Journal

Let’s Talk About Adding Value to Your Home The start of a new year often brings fresh perspective. Over the holidays, many homeowners found themselves noticing how their home really works day to day, what feels easy, what feels dated, and what could be improved. Often, it’s not about wanting more, but wanting spaces that function better, feel more considered, and support the way you live now. Adding value to your home doesn’t always mean large-scale renovation. Thoughtful upgrades, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and key living areas, can significantly improve both lifestyle and long-term property value. Smart layouts, improved storage, durable materials, and cohesive design choices all play a role in creating a home that feels elevated and functional. The most valuable step in this process is planning. Design-led renovations allow you to make informed decisions before construction begins. Floor plans, spatial layouts, and material selections ensure your investment is purposeful, not reactive. When changes are guided by a clear design strategy, the result is a space that not only looks better, but works harder for everyday living. Visual planning is especially powerful when it c omes to adding value. Through detailed plans and 3D visualisation, homeowners can explore ideas, refine layouts, and see how design decisions will come together, reducing uncertainty and helping avoid costly changes later on. Whether you’re considering a full renovation or a simple kitchen update, the new year is the perfect time to revisit those ideas you’ve been sitting on and start a conversation. If you’ve been thinking about how to add value to your home, practically, aesthetically, or financially, we’d love to chat and help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Our 2026 intake is now open, to learn more or book an initial consultation call 03 5662 5882 or contact us. Studio 44 is the home of the Bruce Family group of companies, Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms and VerdeLife Outdoor Kitchens. We are a multi-award winning design studio specialising in kitchens, bathrooms, interior and alfresco spaces. Servicing clients and builders throughout South Gippsland, Bass Coast, Melbourne and Australia-wide. MENU OF SERVICES Consultation, Design + Estimate – Concept + Pricing Drawings + Specifications – Working Drawings + Documentation Project + Trades Management – Consultancy, Assistance + Coordination Custom Cabinetry Supply + Installation – Manufacture, Build + Install ACCREDITATIONS Registered Building Practitioner (DB-L 64755, CDB-L 66067) HIA GreenSmart Kitchen & Bathroom Professional Certified Australian Made & Owned Licensee of SustainaPod Outdoor Kitchens by VerdeLife Members HIA, KBDi, ACFA FIND US AT @studio44.au

Proudly Certified Australian Made & Owned Licensee Celebrating Australian Made Week It’s Australian Made Week —a time to spotlight the incredible quality of Aussie-made products, encourage local purchasing, and support Australian businesses keeping craft smanship and innovation on home soil. We’re proud that our SustainaPod® cabinetry—Sustainable. Pre-Assembled. Modular.—is officially licensed as Australian Made & Owned. Our All-Weather SustainaPod® Outdoor Kitchen Range includes: Custom Design+ Series: Tailored for any brand of sit-on or built-in barbecues Pre-Designed Series: Curated exclusively for Weber sit-on and built-in models As a certified Australian Made licensee, we’re committed to delivering quality, safety, consistency, and a longer product lifecycle. Our pre-assembled, modular design ensures easier installation and compliance with Australian Standards for fireproofing, ventilation, and materials. To earn the iconic green and gold kangaroo logo, businesses must prove their products are substantially made in Australia, with at least 50% of production costs incurred locally. It’s a symbol of trust, supporting Aussie jobs and our economy.  We’re proud to be part of the movement this Australian Made Week!

GreenSmart + Supporting Greenfleet Celebrating the Equinox & International Day of Forests As the seasons shift, the equinox reminds us of nature’s balance, making it the perfect time to reflect on our forests and commitment to being a sustainable business both in our processes and products. Tomorrow, March 21, is the International Day of Forests—a day to celebrate their crucial role in biodiversity and climate resilience. With this, we honour the ecosystems we help restore with Greenfleet. Our Commitment to Reforestation Since 2019, we’ve been offsetting our carbon emissions through our partnership with Greenfleet, restoring native forests in Australia and New Zealand. We believe both businesses and consumers must be a part of the solution. Our mission – cabinetry with purpose – embraces our passion beyond just lifestyle cabinetry. Our deepest purpose is as a company devoted to a holistic approach to environmentally sustainable design, manufacture and installation. Sustainability at Our Core Principal Designer, Dan Bruce, a certified GreenSmart® Kitchen Design Professional, and leads our mission to integrate environmentally preferable products and sustainable practices. From reducing waste to maximising recycling, sustainability is embedded in our process. A Greener Future Our six core values—customer satisfaction, simplicity, sustainability, ecological manufacturing, quality workmanship, and family-centered business—guide us in creating eco-conscious, long-lasting cabinetry. Let’s celebrate the forests that sustain us and commit to a greener future together.

Welcome to Seasons A season can signal the time of year marked by weather or a period of the year such as barbecue season - when alfresco lifestyle is in full swing. It can mark a change or time of life. In action, season means to add flavour – sweet, salty, herbs, spice – adding seasoning and tasteful depth to our palate. We explore all these definitions and more with Seasons. Join us for as we journey through the four seasons whilst pursuing design efficiency and culinary passion. Our award-winning design team personally takes you on an exploration of how beautiful design meets lifestyle and functionality.

Design Studio. Showroom. Workshop. Find us in-person @ 44 Yarragon Road, Leongatha 3953, hidden amongst the rolling hills of South Gippsland, Victoria, where we operate our technologically advanced and fully equipped workshop. Our ‘small but mighty’ showroom and design studio serve as a testament to our commitment to quality, creativity, and personalized service. Find us online @ studio44.au – the online home of the Bruce Family group of companies, Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms and VerdeLife Outdoor Kitchens. Coming Soon! Our new @studio44.au social platform for design inspiration – featuring our new Seasons Blog. We don't just design interior and alfresco spaces; we craft experiences that resonate with your personality and lifestyle. From the moment you schedule your initial consultation, you'll embark on a journey of collaboration and creativity. Our team of qualified interior and alfresco designers will work closely with you to understand your vision, preferences, and aspirations. We believe that great design is born from a deep understanding of our clients, their needs, and the essence of their spaces. What sets us apart is our dedication to offering a seamless experience from start to finish. That's why we offer a free design and quote session, allowing you to explore possibilities without any obligations. Our designers will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your vision is translated into reality with precision and finesse. Whether you're looking to refresh your kitchen, revamp your living room, or create an inviting alfresco area, we have the expertise and resources to bring your ideas to life. Let’s work together—schedule your consultation today and let's create something extraordinary together.