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New Hunter Valley display homes reflect regional popularity

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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Sponsored by Metricon Homes

There’s no denying that regional areas have seen a boost in popularity since the emergence of COVID-19. Coupled with the housing affordability crisis in the capital cities, the interest in regional Australia has never been greater; and that is particularly so for the burgeoning Hunter region of NSW. 

Phoenix 40
Metricon’s Phoenix 40 display home

“We have seen, particularly in the last few months, that location is something customers are now looking at very differently. With many organisations looking to embrace working from home beyond COVID-19 restrictions, a home in a regional community is now being viewed more favourably – particularly if you are only commuting a few days per week as opposed to the full five days, or can work entirely from home,” says Metricon Homes NSW general manager Patrick Eather who unveiled two new display homes in Chisholm, Maitland recently.

The Phoenix 40 is a Hamptons-inspired design while the Qualia 33 has a more contemporary feel. Both complement the beauty of the Hunter and are available with flexible floor plans and finishes. 

Qualia 33 display home
The Qualia 33 display home

“We are experiencing significant interest in regional NSW from Sydneysiders who are realising the cost of housing is much more affordable relative to what you pay in Sydney. Affordability is one thing, but the great lifestyle of the Hunter is also a drawcard. Families are attracted to the wider, open spaces, and the access to amenities,” says Patrick.

A single storey design, the Qualia 33 is a fabulous family home – it boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, three living spaces and an on-trend outdoor room, bringing the outside in. A highlight of the home, the master suite has a fabulous retreat feel; located at the rear of the home it has an open courtyard positioned between the sleeping zone and ensuite.

The Qualia 33's open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and outdoor room
The Qualia 33’s open plan kitchen, dining, lounge and outdoor room
Qualia 33 kitchen
Qualia 33 kitchen

The Qualia 33 also has three separate living areas including a central media room (clever!), open plan family and dining space and children’s play area.

Qualia 33 living room
Qualia 33 living room

A larger design, the Phoenix 40 runs over two levels and its clever floorplan makes it adaptable to blocks as narrow as 14.5 metres. Its Hamptons inspired façade carries through to the inside of the home where shaker style cabinetry combines with a large upright cooker and feature island bench in the home’s kitchen.

Phoenix 40 kitchen
The Phoenix 40 kitchen

The ground floor acts as the family and entertainment hub with a formal sitting room, open plan family, dining and kitchen that opens out onto a lovely outdoor room.

A Hamptons style timber staircase leads to the second story of the home where you’ll find three bedrooms, a study nook, shared bathroom, separate toilet and master bedroom.

The Phoenix 40 master bedroom
The Phoenix 40 master bedroom

The master suite spans the width of the building and includes a large double-sided walk-in robe, spacious ensuite and private parents’ retreat. This area also has direct access to a large balcony that overlooks the pool below.

Phoenix 40 pool and outdoor room
The Phoenix 40 pool and outdoor room

“At Metricon, we pride ourselves on creating homes for people to love where they live. We achieve this time and time again by offering flexible floorplans and plenty of choices. With multiple floorplan options, numerous facades and many features to choose from, we expect the Qualia 33 and the Phoenix 40 will become a favourite with Maitland residents,” says Patrick.

The Qualia 33 and the Phoenix 40 are available for viewing at 38 Settlers Blvd, Chisholm, every day from 10am-to-5pm. 

For more

Win with Waterford Crystal

To celebrate the opening of the display homes at Waterford in Chisholm, Designer by Metricon has partnered with Waterford Crystal for an exclusive giveaway for New South Wales residents. 

Inspired by the past and enriching the present, Waterford Crystal is unmistakably of its time. Known for its rich heritage and fine craftsmanship, Waterford Crystal are the pioneers in creating the finest crystal drinkware since the 18th Century.

For the chance to win almost $1000 worth of Waterford Crystal wine glasses and champagne flutes.

Hunter Valley hotel gets stunning Greg Natale makeover
One of the most historic hotels in the NSW Hunter Valley, The Sebel Kirkton Park has undergone a pretty fabulous refurbishment with interior design maestro Greg Natale at the helm. No longer…

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March 29, 2021

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Looking for a little inspo for your 2026 kitchen a Looking for a little inspo for your 2026 kitchen and laundry projects? Look no further than @kaboodlekitchen's free digital download edit magazine. Featuring trends commentary from yours truly!

Find out more via link in bio/stories now.

#ad #2026kitchentrends #diykitchens #kaboodle kaboodlekitchen
I've been meaning to post about getting out of hos I've been meaning to post about getting out of hospital in time for Christmas and spending a magical time with my beautiful family and friends for days now, but I was staying in the moment and off my phone. My wish came true and it really was amazing to enjoy that Santa magic.

Sadly, the day after Boxing Day, I ended up back in an ambulance after an internal bleed where my hemoglobin levels dropped dangerously low. I'm not very good at explaining the medical side, but after surgery and a couple of nights in ICU, I'm now on a ward and recovering well, hoping I get to return home ASAP.

I have so many thank yous to say for the incredible GoFundMe donations and kindness and support I've received. I really am blown away and so grateful. There are so many good people in the world, both strangers and those I'm lucky enough to know.

And having now received 6 bags of blood transfusion myself, another huge shout out to all donors. I felt so good to know I've done my bit donating over the years when I received someone else's life saving donation. Please consider doing the same and potentially saving a life.

Before ending up back in hospital, I was settling in well at home with daily visits from nurses and I'm hoping I can get back to that new normal again soon. 

Thank you again to everyone for their kindness. And biggest thanks to @damianfrancis for truly spoiling me at Christmas and once again holding the fort at home. Our boys are so lucky to have you ❤️
Edit: the winner of this giveaway is @wholehearted Edit: the winner of this giveaway is @wholeheartedstudio Congratulations Hayley!

To thank you all for your beautiful messages of support after sharing my very vulnerable big news the other day, I've teamed up with the talented @katenixon_official to give one follower the chance to win this stunning prize worth almost $600.

It includes:

Ines 3-Piece Marble Bathroom Set (soap dispenser, tumbler and tray) worth $169

Ines Marble Bowl, worth $135

Ines Marble Container with Wooden Lid, worth $79

Lola Marble Tray, worth $89

Sawar Scalloped Bowl, worth $109

They're all part of NOMAD by KATE NIXON, the Sydney interior designer's considered new curation of beautiful, storied objects for the home.

For your chance of winning, please follow @interiorsaddict and @katenixon_official, tell us the name of the collection and tag 2 friends by midnight Sydney time on Sunday 14 December 2025. Winner will be chosen at random and announced here. 

You can even style the marble trays and bowls elsewhere in the home – why should the bathroom get all the fun?!

Good luck. Giveaway is not endorsed by or associated with Meta in any way. Open to Australian residents only. 

#katenixon #sydneyinteriordesigner #luxurybathroomdesigns #bathroomstyles
Trigger warning: cancer. Home is SO important to Trigger warning: cancer.

Home is SO important to me, I even made a job out of talking about it. And having been stuck in hospital for 5 weeks, away from my sanctuary and my boys, I've never craved it more. 

I'm going through the hardest time of my life and I'm finally sharing it here in the way I hope you've always known me to; with authenticity, realness and hope.

I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It's devastating and life-changing news and feels very vulnerable to share. Sadly it's causing me so much physical pain, I can't manage it at home. Being stuck in hospital, on top of keeping this secret, has been very isolating. 

Our precious boys are our number one priority and we are being very well supported by our medical team and amazing friends and family. I can't say enough about the huge role my husband is playing in keeping us together.

I've continued to work when possible because I love it and it's a big part of my identity. I want as much normalcy, distraction and positivity as possible right now. Some days I put my lipstick on and face the day with gratitude for all the good stuff, like my world class friends and amazing healthcare. But I'm only human and other days, I just can't.

Despite the gravity of the situation, I only have to look at my boys to know I cannot give up hope. 

Thanks for all the love and support I know you'll throw my way but please respect my boundaries by not asking medical questions or making medical suggestions, and know that I won't be able to reply to everyone. 

This beautiful community has supported me for over a decade and I'm sure your kindness will help me no end. And if you want to support me, keep reading the blog so my work isn't wasted!

I'll still be the main point of contact for Interiors Addict but things will look a little different as I continue my chemo (3 rounds down) and get used to my new way of life. 

Right now, my only wish is to be discharged to my family for Christmas. 

Because I can no longer give blood, if anyone would like to make a festive donation of blood or plasma on my behalf and share it with me here, that would really make my day ❤️

PS. Nurses are worth their weight in gold.
This modular home was built in 6 weeks and install This modular home was built in 6 weeks and installed in just 4 days and can even be added to later if its family outgrow it. It's @mill.built's first prefabricated modular home – a breakthrough in speed, performance and affordability. And it sits in the Yarra Valley's net zero carbon estate, @liveatthecape , which is Australia's first.

Head to the blog now via link in bio to read all about the latest in sustainable living.

#prefabhomes #prefab #modularhomes #prefabhouse
You know what I love? Pink & red together! And str You know what I love? Pink & red together! And stripes! And bows! If you do too, @kmartaus Christmas stuff is starting to drop and you won't be disappointed. It's also largely generic enough that you could use it all year round, if that's your vibe.

See more on the homepage now, via link in bio.

#kmartchristmas #kmarthome #pinkandred #pinkandred #stripesonstripes #christmastabledecoration
Fanciest matchbox EVER. Fact. Swipe for silver. W Fanciest matchbox EVER. Fact. Swipe for silver.

Who wouldn't LOVE one of these as a gift?! $69 from @blackblazesydney's new Vesper collection. Available to preorder now. 

Comment 'matches' and we'll DM you all the details.

This is a great way to elevate your everyday!

#matchbooks #matches #littleluxuries #housewarminggiftideas
This once 90s kitchen is now reflective of the Mid This once 90s kitchen is now reflective of the Mid Century home it's the heart of, and its stylish owners who love vintage glass and other Marketplace finds.

Head to the blog via link in bio to see more of this transformation by @howardlanedesigns Designer Tamiko Gleeson says: "I love that the kitchen now truly serves Peter and Trish – functionally and aesthetically. While every finish is new, there’s a bold sense of nostalgia and confidence in the selections. I love the Jamaican Walnut joinery with its subtle peek of Botanical Green, and the vertical timber slats in the sliding doors and wall-hung bar.

“I love the checkered tiles on the splashback and the way they add a playful rhythm to the space. But what I love most is how the design shines even brighter when layered with their Facebook Marketplace finds."

Suppliers can be found in the blog post.

#mcmkitchen #midcenturykitchen #mcminteriors #checkerboardtiles 

Pix @bridietomkinsphotography
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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