Clear any shrubs / trees / weeds, away from around the house - not saying go out with a chainsaw and slash everything down to the ground but make sure there is nothing higher than the window frames directly around the house or even leaning on the house. Taller tree's may be able to be pruned to allow more light through e.g. lift the bottom of the growth up higher by removing lower branches or thin out branches from within the canopy. Bring in as much sun as you can during the day. If you are planting a new garden, always look at the height of the tree's when they mature and if possible mix some trees that lose their leaves in winter so you obtain maximum sun. Check your insulation e.g. last year I added a new layer of insulation onto of my existing ceiling insulation. If you have dampness under your house maybe look at channelling water away from the house with what ever means you can afford e.g. professional drains right around the house or just dig trenches. You may wish / need to add black plastic over any clay / ground under your house if you are not on a flat concrete block based house. Open curtains during the day. Dress to the conditions. If you can't afford to heat the entire house just heat the room(s) you are using but make sure the non heated rooms get ventilation from time to time (especially lovely sunny days). Pile the blankets on the bed and even use a blanket over your legs if you are sitting watching TV or working on your computer. Think SUN SUN SUN. If you are renting and the house you are in gets very little sun, now is the time to start looking for something that gets more sun. Winter is the best time to look.

I'm usually don't like split level super modern looking homes but this really is quite stunning!! I know you say 'transformed' but that could still mean that allot of the old house is gone or is that not the case?

Email Save to Ideabook5Ask a QuestionPrint Related Product Topics [Transitional Table Lamps & Bedside Lamps[(https://www.houzz.co.nz/products/transitional-table-lamps-and-bedside-lamps-prbr1-br~t_10612~s_2312) Browse over 14 million home design photos on Houzz Vazuza Lamp by Uttermost Black marble columns featuring gold veining accented with brushed brass plated metal details. The tall, round hardback drum shade is a rust beige linen fabric with matching metal trim. Designer: David Frisch R29221-1 Please email if this lamp will work in NZ Power outlet and price thanks

Lighting is one of the most crucial areas to get right in the kitchen. It's where you're going to create your best meals and entertain family and friends so it needs to be well lit. Even a really well designed kitchen can fall flat if it is not easy to use at night because of lack of lighting. Kitchen lighting comes in a huge array of styles, designs and features. When designing your new kitchen the types of light to consider are task lighting, ambiance lighting, feature lighting and natural light. Task lighting In your cooking area, task lighting is vital. Whilst rangehood lights are really important for lighting up the cooking zone, LED strip lights underneath overhead cabinets can be used to light the whole working bench space. LED strip lighting is bright and can be used with a dimmer for an ambient glow after you've finished cooking. Using a sensor switch omits the need to touch a switch when hands are dirty. If you don't have overhead cabinets, ceiling downlights are a really great way of making sure there's plenty of light for preparation and cooking. In preparation and task areas, use downlights or spotlights and make sure these are placed in front of where you'll be standing to avoid creating a shadow that will be difficult to work in. Ambiance lighting Mood and ambient lighting are really important in the kitchen. Overhead lights at the kitchen island or breakfast bar can be a feature as well as adding ambiance to your space. Make sure they are dimmable, particularly in an open plan space so they can be turned down when the kitchen is not in use. LED strip lighting behind a splashback or underneath an island bench top are another way to achieve ambiance - especially when the room is also a dining and living space. Feature lighting Add your personality statement to your new kitchen with feature lighting. The opportunities are endless - it can be a feature piece, a textural element or your favourite colour. You can even add a tech aspect to your kitchen lighting with smart lights that are able to be controlled from your phone! Natural light Natural light is one of the most crucial types of light to work into your space – but of course it's often one of the most difficult! Here is an example where the homeowners used skylights to let that light shine down into an area that would have otherwise been quite dark. It's also possible to borrow light from adjoining spaces by removing walls and opening up the living areas. Alternatively, if your ceilings are high adding a clerestory window may help. LEDs The biggest change in recent years in lighting has been Technology. With the introduction of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) the options for lighting up your new kitchen are almost endless. The energy efficient nature of LEDs allows them to produce brighter light than other types of bulbs while using less power. LEDs are ideal for use in the kitchen because they have very little heat emission, there are many colour choices including cool and warm whites, and just about any colour of the rainbow if that's your thing! LEDs are small and discreet and are therefore really easy to fit into cabinetry and underneath overhanging bench tops. Using LEDs means there's no swapping bulbs every couple of months and because they use low wattage, you'll save power too! There are many types of LED lighting including strip lighting, hanging, ceiling downlights and in-cabinet downlights.