very excited to announce that Blueprint Interiors is supplier to Hueys Kitchen.

In 2012 Huey moved into a new studio set at Southgate in Melbourne; the heart of Melbourne’s food area. With the new set comes a brand new exciting kitchen courtesy of Blueprint Interiors.

2012 is Huey’s 12th year with his own series on the TEN Network.  In this year’s series he’ll be focusing on the best ingredients the best produce and the best local producers.

The 2012 series went to air last week on the Channel 10 Monday to Fridays at 3.30pm and our kitchen will feature from week commencing September 17 so please stay tuned!

Last month we revealed that we were heading to Melbourne to install one of our custom designed & manufactured kitchens to feature on TV!

This week Wayne headed back to Melbourne for a photo shoot with the celebrity Chef!  The popular cooking show is returning very soon and has also been nominated for Most Popular Lifestyle Program in this year’s Logie Awards.

We are VERY excited to be involved

All will be revealed very soon!  … watch this space… (you can also follow our news on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blueprintinteriors?ref=hl#!/blueprintinteriors)

Last weekend we enjoyed catching up with our family and also indulged in yet another delicious lunch hosted by my aunty and uncle.  My aunty is famous for her mouthwatering ‘chicken log’ and in fact my cousin has a created a group on her Facebook page as it is also very popular amoungst her friends.  The recipe is way too good not to share, so here it is! … I hope you enjoy and much as we do.  Tracy 🙂

CHICKEN SALAD LOG

Blueprint Interiors is now an authorised ‘Laminex Metaline Splashbacks’ fabricator which means that we are endorsed by Laminex to install their Metaline splashbacks range assuring you of a professional installation.

So what is a Laminex Metaline Splashback?   Laminex Metaline Splashbacks is an advanced aluminium based splash back system and is an alternative to glass.  Metaline is stain resistant, flame retardant and highly versatile.  Metaline can be installed beyond kitchens and in fact it is suitable in both wet and dry areas, indoors and outdoors.  It can also accomodate power points and taps and can be easily installed by Blueprint Interiors.

Laminex Metaline Splashbacks Features and Benefits:

• Flame Retardant technology
• Suitable Behind gas & electric cooktops
• Advanced aluminium based splashback
• 4mm slimline thickness
• High Gloss Finish
• Mark & Stain resistant
• Time efficient installation
• 7 Year limited laminex product warranty

Care and Maintance:
Laminex Metaline Splashbacks are easy to clean using a mild detergent and a soft , abrasion free microfibre cloth.  Cooking oil, fats and food splashes are easy to remove.

Metaline is also compliant with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

By choosing Blueprint Interiors to supply and install your new Laminex Metaline splashback it will save you time and money!

For more information please visit http://www.laminex.com.au/uploads/brochures/Metaline-Splashbacks-Brochure.pdf

Blueprint Interiors Home Remedies

Please find attached a list of our home remedies as list on Facebook last week 🙂

Information from FESA website www.fesa.wa.gov.au

Fires that start in kitchens are very common. In the 2010 to 2011 financial year 312 fires started in residential kitchens in Western Australia causing damage estimated at $5,050,700.00. 

Safety tips

• When cooking, never leave food unattended on a stove
•  Avoid wearing loose clothing when cooking as it may catch alight
•  Never hang items such as tea towels near stoves or on cooking appliances
•  Take care when cooking with fats and oils
•  Turn off cooking appliances after use
•  Clean and maintain cooking appliances, exhaust fans and range hood filters.

 If oil or fat catches alight:

• Turn off the heat source
• Do not move flaming oil or fat
• Cover with lid or wooden chopping board
• Use an extinguisher if available.
• If an extinguisher is unavailable, call Triple Zero (000)

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 tbs plain flour
• 4 small (120g each) chicken breast fillets
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives
• 2 anchovies
• 1 tbs chopped mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), plus extra to garnish
• 1 tbs baby capers, rinsed
• 1 tbs red wine vinegar
• 2 tbs tomato paste
• 2 tbs sun-dried tomato pesto
• 1/2 cup (125ml) red wine
• Pasta, to serve

Method

1. Season flour with salt and pepper, then toss fillets in flour. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-based pan over high heat, add chicken, quickly brown both sides and then set aside.
2. Add remaining oil to pan and fry onion over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until softened.
3. Add garlic, olives, anchovies, herbs and capers, cook for 1 minute, and then add vinegar. Mix paste, pesto, wine and 1 1/2 cups water (or stock). Add to pan with chicken and simmer 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked.
4. Serve with pasta and top with herbs.

Here is a recipe from Jude’s kitchen.  Jude otherwise known as Aunty Jude is Mrs Master Chef of our family.  I have been asking for all her favourites plus quick and easy recipes.  This curried potato salad is delicious and so quick to make.  Enjoy!

Recipe: Curried potato salad

Last week on facebook I mentioned that friends of ours are selling their home and we were asked for our tips on ways to enhance a home for sale. We’ve bought and sold many properties (which is why we do what we do!) so here are some tips that worked for us:

TIP #1: Declutter (as mentioned on Facebook)
A clean home always presents better. It is worth hiring storage and removing any awkward and/or bulky furniture, leaving only what is necessary. Always remember – Less is More!

TIP #2: Go neutral
Neutral colours are the way to go when selling as you dont know the potential buyers taste and it will allow the buyer to customise to their taste. If you choose colours to your liking, it could actually cost you the sale.

TIP #3: Smelling good!
We’ve heard of many ways to help sell your home with a good smell (to give that homely feel) … coffee, a roast, even a cake in the oven but my particular favourite is scented candles. It may not land you the sale as such but candles can be very inviting. When having people through our home during home open we were always asked what the lovely smell was.

TIP #4: Fresh flowers
What more can I say, they look great! I’ve always chosen lillies as they let off a lovely smell and they always look great even when they just start to open.

TIP #5: Neat & tidy
A neat & tidy home will always sell and it will also give a feeling of space. Take the time to make beds properly, arrange scatter cushions appropriately and tidy those cupboards (yes! peeple do look). This tip also comes back to ‘declutter’ – these 2 tips go hand in hand. If your house is small, in particular, you don’t want people to feel claustrophobic so keeping your home neat & tidy and decluttered will ‘open’ your home.

TIP #6: Groomed garden/s
Without a doubt make sure you do the weeding before a home open. We all know that weeding is a job that we have to do but most of the time we dont think about a garden that requires weeding, especially a big garden – we just admire how lovely (or not so lovely) its looks. Freshly mowed lawns is also a good idea, again, it will leave your front & backs area looking tidy but smelling a freshly mowed lawn is also quite appealing.

TIP #7, 8 & 9: Renovate – kitchen, bathroom & laundry
If you have a particularly old kitchen, bathroom and/or laundry revamping will no doubt add thousands to your home (possibly a quick sale too!) and you dont need to spend alot; even a faceilft (replacing bench top and doors) can give your old tired kitchen, bathroom and/or laundry a fresh feel. Again, it is a good idea to go neutral. Blueprint Interiors can offer you free advice and we can even supply DIY to save you even more! Please note: speak to your real estate agent before renovating these areas as they are the experts and will be able to advise whether it is worth spending the funds.

TIP #10: Ask an expert
For the cost of a few hundred dollars you could obtain the advice of a professional such an Interior Decorator. You don’t necessarily need to let them do the work but they should be able to offer you advice custom to your home (i.e. blending the right colours, how to display your furniture etc). Interior Decorators have a natural flare to make things look great so why not add their touch to your home. Note: When hiring an Interior Decorator make sure you ask lots of questions before hiring. For example; how long they have been an Interior Decorator, how much they charge, how much time you will get and don’t be afraid to let them know that you are just wanting to pay for some of their ideas – best to be clear upfront.

So, for those selling their home right now… good luck! I hope our tips are of some help 🙂

Hi I am Maggie from MADCAT Photography, as well as being landscape photographers we are responsible for putting together Blueprint Interiors web site and blog pages.

In order to start things off, I have hijacked Tracy’s blog to bring you her first recipe.

Now its winter I love my comfort food and this is the richest and most delicious chocolate Ice Cream I have ever found, and so easy to make. Yes I know winter and ice cream but still it is yummy!

It is based on a recipe from the Vincent Price Cookbook, and yes that is the same Vincent Price that used to feature in horror movies. He and his wife used to produce cookbooks too!

1/4 cup sugar

6 ounces semisweet chocolate pieces

3 eggs, separated

1 1/2 cups cream, whipped (I dont recommend using thickened cream for this)

In a small saucepan combine the sugar with 1/3 cup water. Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 3 minutes.

In a blender, or food processor, put the semisweet chocolate and add the hot syrup, cover the blender/food processor, and blend on high for 20 seconds until sauce is smooth.

Add the 3 egg yolks, stir to combine and then blend for 10 seconds.

Fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream carefully.

Spoon into a freezer safe container, cover with waxed paper and freeze for 2-3 hours.

Enjoy!

The great thing about this is it freezes beautifully, no need to keep taking it out and blending it:)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at

We will be closed from

Thursday, 23rd December returning on Monday 10th January.

(note we will be checking emails during this time if you need to contact us)

Thank you for your continued support.

Take care & best wishes to you.

Blueprint Interiors were proud to be presented with the following at the 2010 Wanneroo Business Awards:

Business Award 6 – 20 Employees – Winner
Manufacturing Award – Runner Up

Our congratulations go to the other winners and our thanks to the Wanneroo Business Association for hosting these awards every year.

Click on the following link to visit our new web site:

blueprintinteriors.com.au

Just wanted to let you all know that we have moved (…just a hop, skip & jump away from our old premises).

Our new address as below;
Unit 9, 21 Warman Avenue, Neerabup WA 6031

All other details (phone, fax etc) remain the same;

tel. 08 9404 5153 | fax. 08 9206 4668
post. PO Box 2455, Clarkson WA 6030
web. www.blueprintinteriors.com.au

Welcome to the new Blueprint Interiors Blog