Author: Hugo Alley

Hugo Alley is interning at Interiors Addict as part of his Bachelor of Media at the University of New South Wales

Categories
Art Bedrooms Interiors Addict

Stunning quilt covers from artist Grotti Lotti and Linen House

Artist Grotti Lotti (aka Casey Manson), whose unique painting style has an amazing way of capturing the beauty of nature, has launched an exciting collection in partnership with Australian homewares brand, Linen House. They hope the linen will free the mind and re-energise your sleeping space!

The Linen House x Grotti Lotti collection features three incredible pieces of work from Grotti Lotti, available to purchase as quilt cover sets and European pillowcases, as well as feature cushions. My Energy Is My Currency, Just Start Somewhere and Blow It Up, follow Casey’s signature loose and colourful contemporary style. The designs have been selected from Casey’s painted artwork and are digitally printed on a silky soft cotton sateen with a plain dyed reverse.

Casey’s first piece from the Linen House collection was My Energy Is My Currency, a thoughtful, earthy and relaxing piece. “I became completely immersed in this piece – based on some dried protea flowers in the studio I nicked from my mum’s block. The title is based on the notion that energy is interchangeable; it’s not always about the final product but the energy that goes into the piece that gives it life and captivates others. I love the thoughtful, earthy but relaxed nature of this piece. It has its own energy and synchronicity.”

My Energy is my Currency

Bright, loose and fresh, Just Start Somewhere includes her favourite colours and is centred around native blooms. The piece’s deep, earthy greens highlight her feelings of zen when in amongst nature.

Just Start Somewhere

Blow It Up, is an abstract of Casey’s own heart and mind with thick brushstrokes and pops of colour. Created after a small break, Casey put brush to canvas, allowing herself to create without rules or expectations.

Blow It Up

Casey said: “I’m so excited to have worked with Linen House on this bespoke collection. It has long been a dream of mine to create textiles from my work and Linen House have been the perfect team to work alongside to bring this dream to life. I am beyond proud of this collection, from my home studio to your homes, I hope you love them!”.

The collection is available now, exclusive to Linen House and Myer.

Linen House launch gender-neutral kids collection parents will love

Aussie brand Linen House have launched their latest kid’s collection. The new range features contemporary children’s bed linen and coordinating…

Self-taught artist celebrates thirty years in the biz!

“Because I never learnt formally, I have no rules. I taught myself and each work leads to the next; I…
Categories
Design Homewares Interiors Addict Styling

Make rug shopping enjoyable with the Miss Amara difference

More than just a decorative piece, a well placed rug can warm a room, dampen noise and bring a scheme together. Unfortunately, shopping for a rug can be tedious and intimidating. However, Miss Amara, a design-led Australian-owned rug brand, is modernising the business of rugs with sustainability, exclusive designs and customer experience.

Miss Amara elevates the usually daunting experience, offering free styling services by in-house interior experts, a virtual rug styling tool that uses augmented reality to help customers visualise what a rug will look like in their space and a risk-free returns service.

With collections built on versatility, the Miss Amara rugs are designed by an in-house creative team, showcasing abstract concepts and patterns that are inspired from far flung destinations around the world and timeless design style. From Scandinavian, Tribal, Contemporary, Traditional and Mid-Century, the Miss Amara rugs are made from the highest-grade materials with an extensive range of sizes perfect for finishing lounge and living spaces, bedrooms, kids rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways and outdoors.

Founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife duo Aaron Weller and Alex Tanya Weller, Miss Amara now has more than 70 staff operating online stores across Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and USA.

Miss Amara founders, Aaron Weller and Alex Tanya Weller

“The inspiration behind Miss Amara came after I had tried and failed to purchase a rug online. After asking family and friends, I realised it was a common occurrence – people would get really inspired, go on Pinterest, find amazing photos and then reality would hit – the experience of actually buying a rug online at the time was terrible.

“Our competitors had thousands of rugs in their ranges, but they were all product photos. There were no inspiring photos of rugs in beautiful spaces, no interior design advice or customer service – just a sea of sameness and endless clicks,” said Alex.

The Miss Amara range includes soft, stain-resistant rugs that can be machine washed, high pile rugs designed to sink your feet into, pet-friendly rugs and sustainable rugs made with recyclable fibres, such as PET (recycled bottles) and recycled leather. 

See full Miss Amara range

2022’s most popular home design trends from Houzz report

A report based on search result data on Houzz has identified home design trends of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and…

An expert guide to style your house from scratch

Styling your home from the ground up? Fluctuating between being excited and overwhelmed? Great! You’re in the right place. Thankfully…
Categories
Bathrooms Interiors Addict Styling

Discover what styles Australian renovators like the best

Australian homemakers are favouring safer styles such as Traditional, Coastal and Scandinavian when it comes to home renovation, according to new data from more than 20,000 Australians who have taken the Beaumont Tiles What’s My Style quiz in the past year.

Lifestyle Beachwood Kuni Grey Matt

The data shows more than half of the respondents lean towards the three lighter, neutral styles out of the top 10 global interior design trends available, which also include Contemporary, Farmhouse, Industrial, Mediterranean, Modern, Vintage and Wanderlust.

Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles design specialist, said that Australians’ love of these looks has only solidified over the last five years, hitting 51% this year following four years of incremental growth for the three styles. 

“While these styles may be seen as safe, it isn’t surprising that Traditional, Coastal and Scandi are favoured when you consider the Australian environment,” she said. “Thanks to our warmer climate, we are looking for openness and lighter spaces with these looks ticking the boxes for these requirements.”

Scandinavian Live a Little Mint Complete Bathroom Package

Christie said some may see the prominence of Traditional, Coastal and Scandi styles by Australian homemakers as being safe, subdued, and conservative. “But the good news is these styles can easily be injected with a bit of fun and personality through the addition of colour, the use of decorative tiles, addition of soft furnishings.”

Traditional Florence Value Complete Bathroom Package

“In the bathroom for instance, you can easily create a splash of colour which wouldn’t be out of place with any of these styles with the new Nood Co range of colourful basins exclusive to Beaumonts. In the kitchen, you can create a statement that is just a little bit different from the regular houses of these styles by trying a pop of colour or pattern with your kitchen splashback and adding a bit of greenery to the space.

“Being bold through some choice additions can really make your space unique and personalise your new reno look.”

Shop tiles here

How to achieve seaside vibes in your bathroom

Achieving a dreamy sense of seaside luxury is easy in any bathroom, whether you are near the coast or not.…

From stadium sets to stylish Scandi furniture: IsoKing’s new range

Over a 48-hour period last March, major events staging company Stagekings lost 98% of their business due to restrictions on…
Categories
DIY Expert Tips Interiors Addict

5 tips for first time painters: it’s all in the prep!

The thought of painting walls and ceilings yourself can be a daunting. Nobody wants to make what seem like permanent mistakes whilst painting for everyone to see. That is why British Paints has shared their top tips that all first time painters need to know.

Check for damage on walls

The first important step when starting a new paint project is to check walls for damages and marks, in order to determine exactly what paint and tools are needed. Are there any leaks? Is there pre-existing mould or stains? Are there any cracks? If these aren’t attended to before painting, it will impact the final result. Water stains, oil based stains, ceiling mould, gaps, holes or cracks are all common types of damage. Such issues can be solved with specialist paint products.

*Tip: Use oil-based products for water stains and water-based products for oil-based stains!

Set up with the right tools

Having the right tools is essential for tackling a paint project. Pairing the right paint to the right brush/roller is key to ensuring the finished product is faultless. Brushes are perfect for small areas, trims and edges, while a roller is great for a large painting area, such as a wall or ceiling.

Along with the correct pairing, add the following to the shopping list: frame, ladder, roller tray, roller pole, drop sheets, painter’s tape, filing blades, gap filler, rags, sandpaper, sugar soap.

How to know when to use a primer

Although similar, primers and undercoats both serve quite different functions. Primers act as a foundation for paint to stick to, while undercoats create a flat and level base for topcoats. An easy way to remember when to use a primer is if a surface is new and hasn’t been painted before.

If a surface is painted and in good condition, but in need of a refresh, a regular paint without a primer can be used. Ensure the wall has had a good clean, with sugar soap, then use British Paints Clean & Protect Low Sheen to give the wall a refresh. Clean & Protect is guaranteed to protect from mould, it’s easy to apply, allows for a smooth flow and an even finish.

Choosing the right paint

Paints are designed for different purposes and it’s important to look for a paint specific to the project at hand. When painting a ceiling, for example, the aim is for a lower gloss paint, to create a flat finish. Whereas, if painting exterior surfaces, use a paint that can protect against seasonal demands.

Once the purpose of the paint is decided, it’s time to choose the colour! To assist with the hardest decision of all, Aussies can visit British Paints’ online colour wall assistant tool to work out the best colour for the project and how much paint is needed.

Give it a go!

The best way to get started on a painting project, is to just give it a go! Painting is supposed to be fun, particularly for painting novices setting out to DIY homes. Because of this, British Paints has the Good Job Guarantee which gives painters piece of mind by offering paint replacement for any mishaps or mistakes that happen along the way – so there’s no reason not to give it a go!

Click here for all paints and more help with painting

DIY: Powder room and laundry makeover for under $500!

While interior designer and stylist Melissa Rettore’s Melbourne home is only six years old, boredom had set in. “The home…

TV interior designer shares what to get right first time

Sponsored by Australian Gas Networks (hyperlink) Building or renovating a home is fraught with multiple decisions and competing priorities. But…
Categories
Design Interiors Addict Outdoor & Exteriors Styling

Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area

Architectural photography of a grey Hamptons style home facade with a topiary trees at the entrance and a bench set and flower pots

For over a decade, Australians have had a love affair with the Hamptons style, with the trend increasing throughout the 2020 renovation boom and now considered as one of the most desired design themes for Aussie homes in 2022. However, it’s not just the indoors where the Hamptons trend is featuring, it’s a favourite in outdoor areas as well.

Hamptons Coastal Moodboard

Award-winning landscape designer and Adbri Masonry ambassador, Jason Hodges, has shared his expert advice on achieving the Hamptons look, from your side path to your front garden.

Front garden and entry

The front garden and entry offer the first impression of your home, so it’s important to maximise street appeal. A typical Hamptons house garden consists of a mix of lush, green lawns, neatly trimmed hedges and topiaries, as well as traditional flowering plants mostly in blues, whites and purples, like hydrangeas, orchids and gardenias.  Rather than chaotic paving and random flowerbeds, Hamptons-style landscaping demands an organised approach, so structured symmetrical paving is essential. “Consider a lawn edging product to create formal and well-defined zones, such as Adbri Masonry’s lawn edge. It’s a versatile DIY-friendly garden edging unit perfect for separating the lawn from the garden bed. It also stops turf runners from creeping into plants,” says Jason.

Lawn Edge in Oatmeal

Driveway

Driveways don’t have to be just functional concrete slabs. Light-coloured rectangular pavers, such as Adbri Masonry’s Havenbrick, placed in a stretcher or herringbone pattern, add to the overall neat, manicured landscaping of the front yard and creates a stunning first impression leading up to your home. There are many different pavers to choose from, however, when considering pavers for your driveway, ensure they are rated for driveway use.

Side Paths

A well-presented side path is practical and attractive and can increase the value of your home, as well as adding valuable additional space to utilise. To have the continuity of Hamptons style throughout your property, consider a footpath or feature stepping stone path using large format square or rectangular concrete pavers. Concrete pavers such as Adbri Euro Classic or Euro Stone are hard-wearing, easy to install and look great. For added ‘wow’ factor, lay the pavers offset in a stretcher bond pattern and fill the voids with decorative stones or greenery.

Backyard

To many Australians, Hamptons gardens are synonymous with size, large expanses of lawn, pool houses and monster hedges. The reality is, there are key elements of a Hamptons style that can be brought into a garden of any size with smart material selection. A beautiful deck with white rails bordered by lush, green hedges will create the classic Hamptons garden design, however, if you have a smaller space, you can bring in the greenery with buxus balls that still allow for formality and provide a manicured aesthetic.

Jason suggests creating an entertaining area with large concrete pavers, where you can unwind with friends and family. “You need a functional paved area to appreciate the beauty of your garden.”

Jason adds: “You will never regret improving your home with a destination garden, you will get more out of your home, increase its value and literally feel like you are on holiday all year round.”

See Adbri Masonry’s “Kerb to Back Fence” manual for more

Discover what styles Australian renovators like the best

Australian home makers are favouring safer styles such as Traditional, Coastal and Scandinavian when it comes to home renovation, according…

Hamptons selections in a box: the popular style just got easier!

Sponsored by Intrim While we often tell you it’s the finer details that add up make an interior feel finished,…
Categories
Design Interiors Addict Interviews

Multi-residential interiors designed by the popular Bec Judd

Design-led developer and builder Lowe Living has unveiled the final interiors release of its in-demand Sera project in Brighton, which has been exclusively designed by Australian media personality and TV presenter, Bec Judd.

Located on the corner of Pine and Hampton Streets in Brighton, Sera is the first of two Bayside-based Lowe Living projects that Bec will collaborate on over the coming months, bringing her unique style and eye for interior design to what will be her first multi-residential interiors project, after completing a string of successful high-end residential home renovations in recent years.

Bec has selected a timeless Tundra natural stone that hails from Turkey as the feature throughout the interiors, accompanied by soft timber detailing and in-built feature joinery, such as the custom profiled doors in a premium 2pac finish. Curved timber lines intersect with the sharp mitred stone edges to create the perfect balance of crisp, clean lines, and curvilinear forms.

“I wanted to connect the striking external façade to the interior design to really give a sense of holistic design. The exterior arched detail is subtly repeated internally with the use of a curved leg on the kitchen island, curved joinery elements, a feature arch-like stone handle on the tv joinery and a gorgeous dome shaped wall light,” said Bec.

“Warm, neutral tones with a complementary mix of stones, timbers and tiles really elevate the spaces to feel luxe yet welcoming, sophisticated but unpretentious. The soft tonal palette gives the interiors a relaxed, calming ambience. I really wanted to design interiors that were warm, inviting, textural and of a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.”

Bec’s top five trends from her Sera design collaboration are:

Curves: “ The striking façade of Sera lends itself to mirroring this iconic curve internally, seen through the arched kitchen island leg, dome wall sconces and bespoke curved joinery that provide a seamless transition from outside in.”

Warmth: “Inviting tones of warm greys and beige provide a luxurious yet welcoming palette, while also creating a spacious ambience throughout the project.”

Texture: “Layering timber, natural stone, wool and gloss tiles provides ample textural interest and accentuates exceptional luxury in every finish.”

Integration: “A key element in all my designs is to ensure appliances are seamlessly integrated into joinery to allow for hidden functionality. There is nothing more distracting than appliance cords and boxes detracting from beautiful interiors.”

Profile: “I love playing with gorgeous joinery profiles, and the modern Shaker profile in the main ensuite and kitchen at Sera is a key focal point, elevating the luxury and functionality of the space. The contemporary yet classic profile is slim in its design and is the cherry on top for the gorgeous joinery throughout the project.”

The final Sera collection, designed by Bec Judd, features a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $1,295,000.

For more

Bec Judd’s home has chalet chic vibes: get the look

In the cooler months, there’s nothing like cosying up in a winter retreat set amongst nature. It’s hard to imagine anything better than…

TV interior designer shares what to get right first time

Sponsored by Australian Gas Networks (hyperlink) Building or renovating a home is fraught with multiple decisions and competing priorities. But…
Categories
Dining Expert Tips Interiors Addict

Easy hassle free hacks to transform your Christmas space

Processed with VSCO with s2 preset

We’re all ready to fill up our houses with the latest Christmas decor, but how do we avoid it being boring or tacky? Well this year to get you host ready in style, Shaye Ford, interior designer at Miss Amara, has shared their tips for levelling up your Christmas décor.

Choose the right colour scheme

Great festive décor begins with a solid colour scheme – and this doesn’t mean confining yourself to the usual red and white palette. From neutral colours to warm metallic hues like gold, brass, copper and rose gold – think outside the box to give your space a distinct yet festive look. A fail-proof route to take is the middle ground and keeping things effortless with layered neutral tones combined with shiny accents or pops of colour. Warm creams, white and textural jute are a great foundation that can be accented with subtle sparkle and festive embellishments.

Play with patterns

A quick and hassle-free way to bring a holiday-theme to your space is to incorporate a statement centrepiece with a pattern for visual interest. For example, patterned napkins, placemats and area rugs can dramatically change the look of your dining room. The best way to make a small room feel festive is to go big on colour. Even if your home has a relatively neutral colour palette, adding a few vibrant pieces will shock your design system…in the best way possible. Just remember that instead of adding more, try changing what you already have, which will leave you with the same amount of space, but with more cheer.

Lay a fluffy rug under your tree

If a tree skirt isn’t for you, placing a fluffy, oversized rug under your tree can really take your décor to the next level, creating depth and richness to the overall look, plus protect your floors from scratches. While white is a popular choice to create the illusion of a snow-covered floor, you could also opt for something with brown tones of pattern to add texture.

Decorating trends for 2022

The decorating trends of 2022 will focus on the small moments that make Christmas truly magical. It’s time to create a joyful, uplifting space that stimulates warmth, tactility and togetherness, with simple comforts and heartwarming traditions. From nostalgic maximalism to sustainability, these are the trends that will help to put an elevated touch on your Christmas celebrations this year.

Shop Miss Amara

Foodie Friday: Cream cheese olive Christmas tree

Festive and full of flavour, this cream cheese olive Christmas tree from Chef Ness is the perfect crowd pleaser. Served…

Welcome to the rug shop that makes rug shopping fun

More than just a decorative piece, a well placed rug can warm a room, catch sounds and bring a room…
Categories
Expert Tips Interiors Addict Outdoor & Exteriors

How to turn your cramped backyard into a hidden gem

We’ve all heard the same story. Cities are becoming more populous, more expensive, houses are getting smaller and backyards are on the way out. While some see the shrinking size of the back garden as the end to an outdoor oasis for entertaining and relaxing after a hard week’s work, a small garden can often be more easily transformed into a lavish exterior than larger spaces. According to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Rachel Gilding, with a bit of savvy styling and know-how, even the most modest backyards could be magically transformed into a lavish exterior with these three ideas:

A calm watery paradise

Pending the size of your garden, Rachel said consideration should be given to a bath, spa, or water feature to help transform your patch into a bit of beautiful backyard bliss.

“Any water design feature can create a relaxing vibe and brightens any space with its brilliant bluey reflective hues,” said Rachel. “The feature doesn’t have to be big; water features can create that zen vibe without a massive loss of square metres.

She said a water feature matched with outdoor porcelain pavers will create a beautiful coastal feel. Just make sure your outdoor wall colour matches the neutrality of your paver to maximise this gorgeous aesthetic.

“On the other hand, you could opt for a darker paver which will give off a stunning, smooth modern feel that is sure to impress. And by opting for outdoor porcelain pavers, you have a durable and long-lasting surface that is slip-resistant and can handle exposure to any household chemicals. 

“Installing them with pedestals or raised supports is perfect for renters and small spaces with open joints creating great drainage which will solve any outdoor bath spills.”

Add that firepit flare

Rachel said that while a firepit may seem unrealistic for a smaller backyard, there is a range of smaller braziers or fire pits available that overcome the challenge. “A fire pit is a design feature that draws the eye at a social gathering and is where people will naturally gravitate to.

“If you have modest space, try a freestanding outdoor fireplace to utilise that limited space you have, just make sure you check your fire regulations before installing this one.

“This, combined with a stone or wooden bench a safe distance around your brazier and a basalt grey paver as the base and some pot plants can create an amazing wanderlust sanctuary. Adding outdoor porcelain pavers with a concrete base can be the perfect accessory to this area, as pavers can be used as a suitable base thanks to being fireproof and durable.”

Being porcelain, these thicker pavers have excellent durability for outdoor weather with UV fade-resistant qualities and they don’t curl on the edges as some natural stones do.

Gorgeous greenery

An all-natural look can be a soothing focus for creating a hideaway from your nextdoor neighbours or the sprawling neighbourhood you live in, and you don’t need too much room for this!

“This biophilic inspired design is sure to bring you closer to nature,” said Rachel. “It’s all about bringing nature into an overall design narrative, to bring harmony and wellness to the space. 

“One of the incredible ways to make the most of limited space is to make a vertical garden which can create a great privacy screen from your neighbours. It can also be used to grow herbs and vegetables for lovely garnishes for those home-cooked meals.

“Outdoor porcelain pavers are easier to maintain than many other types of material and when you lay them out in a diagonal pattern they will actually make your backyard look much larger than it actually is so you can get an expansive feel to your green sanctuary.”

For more on Beaumont Tiles’ outdoor range

How to increase your home’s sale price with some backyard renos

With our purse-strings getting tighter and pandemic life changing the way we work, many are considering selling their homes for…

Bring your summer holiday home with BROSA’s new outdoor furniture

Australia’s increasingly unpredictable weather patterns mean durable outdoor furniture is a must. BROSA have announced their largest outdoor collection featuring…
Categories
Design Expert Tips Interiors Addict

Design predictions for 2023 that will inspire you

With people spending more time at home than pre-pandemic, our wants and needs of a home are changing. Our predominantly all-white and all-dark homes are ready for something new. To help show us the way, Rebecca Burrows, interior designer at home builder Henley, looks into her 2023 design crystal ball to unpack a suite of design predictions guaranteed to delight and inspire.

Be bold with colour

Rebecca says: “There’s definitely been a move away from white on white. Be brave, be bold and bring in some colour through your cabinetry, furniture or decor items.

“There is a wide spectrum of colours to play with and choose from. If you’re afraid of colour and don’t want to try bright or dark deep jewelled tones, try soft pastel colours. Subtle pinks, greens and blues are popular and offer a nice, calming effect and add a bit of fun to your space.”

Earthy neutrals

“If bold colours are not your thing, palettes with soft earthy neutrals, muted greens, deep mustards and warm browns are beautiful.  

“After a decade, there has been a shift away from greys, white and black. This new colour palette from nature reconnects us with the outdoors – these colours are much warmer and create a relaxed, welcoming space. With this shift, matte black tapware is being replaced with brushed nickel, gun metal and bronze.”

Tapping into textures

“We love using different textures. Layering textures will add visual interest to your space. Use textures from nature like, sisal, grass cloth, hessian, clay, stone and wood.  Their natural organic shapes add interest. Textured fabrics like leather and boucle are also popular.”

Express yourself

According to Rebecca, it is important to be fun, creative and joyful with your interiors.  

“The minimal and uncluttered look is still popular but with a twist. Home décor is taking on a more individualised style, rather than looking like a perfect display home.  

“Your home should reflect your personality, passions and interests. Express your personality throughout the space. Avoid mass produced designs and use décor items that are handmade by artisans; or use special treasures you’ve found on a favourite holiday. Items don’t need to be perfect – the more unique, the better. Beauty comes form imperfection and you can mix and match different elements together.”

Organic shapes

“We’ve seen a big shift to curved edges – curves are soft, fluid and organic. Cold, modern elements like sharp edges and glossy finishes are being replaced with soft curves. i.e. vanity basins, kitchen islands, coffee tables.”

For more on Henley

The new tile and interior trend coming in 2023

Elevated Retro is set to become a primary interior design influence as Aussies move into 2023 and give the nod…

Australian kitchen trends: The latest high-tech oven and fridge

From the latest high-tech ovens and fridges to hit the market to beautiful stone-look porcelain panels, building the kitchen of…
Categories
Bathrooms Interiors Addict

New curved ‘wave’ range from Highgrove Bathrooms

Highgrove Bathrooms’ latest vanity range, Wave, features a contemporary design of curved corners with a matt white finish and soft-closing drawers.

Wave is available as both wall and floor-mounted and accommodates your choice of basin and tapware. It comes in sizes from 600mm to 1200mm wide to hold one or two basins in a sealed v-groove finish and your choice of single, double, or triple soft-closing drawers.

The corner unit with a single curved feature end is ideal for compact bathrooms, while the larger floor-mounted double vanity is the perfect choice for open-style bathrooms and ensuites. Prices start from a very affordable $569.

Shop the new range

Australian bathroom trends: Smart toilets, LED mirrors and more!

From the latest smart toilet to the launch of two new stone-look surface ranges, there’s plenty of inspiration to be…

Concrete and terrazzo star in Highgrove Bathrooms’ latest

Sponsored by Highgrove Bathrooms Always great at taking a trend and bringing it to the residential bathroom market at an…
Categories
Expert Tips Interiors Addict RENO ADDICT Reno Products Reno Trends

The new tile and interior trend coming in 2023

Elevated Retro is set to become a primary interior design influence as Aussies move into 2023 and give the nod to the cosiness of bygone eras and a familiar charm that centres us and evokes feel-good comfort. 

Insights gained at the world’s most extensive tile and ceramics trade show, Cersaie, held in Italy, also indicate that New Year styling will embrace an exciting fusion of biophilic and dopamine design, defined by home, hearth, and nature influences at its core. 

To explain more, Beaumont Tiles strategic designer Rachel Gilding has shared her insights.

“2023 will explore the playful movement of nature through wallpaper looks, organic tones, 3D structures and large format stone look tiles with new technology underpinning the ability for exciting applications. Expect to see these tiles tonally warm even further in 2023, with soft and inviting sun-baked hues teamed with cosy neutrals with a hint of retro inspirations in New Year projects.”

The new stone age

Rachel said that we’re all searching for balance, and you could see this reflected at Cersaie with trends that reflect a primal instinct rising to the fore, bringing the cave aesthetic into our homes. Natural stone look tiles are among the most robust growth trends, with travertine, slate and sedimentary limestones being must-watch designs for 2023. 

“Thanks to advanced print technology, these stone-look tiles perfectly emulate the real thing yet boast all the durability and hard-wearing appeal of ceramic tiles.”

WOW, with wallpaper print 

Rachel said the designs and tones of decorative print tiles have grown and developed over the past 24 months into such a broad range, ensuring that no matter what your preconceptions, you are bound to become a fan in 2023.  

Decorative tiles in small formats and slabs up to 3 metres all drive the narrative of nature with wallpaper-style detail. Everything from ornate florals reminiscent of bygone eras to retro tropical palm prints and birds. “Wallpaper prints in all spaces of the home reflect our broader social desire to connect with patterns and styles of the past but with a new world twist.”

Dopamine dressing continues  

She said interiors that provide an excellent dopamine hit with pops of bright colours continue to dominate. “From decorative format sky blues, paired with apricot pinks, through to subways in sage green and charcoal, the design narrative is fun with colour, and the application is sophisticated and charming,” Rachel said.   

“Palette direction is most certainly continuing to draw from our connection to the environment, with soft greens, tonal blues and organic variations taking the leading cue at Cersaie. 

Earth-toned neutrals, charcoals, and sun-kissed hues were the other colours predominately used to bring spaces to life instead of green. Shades of natural and earthly organic neutrals balanced the colour palette for those less adventurous. 

“Farmhouse, Mediterranean, or wanderlust decorative styles that are organic and minimalist will continue to anchor neutral-toned projects. Yet their evolution is more pared back in detail when compared to their predecessors, tying into the broader feeling of a need to connect with the past but adapt it to a new post-COVID world. The revival of French lay pattern is a great example of this.”

Shop the latest tile trends

5 stylish kitchen design trends to look out for in 2023

With the new year around the corner, it’s time to look ahead at the trends 2023 will have to offer.…

Benjamin Moore colour of the year 2023 revealed

Looking ahead to 2023, what paint colour trends do you think will take over in Australia? Luckily for us we…
Categories
Interiors Addict Recipes

Foodie Friday: Cream cheese olive Christmas tree


Festive and full of flavour, this cream cheese olive Christmas tree from Chef Ness is the perfect crowd pleaser. Served it with classic Arnott’s Jatz and Arnott’s Cheds.

Cream cheese olive Christmas tree

Festive and full of flavour, the Arnott’s Cream Cheese Olive Christmas Tree is the perfect Christmas crowd pleaser.

  • 1 cheese slice (1 cm thick)
  • 1 kg cream cheese
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 11/2 cups grated cheddar
  • 2 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
  • 2 x 120 g green olives (marinated, pitted, halved)
  • 80 g pitted kalamata olives (halved)
  • 120 g semi dried tomatoes (sliced)
  • 5 rosemary sprigs
  • Arnott’s Jatz and Cheds to serve
  1. Using a 5cm star cutter, cut a star from the cheese slice and set aside.
  2. Combine cream cheese, paprika, onion and garlic in large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
  3. Mix in grated cheese and chives.
  4. If your mixture is quite soft, chill for 1 hour or until firm enough to shape. If your mixture is already firm, you can skip this step.
  5. To assemble, place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface, then turn cheese mixture onto plastic wrap.
  6. Using plastic wrap, form mixture into a cone shape (base will need to be about 13cm diameter). Place on a serving platter.Push olives, semi dried tomatoes, and rosemary into the cream cheese to decorate. Top with cheese star.
  7. Serve with Arnott’s Jatz and Cheds.
Appetizer, Snack
christmas, snack

More from Arnott’s here

Foodie Friday: Tom Walton’s green goddess pasta salad

From chef Tom Walton, this one is sure to steal the show this summer. Fresh, vibrant and zesty, it’s the…

Foodie Friday: Vegan dark chocolate, nutmeg & Oreo cheesecake

This week’s delicious desert is from Winning Appliances’ culinary expert Reece Hignell. “This beautifully rich baked cheesecake with a hint…
Categories
Before & Afters Interiors Addict Real Renos

Before and after: how to make the most of compact living

When it comes to renovating and decorating, space is a major factor to consider, especially if you have a compact floorplan without the luxury to extend its footprint. Ex- Blockheads Brad and Lara Cranfield, recently renovated their dream Byron Bay family home, taking it from shack to shrine with an enhanced and maximised small space.

Before: kitchen
After: kitchen

They’ve shared their top five design elements to consider when designing your home to maximise space.

Flooring

“Living close to the beach, the interior of our home was always going to be beachy – we wanted it to be light, bright, and make the room feel spacious so that it could stand up to family living – that’s where flooring came in,” says Lara.

“We selected a beautiful light oak timber floor. Not only was this a practical decision, but it also met our budget and desired aesthetic. By selecting lighter flooring, we were able to visually open each room, particularly smaller areas such as the bedrooms and home office, making each look and feel larger.

“Installing the flooring so that it ran along the length of each room was critical in visually elongating the rooms, making them appear larger.”

Before
After

Window furnishings

“Windows play an important role in opening up a space – from letting in natural light to drawing the eye upwards or towards the outdoors – so how they are dressed needs to be carefully considered,” says Lara.

“For our large sliding doors on each end of the house, we opted for Veri Shades, installing them from floor to ceiling to help emphasise our high ceilings. Unlike many shade track systems that can be bulky and distract the eye, Veri Shades feature simple and sleek tracks helping them look elegant and sophisticated.”

Before

After

Lighting and colour palette

“If budget allows, adding a skylight or larger windows that sit from floor to ceiling will help make any space feel and look larger. Ensuring your home has enough access to natural light is essential in helping it feel spacious, bright, and open,” says Lara.

“Using light coloured paint on the walls and ceiling will also help maximise the space and work alongside the natural light to brighten your home. If you opt for a darker paint, less natural light will be reflected within the home and artificial light will be muted.”

Open living plan

“To maximise space, we knocked down all adjoining walls to create a large, open plan living area. As some of the walls were load bearing, we had to add ceiling beams. Eliminating these walls has changed the way that we live – I can now see where the family is and what they’re up to, which is great when you have young children,” says Lara.

Before
After

Scale and storage

“Make sure that you select the right scale furniture for a space – and that doesn’t always mean including small items for small rooms! Large furnishings can still be put into a small room. And remember, less is more, so if a room is cluttered make sure you declutter and take any unnecessary items out.

“You also want your room to be functional – you may create a beautiful room on paper, however in reality it doesn’t always work. Built in furniture, like a banquette with storage or a coffee table that works as a box, allows you to enjoy the room and your home free of unnecessary clutter.”

Brad and Lara are Carpet Court Style collaborators.

Shop the look

Carpet Court Oak Essentials flooring in Bronte

Carpet Court Veri Shades

Before and after: a stunning kitchen refurb using existing layout

“This ol’ gal with her timber benchtops, exposed canopy rangehood, above bench microwave hood and glass fronted overheads was due…

The Block 2022 tree change: guest bedrooms

So much cute on the The Block last night with the majority of the guest rooms presented as kids’ rooms!…
Categories
Expert Tips Interiors Addict

Top 5 Christmas styling tips to make holiday hosting easy

As great as the festive season is, for many of us Christmas can be a stressful time with hosting duties expected of us. It’s hard enough to keep the house clean and tidy let alone make it scream Christmas spirit for visiting family and friends! Thankfully with Christmas just around the corner, property stylist Justine Wilson has shared her top Christmas styling tips for 2022:

1. The main event – a tree!

There are so many styles and price points that there is something for everyone. From real trees to real touch trees, to sparse looking, or snow-covered, pre-lit or plain, there are so many to choose from. This year I have been a big fan of the ones available at Target which are beautiful and very affordable, or for a more top end fuller tree my other favourites are Alfresco Emporium and Balsam Hill, these trees will last a lifetime.

2. Ornaments

You can’t have a beautiful Christmas tree without lovely decorations or ornaments and as with Christmas tree styles, ornaments are just as varied. A traditional colour palette of gold and silver is timeless and my pick this year. Alternatively, you can go for the minimal Nordic look marked by bead garland and handmade wood ornaments, or a more traditional tree adorned with red and gold tones and lots of ribbon and trimmings. Pick a style that reflects you and your family for the best impact. David Jones always has beautiful ornaments as do Pottery Barn and Adairs.

3. Tablescapes

One of the highlights of any Christmas is the Christmas feast! Whether you gather for a family breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whatever your tradition, having a beautifully styled table will always set the tone. A tablescape can be as simple as a run of garland and a few candle votives, or it can be an elaborate setup that mirrors the style of your tree. My tips for a magical table are in the small details, such as place cards so everyone feels welcome, nice napkins and simple under-plate chargers – charger plates can dress up any crockery set and adds a sense of occasion to the meal.

4. Wreaths

Nothing says welcome like a beautiful Christmas wreath at your front door and like Christmas trees – the style you opt for will depend on your overall decorating theme. It could be a beautiful native wreath, a flocked snowy wreath, a glittery wreath, or simple greenery. Real or faux they make a beautiful statement and add that festive touch to your home’s entry. This season my favourite wreaths can be found at Tara Dennis Store and The Christmas Cart.

5. Pets

Last but not least get your furry friends involved this Christmas. I have three beautiful dogs who love a dress-up and of course new Christmas themed toys and beds that also act as decorations in their spaces.

For more on Vault Interiors

Mrs Tablescape’s new art-inspired store is bringing joy to Sydney

A new concept store has opened its doors to Sydney art lovers, interior design enthusiasts and home entertaining aficionados alike,…

An expert guide to style your house from scratch

Styling your home from the ground up? Fluctuating between being excited and overwhelmed? Great! You’re in the right place. Thankfully…
Categories
Expert Tips Interiors Addict

The 2023 wallpaper and colour trends to look out for

It’s that fun time of year where we can start to consider what trends will define 2023. Wallpaper remains a key complement to creating the perfect ambience, as colour and pattern continue to have a meaningful impact in our homes. So, to help you decide on next years wallpaper and colour, Superfreso Easy’s trend and deign expert Paula Taylor has shared her insights on what to expect.

Grecian Grey Wallpaper

Neutrals

Traditional neutrals such as grey, taupe, and timber brown add calmness and sophistication to interior home design and will always be popular due to its subtleness, while warmer rich tones will pull through in 2023. According to Paula, terracotta red and rich browns are coming to the fore. Celadon green and navy will still remain key.

Neutrals introduce a calming atmosphere that is often balanced with darker layers. Silvery geometric outlines deliver wallpaper that is both masculine and contemporary. Styling is easy, work with black and grey interiors. Alternatively, bring colour back the space by selecting colourful soft furnishings that will act as a fun feature look.

Wall Panel Grey Wallpaper

Teal is a shift away from true greens, but brings subtle green and blue elements of the ocean and nature to interiors, without the blaring intensity other greens and blues bring. The Contour Tegula Teal (RRP $93.50) wallpaper design oozes style with sophisticated copper detailing. This product is extra durable and designed to suit your bathroom or kitchen needs.

Tegula Teal Wallpaper

Wood, brick, panels and tiles

2023 will see a lot of realistic wallpapers that replicate wood, bricks, panels, and tiles. “This is a much easier and inexpensive way to achieve a look or trend in your room than going to the expense of the real thing,” says Paula. “Biophilia is still a key trend. Bring the outside in with lush green imagery and combining this with the realistic woods creates a really contemporary vibe.” Paula also notes geometrics will continue to be popular in 2023. “Repetitive grids and fine lines bring harmony to a room and reduces stress and anxiety,” said Paula.

Natural Wood Clad Wallpaper

For those seeking middle ground between stripes and shapes, geometric wallpaper designs are a popular option. Tile-themed wallpaper and its simplified, structured design is on trend. Geometric arrangements with monochrome colour schemes offer pattern and routine, bringing a sense of tradition and comfort to rooms. The Contour Grecian Black wallpaper transports you to a traditional Greek island. Extra durable, this wallpaper is designed to suit your bathroom or kitchen needs.

Giving a naturally rustic, cosy feel to rooms, wood effect wallpapers are perfect for delivering a traditional aesthetic. Bringing a wood effect wallpaper into a contemporary space delivers modern rustic appeal. Superfresco Easy’s wooden slats Natural Wood Clad design adds depth and style to any interior space with its 3D design.

Grecian Black Wallpaper

Add a touch of architectural detail to walls through timber panel designs. Providing  depth and definition to walls, wood panelling look wallpaper also adds a chic look. The Superfresco Easy Wooden Panel design brings an element of luxury to any space.

Once a major investment in a home’s look, wallpaper is now a design element that can be easily changed with the trends thanks to removable options like Superfresco Easy. Its ‘paste the wall’ technology allows homeowners and even renters alike to quickly put up wallpaper without the need for messy pasting tables and can be peeled off by hand without fear of ruining the wall beneath.

More information here

5 stylish kitchen design trends to look out for in 2023

With the new year around the corner, it’s time to look ahead at the trends 2023 will have to offer.…

How to achieve a stylish and practical alfresco living area

Alfresco living spaces are natural extensions of our homes and a trend that has continued to grow over the last…
Categories
Art Interiors Addict Interviews

Artist profile: Sara Adams makes the world a better place

Sara Adams, the artist behind Stella Patrice, knows the purpose of her art: “I create art to evoke feel-good emotions such as calmness, warmth or playfulness – we all need more of this in our lives, don’t you agree?”. But, in such a chaotic world, what drove her to dedicate her life and art to spreading positivity?

With such a soothing painting style, one could think that Sara’s life has been nothing but zen, however like all of us, Sara has had her struggles with stress. “I had an 18-year career in mental health and public health before burnout got the better of me late 2021 and I went on stress leave.” Sara turned to her old passion. “I explored my creativity, through embroidery first (my first small business was an embroidery kit business), then I grew confidence to explore digital art,” said Sara.

Since deciding to explore her creative side Sara has gone from strength to strength. “My creative confidence grew more and I made the leap to acrylic painting only six months ago.” These paintings have now become her first range of art prints for sale.

Despite moving away from her role in mental health, Sara carries characteristics of her old job with her. “I have a strong sense of social justice so I am pleased I dedicated the first half of my working life to helping others. I love a good debate about politics and recognise the role art can play in sparking important social and political conversations. However, for me art is about pure pleasure for the senses; almost as a form of escapism from real life! I think that is why I make slightly minimalistic art as I like to keep it simple, not overwhelm.”

Sara’s prints start at $90 and can be bought online.

See Sara’s full line of work here

A modern interpretation of the Arts & Craft movement in London

Inspired by the classic Arts & Crafts style homes in the surrounding neighbourhood, this unique North London home is full…

Exclusive interview: Andrew Winter’s bathroom makeovers

As the host of Foxtel’s Love it or List It Australia and Selling Houses Australia, it’s safe to say that…
Categories
Expert Tips Interiors Addict Styling

Christmas wreaths 2022: traditional, minimalist and even Lego!

The perfect Christmas wreath for your front door really sets the tone but with so many different seasonal decorating tastes, themes and colour schemes, it’s definitely not a one size fits all situation! We’ve gathered a real variety of our favourites for you.

Floreat for Legacy wreath: This wreath not only looks good but allows you to feel good. Made with native eucalyptus leaves and finished with silk poppies as a nod to those who have served, Sydney Legacy has partnered with Darlinghurst’s Floreat to create a special Christmas wreath with 25% of the price of the wreath going to Sydney Legacy, enabling them to support the families of veterans this Christmas. $150 with delivery available in the Sydney Metropolitan area.

Raz Iced Mistletoe Wreath (60cm): Crafted in durable materials and foam, this wreath with its frosted finish, creates a feel of Christmas wonderland. $77.

Wild Child Wreath from Fenton & Fenton: You might recognise this fab holographic acrylic version from the back page of our Christmas Gift Guide (check it out for your chance to win a $500 Fenton & Fenton giftcard and treat yourself!). $96.

Snowberry glitter wreath: Made from ivory/white faux eucalyptus foliage, each leaf on the wreath is lightly dusted with white glitter to add that frosty touch. $99.95.

LEGO Christmas Wreath 2-in-1: This is a fun one. This 510-piece set can be built with the kids for a family fun activity. Or just leave it to the big kids! $59.99.

Temple & Webster 40cm Beads Christmas Wreath: This half beaded wreath with a jute ribbon bow is perfectly simple. This one is ideal for a more Aussie Christmas aesthetic. $59.95.

Temple & Webster 40cm Beads Christmas Wreath

Fable Ice Wreath: A wreath handcrafted from natural twig-like materials dusted in white to resemble a tree branch after snowfall. $49.95.

Jurianne Matter TWIG leave wreath: Another build it yourself wreath, but this one takes you just a few minutes. The set comes with wire and pre-cut/punctured leaves and the rest is up to you and your creativity. Have some fun with it! $25.

Luxe Faux Pine & Magnolia Wreath with Gold Baubles & Leaves 46 cm: Getting to your more traditional Christmas wreath, this will go well with your classic festive decorations. $89.99.

Gold Leaf Christmas Wreath: Last but not least the gold leaf Christmas wreath will be a glamorous addition to your seasonal decorations. $40.

Christmas candles 2022: The best scents and most stylish

Amidst all the focus on Christmas food and decor it can be easy to overlook the power of scent in…

The best Christmas table cloths: Our picks for all budgets

With tablescaping still a hot trend, the Christmas table top has never looked more fun; gone is the stiff white…
Categories
Expert Tips Interiors Addict

Alana Lowes’ top tips to save money when moving

Did you know that we’re now officially in ‘moving season’? Typically, about two-thirds of all moves in Australia occur between October and March and with rising costs of living there’s expected to be even more people moving houses over this summer. Luckily, if you’re one of the many planning a move soon, moving ambassador Alana Lowes has shared her top tips to save money when doing so.

Alana Loves

1. Time is money

Removalists usually charge between $60 and $90 per half-hour so if there is something you can do to save the removalists’ time, it will also save you money. You can save hundreds by disassembling beds yourself, bundling loose items together to save multiple trips, bringing items to the front of the house or out to the truck, having things clearly labelled so removalists know exactly where everything should go, leaving a clear space for removalists to park, opting for a morning move when removalists are likely to have more energy, and even offering them a cool drink and turning the aircon on so they stay refreshed.

2. Slash bills

Take advantage of a move to implement some simple cost-cutting hacks such as lowering the temperature of your hot water for instant savings on your electricity or gas bill, installing ceiling fans which are more economical than air conditioning, and changing to energy efficient light bulbs (the NSW Government even has an initiative that can help with this).

3. Go secondhand

Sell or donate unwanted goods so nothing unnecessary is going in the removalist truck and you might even make some money to help with the move. You can also opt for secondhand items in your new home – it’s better for the environment and your hip pocket.

4. Be savvy

The removalist industry has moved with the times so it’s easy to get quotes and compare prices on platforms like Muval, which can also help you save hundreds or even thousands on small moves by finding spare space in bigger trucks or tapping into discounted last-minute space in freight travelling interstate.

If you’re looking to save money whilst moving visit Muval

Renovating for profit: why the old game no longer works

BuildHer Collective runs its final FREE Stop Dreaming, Start Renovating – 3 evening online event for 2022 next week!  Rebeka…

Before & after: Stylist shares how she made over rental home

We’re massive proponents of colour around here, and today’s before and after is a great reminder of just how transformative…