The Plateau Project is an impeccably renovated 1960s postmodernist Australian bungalow on Sydney’s Northern Beaches—home to celebrated fashion photographer Georges Antoni, his wife Phoebe Ghorayeb, and their three young children. 

When the couple made the decision to migrate from Bondi to the Northern Beaches, they soon settled on the beautiful suburb of Bilgola Plateau, hoping to give their three young children extra space and a more relaxed lifestyle. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Garigal National Park, this picturesque suburb offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, wide open spaces, and a warm, welcoming community. 

The aim was to transform the existing property into an inviting and plentiful space that would suit their family of five, as well as sleep up to 18 extended family members on key occasions. 

Set over three levels, this stunning renovation was designed by Rama Architects and interior stylist, Lara Hutton. It includes four bedrooms, a living room, guest living room, laundry, office, UV room, and beautifully landscaped gardens complete with a Mediterranean inspired swimming pool, lounge and BBQ area.

The home was finished using micro-cement on the floors and ceilings, with structural features such as columns and arches providing warmth and a homely feel. The overall tone is simple and monochrome, and Phoebe and Antoni leveraged a range of natural materials such as render, stone, travertine, and wood, to complement the creamy vanilla tones. High-end furnishings, artworks, and appliances add creativity and personality.   

Ensuring an abundance of light throughout this family-friendly home was a key priority for the couple and their three children, especially Georges who is renowned for mastering light in his photography. 

“It’s so much about him—everything’s about light, how it translates in space and how it changes throughout the day,” Lara Hutton tells Vogue Living.

“The unique aspect, capturing that view to the north, gave us that sense of freedom we were chasing,” says Antoni.

 When it came to embracing light, the couple’s choice of window coverings was crucially important, and a reason why they chose to install Luxaflex® window coverings throughout their home. Here’s why.    

GUEST LIVING

The guest living area of this unique home combines practicality and effortless style to create a tranquil place in which visitors can unwind. 

Wand-controlled Luxaflex® Curtains in Orlane fabric and organic colour were chosen to create a soft, billowy feel in the space—while still enabling Antoni and Phoebe to control the flow of light throughout the day and night. 

Luxaflex® Duette Shades in Calypso® fabric and in calla colour were also used in this room for privacy, and for all-important thermal control. With their unique honeycomb structure, these shades trap air—enabling passive heating and cooling of the home’s interiors.  

“Being north facing, the home required window furnishings to help control the light and heat of the day. We were also a big stickler for the tones, colours and textures used in the house so we were stoked when we found a cool textured blind that exactly matched our wall colours. It was a match made in window covering heaven,” says Phoebe.

 “When we were choosing finishings and appliances for this project we really looked for the perfect combination of quality, functionality and uncompromised aesthetics and design – Luxaflex® window coverings were the perfect combination. But the clinch pin for us was the electronic bending tracks for the automated curtains around our curved windows. This was such an important contributor to our choice in window coverings,” she adds. 

Connectedness is key to this home in all aspects and an integral piece of the design story was to build in as many opportunities for laughter, connection, warmth, and love as possible.  

Seeing the family navigate and use the space while we are all at home is the best aspect of this home. Everyone can carve out their own area but still, somehow, we are all together. It’s unusual in that way but wonderful.

Phoebe

LIVING AND TV ROOM

On the bottom level of this home there is a large, multipurpose space that includes living, dining and kitchen zones—with views out over Pittwater. 

The same Luxaflex® Curtains that were used in the guest living and bedrooms were added to this space—creating visual consistency throughout the home, and adding an element of softness. These curtains beautifully diffuse the abundance of natural light which flows into this north-facing home.  

“The floor to ceiling sheers in our living room are a showstopper and help accentuate the ceiling height,” says Phoebe. 

“The sheer linen material gives us enough privacy when closed but also allows us to catch glimmers of the sunset and silhouettes of the birds, which keeps us connected to the stunning outdoors, – it’s almost like looking at nature through a soft filter,” she adds. 

BEDROOMS

The couple created visual consistency by using the same combination of window coverings in each bedroom: Luxaflex® Curtains in Orlane fabric and organic colour; and Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Calypso fabric and Calla colour. 

The layering of the two window coverings creates a softness in the bedrooms and, importantly, helps create dark and tranquil places for sleeping. During the day the shades can be fully opened, and the curtains pulled back, to maximise the flow of light into the rooms. As with the guest living area, the Luxaflex® Duette® Shades also add an element of thermal control in each bedroom—keeping the interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.   

BATHROOMS

Luxaflex® Curtains were also used to add a sense of understated luxury to the guest bathroom and master ensuite of this home. These curtains, in Orlane fabric and Organic colour have wand operation which means they can be pulled back easily to let light flow into these spaces—or closed for privacy.

The Powerhouse Design Duo twins, Alisa and Lysandra, recently decided to put their design skills to the biggest test—a competition against each other. Each twin was responsible for designing, building, and fitting out their half of a huge duplex, creating two luxurious, unique, and very stylish family homes.

This 18-month project had extra significance as it’s where the twins now live: Alisa and her family in one of the homes, and Lysandra and her family, right next door, in the other.

Each of the twins took a distinct approach to the design: Alisa went for light, bright tones and natural textures throughout; while Lysandra opted for a darker, moodier and more opulent palette.

Despite the differing aesthetics, Luxaflex® window coverings played a key role in each home. Here’s an overview of how they were used.

Episode one: Master bedrooms, walk-in robes and ensuites

The master bedroom of each home is situated on the lower floor, and is accompanied by a luxurious walk-in robe and ensuite.

Setting the tone for her overall design aesthetic, Alisa chose natural timbers, wall panelling, and light tones. Lysandra opted for darker timbers and a richer colour palette.

For Alisa, it was important that her master bedroom remained bright and airy. She achieved this through a combination of Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings and a Luxaflex® Roller Blind.

The LumiShade® Window Coverings® combine the versatility of a vertical blind with the elegant appeal of a soft window furnishing – enabling natural light to flow freely into the space. The Roller Blind then allows Alisa to block out light when needed, to create a peaceful sanctuary for sleep.

To cover a skylight in the centre of the space, she chose Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Calla colour. With its unique honeycomb structure, Duette Shades also provide important thermal control – trapping air within its insulated cells.

Alisa added to the light and breezy feel in her space by adding a Luxaflex® Curtain in Chalk colour and translucent opacity to her ensuite, and Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Calla fabric in her walk-in robe.

Wanting to create a more opulent look in her master bedroom, Lysandra chose a Luxaflex® Luminette Privacy Sheers in Feather Fantasy colour.

Featuring softly curved, vertical design with integrated fabric vanes, Luxaflex® Luminette® Privacy Sheers are ideal for expansive windows or sliding doors. A modern take on a traditional vertical blind, these shades are made from soft fabric that provides daytime privacy, and the ability to rotate the fabric vanes to adjust the flow of light. They’re also made from 100% polyester and offer durable properties such as fade resistance and UV protection.

In both her walk-in robe and ensuite, Lysandra also chose Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings in Magnolia Light Filtering fabric. These shadings feature softly contoured, front-facing fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. During opening and closing, the vanes move in tandem for a fluid, graceful effect. The three-dimensional fabric vanes also give the rooms a striking and uniform look, while softly filtering sunlight and providing privacy.

We can never go past Luxaflex.

Lysandra

Episode two: Kids’ bedrooms and main bathrooms

Both Alisa and Lysandra have two young boys, and had a similar plan for their layout – to have the boys’ rooms, and a separate living space for the kids, upstairs.

Alisa opted to create bigger bedrooms with extensive storage, whereas Lysandra opted for slightly smaller rooms and a larger bathroom.

Both homes also had a third bedroom upstairs – which Lysandra converted into a gaming room for her boys, and Alisa turned into a spare bedroom.

Before designing this section of their home, the duo sought the help of an expert Luxaflex^® consultant.

“Selecting the right window coverings can really make or break a space as they play such a major part in transforming the look and feel of your home. So, you can take your plans in, just as we have today, and a Luxaflex^® consultant can help you select the right product for every room,” says Lysandra.

For her kids’ bedrooms, Lysandra opted for a combination of Luxaflex^® Curtains in sheer fabric and Orlane Organic colour; and Luxaflex^® Duette^® Shades in Moonstruck colour and Blockout fabric. She also added a Luxaflex^® Roller Blind in Moonstruck fabric.

While the curtains add softness, the Luxaflex^® Duette^® Shades provide important thermal control in these upstairs bedrooms. Their unique honeycomb structure traps air within insulated cells, which helps keep interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer. These sophisticated shades also add a soft aesthetic to the space.

“When you walk into this room, the height that the curtains create is actually quite unbelievable. The Luxaflex^® Sheer Curtains finish off the room perfectly,” says Lysandra.

The Roller Blind is also a great, practical option as it can be easily rolled up during the day, or completely shut for privacy.

Alisa went for a more contemporary look in her kids’ bedroom – using leather coloured wall panelling, and circular wall sconces. Like Lysandra, she also used sheer Luxaflex^® Curtains in a more neutral Chalk colour, and Luxaflex^® Duette^® Shades in Calla colour.

“The beautiful Luxaflex curtains just add such a softness to the room,” she says.

Episode three: Pool and alfresco

Creating a welcoming pool and alfresco area was important to each of the girls, who both enjoy entertaining. While similar in structure, each of the spaces ended up with its own look and feel – in keeping with the style each of the twins had established in their interiors.

Both also chose to bring extra luxury and functionality to the rear of their home with a Luxaflex^® Evo MagnaTrack^® Awning.

The Luxaflex^® Evo MagnaTrack^® Awning has been engineered and tested in Australia to handle our diverse and unforgiving conditions and is the most technologically advanced straight drop outdoor blind on the market. It essentially creates an extra ‘room’ for your exterior areas – providing protection from the elements year-round.   

“We’ve got the a Luxaflex^® Evo MagnaTrack^® Awning, which you can pull down if it’s sunny, windy or cold, and keep the fire in,” says Alisa.

Alisa also added a retractable awning to cover her pool area, in Dickson and Papyrus fabric, which provides important shade in the heat of summer.  

“I’m going to use [the retractable awning] all the time. Bring on summer,” she says.

Episode four: Living, dining, and kitchen

When embarking upon this project, the twins put a great deal of focus on creating stand-out kitchen, living and dining areas—knowing it’s where their families would spend the most time. Their choice of window coverings was very important in helping them achieve their goals.

“Luxaflex are the best at what they do. We both opted to use the LumiShade so it looks like a curtain when you’re looking at it, but when you have the sliding door open you can just walk straight through it. So, if you’re holding something you can literally just get the curtains out of the way. And they’re super easy to just take down and wash if you need to,” says Alisa.

Lysandra selected Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings in Luxury Flax colour, as well as Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in the same colour. Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Moonstruck colour, to add subtle aesthetic variation.

These shades are both practical and stylish – adding softness and texture to the space, and helping keep the living areas warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Alisa also opted for Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings in Flax colour, and the Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Daisy White – both in the highlight window above the kitchen, and the window in the family area.

Episode five: Hallway entrances, laundries & powder rooms

Sometimes it’s the subtle touches in rooms such as a powder room, or a space such as a hallway, that will have the biggest impact in terms of a home’s overall impression.

When designing their hallways, it was important for both Alisa and Lysandra, to let as much light flow in as possible, while also ensuring privacy from the street.

For this reason, the twins both sought the advice of a Luxaflex consultant, who recommended Luxaflex^® Duette^® Shades in top-down, bottom-up operation. This means the shades comes down from the top to let natural light flow into the space, while still retaining interior privacy. Both girls chose a shade in Daisy White colour with light filtering opacity for this space.

Episode six: Upstairs living, upper powder rooms and exteriors.

The upstairs living area was another core area of focus for both Alisa and Lysandra.

The twins each created a unique and welcoming space – each with its own distinct aesthetic. Both used Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Daisy White colour to both add thermal control, and to maximise the amount of light flowing into the living area.

“Sometimes you just want your own privacy, and with Luxaflex® Duette® Shades you can say ‘bye-bye neighbours’. And the room is just glowing. I couldn’t be happier. I’m so in love,” says Alisa.

“We’ve chosen Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in the same colour, so it’s the same consistency from the front of the house,” she adds.

As Australia’s climate gets hotter, it’s becoming increasingly important to find smart ways to passively cool our homes. This removes the need for active solutions, like heaters or fans, which consume electricity, cost money on an ongoing basis, and add to our home’s carbon footprint.  

Luxaflex^® awnings can help you beat the summer heat, and help you passively cool your home, in several ways:  

PROTECTING OUTDOOR AREAS

Outdoor spaces can be great for entertaining—with the right protection from the elements. We offer a wide range of outdoor awnings with which you can cover terraces, patios, verandas or decks—making them more usable year-round, not just in summer. 

Highly flexible and customisable, Luxaflex^® Folding Arm Awnings are a very popular option, as they can be retracted when not in use. They also have the option of PowerView^® Automation so you can operate your awning with the touch of a button – even when you’re not home.  

Luxaflex^® Fixed Metal Awnings are also a great option for outdoor areas. These are more of a permanent structure – very durable, with optional closed sides and mitred corners are available on some models.

CREATE AN AIRY EXTRA OUTDOOR ROOM

When space is limited, or you want to add extra versatility to an outdoor space, you may want to consider using a Luxaflex^® Straight Drop Awning. This smart solution essentially provides you with a shade ‘wall’ which can stop bugs or insects, but still let air and light flow into your space. 

The Luxaflex^® Evo Awnings range is a popular choice – designed for Australia and for Australian conditions. It also has in-built UV protection and offers an ideal combination of style and strength.

For hot climates or areas which attract considerable sunlight, the Luxaflex^® Evo MagnaTrack® Awning with Luxaflex® Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric can help eliminate up to 95%¹ of solar heat, bringing you long-term energy savings.

You can also create effective indoor/outdoor zones with a covering such as Luxaflex^® PolySatin® Shutters.

SHADING YOUR INTERIORS

Awnings don’t just have benefits for the exterior areas of your home. They can also shade windows that attract a lot of direct light in the heat of summer – and can help stop your furniture and interiors from fading.   

Luxaflex^® Canopy Awnings can be used in a wide range of situations, including over windows, doors or even walkways. As well as shielding the sun, they also offer protection from the rain, and so are often popular for entrance and exits. 

You can also consider the Luxaflex^® System 2000 Awning –an award-winning system that has been completely designed and manufactured in Australia, and is ideal for older-style homes. This awning can be operated from inside the house by gear, tape or rope, or can be equipped with PowerView^® Automation. 

To cover particularly sunny windows or doors, you may also want to consider Luxaflex^® Metal Louvre Awnings – which are very effective at providing privacy, light control and air flow for balconies and external windows. 

Layering your window coverings is a great way to add style and sophistication to your interiors, ensure privacy, and even control the temperature inside your home.

Yet layering is not always an easy process and does require some careful consideration. Here is a quick guide as to some of the things to consider when choosing a layered window covering:  

WHAT STYLE ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE?

Layering isn’t necessarily an ideal solution for all rooms of your home – nor is it suitable for all windows or doors. For instance, using layers in a bathroom or laundry area isn’t usually a practical option. It may also be difficult to achieve with large doors or bi-folds – though it’s certainly possible.

Think about the look and feel you’re hoping to create by layering your window coverings: Heavy and textured? Soft and billowy? Compact and functional?   

Also – do you want your window coverings to be consistent from room-to-room, or are you hoping to create unique zones within your home? It may help to speak with a Luxaflex^® consultant to determine the most suitable types of window coverings, textures, fabrics, and opacity levels that work for you.   

WHAT WILL YOU USE AS YOUR BASE LAYER?

Your base layer is usually the most functional and practical element of your window coverings. There are several potential ‘base’ layers within the Luxaflex^® range – all of which can also function on their own as independent window coverings. These include:  

Luxaflex^® Silhouette^® Shadings
With a signature S-Vane, these shades combine elegance with a functional design that allows you to harness and beautifully diffuse natural light. Their innovative fabric allows you to see outside, while restricting the view from the street for privacy.

Luxaflex^® Duette^® Shades
The unique honeycomb structure of these shades provides a contemporary striking look while also providing efficient insulation by trapping air.  

Luxaflex^® Pirouette^® Shadings
An exclusive Luxaflex^® product, these shades feature softly contoured, front-facing fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. During opening and closing, the vanes move in tandem for a fluid, graceful effect. Three-dimensional fabric vanes provide a striking and uniform interior look whilst softly filtering sunlight and providing privacy.

Luxaflex^® LumiShade^® Window Coverings
Take advantage of beautiful light control with Luxaflex^® LumiShade^® Window Coverings. The soft vertical fabric provides daytime privacy whilst allowing a soft view through. Easily adjust the level of privacy and light to suit your requirements by rotating the fabric vanes halfway. To block light, close the shades completely.

For bedrooms or media rooms, Roller Blinds can also be a very effective base layer, and PolySatin^® Shutters work well in functional living spaces. 

WHAT WILL YOU ADD AS A TOP LAYER?

Once you’ve chosen a base layer, you’ll then need to think about a curtain – or top layer. Again, there a few factors to consider: 

• How much UV protection are you hoping to achieve?
• How much light do you want to block?
• Are you looking for a soft and billowy look, or a heavier drape?

You may even want to consider a sheer fabric, which can create a sense of softness and add a little extra privacy, but still allow plenty of light to flow into your interiors. 

HOW WILL YOU CONTROL YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS?

You’ll also need to consider how you want to open and close your layered window coverings – manually, or with Luxaflex^® PowerView^® Automation?   

Think carefully about how your chosen fabrics and designs will work together from a functional perspective. How often would you keep one layer open, and not the other? Would you typically open both together?  

Again, a Luxaflex^® consultant can provide the guidance you need.  

Window coverings can play a key role in transforming bedrooms into serene and comfortable spaces – as well as adding to the overall aesthetic.

When selecting the window coverings that are right for your bedrooms, here are some things to think about:

HOW MUCH LIGHT DO YOU WANT TO FLOW INTO THE ROOM?

For some bedrooms of your home – such as a child’s bedroom – you may want to create a completely dark space. For others – like a guest bedroom – you may want to retain a little more natural light.   

To control the amount of light in each bedroom in your home, you will need to choose a certain opacity level for each of your window coverings.  

We offer different types of fabric with varying opacity levels depending on your needs. This includes sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque, room darkening and blockout. You can read more about the different opacity options here.

HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS TO OPEN?

Gone are the days when all window coverings were a uniform style and shape. Now, you can have your bedroom’s window coverings configured to suit windows – and even doors – of all shapes and sizes. 

 You can also select where and how your shades open – whether bottom-up, top-down or side-to-side. You can even request for your shades to open in the middle, and stack to both the left and right. This can be very useful for windows which have an unusual shape, or where you may want to block out something outside. 

DO YOU NEED MOTORISATION?

When choosing window coverings for your bedrooms, think about how you want to control them day-to-day. There are several options across the Luxaflex range – from manual wand and cord operation, to Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation, which allows you to schedule your window coverings to open and close on their own—at any time of the day— with the touch of a button, a tap on a mobile device or the sound of your voice. You can even set schedules for your window coverings to open and close automatically.

DO YOU WANT TO INCLUDE LAYERS?

Layered window coverings are often a popular option in bedrooms, as they enable you to both block light and add an element of sophistication and softness to the space.  

For bedrooms, a layered solution often starts with a Luxaflex® Roller Blind or some Soft Shades – both of which can block light, ensure privacy, and even trap air for thermal control.  

You can also then add Luxaflex® Curtains on top, to create a sense of sophistication and elegance.  

HOW IMPORTANT IS THERMAL CONTROL?

Ensuring your bedrooms have a pleasant temperature year-round is also important in getting a good night’s sleep. For this reason, you may want to consider an option which helps provide thermal control.

Luxaflex® Duette® Shades are a great option in bedrooms – they have been engineered with a unique honeycomb structure which traps air, creating a layer of insulation between your windows and the interior of your home. This unique design prevents heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, allowing you to reduce reliance on heaters and air-conditioning. 

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT CHILD SAFETY?

When selecting window coverings for a child’s bedroom, it’s important to think about safety. Loose cords can be hazardous, especially for young children.  

Luxaflex® blinds are designed with safety in mind, with both cordless and motorised systems that eliminate the need for cords or chains that meet Australian safety standards, ensuring ultimate peace of mind for parents.

The talented twins from The Block TV series, Alisa and Lysandra, recently completed the second of their Design Duo series: a spectacular waterfront home in the luxury suburb of Paradise Point, in Queensland. This project was an enormous undertaking for the pair. Set on two adjoining blocks, and architecturally designed, the project took over two years to complete.

The owners wanted to create a one-of-a-kind ‘forever home’, with bespoke ‘urban’ details and high-end finishes and fixtures. Alisa and Lysandra also partnered with the Luxaflex Team to deliver sophisticated window coverings for most of the rooms in this vast new build. Here’s what they chose, and why:

MASTER BEDROOM, WALK-IN ROBE AND ENSUITE

The master suite of this home is a luxurious and spacious escape, filled with natural light. It’s designed for absolute comfort, with rich fabrics and textures, and a sophisticated sage and grey colour palette.  

An incredible floor-to-ceiling walk-in robe completes the sense of opulence, as does the ensuite – with double shower and vanity, and freestanding oversized tub.  

The pair chose Luxaflex® Luminette® Privacy Sheers in Originale fabric and in Turtledove colour for this main bedroom. A perfect alternative to the traditional curtain, these smart sheers feature a softly curved vertical design – with integrated fabric vanes for a striking interior statement. They are also ideal for larger windows or sliding doors, as they allow for privacy and light control, but still allow a soft and flattering light to enter the space. Luxaflex® PowerView® Motorisation was also added so that the owners can control their sheers with the touch of a button.  

“These Luxaflex Luminette Sheers are the absolute perfect choice [in the master], as they create such softness… The whole window just glows.”

Alisa & Lysandra

In both the master ensuite and walk-in robe, the duo chose Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric and Black Onyx colour. As well as offering a sophisticated look and providing privacy, these shades have a unique honeycomb structure that traps air within the cells – helping keep the interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 

OFFICE, OTHER BEDROOMS AND ENSUITES

There are five bedrooms in this large home, and each was given its own unique look and feel by the Design Duo.  

The guest bedroom was created as a neutral and welcoming space, with soft tones and textures, and Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric and Black Onyx colour.  

“…In the guest bedroom, we’ve opted to use Luxaflex Duette Shades. They are the most insulating blind on the market, and we’ve used PowerView Motorisation in this room as well as I guess you’ve got to give your guests the best you can.”

Alisa & Lysandra

The owners of this home have two daughters, and wanted to create a space that would suit each girl’s age and personality. 

In each of these bedrooms, they used the same window coverings: Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings in Luxury fabric and Flax colour. A modern take on a traditional vertical blind, these shades are made from soft fabric that provides daytime privacy, and the ability to rotate the fabric vanes to adjust the flow of light. They’re also made from 100% polyester and offer durable properties such as fade resistance and UV protection. 

Each of the girls’ bedrooms also has a window that provides a view to the pool area. To cover these windows, the duo chose a practical Luxaflex® Roller Blind – which can be easily rolled up during the day, or completely shut for privacy.

The pair also created a contemporary and opulent office in the home – with masculine tones and luxurious details like a marble benchtop. A feature wall with bespoke cabinetry adds an edge to the space. Luxaflex® Luminette® Privacy Sheers  in Originale fabric and in Turtledove fabric complete the sense of luxury. 

In each ensuite, Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters were used to add simplistic elegance. These shutters are an ideal choice for wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. They are also impervious to moisture and won’t blister, peel, flake, corrode or fade, providing a quality finish and look for years to come. 

LIVING, DINING AND KITCHEN

With a seamless flow through to the outdoors, the living, dining, and kitchen area is a sophisticated and open space that’s ideal for entertaining or relaxing.  

An inviting L shaped modular sofa in a burnt amber hue offers hours of relaxation, and a custom oval table in matt black adds an element of bespoke style. 

The kitchen is the epicentre of this home. Natural light floods through two skylights, highlighting the dark stained timber custom cabinetry, luxe brass accents and white-grey marble that adorns all surfaces. A fully equipped butler’s pantry also adds an element of style and convenience.  

Several window coverings were used in this living, dining and kitchen space. 

 Luxaflex^® Pirouette^® Shadings in Stria fabric and Silver Shine colour were used in both the living and dining rooms. These smart shades feature softly contoured; front-facing fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. This means they create a soft and uniform look, while also providing all-important privacy. 

Luxaflex^® LumiShade^® Window Coverings were also used in the living room and kitchen, in Provincial Linen fabric and Ashen colour. These shades are both practical and stylish – adding softness and texture to the space. 

HOME THEATRE, WINE CELLAR AND LAUNDRY

The ultimate in luxury, this home also features a sleek movie theatre, with acoustic panels and sound absorption panelled walls. A sizeable screen and plush seating ensure total comfort.  

There’s also a huge laundry with drying room, and a spectacular wine cellar, illuminated by LED strip lighting, and a state-of-the-art cool room.  

In the home theatre, the duo chose Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric and Black Onyx colour, in Blockout opacity – and paired them with flowing Luxaflex® Curtains in Arlette fabric in Shadow colour, to create the ultimate home-theatre look.  

“A home theatre needs to be dark so we’ve used the Luxaflex room darkening Duette shades, and created some drama with Luxaflex Sheers.”

Alisa & Lysandra

 Practical and durable Luxaflex® Roller Blinds were used in the laundry, in Waratah fabric and in Gazing colour. 

With rising electricity bills and the looming threat of climate change, people are more focused than ever on choosing sustainable, environmentally friendly products for their home.

According to recent research by Nielsen, 75% of millennials are now eco-conscious to the point of changing buying habits to favour environmentally friendly products¹. 

However, with so many options available—many of which claim to be ‘sustainable and eco-friendly’—it can often be difficult to know where to start, or why you should choose one option over another. 

When it comes to selecting window coverings for your home with sustainability in mind, here are four things to consider:

#1 – IS THE PRODUCT ‘GREEN BY DESIGN’?

When we say, ‘green by design’, we mean products which have been designed with the very latest sustainability principles from the outset. That is, sustainability is one of their core design features. 

Sustainability is a priority right across the Luxaflex® range of window coverings. Maintaining a commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices, we offer a diverse range of products that not only enhance the beauty of your home, but also help contribute to a greener future for our plant. 

Luxaflex® Duette® Shades exemplify this commitment, with a unique honeycomb-like structure that traps air. This air forms an insulation layer which can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. 

Duette® Shades are available in a single-cell design as well as the industry-leading Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades, which features a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb structure, for maximum energy efficiency. This window covering has actually been proven to reduce the average home’s heating costs by up to 43%².

#2 – DOES IT USE ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS?

We take pride in utilising eco-friendly materials across our entire product range. This includes using recycled materials as much as possible. 

A great example of this is our new Luxaflex® Equascreen Collection: a range of fabrics for our blinds that is both ocean-friendly, and offers a beautiful, ocean-inspired aesthetic. We partnered with fabric engineering company, Bionic®, to produce this Luxaflex® range which is made from 50% ocean-bound plastic. It is now available as an option when choosing your Luxaflex® Roller Blinds and Luxaflex® Panel Glide Blinds.

By giving new life to recycled materials, this reduces the environmental impact of production, while providing stunning window coverings.

#3 – IS IT ENERGY EFFICIENT?

Today, many window coverings are automated, which means they rely on electricity for their day-to-day function. When automation is done poorly, this can add to your electricity bill. However, when done cleverly, it can enable you to save energy overall. 

The innovative Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation system allows you to program your blinds or shades to operate automatically, based on the time of day or your desired preferences. By optimising natural light and temperature control, PowerView® Automation minimises the need for artificial lighting, as well as excessive heating or cooling. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also ensures a comfortable and eco-conscious living environment. 

#4 – IS IT MADE USING RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES?

We take a holistic approach to sustainability by incorporating responsible manufacturing practices. We strive to minimise waste, conserve resources, and reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, we are committed to recycling and reusing materials wherever possible. 

By embracing efficient manufacturing processes, we ensure that our products are created with minimal impact on the environment. We also maintains strict quality control measures to ensure the longevity and durability of our window coverings, reducing the need for replacements and further contributing to sustainability.

As winter approaches, finding cost-effective, environmentally friendly ways to keep our home warm becomes a priority. With the right window coverings, you can create a naturally warm and inviting atmosphere, while reducing your reliance on heaters or air-conditioners.

By choosing innovative window coverings which utilise the power of natural light and insulation, you can ensure your home is both cosy and energy efficient. Here’s how:

#1 – Harness natural light

By selecting window coverings that optimise the natural flow of light into your interiors, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the winter months, while minimising the need for artificial lighting. 

For instance, Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shadings offer adjustable vanes that filter sunlight, reducing glare and harmful UV rays while allowing soft, diffused light to enter your home. These shades harness natural light to create a warm ambiance, while providing privacy and insulation.

2 – Opt for thermal insulation

Effective thermal insulation is crucial for keeping your home warm and comfortable during the colder months.

Luxaflex® Duette® Shades have been specially engineered with a unique honeycomb structure which traps air, creating a layer of insulation between your windows and the interior of your home. This unique design prevents heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, allowing you to reduce reliance on heaters and air-conditioning.

If you want to take your insulation a step further, it’s worth considering Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades which offer a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb structure, for maximum energy efficiency. In independent testing, this window covering has been proven to reduce the average home’s heating costs by up to 43%1 in winter.

Another great option is Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters, which have a unique construction. Whether at your window or doors, they can keep the cold at bay and help to keep your home comfortable throughout the colder months.

#3 – Choose cosy textiles and fabrics

Window coverings crafted from cosy textiles and fabrics not only add warmth to your space, however, they can also enhance its visual appeal.

Luxaflex® Roman Shades, available in a wide range of fabrics, provide a luxurious and elegant touch to your windows while offering insulation against the cold. When closed, Roman Shades form a soft, insulating barrier that helps retain heat and keep chilly drafts at bay.

4 – Motorise your window coverings

Motorised window coverings provide convenience and energy efficiency by allowing you to program your coverings to operate automatically based on your preferences or the time of day. 

This automation optimises natural light and insulation effortlessly. Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation is an innovative system that enables you to schedule your window coverings to open during the day, allowing sunlight to naturally warm your space, and close them in the evening to retain the warmth and enhance privacy. 

Though they had their origins in ancient Greece around 800 BC, plantation shutters first gained widespread popularity in the southern regions of America. They were primarily used on estates that grew crops such as coffee, tobacco, cotton, or sugar in hot and humid climates. Their open design allowed air to flow freely through interior spaces, keeping them cool.

Traditionally, plantation shutters had large and immovable slats. However, modern versions like Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are made using hinged slats that can be easily tilted to control the flow of air and light into a space.

Importantly Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are also now designed and made in Australia – for uniquely Australian conditions.

Here are seven great reasons to choose them for your home:

1. MADE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE

Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are designed and manufactured in Australia, specifically for our unique climate. They can be completely closed for privacy or to block light and heat in the middle of the day or can be angled open to allow maximum flow-through of air and light. As Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are very easy to angle, you can easily cut the glare from the harsh Australian sun in rooms where it can be very distracting, like a study or a TV room.

When you buy Australian-made, you’re also supporting local workers, and the value of your purchase stays on-shore.

2. IDEAL FOR WET SPACES

A great benefit of Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters is that they are impervious to moisture, and won’t blister, peel, flake, corrode or fade. This means they are ideal for use in wet rooms like bathrooms, laundries or around kitchen areas.

They are also incredibly easy to clean, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.

3. CUSTOMISED TO SUIT YOUR HOME

All Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are made from the highest quality materials and are customised to fit perfectly into a variety of window shapes and sizes.

While there are some limitations and restrictions, these shutters can be made to suit arches (such as a half circle, half moon, quarter circle and gothic), angles (right and isosceles triangles, top and bottom sloped), and even hexagons and octagons.

Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters can also be used as a versatile room divider or stylish solution for large windows or sliding glass doors. They are available in a variety of different designs including Hinged, Hinged Bi-Fold, Bi-Fold on Track and By-Pass on Track.

You can also choose from a wide assortment of sophisticated designs, and the shutters are available in three classic shades of white. They can also be customised with stylish valances, distinctive frames, three unique louvre sizes and tasteful hinge finishes.

4. PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are designed to provide maximum privacy and security, making them an ideal option for both apartments and larger homes. They also act as a barrier to external noise, making them ideal for homes located on busy roads.

5. NON-TOXIC

Made from a non-toxic polyresin compound, Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters have been tested and are GREENGUARD® Gold certified to meet strict certification criteria for low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and are acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities (IEQ-11). This makes them the ideal solution for all households, especially those with young children.

6. DURABLE AND MADE TO LAST

Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are made from an advanced polyresin compound that makes them durable and easy to clean. Ink, crayon and other staining agents don’t tend to stay on the smooth surface and in most cases, blemishes can be removed by merely wiping them down with a soft damp cloth. Our traditional, non-motorised shutters can also be easily detached from the window by a single person within seconds and can be simply cleaned with warm soapy water.

While ‘curb appeal’ is a term only typically used by real estate agents or property developers, the concept is one that resonates with many home owners. Being proud of your home’s aesthetic – and the way it looks to passers-by – can be a key priority for many people.

Despite this, when choosing window coverings, it’s easy for exterior windows to be forgotten entirely – with awnings often added as an after-thought, or in a second design ‘phase’.

In reality, choosing stylish and modern awnings for your exterior windows can give your home’s aesthetic a significant boost. Here’s why it’s important to prioritise the outside of your home from the outset: