The Little Finishing Touches That Made My 8 Star Home Feel Finished

Getting to the end of my 8 star energy efficient build has been such a good feeling. All the big decisions matter, insulation, windows, orientation, but once those are locked in, it’s the smaller details that really make the house feel like home.

I put a lot of thought into the areas around our doors, because they’re the spots you use every single day. Coming and going, carrying groceries, grabbing firewood, collecting parcels, they need to work, but I still wanted them to look good.

The Pots That Tie Everything Together

I used the Milkcan Bondi Tall Pots in both white and black, but in different spots for a reason.

The white pots are in the back alfresco. They soften the space and work beautifully with the outdoor area without screaming for attention. They’re simple, calm, and easy, which is exactly the vibe I wanted out there.

The black pots sit at the garage door and honestly could not work better with the black cladding. It’s one of those small styling choices that just makes everything feel intentional and pulled together.

I love that these pots can be used indoors or outdoors. They have a concrete look but are much lighter, so you can actually move them around. They’ve got drainage holes too, which means you can either pop your plant in still in its nursery pot or plant straight into them. Super flexible and very low stress.

They’re handmade as well, so there are little variations in colour and texture. Nothing perfectly matchy, which I actually love.

Firewood Storage That Makes Winter Easier

At the back door, I added a firewood storage drum and this has been one of those “why didn’t I always do this?” things.

It’s designed to complement fire pits, but it works perfectly for our wood fire. Having firewood stored right at the back door is so handy in winter. No running outside in the cold and no messy piles of wood sitting around.

It keeps everything neat, close by, and still looks good in the entertaining area, which feels like a win on all fronts.

A Letterbox That Works for Real Life

Out the front, I went with the Geneva parcel mailbox and had it bricked in using my recycled bricks.

This was really important to me. I didn’t want the letterbox to feel like an add on. Using the recycled bricks helps it blend straight into the home and adds a bit of character at the same time.

It’s a great option if you get regular deliveries, with plenty of space for parcels, and it still looks clean and considered from the street. I also love that the design allows for a smaller fence cut out and works with both standard and shorter fences.

Why I Care About These Details

In an energy efficient home, comfort is king. But how the house feels day to day often comes down to these small, practical choices.

Pots that suit the cladding and outdoor spaces. Firewood stored exactly where you need it. A letterbox that can handle modern life without ruining the facade.

None of it is flashy, but all of it makes living here easier, and that’s really the point.