Interior Renovation: The Kitchen Design

The kitchen is perhaps the most important space in your house, the hub of family activity. For many people, it is not only a place for food storage and food preparation, but also the room for eating, for sitting down as a family and talking. It’s often where kids do their homework, where adults share a relaxing glass of wine after dinner, and where the family pets are constantly being shooed away from the counters. Regardless of your family dynamics, it’s quite likely you all spend a large part of every day in the kitchen, cooking, cleaning, putting away shopping, and interacting with each other.

Image Credit: Rhonda McLean Interior Designer

With that in mind, it’s essential that the space you have works efficiently. So many different jobs are undertaken in the kitchen that storage spaces and work spaces are crucial. Even simple tasks, like making a sandwich, become mammoth assignments if you cannot find the butter or nobody remembers to put the chopping board back where it belongs.

Careful redesign can make this space work seamlessly, meaning that anything you’re trying to do becomes easy and straightforward, saving you time and frustration in your busy schedules. These design were created by the expertise of a Melbourne kitchen designer – assisting with the overall functionality of the kitchen without sacrificing on aesthetic, letting you neatly store your pans, recipe books, spices, seasoning, ingredients, and even your kid’s backpack which always gets left on the kitchen table.

Image Credit: Just Better Kitchens and Bathroom Renovations Melbourne 

Many kitchens are poorly designed and don’t allow for the sort of open plan layout many people want; a lack of sideboard space can lead to a pile-up of clutter, which will frustrate your attempts to cook or clean. It’s also important to consider how many more gadgets are found in kitchens today; kettles, toasters, and microwaves have been standard for a while, but these have been added to by blenders, juicers, soda siphons, coffee makers, bread machines, and so many other things. While these are great for making our lives easier, storing them certainly doesn’t, so rethinking your kitchen layout to incorporate these devices while maintaining a clutter-free space will seriously improve your kitchen.

As well as practicalities, we will help you consider aesthetic. Whether you want to go for a farmyard kitchen look, complete with warm copper accents and wooden counters, or you would prefer a sleek, contemporary design, we have lots of different options. We will help you think through practicalities such as good lighting and easy-to-clean flooring, while making sure you get the perfect look.

Our online portfolio could help to inspire your ideas, and our staff can talk through your needs to design the best layout which will make your kitchen really work for you. By optimising the space for you and your family, you will make all those little tasks which you undertake there – from helping with homework to filling out bills and paperwork which hasn’t quite found its way to your office – that much easier and pleasanter. Cooking will be a breeze with your key ingredients and tools at hand, and you will have a space which is a pleasure to walk into and work in.

Designer lighting tips for an amazing living space

In our daily lives we need proper illumination at night. Light is the medium that creates events and it also throws up some very unforgettable memories. Everyone loves to spend a sunny day on the beach and we also love to propose marriage by candlelight. Light also influences our mood, which is why it makes sense to do everything in our power to choose the best designer lighting solutions.

Setting the mood

There are many options available to us when we want to buy a designer or feature lights for the kitchen, bedroom or even bathroom. We can use designer lighting to enhance our lives and to improve our homes. The right lighting also helps to strengthen as well as highlight the structure of an interior or home. The right kind of lighting also sets the mood and adds warmth to a home or room.

Designer lighting can make your home look very distinctive. The nice thing about choosing designer lighting is that it is stylish and it allows you to make a real statement. You can choose between modern and classic and the right designer lighting solutions will make your home look much more attractive.

Things to consider

When choosing designer lighting there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. First of all, you have to check the amount of natural light that enters a room. Next, you need to decide which areas within your room require lighting. After that, you need to think about the different types of lighting. There are several options available including ceiling fixtures to provide overhead illumination. A floor lamp is another option as too is a table lamp.

Complement an existing theme

Choosing the right style is the most exciting part about choosing designer lighting. If your interiors have a particular theme then you should choose designer lighting that complements that theme. On the other hand, you may want to try a traditional theme or even a classic one.

Industrial Look Pendant Lighting

When choosing industrial pendant lights keep in mind that it goes well with most types of furniture and is a good choice when you are unsure about what to use to light up your room. Industrial lights are also very nice as too are rustic lights. They can each create a particular mood and hence are quite a popular option.

The good news is that there are virtually unlimited options available to those who want to use feature lighting. Whether you want to buy an industrial light or you want to use wall lights or even pendant lights, there are an endless number of options available to you. The right amount of illumination can and will have a very positive effect on your home.

The bottom line is that choosing designer lighting helps to give your interior design a look of sophistication. All that you need to be concerned about is choosing items that work well with the theme of a room as well as lighting requirements. When it comes to choosing designer lighting you can buy your lights from a designer store or you can go online and buy your items from a designer’s website.

Smart furniture arrangement for the office space

It goes without saying that furniture in any interior space is essential. You can choose from an assortment of items regarding places and ways to buy, prices, manufacturers and quality. Whether you’re working from an office or home, it is important for you to feel comfortable in your work-space. A comfortable office increases efficiency and productivity and here are a few tips on how to manipulate your ergonomically designed office furniture so as to achieve maximum efficiency.

Pay attention to the furniture
To be completely comfortable at the office, a proper desk and chair are essentials. There are several things to consider before purchasing these pieces of furniture such as, an ideal chair should have armrests that are low enough for your shoulders to stay relaxed, for your elbow to bend at a ninety degree angle and for your feet to lie firm and flat on the floor. The desk should be of a suitable height.

Appreciate the light
Ideally, a work space should have lots of windows for natural lighting. This is because the sun has been proven to boost your mood which in turn will make you more productive. However, since that is not always possible, you should get adequate artificial lighting in your office to facilitate writing, reading and other activities.

Regulate temperatures

If the temperature in the office is too cold, it affects your productivity, if it’s too hot, it affects your concentration. You need to be able to manipulate the temperature in your space in spite of the temperature outside. A HVAC system comes in handy during such instances and makes part of your office furnishings.

Decorate your space
It is not easy to determine how the ideal office interior should look like. Some people believe that it should be somewhere between a home and an office while others think it should be efficient and functional. Whatever your preference is, an inspirational poster will boost your mood and productivity. Get a cork board where you can display both decorative and practical elements. Pick a rug that cheers up the room. Combine the functionality of the workspace with the coziness of home.

Stay organized
A disorganized workspace can obstruct you from working efficiently and productively. Include on your desk only the elements that you really need to make sure that they are easy to reach. While decorative items bring your office to life, do not clutter your workspace with them. Instead, display them on the wall in front of your desk where they can be seen.

Beyond The Ruins (Newsletter of The HRA Association)

Click on the Required edition to Download the PDF

Beyond The Ruins Edition 1                                 Beyond the Ruins Edition 2

Beyond The Ruins Edition 3                                 Beyond The Ruins Edition 4

Beyond The Ruins Edition 5                                 Beyond The Ruins Edition 6

Beyond The Ruins Edition 7                                 Beyond The Ruins Edition 8

Beyond The Ruins Edition 9                                 Beyond The Ruins Edition 10

Beyond The ruins Edition 11                                 Beyond The Ruins Edition 12

Beyond The Ruins Edition 13                               Beyond the Ruins Edition 14

Beyond The Ruins Edition 15                               Beyond The Ruins Edition 16

Beyond The Ruins Edition 17                               Beyond The Ruins Edition 18

The HRA Association

The Holy Royal Arch Chapter (HRAC) Association committee consists of:

President:          Most Excellent Companion Russell King

Vice President: Most Excellent Companion Ken Shineton

Secretary:          Eminent Companion Wally Martin

Treasurer:          Right Eminent Companion George Watson

Members:           Eminent Companion Bob Morcomb; Companion David Gilovitz; Eminent Companion Fred McAnda; Very   Eminent Companion Dennis Livingston; and Most Excellent Companion John Mansfield.

History of the HRAC Association: Download PDF

HRAC Association Flyer: Download PDF

Special Invitation to Master Masons: Download PDF

Your journey through the Principals’ chairs: Download PDF

Reasons to Join The Holy Royal Arch

Within the Victorian Constitution, six months after receiving his Master Mason’s Certificate, a Freemason is entitled to join the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem, more familiarly known as the Holy Royal Arch.

The Holy Royal Arch whilst being an integral part of Freemasonry is organised as a separate Order. It is variously described as the “essence of Freemasonry”, the “foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure”, and as “the root, heart and marrow of freemasonry”. Every Master Mason has, and should take, the opportunity of discovering these qualities for himself by joining the Holy Royal Arch.

As with other Masonic Degrees, the ritual takes the form of allegory but the Holy Royal Arch is concerned with encouraging the spiritual aspects of life without compromising or encroaching on an individual’s belief or religion.

The ceremony in the Holy Royal Arch is colourful, thought provoking and uplifting. It is based on the legend of the rebuilding of King Solomon’s Temple and invokes simultaneously sensations of humility and our dependence on our unseen Creator.

We meet in Chapters and our meetings are known as Convocations. Members are known as Companions. As with Craft Masonry, each Chapter is organised individually.

Whilst the Holy Royal Arch is similar in some respects to Craft Masonry, it is different in many aspects and, indeed, it is most interesting in its differences. For example we wear an apron but of a different design and colours, crimson and dark blue, together with a sash and a jewel. We have three Principals who preside over the Chapter. They, and other Officers, are changed annually at the Installation Convocation.

Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Victoria controls the Holy Royal Arch in the State of Victoria and is organised similarly to United Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Victoria.

Metropolitan Chapters’ Calendar

This page is a resource for all Chapter members in Victoria. It provides information on upcoming Chapter meetings in the Melbourne metropolitan area. If you intend to visit a Chapter it is always advisable to contact the Scribe Ezra first, especially if you want any supper!

Click on one of the following links to access a portable document format table of Chapter details and work planned for their convocation in that period. Any queries on content should be directed to REmComp Peter Godson.

May-June 2016

March-April 2016

February-March 2016

What’s New?

WHAT’S NEW ON THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH WEBSITE

The following items have recently been added to the Degree of the Holy Royal Arch website:

  • 21 April Summons to Grand Convocation 20th July 2016 and Bookings Forms {Access via Latest News or Communications> From GSE}
  • 21 April Report of Supreme Committee 2nd March 2016 {access via Communications>Supreme Committee}
  • 21 April Address from GZ Ballarat 16th Jan 2016{access via communications>From GZ}
  • 21 April Proceedings of Grand Convocation – Ballarat 16th Jan 2016{access via communications>Proceedings}
  • 18 Apr  Grand Installation Sat 16 April – Banquet &c {access via Latest News}
  • 18 Apr Grand Installation Saturday 16 April – Ceremonial {access via Latest News}
  • 18 Apr Grand Installation Saturday 16 April – Ceremony(Guests) {access via Latest News}
  • 17 Apr Matthew Flinders HRA Chapter No 121 Installation – Thursday 14 April {access via Latest News}
  • 22 Mar Footscray HRAC No 27 Installation – Monday 21 March 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 16 Mar Passing of MEm Comp. C.D.Priddle, PGZ {access via Latest News}
  •  2 Mar Melbourne Metro Calendar for Mar-Apr 2016 added {access via MMC Page in Quick Links & Latest News}
  • 29 Feb Yarram HRA Chapter No 40 Installation 27 Feb 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 26 Feb Northern United HRA Chapter No 2 Installation 23 Feb 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 24 Feb Public Schools HRA Chapter No 66 Installation – 18 Feb 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 23 Feb Victorian Naval & Military HRA Chapter No 124 Installation – 16 Feb 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 23 Feb Grand Convocation – Ballarat – 16 Jan 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 15 Feb 2016-17 Grand Chapter Team Luncheon – Sun 14 Feb 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 15 Feb Billanook HRAC No 122 – Installation Fri 12 February 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 15 Feb Pathway Ceremony at South Yarra Gardenvale HRAC No 6 – Thu 11 February 2016 {access via Latest News}
  •   5 Feb New Feature – Melbourne Metro Calendar Page {access via Latest News}
  •   5 Feb Melbourne Metro Calendar for Feb-Mar 2016 added {access via MMC Page in Quick Links}
  •   5 Feb Melbourne Metro Calendar Page {access via Quick Links}
  • 19 Jan Notice of Grand Installation and Booking forms(access via News or Communications>From Grand Scribe Ezra)
  • 19Jan Lecture from Grand Lecturer at January Convocation (access via Library>Lectures from Grand Lecturer)
  • 11 Jan  Scribe Ezra Checklist (access via Scribe Ezra)
  • 19 Dec Proceedings of Grand Convocation 21 Oct 2015 {access via Communications>Proceedings}
  • 19 Dec Report of Supreme Committee Dec 2015 {access via Communications>Supreme Committee}
  • 19 Dec Communication from GZ October 2015 {access via Communications>From GZ}
  • 16 Dec  Editions 17 & 18 of Beyond the Ruins added {access via Quick Links}
  • 23 Nov Wangaratta HRA Chapter No 96 Installation – 21 November 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 22 Nov GZ Meets with North Eastern Companions – 21 November 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 21 Nov Yarrawonga HRA Chapter No 69 Installation – 20 November 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 17 Nov Auckland NZ – 124th Grand Convocation SGC NZ – 18th to 20th March 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 16 Nov Valley HRA Chapter No 36 – Installation 12 November 2015 {access via Latest News}
  •   7 Nov Invitation for Ladies to join Companions at 2016 Convocation in Ballarat {access via Latest News}
  •   3 Nov Amicus Carnivale – 6 February 2016 {access via Latest News}
  •   2 Nov Links added for Grand Chapter Web sites of Qld, WA and NSW {access via Sister Jurisdictions}
  • 30 Oct Kyabram & Northern HRA Chapter No 54 – Installation 29 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 28 Oct West Wimmera HRA Chapter No 55 – Installation 27 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 25 Oct Royal and Select Grand Installation – 24 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 22 Oct  Summons to  Grand Convocation 16 January 2016 {access via Latest News & Communications > From GSE}
  • 21 Oct Grand Chapter Convocation – Wednesday 21 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 13 Oct Prospect Hill HRA Chapter No 64 – Installation 13 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  •   7 Oct St George HRA Chapter No 7 – Installation 5 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  •   5 Oct Bacchus Marsh HRA Chapter No 98 – Installation 2 October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  •   4 Oct Supreme Grand Chapter of WA – Proclamation 26 September 2015 {access via Latest News}
  •   2 Oct Whitehorse HRA Chapter No 124 – Installation 1st October 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 29 Sep Belgrave HRA Chapter No 74 – Installation 25 September 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 27 Sep White Eton Jackets will now be worn throughout the year {access via Latest News}
  • 25 Sep Robert Money Memorial Lecture Competition 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 23 Sep Grand Convocation at Ballarat on Saturday 16 January 2016 {access via Latest News}
  • 22 Sep Bellarine HRA Chapter No 120 (Daylight) Installation 18 Sep 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 18 Sep Bairnsdale Weekend 12th – 13th September {access via Latest News}
  • 16 Sep Combermere HRA Chapter No 752 EC – Installation Visit 15 Sep 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 14 Sep Dandenong-Apex HRA Chapter No 70 – Installation 10 Sep 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 24 Aug District Grand Chapter of the Middle East {access via Latest News}
  • 9 Aug  Pakenham HRA Chapter No 104 – Installation 7 Aug 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 9 Aug  Royal Eaglehawk HRA Chapter No 3 – Installation 4 Aug 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 18 Jul  Melbourne HRA Chapter No 8 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 17 Jul  Grand Chapter Secretariat -Relocation Advice {access via Latest News}
  • 17 Jul  Summons to October 2015 Grand Chapter Convocation {access via Latest News}
  • 16 Jul  Grand Chapter Convocation – Keysborough 15 July 2015 {access via Latest News}
  • 07 Jul  Donation to Eastern Palliative Care {access via Latest News}
  • 29 Jun  Grand Imperial Conclave of Victoria – Re-Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 29 Jun  Companions and Brothers in Gippsland {access via Latest News}
  • 24 Jun  Proceedings of SGC Victoria – April 2015 {access via Comminications>Proceedings}
  • 18 Jun  Last Craft Communication at Dallas Brooks Centre {access via Latest News}
  • 15 Jun  Hampden HRA Chapter No 56 – Surrender of Charter {access via Latest News}
  • 09 Jun  Vale Comp Kenneth Fitch Kemp {access via Latest News}
  • 02 Jun  Carlton HRA Chapter No 35 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 23 May  Honour Board for Kyneton HRAC No 21 added {access via HRAC Honour Boards under Quick Links}
  • 23 May  Murray HRA Chapter No 57 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 22 May  Mildura HRA Chapter No 29 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 22 May  Birdwood HRA Chapter No 28 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 21 May  Kyneton HRA Chapter No 21 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 14 May Greensborough HRA Chapter No 87 – Installation {access via Latest News}
  • 03 May  Retiring Grand Team Lunch {access via Latest News}
  • 22 Apr  Grand Convocation Notice – 15 July 2015 {access via News and via Communications > From GSE}
  • 22 Apr  Address from the new GZ – 18 April 2015 {access via Communications > From the GZ}
  • 22 Apr  Grand Chapter Team Members 2015-2016 {access via Grand Team}
  • 22 Apr  Communication from Outgoing GZ – April 2015 {access via Communications > From the GZ}
  • 14 Apr  Honour Board for Matthew Flinders HRAC No 121 added {access via HRAC Honour Boards under Quick Links}
  • 14 Apr  New Page: Holy Royal Arch Chapter Honour Boards added to Quick Links Menu {access via Quick Links}