Opulence Meets Affordability
The great Australian dream, it’s something we all grow up fantasising about. The glistening white picket fence, perfectly soft cut grass and the warming sounds of laughter and chatter echoing throughout the air. It is fair to say this space is more than just a house, rather, a place to call home. Traversing another decade with living expenses on an upward spiral, it is important to remember that you only get your first home once. So why not make the space unique but inviting, cost-effective but sustainable, grand but intimate – this is the art of luxurious, affordable living. Sydney Home Design + Living’s Josephine Day chats with Chris and Veronica Sparagis, owners of Ultima Building Group, about how you can make the most of your home whilst on a budget.
Being in the construction industry for over a decade, husband-and-wife duo, Chris and Veronica Sparagis, know better than anyone the importance of getting the build right the first time around. The Sydney-based company, Ultima Building Group, specialises in the design and construction of affordable luxury homes, renovations, and extensions. With exclusive access to in-house architects and trade networks to source quality design and materials, it positions itself “as a company that takes pride in exceeding expectations,” providing clients with “value-added services such as project management, styling and decorating,” the
Sparagises explain.
So, how do you make your dream home a reality when on a budget? The Sparagises outline some key points to consider when making this change.
PLAYING WITH COLOUR AND TEXTURE
Whether you have a creative mind or simply admire design, you know all too well the importance colour plays in enchanting and captivating the viewer. Colour is one of the most influential aspects of interior design as it brings a cohesive, visual foundation into the space, whilst also adding pockets of personality and character. Specialsing in modern, contemporary homes, the Sparagises detail that using a light, consistent colour palette creates continuity throughout each space, making “small areas feel more expansive and unified.” Whilst popular trends see earthy tones, muted neutrals and bold accents, the pair throw their own spin on achieving this sophisticated, out-of-a magazine look. “Our favourite combination is muted neutrals of off-white and light grey accented with gold,” and “pops of colour like rhapsody blue,” they mention. Using such light, soft pastels can make the home feel more open, reflecting a sense of airiness. This contrasted with deep hues of navy blue and dark green on ceilings, trims and mouldings brings both cosiness and dimension into the space.
Renowned for its sense of style and liveable luxury, Ultima Building Group encourages clients to layer textures within their home as it makes the space more comfortable and inviting.The Sparagises describe that elements of linen, sheer curtains, and velvet soften a space, whereas the texture of wood and leather furnishings add feelings “of warmth and homeliness through their organic and grounding qualities.”
A SPACE FOR EVERYONE
Multi-functional spaces are revolutionising how we live and work by seamlessly blending distinct purposes into one dynamic environment. Committed to “creating
clean, functional” and “aesthetically pleasing spaces,” the Sparagises detail that an open-floor plan is a must have within any modern build. Eliminating physical barriers such as walls and large furniture is one cost-effective way you can create a flowing layout, connecting family areas together. This in return helps with the development of multi-functional spaces, adapting the home to suit your changing needs. This is achievable by designing “home offices that double as guest rooms, or living areas with integrated storage,” the Sparagises explain. In sustaining the cleverly designed, generous layout, removing clutter is essential. “The golden rule is ‘less is more’,” the Sparagises say. “Don’t overfill a space – it can lead to it feeling cluttered and overwhelmed.”
SMART HOMES
In a world where technology meets opulence, smart homes are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of connected living. From smart lighting and voicecontrolled systems to security features and climate control, these innovations seamlessly enhance the convenience and efficiency of a home. Incorporating such smart home technologies can also lead to substantial cost savings, as the Sparagises highlight that “energy efficiency is a major focus,” in their approach.
They emphasise the importance of selecting appropriate external materials tailored to the home’s location and climate, and advocate for the use of rainwater tanks to boost water efficiency. These strategies are a great way to create budget-friendly smart homes, whilst also contributing long-term savings and environmental sustainability.
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Funding your dream home can be a real struggle for young families and first homebuyers who are tight for money. If endless dollar signs haunt your nights, it is important to carefully plan, set and stick to a budget. To make a smooth building experience, the Sparagises outline some key steps to get you started. Firstly, they
suggest dividing your budget into a list of wants and needs. “Make a list of must haves and wants, leaving things on the ‘want’ list that can be added later,” they say. Secondly, consider the size, style and landscaping of your home. The Sparagises advise having comfortable ‘wiggle room’ within your finances, so you can facilitate any unforeseen costs following the build.
Your home is ultimately a long-term investment and collaborating with your builder for adequate, honest advice is pivotal. The initial consultation provides the
perfect opportunity for open communication, where you can discuss your needs, budget and site specifics. This in return allows your builder to thoughtfully understand
your vision, helping guide you into the best way of achieving this. “Active listening is paramount to ensure that we are all on the same page,” the Sparagises highlight. “Clear expectations are communicated about the feasibility of a clients desire based on budget, space, constraints, and design principles.”
Photography courtesy of Ultima Building Group.
