As we settle in to the new house we’ve started to give little tours to our clients to show them the features that you could typically find in a Leanhaus. Products and selections are a very personal choice but top of mind for us was functionality, comfort and maintenance. Here are a few things we included in our home that cost us a little bit more but just make sense when you use them everyday.

1. Downdraft induction cooktop

To open up the overhead space above our kitchen we’ve eschewed the overhead rangehood in favour of this all in one cooktop and exhaust fan. It’s quieter, more effective, easier to clean and (in our opinion) looks much better than an overhead cupboard or commercial style hood. We went with the Bosch 800mm Series 6 4 Zone Induction Cooktop with Integrated Ventilation System – a complicated name for a simple, sleek design. The filter system lifts out easily so we can pop it in the dishwasher daily if we want to. The extraction point is also much closer to the cooktop than an overhead unit, so it’s much more effective at capturing steam and splatter with lower fan speeds. The actual fan unit is located under the countertop while the exhaust grill sits discreetly in the kick panel.

Our Bosch Downdraft induction Cooktop removed the need for overhead cupboards so we could just go with a single shelf.

2. Quality fans

If you think that all fans are equal, you’d unfortunately be wrong. We agonised over this decision for weeks before finally deciding to splurge and spend the extra money on the Big Ass Fans Haiku L Ceiling Fan for every room, and we can safely say we have no regrets. Not only do they look absolutely beautiful but they’re also much more effective than your standard fan. While other fans are often ugly, noisy, unbalanced and move air in a disruptive manner, these fans are super quiet and move air very effectively. The air movement is so sublime that you could use them every day and all night in the bedroom without even realising they’re on (except that it’s much cooler than without them, of course). Big Ass Fans are sometimes on sale for up to 20% so keep an eye out so you can buy and put them aside for your next build, they’ll be well worth the wait!

Haiku L Ceiling Fan. The perforated plasterboard ceiling does an amazing job of making this large space with concrete floor feel acoustically comfortable..

3. External roller shutters

Many people associate roller shutters with ugly, cream-coloured project homes on busy roads but, when incorporated into the design early, the visual effects can be minimised, and you can still reap the benefits of these incredibly effective blinds. We installed roller shutters to all the east and west facing windows so their aluminium blades would effectively block unwanted heat and light in our bedrooms . At around $1000 per window we feel they’re more effective than curtains at only a slightly higher cost. And they come with individual remote controls for each window and one universal remote control so they’re easy to open and close whenever you want. Shout out to Shutter Co. WA for offering a great product, install and after sales service.

External roller shutters by Shutter Co. WA effectively block out unwanted heat and light.

4. Specialised blinds for tilt and turn windows

As tilt and turn windows open inwards, it can be hard to find internal blinds that function well with them. But the benefits that these windows offer in terms of ventilation makes them well-worth looking for an alternative to standard roller blinds. And lucky for us, one of our clients recommended Pleating Glimpse blinds. These fit snugly inside the window frame and move with the sash. The best part is that these blinds can be operated from the top and bottom, so you can choose to have privacy at the bottom part and views from the top. Let Lisa know you heard about her from us and she’ll be sure to help you out.

Pleating Glimpse blinds offer a great option for tilt and turn windows, and and extra plus, they can be operated from the top and bottom.

5. Corian countertops

This is our second home with Corian Countertops and we still love them just as much as when we first got them. The only thing we did differently this time, was choose ones with integrated sinks and basins for a streamlined look. They’re super durable and the integrated design makes them easy to wipe down, especially in the bathroom after trimming my beard!