New year, new ideas! Here are the stories of some of Canberra’s top experts in home improvements, standing ready to help you take your home to the next level.

Expert guidance for budget-friendly renovations

The owner of Renovation Matters, Kim Persson, says they work closely with clients to understand their renovation goals, whether they’re renovating to sell for maximum return or upgrading their home for a fresh new look. 

“Our team provides expert guidance on cost-effective improvements that add value, balancing aesthetics with market appeal,” says Kim. 

“From minor updates to full scale transformations, we tailor each project to our clients’ needs, ensuring they achieve the best outcome with minimal stress.” 

Kim says starting a home improvement project can be exciting, but advises it’s important to approach it with careful planning. 

“Finding trustworthy tradespeople, managing renovations and sourcing materials can be overwhelming,” she says. 

“That’s why we handle it for you, ensuring a smooth, stress-free process from start to finish, whether you’re selling or staying.

“From concept to completion, we manage the entire renovation process, ensuring a seamless experience and delivering high-quality results that align with our clients’ vision and financial objectives.”

Using skilled tradespeople, premium materials, thorough planning and design, attention to detail, quality control and inspections, clear communication and taking a client-centred approach, Kim says her team is committed to getting the job right the first time, ensuring lasting results and minimising the need for callbacks. 

“With careful planning, smart choices and working with trusted professionals, you can achieve a home improvement project that meets your needs and stays on budget,” says Kim. 

Renovation Matters, call 0427 696662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Prioritising functionality and longevity in furniture

Sprucing up a space with new furniture doesn’t have to be an expensive process. 

“At Ex-Government Furniture, we offer high-quality, durable office and home furniture at a fraction of the cost of brand-new retail options,” says co-owner James Fullerton. 

“Our products come from ex-government and commercial stock, meaning they’re built to last, environmentally friendly and budget-friendly.”

Unlike many mass-produced alternatives, James says their furniture is designed for heavy-duty and long-term use. 

“Our furniture is perfect for home offices, workspaces and renovations,” he says. 

“We take a hands-on approach.

“Whether you’re setting up a home office, upgrading a study area or refurnishing a workspace, our team offers guidance on selecting the right desks, chairs, storage and more.”

James says his team provides in-store consultations to show customers options first hand to help them visualise how pieces might fit into their space. 

James recommends that customers start with a plan and prioritise functionality in their home improvements. 

“If you’re setting up a work space, think about ergonomics, storage and durability – especially if you’ll be using it daily,” he says. 

“You don’t need to buy everything brand new.

“Quality secondhand furniture can save you money without sacrificing longevity.”

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com or facebook.com/exgovfurniture

Furniture restorations that focus on detail

From antique heirlooms to modern club lounges and TV recliners, Ebsworth Upholstery can assist with any furniture restoration or re-upholstery project, says office manager Robyn Ebsworth.

Robyn operates the business with her husband Mark, a skilled upholsterer with more than 20 years of experience, and together she says they work with designers, timber restorers, metal fabricators and frame makers to deliver attention to detail that’s second to none.

“We often have customers with furniture that once belonged to their grandparents that’s been passed down through generations,” says Robyn.

“When it’s restored for them, there can be a real emotional response. “These heirlooms are often a way to remember loved ones.”

It’s just one of the valued services that Ebsworth Upholstery offers, says Robyn.

“We’ve got one of the biggest fabric libraries in Canberra that includes soft furnishings, fabrics, upholstery and drapery, and customers can come and purchase fabrics for their own projects through that library as well,” she says.

They’re also proud to offer custom-made furniture and lampshade making services, with the manufacturing process all done in Australia.

“With us, customers can add their own style and flair to their furniture, something you can’t get at the large furniture retailers,” she says.

Ebsworth Upholstery, unit 4, 1 Alumina Street, Beard. Call 0434 982708 or visit ebsworthupholstery.com.au

Delivering quality windows, fast

More than 15 years ago, in a small factory, with a staff of five, Skyview Windows was created with the vision to supply quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director Neil Thompson.

“The company mantra from day one was ‘quality windows, fast’,” says Neil.

“In January we moved our factory to Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan, to improve efficiencies. This, together with a new display centre in Lowe Street, will give Skyview the opportunity to highlight the large range of products available.”

Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.

Using dedicated, local people, Neil says all windows and doors are manufactured to Australian standards. All our products are manufactured right here in Queanbeyan.

“All windows and doors are manufactured from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here,” he says.

“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.

“This allows our customers to mix and match colour schemes for their houses without having to stick to the six standard colours our competitors offer.”

Skyview is the only window company to offer the “Texturer” colour range at a standard price. Texturer significantly reduces marks and blemishes on the powder-coat finish.

Skyview Windows, 13-15 Waterloo Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6232 9977 or visit skyview-windows.com.au

Non-toxic cleaning with quality and integrity

The three focus points of Totally Green Cleaning Solutions are carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and ground-level window cleaning, says owner Glenn Bignell.

“I tend to mainly do residential cleaning, and I started looking into environmentally friendly cleaning as a result of toxic chemicals in the cleaning industry having a negative effect on my health,” he says.

“I am using non-toxic, odourless and environmentally friendly cleaning products for a greener future and better health.

“Lots of small changes can have a big impact.”

Glenn says, as a sole trader, he has a direct connection with customers.

“Unlike big companies that tend to be disconnected from their customers, I like helping people and making a difference in their homes by providing old-fashioned customer service,” he says.

“For more than 10 years my business has been operating and evolving. Doing a lot of research and development has made me a better cleaner, which helps the health and safety of my clients, their homes and pets, and my long term health, too.”

Glenn says his mission statement is “to provide environmental cleaning solutions with both quality and integrity.”

Totally Green Cleaning Solutions. Call 0412 299284, or visit totallygreencleaning.net.au

Joinery breaks through with flat timber doors

Creating practical, beautiful and sustainable furniture has been a passion for Robyn and husband Gino Monteleone for more than 20 years.

“Select Custom Joinery creates bespoke solutions for people looking for beautiful additions to your home,” she says. 

Opening in 2000, Robyn says the business started specialising in timber and hard woods in 2008. 

“It’s a natural product, so it feels like you’re bringing a piece of nature to your home,” she says. 

“It’s like you’re creating a soul in the furniture.

“You’re making a house a home.”

Robyn says they are particularly excited about their new range of flat timber doors.

“Flat timber doors goes against the way that timber should be built – with movement,” she says. 

“We’ve found a way that satisfies the timbers’ need while also meeting the demand for flat panels.”

The doors are flat on the outside and busy on the inside, something that Robyn says was a genius innovation by her husband. 

“Timber doors are supposed to be built as a frame and panel to allow for timber movement, but it’s been exciting working our way around this problem to meet demand.”

Select Custom Joinery. 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414 or visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au

Experienced team helps clients pack to move

Often left until the last minute when moving, downsizing, decluttering and packing possessions can be a daunting task. 

“Many clients need impartial help working out what will make their new home work and provide the lifestyle they are looking to achieve by letting the excess items we all have find a second or third life,” says House to Home co-owner, Renee Le Grande.

“Our expertise is in helping clients prepare for a sale, downsizing and helping them find where loved treasures can go.” 

Renee says many of their clients have lived in their homes for a number of years and most have more “treasures” than they realise. 

“We take the time to understand the expectation, which is more than just the timeline,” she says. 

“Working out what items to keep, what will fit into their new home, is all part of our process.

“We focus on one area at a time so the process can be less demanding, which frequently delivers a sense of achievement.”

Renee says there is a difference between the “must haves” and “would like to keep” and works with clients by working through the available floor and wall space to help with difficult decisions. 

“My advice is not to leave it until the last minute,” says Renee. 

“It usually takes clients longer than they realise as many have a lot more tucked away into cupboards than they remember!”

House to Home, Removal Specialists. Call 0457 456 767 or visit house-to-home.com.au

Decades of flooring and window experience

Carpet One and CBI Blinds & Awnings, located in Mitchell, have been serving the Canberra community for more than 22 years, says Leonie Gann, co-owner.

Leonie, along with her partner Paul, run the family business and boast a team with more than 100 years of combined experience.

“Our experienced team is well-equipped to assist customers with various flooring needs, from carpets, timbers, laminates and vinyl planks,” she says.

“Under the same roof is our window furnishings store CBI Blinds & Awnings, offering a huge range of internal window treatments, including the very popular Verishades, roller blinds, romans, verticals, shutters and curtains. 

“We are Canberra’s Oztech retractable roof systems specialist and also supply Ziptrak’s outdoor awnings and external shutters.

“Our expertise ensures that customers receive knowledgeable assistance in selecting the right products and addressing any specific installation requirements.

“Carpet One provides free design consults and on-site measures, allowing us to identify and discuss any potential issues during the design process.

“Our in-house magazine serves as a visual guide, aiding customers in finding the perfect style for their homes.”

Leonie says the team at Carpet One strive to match the products in their showroom with customers’ specific needs and preferences.

“Carpet One offers tailored package deals that provide customers with cost-effective flooring and window treatment solutions while meeting customers’ requirements,” she says.

Carpet One, 141 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Call 6241 5666 or visit carpetone.com.au/mitchell or cbiblinds.com.au