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Bedrooms Before & Afters Design Furniture House Tours Interiors Addict

Before & after: Luxury Sydney apartments go from drab to fab

As regular readers know, we love a good before and after around here and the latest one to hit our inbox is a series of spaces overhauled by furniture retailer BROSA. The brand has redesigned two luxury accommodation spaces in Sydney – a cosy, one-bedroom pad in Darlinghurst and a three-bedroom sky loft that features sweeping views of city landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

BEFORE bedroom
BEFORE bedroom (sky loft)
BEFORE bedroom
AFTER bedroom (sky loft)

Overhauled by the BROSA Style Team, the spaces were transformed with everything from fresh paint to new fixtures and plenty of fabulous final touches. BROSA worked with Tint Paint and sourced gorgeous linens from I Love Linen to complete the looks.

The sky loft renovation featured tired tan leather sofas paired with dated occasional chairs and coffee tables. Its new monochrome palette includes an array of textures including trending ivory toned boucle. The fabric is showcased in BROSA’s gorgeous Ada Swivel Accent Chair.

BEFORE living
BEFORE living (Sky Loft)
AFTER living
AFTER living (Sky Loft). The BROSA Ada Swivel Accent Chair (right) is a fabulous addition to the space.

The sky loft master bedroom was similarly transformed. Heavy dark timber was replaced with chic black and a lovely monochrome look overall. The team also painted out the timber feature ceiling.

BEFORE bedroom
BEFORE bedroom
AFTER bedroom
AFTER bedroom. An all-white ceiling updates the look.

In nearby Darlinghurst, the BROSA team employed similar techniques to overhaul a one-bedroom apartment. Dated timber furniture was updated with a fully upholstered bed (in a crowd-pleasing neutral fabric shade) that was then paired with simple black and white bedsides and a set of chic black lamps. A large indoor plant and a pair of neutral, graphic art prints finish the new look.

BEFORE bedroom
BEFORE bedroom (Darlinghurst apartment)
AFTER bedroom
AFTER bedroom (Darlinghurst)

Shop the look

If you love these looks, not only is the sky loft available for rent but you can purchase all of the BROSA makeover products here

Shop BROSA online | For more on I Love Linen

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Bedrooms Design Designers House Tours Interiors Addict Interviews Living Room Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Canadian home reno is a riot of colour and fun and we love it!

It’s not often that we feature an overseas home but this one is so full of colour and whimsy that we just had to share it. Located in Canada, the beautifully renovated home was designed by Reena Sotropa In House Design Group with a particular emphasis on green and coral pink. “Our clients have an incredibly colourful and playful personal style that they wanted to reflect in the redesign of their home,” says the project’s interior designer, Alanna Dunn.

Entry
Entry

The owners’ colour obsession is established upon first entering the home – a saturated green ceiling is paired with bamboo trellis print wallpaper and a pair of bright coral upholstered ottomans. “Coral and green are our clients’ two favourite colours!” says Alanna.

Living room
Living room
Kitchen
Kitchen

Keen entertainers, the redesigned home features maximised spaces that make it the perfect party house. Clever space planning resulted in the main floor TV room being opened up onto the adjacent living room to serve as a formal dining room and this space boasts some of the boldest patterns in the home. An oversized floral fabric features in the form of two sets of curtains and a nearby upcycled green cabinet draws the eye.

“The green bamboo hutch in the dining room was a serious secondhand score! Our client found the Thomasville cabinet for a steal of $200! We had it refinished and lacquered in Kelly Green to bring a big dose of personality into the dining space,” says Alanna.

Dining room
Dining room
The dining room features a gorgeous upcycled green cabinet

Upstairs, an existing bedroom was opened up onto the adjacent hallway to create a playroom for the family’s two young children. A super cute playhouse was built into the room (within the eaves of the roof) before being clad with scalloped cedar shingles.

“We chose to wrap the playroom with half-height wainscoting to protect the walls from the littlies who would occupy this space. Kate Spade wallpaper brings a big dose of colour and charm to the otherwise white monochromatic interior.”

Playroom
Playroom

The room features lovely personal touches including a large gallery wall installation that includes art, prints and treasures.

Child's bedroom
Child’s bedroom

The master bedroom features a statement brass framed canopy bed that sits centrally against geometric textural wallpaper in grey and olive tones. Running off the master, an enviable walk-in closet/dressing room features purse-patterned Manuel Canovas wallpaper and a statement green island joinery unit for accessories.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom

“Like the rest of their home, our clients wanted their bedroom to better reflect their fun personalities and tastes,” says Alanna.

Dressing room
Dressing room

And rather than hanging traditional artwork, a gorgeous series of kimonos and fans take centre stage. “The kimonos hanging down the white hallway are all heirloom family treasures belonging to our client, her mum and her grandmother!”

Kimonos add a splash of colour in the hallway
Kimonos add a splash of colour in the hallway

Photography: Phil Crozier

For more on Reena Sotropa In House Design Group

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Bedrooms Interiors Addict Interviews

New hemp linen brand inspired by Melbourne lockdowns

An environment of rolling lockdowns, pregnancy and parenting hardly seems conducive to starting a homewares line but it proved the perfect trifecta for Melbourne mum Kate Taylor. On maternity leave from her job as a government lawyer, Kate was locked down and awaiting the birth of her second child when she decided to launch the pure hemp linen brand Calvi.Co in August 2021.

“I’d lost a bit of motivation through the many Melbourne lockdowns and felt I needed to get in touch with my creative side after having been in the corporate world for a while. I happened to discover hemp linen at the same time as I was feeling this way, so the business seemed like the perfect passion project,” says Kate.

Calvi.Co

Initially drawn to the sustainability credentials of hemp, Kate was surprised to find that the textile is as soft as the hugely popular flax linen but has a variety of superior factors. “Hemp has a very high yield per square metre and its water consumption is about as much as flax which is much better than cotton. Hemp is also the strongest textile fibre available which gives it a superior shelf life,” says Kate who explains that the Calvi.Co range is stonewashed and softened which makes for a great skin feel. “Since hemp has come back into fashion, they’ve worked out that it can be treated in much the same way as flax and made to be softer.”

Calvi.Co

The petite range features pillowcases, sheets and quilt covers in three different neutral colourways chosen for their sartorial longevity – snow (a lovely, crisp white), ash (a gorgeous grey) and pebble (a classic beige). “The colours are designed to suit any interior style and because hemp is such a long-lasting product, we didn’t think it made sense to follow trends,” says Kate.

Calvi.Co

As for any negative associations around hemp itself, Kate feels that thinking is misguided. And in a sign that we could be at the beginning of a hemp homewares wave, she has noticed there are many more products on the market compared to when she first started researching.

“There’s a bit of a misconception about what hemp is and its association with marijuana doesn’t help. I’ve noticed more hemp products appearing over the past 12 months but when I first started looking, they were hard to find.”

Kate Taylor
Calvi.Co founder Kate Taylor

Kate is intent on elevating the status of the textile: “The product is as good as flax linen, if not better. I don’t see why hemp linen can’t be featured inside Vogue Living next to all the flax alternatives!”

Calvi.Co

Reader discount

Get 10% off site wide with the code ADDICT10

Shop Calvi.Co

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Bedrooms Design Furniture Interiors Addict Interviews

Koala: From ‘mattress in a box’ to bonafide furniture brand

When Koala hit the Australian furniture scene in 2015, it made waves due to its unique ‘mattress in a box’ offering. Coupled with the brand’s fabulous 120-night trial policy, commitment to solid eco-friendly practices and reasonable prices, Koala has gone on to become one of our most successful furniture start-ups. Today we catch up with the brand’s Vice President of product and design, James Whitta, to hear all about the brand’s ethos and expansion.

Koala mattress
The mattress that put the brand on the map

“Koala’s philosophy is all about creating products that suit the laidback Aussie lifestyle while also doing wonders for the planet. Sustainability is at the core of Koala’s identity; we always ensure we are taking care of the planet and its people every step of the way. We also want our customers to find buying furniture from us a breeze, by ensuring all our products are easy to buy, try and return,” says James.

Koala Highback armchair
Koala Highback armchair

After launching with one mattress style in 2015, and experiencing great success, Koala added a variety of others to the mix, designed to service every type of sleeper. The line-up soon became Australia’s most awarded mattress range and it encouraged Koala to look at other ways to permeate our homes. Consequently, in 2018, Koala launched the Lounging Sofa and continued to add furniture lines.

The Koala Lounging Sofa
The Koala Lounging sofa

“While sleep will always be a core part of Koala, it was a natural progression for us to explore how we could continue to develop products that Aussies will become die-hard fans of,” says James in explaining the current Koala range which includes beds, bed linen, pillows, desks, chairs, tables, storage options and sofas. Continuing the award-winning success of the brand’s mattresses, the Koala Cushy sofa bed was voted Product of the Year in 2022 (in the sofa bed category), and the WFH Desk won a Good Design Award in 2021.

Koala Cushy sofa bed
The Koala Cushy sofa bed
The award winning WFH Desk alongside other Koala items

Simple, stylish designs aside, the brand’s risk-free 120-night trial period is surely a solid consumer drawcard. “If customers aren’t in love with their new purchase, you can simply let us know, ship it back and receive a full refund. This applies across our entire range, not just our famous mattresses,” says James who explains that returned goods are given a second life through one of 68 charity partners.

James Whitta
Koala vice president of product and design, James Whitta
Koala dining chair
Koala Curved Back dining chair

Koala’s commitment to sustainability is no doubt another enticement for consumers with the brand committed to designing furniture that is well-loved and kept for years. “It’s part of our bid to take a stance against the fast furniture industry. All of Koala’s products are designed with their life cycles in mind, to ensure they are as recyclable as possible and that they don’t end up in landfill at the end of their days,” says James.

In addition, Koala sources timber from environmentally and socially managed forests through its work with the Forest Stewardship Council. “Our customers can feel great knowing they’ve chosen a product that takes care of forests, and the people and animals who call them home.”

Koala coffee table
Koala Round Coaster coffee table

And while the brand currently boasts 230 employees and has expanded into Japan and South Korea, there’s plenty of exciting news to come yet. In response to consumer demand, Koala is about to enter another sphere of the furniture market. “We had overwhelming demand from our customers to launch these new products, so we can’t wait to share the good news. All will be revealed in June but for now, it’s a secret!”

Shop Koala

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Bedrooms Interiors Addict Jen's reno

Room reveal: my new lighter, brighter master bedroom + shop it!

I shared our master bedroom on Instagram last month but I thought I’d give it a place here on the blog too as it was super popular! Read to the end for details and links for everything.

Long time readers know our bedroom used to be moody and navy (and the story behind how wrong I got that wall colour first go!), but after a few years of this look (below) I’ll be honest with you, I just wasn’t vibing it anymore! And that’s okay! Our tastes change.

BEFORE The bedroom was dark and moody | Image by Jacqui Turk

We also got new windows which was a big deal for this room and that’s because the window in this room was the worst of all our old windows: timber, rotting and had even got to the point where it wouldn’t open anymore. Healthy, huh?! Thank goodness we could open the window in the attached en suite!

The old window

The old window was previously hidden behind plantation shutters (thank goodness as it would have really killed my aesthetic!) but they were making the already mediocre natural light even worse. Given the opportunity to get rid of the shutters when we got our new windows (they wouldn’t fit back on anyway and I gave them away on Facebook to some very happy renovators!), I was thrilled to swap to roman blinds! Hello daylight!

I bought the frames for these prints from Temple & Webster and then ordered custom size mats online

The dark and moody hotel look worked for our bedroom before because it was a bit, well, dingy! But now we’ve let the light in and I’m all about light, bright and airy! I really wanted to channel spring in this room and for it to be a little less uptight, more casual, light in all senses of the word, and fresh! We also ditched the grey carpet and replaced it with the laminate floor we have elsewhere in our home and that made a huge difference to the light in the room. It immediately felt much bigger too. And oh, how I love to be able to mop in here, especially as this room is, for whatever reason, the dustiest place in the house!

Changing the wall colour of course made a major difference. We went for another Haymes Paint colour, Chinchilla Fur, which I know well because I already have it in our kitchen on the panelling and more recently used it for the panelling in the en suite so this ties the rooms together nicely. It looks totally different in the kitchen mind you (but I love both versions!), which is why you need to always get your sample pots, or use the clever The Big Paint Sample stickers like I do. Don’t think you’ve picked a dark navy off the fan deck and then come home to find the painters have turned your room bright primary blue! Yes, that was me!

The wall colour and timber accents tie in with our ensuite

I hoped my custom made fuchsia velvet bedhead might still work in here but it just didn’t. I left it for a few weeks before making the decision to swap it out (and again, it has gone to a new home where it will be very loved!). Long term readers will remember that we finally worked out this was the best orientation for this room despite a bed under the window not being the ideal. No off the shelf bedhead fits under this huge, low window, but I had a clever idea to hack the super affordable Kmart rattan one by cutting the bottom off the legs. I’m so happy with this. The bedhead isn’t super obvious because of all the pillows and because there’s not much height there, but I didn’t want to have nothing either! I was really trying not to spend too much on this room.

The bargain Kmart bedhead with the legs cut down to size

The linen is just divine. I mean I’m lucky to have been gifted a lot of gorgeous linen in my time, but when LinenMe let me choose from their collection, I picked these sheets and quilt cover for our guest bedroom but then had to steal them for the master! They were just perfect and I cannot enthuse enough about how good this stuff feels too. You can see the quality and I know they will be on high rotation.

I feel like good bedsides (much like entertainment units) are really hard to find so when I found the perfect ones at Life Interiors I had to have them. The oak and marble combo was perfect, and I’ve worked out one drawer is essential for all those bits and bobs, but two leads to them being full of rubbish! The previous navy ones were gorgeous but a bad combo with all the dust we get in this room. The marble is another light surface to reflect light too. I like that they’re not solid which adds to the feeling of space and light.

The timber floating shelf on the right was originally destined for the office but was too long for that room and one day it hit me it would be the perfect thing under the mirror (a wedding gift many years ago). It just works! And I love another timber accent for a bit of warmth.

The wardrobe doors got an upgrade with new satin brass handles from Gainsborough to replace the standard chrome ones and we had recently upgraded all our internal handles with beautiful new ones from their Avant range too. It’s amazing how these little changes add up. Pops of pink and gold elements are dotted everywhere, which is a bit of a Jen signature and ties it all together.

A reality of sharing this room with my husband is that we cannot survive and keep a reasonably tidy room without what I call a ‘chairdrobe’ and this boucle one is a work of art! With its timber and brass elements it was the perfect choice.

Our bedroom isn’t perfect. It’s not that big for a master (3.5 x 4m) and it’s a bit of an awkward shape, not least because the only way to make it work is to have the bed under the window. It doesn’t have a walk-in as this house was built in the sixties, but do you know what, for all its imperfections, it looks and feels pretty great now! And aside from how it looks, with functioning windows that open, air con and a hygienic hard floor, it it is so much healthier too, and for somewhere you spend so much time, that’s a big plus!

I’m still dreaming of adding a skylight (with an automatic blind of course). We shall see!

Shop the look

Floor: QuickStep Impressive Ultra in classic oak beige

Blind: Tuiss Blinds Online roman blind in bijou linen oatmeal

$159 rattan queen bedhead: Kmart

Oak floating shelf: RJ Living

Window: Carinya Select Double Hung by Alspec

Cushions: Society of Wanderers, Castle & Things and Aura Home

Bed linen: LinenMe

Art: Laura White original (peonies), Kirsten Jackson Gallery (one of many in my home!) timber framed print on canvas and The Poster Club at Life Interiors

Gold frames for paper art prints: Temple & Webster

Bedsides: The Avalon Marble Bedsides from Life Interiors

Chair(robe): The Blake Boucle Armchair from Life Interiors

Rug: Echo Cotton Rug from Temple & Webster

Paint: Chinchilla Fur by Haymes

Lamps: No longer available at Target, with upgraded shades from Freedom

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Bathrooms Bedrooms Design Designers Interiors Addict Kitchens Laundry Living Room

Laminex woodgrains look super sophisticated in latest collab

The biophilic design trend shows no signs of abating if the latest Laminex collaboration is anything to go by. Created together with CJH Studio, the series of gorgeous, bespoke living spaces showcase the versatility of the Laminex Woodgrain laminate collection while celebrating the beauty of timber.

Kitchen
Kitchen

“It’s about considering it in a new way, pushing and understanding the material. You need to think outside the square with what’s possible with the products,” says CJH Studio’s Cassie James-Herrick who produced four minimalist interior spaces for the project including a kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom with concealed laundry.

Bathroom
Bathroom and concealed laundry

Known for her use of minimalist, muted tones and natural materials, Cassie and her studio proved the perfect fit for the collaboration. The spaces certainly showcase the creative potential of joinery and feature bull nose benches with tight radii, curved shelves and bulkheads in generous convex and concave forms. And at times, Cassie mixed several grains, finishes and textures to create an unexpected yet subtle patchwork effect. 

Bedroom
Bedroom

The kitchen is a standout space that features Laminex Aged Ash (chalk finish) with accents in Laminex Milkwood on the splashback and drawer interiors. Laminex Danish Walnut (chalk finish) features on the plinth and internal pantry shelving while Laminex Mirror Smoked Metallic is an unexpected finish in the internal bar. 

Kitchen
The kitchen pantry features a metallic Laminex finish inside

The living room’s multifunctional joinery design was crafted from Laminex Danish Walnut (chalk finish) and it really makes the most of the space. The hard-working design encompasses a concealed desk area (including pull out seat on the left) as well as display bookshelves and a metallic concealed bar unit (Laminex Mirror Smoke).

Living room
Living room
The living room joinery features a concealed bar
The concealed bar in the living room

The bathroom features a clever integrated laundry and pairs Laminex Milkwood with a light natural travertine bench top and floor tiles.

Bathroom
Bathroom

Styling: Bek Sheppard | Photography: James Greer

For more

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Bedrooms DIY Interiors Addict Jen's reno Kids Rooms

My DIY polkadot wall in the boys’ bedroom

I recently shared this DIY polkadot wall project I did in the boys’ new shared bedroom on socials but I thought I’d include here with a step by step too. It was so super easy and as a non-crafty/creative person, I was quite proud and smug with myself afterwards. If I can do it, anyone can!

Charlie and Seb loved it and thought Mum was really clever!

I do like to keep the boys’ bedrooms quite classic and calm as they have all the colour and all the toys in their playroom (where would this neat freak mum be without that?!) but I loved the idea of this fun paint feature on one wall, especially as it’s the one they see from their beds, and the one you don’t see as you’re walking down the hallway. Everyone wins!

All you need is some paper plates, a couple of big sponges (I got mine from Bunnings), scissors or a craft knife and as many sample pots of paint as you want different colours (I chose three).

Simply cut circles out of the sponge/s with scissors or use a craft knife. I drew around a glass with a Sharpie but you could choose anything from the kitchen that works for the size you want. It’s also up to you if you do all your circles the same size like I did, or mix it up!

I chose a white as one of my colours to contrast against the mid grey wall

The boys thought they were helping me choose colours at Bunnings but the truth is, I already had a pretty good idea of what we’d get (I’m keeping it real here, folks!).

I’m all for living life on the edge so I didn’t over think the placement of my spots. I took my time and did one colour at a time. Then at the end I stood back a lot, considered the wall as a whole and added extras here and there until it was just right!

These brass hooks for hanging school bags on are from Temple & Webster

I found carefully twisting back and forth with the sponge onto the wall helped with coverage. The edges of my circles were definitely not perfect but I think that looks deliberate and works well for a kids’ room. Another tip is to have a few paper plates available to experiment with how much to load the sponge up (or not) with paint.

The finished feature added some fun to the boys’ bedroom

I hope this easy DIY project inspires you to have a go yourself. I’d love to see what you create if you do! If you have any questions, pop them in the comments. And before you ask, the bunks are the Myer from B2C Furniture and we love them!

This idea came from British Paints and you check out their how-to here.

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Bedrooms Design Designers House Tours Interiors Addict Interviews Kitchens Living Room Real Renos RENO ADDICT Styling

Inside a creative’s colourful home in the Southern Highlands

It’s not every day that a home renovation is inspired by a rug but it happens to be the case for this Southern Highlands NSW home owned by Designer Rugs account manager Jonathon Murray and his husband Brian Hadnutt. “My client had a magnificent Designer Rugs rug in his living room, boasting fun patterns and colours such as ruby, orange, hot pink, black and white. This palette became the cornerstone for the living room colour palette and derivations of this palette were repeated throughout the home,” says interior designer Lynne Bradley who led the home’s gorgeous, colour-filled overhaul.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom

Previously rented out, and used occasionally as a holiday home, the couple made the decision to leave the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and make this home their permanent residence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the all-white abode was very liveable, the couple wanted to make the home more inspiring, colourful and useable before making a permanent move.

Brian's bedroom
This bedroom features another fabulous rug!

“Generally, the home had great bones, but it was a bit vanilla,” says Lynne, who set about transforming the home with colour, texture, and floorplan changes. The renovation also had to complement the couple’s existing furniture and act as a backdrop to their art and antiques collections.

As for the main living area, a new gas fireplace acts as a focal point and welcome area for guests – Dulux Red Vine creates drama in the space. “There was no fireplace in this room, so we designed one with bench seating either side and under seat storage. The room is cosy yet stimulating, provides an attractive focal point from the kitchen and frames the garden beyond, beautifully,” says Lynne.

Living room
The living room’s statement rug inspired the home’s colour palette

The kitchen received a partial renovation – Lynne filled in the bar stool area with new shallow cupboards, replaced the tall storage with integrated appliances and replaced the kick boards and cabinetry hardware. A new Kelly Wearstler pendant light hangs above the nearby dining table and Dulux Red Vine features in that space too.

Kitchen
Kitchen
Dining room
Dulux Red Vine accentuates the original paintings on the wall in the dining room

The bedrooms were overhauled with a warm mix of paint (Dulux Turkish Bath) and soft, patterned furnishings. The couple receive many visitors but often work from home too so the guest room acts as a study when required. The thoughtfully designed study nook was originally a built-in robe before Lynne modified it.

Guest bedroom
Guest bedroom
Study nook
Study nook

“The style of the home now is both dramatic and comfortable and while it has a strong colour palette it doesn’t dominate – rather it nurtures. This project was indeed a great joy to work on and the reason for this is that my clients trusted me and didn’t fight the process. My clients have become my dear friends for life!”

Designer Lynne Bradley with her client Jonathon Murray
Designer Lynne Bradley with her client Jonathon Murray in the home’s gallery/hallway

Photography: Will Horner | Styling: Olga Lewis

For more on Lynne Bradley Interiors

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Bedrooms Homewares Interiors Addict Living Room Styling

Layer up! 10 of the best blankets and throws.

With temperatures starting to plunge in many parts of the country, it’s time to get the winter woolies out. Whether you favour bold, patterned designs or neutral textures there’s something for everyone in the latest line-up of blankets and throws.

L&M Home Alby blanket eucalypt: Available in three sizes and crafted from Australian wool (and with a brushed fringe trim) there’s something classic yet contemporary about this gorgeous blanket. A coordinating cushion is available too. From $249.

L and M Home

Adairs Bee Green Knitted Throw: Designed by the Adairs in-house design team, this throw has a fun, graphic feel but is neutral enough to complement any spaces. We think it would be lovely in a chic nursery. $129.99.

Linen House Lana gold throw: You can’t go wrong with a super chunky knit and this blanket certainly ticks that box. Plus, the sumptuous colour sings autumn/winter vibes. $85.

Linen House Lana throw

CURIO Practice Turn On Check blanket: Made exclusively for Jardan by Melbourne’s CURIO, these blankets are super soft and made from 100 per cent Australian fine merino wool. Each blanket is reversible and the colour ways are rather delectable. $540.

Curio blanket

West Elm Mixed Herringbone Blanket: Made from cotton, this classic design features a decorative herringbone motif and is available in ivory and graphite. From $209.

West Elm herringbone blanket

Slowdown Studio Bronte throw: Characterised by their bold designs, the hardest part is choosing a favourite from the highly covetable Slowdown Studio range. The 100 per cent cotton designs work perfectly on the couch, as a picnic rug or even as wall hangings. $335.

Slowdown Studio

Sage & Clare Caro brushed wool blanket: Playful pom poms and lush, brushed wool – what’s not to love? The colour palette make this the coolest plaid number around. $279.

Sage & Clare blanket

IKEA INGABRITTA throw: Available in five colours including khaki, mustard, grey, white and pink, this simple, textured knit throw is a fail-safe option. $39.

IKEA Ingabritta throw

Target Jagger Chenille Throw – Sage Check: Lighter in weight making it perfect for the beginning and end of the seasons, this chenille throw comes in two neutral colour ways as well as this fabulous checked sage green. $29.

Target check throw

Castle large Secret Garden knit throw: I own one of these vibrant throws and can tell you that it’s even better in real life. It works in the lounge room, bedroom and just about anywhere else in the house. $159.

Castle secret garden blanket
Categories
Bedrooms Decorating 101 Designers Expert Tips Interviews RENO ADDICT Styling

Julia Green on renovating with paint & latest styling secrets

As many of you will know, interior stylist Julia Green has transformed a 600 square metre heritage warehouse in Geelong into a stunning retail concept flagship store for her business Greenhouse Interiors. A gorgeous space, complete with fully functioning kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and lounge (where every room is shoppable – whoop!), Julia partnered with Dulux to create the bedroom, using the Flourish palette from the paint brand’s 2022 colour forecast.

Julia Green
Julia Green in the Greenhouse Interiors flagship bedroom space. Artwork ‘The Chandelier Project 003’ by Regan Glazner for Greenhouse Interiors.

“Our aim was to demonstrate how much difference just a touch of colour can make. The Flourish palette was perfect for this. It’s sophisticated without any sense of ego or pretension; sometimes earthy, sometimes daring, and easy to style. It’s also highly versatile with hues that are both soft, beautiful, and timeless,” says colour guru Julia who loves singing the virtues of a paint change when it comes to renovating. 

Julia Green bed
Bedside details

“Not all renovations start out as a blank canvas, in fact, many people buy renovated homes that are not styled to their liking. That’s where a fresh coat of paint and injection of colour can really come in handy. It’s one of the best ways to change up the look and feel of your home, without committing to a full-blown renovation,” says Julia.

Julia used Dulux Clay Pipe Half (a soft neutral with pink undertones) and Dulux Kenepuru Sound (a deep, rich blue with a hit of purple) on the walls and incorporated other tones from the Flourish palette through furniture and styling objects. All in all, it’s a warm and inviting result.

Julia Green

Julia’s top styling tips

  • Adding colour to your home can be transformative, so don’t be afraid to experiment and explore. It may not always work out the first time, but it’s worth persisting until you achieve the perfect balance.
  • Colour evokes emotions, so it’s best to consider how certain hues make you feel – whilst you may love a bold red, living with a whole room of it may be overwhelming. The good news about paint is, if you don’t love it, you can always paint over it. If in doubt, ask a friend or get a second opinion from a trade specialist – they are there to help!
  • Don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new and use bolder hues as accents rather than solid colours en-mass to avoid being too overpowering.
  • When decorating, always start with a blank canvas and add one piece at a time to ensure the balance is right. Sometimes how you edit your space can be more important than adding the homewares itself, so go slow.
  • Purchase Dulux A4 swatches, colour stickers or sample pots from the Dulux website of from your local paint shop to accurately test the colours around the room and view them at different times of day. That way, you’ll feel assured you’ve selected a colour(s) you’ll love.
Julia Green
One last look at the gorgeous space

Styling: Julia Green | Photography: Armelle Habib| Assistants: Justine Lanigan and Jessica Retallack

For more from Dulux

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Architecture Bathrooms Bedrooms Designers House Tours Interiors Addict Interviews Kitchens Living Room Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Red brick Federation Sydney home now features pops of navy

Designed by The Stylesmiths lead interior designer Priscilla Elasi, this renovation and extension, to a heritage red brick Federation home located in Sydney’s Burwood, has a timeless feel and uncomplicated design. With a project brief that called for liveability, the home has been designed to support the everyday life and entertaining needs of its occupants; a busy family of five.

The home’s gorgeous heritage front

The sensitive renovation highlights the original home’s heritage details; the exact details that drew the owners to the home. “These features remain the quiet heroes that inspired every decision but our clients are what made this experience special, and I wanted to do them justice. Even Uncle Amil who lives next door was included in the conversation,” says Priscilla.

Hallway
Hallway

From the front door, architectural mouldings and archways at the entrance hall work to set the scene. The front reading room has been lavishly coated in layers of deep navy to further reflect the era of the home, using rich colours to create a moody yet cosy feel by the fire. An eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings complete the sumptuous space. 

Stained windows are framed by midnight velvet Mokum fabric curtains and complemented by the Healey soft chair by Walter Knoll in tan leather. An authentic vintage crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

Fireplace
Fireplace

A new bathroom with integrated laundry replaces what was formerly the undersized kitchen. Fresh and neutral, the understated joinery allows the aged brass tapware to shine, while Calacatta marble tiling in a classic hexagon mosaic pattern takes the attention away from what is hidden behind the shaker style joinery doors.

Bathroom
Bathroom

The large rear addition marks the transition from heritage to modern with more neutral tones featured. The dining area boasts a ten-seater solid timber table paired with black leather chairs that complement the kitchen island bench stools by Grazia & Co. Skylights above let natural light permeate while pure linen curtains soften the space.

Dining room
Dining room

Handmade and slightly imperfect, Moroccan Zellige tiles add depth to the kitchen splashback while the marble island is the main attraction – the underside of the bench is wrapped in a deep walnut colour. “By positioning the sink to the left side of the kitchen, the generous counter becomes flexible enough to double as a second, less formal dining space,” says Priscilla. Nearby, a hidden butler’s kitchen was a must for the family of five.

Kitchen
Kitchen

The rear lounge area features a double-sided wood fireplace that can be enjoyed from the outside too. “Our clients craved a space to unwind, prompting the use of neutral colours, plush furnishings and warm accents to realise their vision. Walking through, every element is of generous proportions, including the emotive art that feels immersive and soothing with shades of blue, orange and green,” says Priscilla.

Lounge room
Lounge room
A kidney shaped pool keeps the kids entertained
The kidney shaped pool keeps the kids entertained

Upstairs, the daughter’s bedroom replicates the use of natural fibres and fabrics – a wool-blend Armadillo and Co rug underfoot, light timber side tables and aged brass antique bed frame, kept for sentimental reasons. The wardrobe joinery references the Federation style. 

Bedroom
Bedroom

Photography: Fiona Susanto

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Bathrooms Bedrooms Competitions Design Furniture Homewares Interiors Addict Living Room

A timeless new range from Freedom, designed for Aussie living

Sponsored by Freedom

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to check out, touch, feel and sit on Freedom’s new autumn winter collection recently and love how the iconic brand continues to develop its own aesthetic, designing in house and curating from elsewhere specifically for our Australian lifestyle. The focus is on timeless pieces which can be added to over the years, moving away from the idea of disposable and fast furniture.

Read to the end for your chance to win a $500 Freedom giftcard.

Turning 40 last year, Freedom is proud to be affordable and within reach of the average Aussie, but doesn’t believe that should mean sacrificing style or quality.

In furniture, Freedom’s occasional chair game is strong this year! CEO Blaine Callard explained that these chairs, and in fact all furniture, cannot just look good and has to pass multiple comfort tests before it makes it into the range. There’s no point in a fabulous looking armchair nobody wants to sit in, right?! Not in real homes anyway!

This curvy boucle number, Cobble, was my pick and you can take my word for it, they’re as comfy as they look too!

In homewares I loved the bathroom towels and accessories, the bed linen and the lamps in particular. It was great to meet the person who designed the below floor lamp I loved, because Freedom really are designing in house, not buying from one of the huge suppliers who supply multiple chain stores. How cute is the little pull switch and the pleated shade? And of course it’s brass, which I’m always drawn to like a magpie.

This Loft sofa was a really clever sectional with fully upholstered storage/side table sections too, so you have ultimate flexibility to move them around, perhaps deciding you want the side table between seats first, and then moving the table to the outer edge of the sofa later.

Underneath that timber top, where you can place your coffee or wine, there’s heaps of storage (for throws or toys perhaps!) and even a hidden built-in charger for your devices. Love it! I loved the rug and coffee table here too. And that coloured glass vase is part of a range which has apparently been flying off the Freedom shelves.

This stunning Sorrento tan leather sofa was another favourite of mine and comes in multiple configurations and colours and fabric too! And the oversized, Japanese-inspired Grande square coffee table is a beautiful, unique piece.

Like much of the new black timber furniture, the coffee table is made from solid mango wood and made to last more than a season or two! The mum in me sees this as a hardwearing low coffee table where the kids could play lego when guests weren’t expected!

These textured towels felt beautiful and I’m all for elevating something as mundane as the necessary evil toilet brush holder by making it marble!

Cushions are exclusive designs to Freedom and all had gorgeous textures and detailing like embroidery and piping, in gorgeous textiles designed to easily mix and match.

The overall palette is what I’d call warm neutrals and really does have a timeless feel, with the ability to dial up or down the contrast and number of pieces depending on your own personal taste and the size of your rooms and home.

Lighting was another highlight with table lamps galore (everyone always has room for one more, right?!) and these divine geometric pendants which look great alone of clustered together.

Bedroom furniture has had a refresh too, with designers really considering the whole package holistically. I really love the upholstered bench at the end of this bed which could have so many great uses, like in your entry to sit on and put shoes on. And you could store the shoes underneath too!

Freedom have also recently launched a new Australian designed and made mattress range. Inspired by Australian landscapes they are complemented with Warwick fabric on the sides and matching base. They’re available in firm, medium and plush feels.

A sofa from the relaunched Autograph range

Tapping into the increasing demand for personalisation in our homes and elsewhere, Freedom has also relaunched its Autograph range this month, offering consumers the ability to design their own sofa, whether they’re looking for something traditional or contemporary. It offers countless design options with the ability to choose from 21 premium fabric and over 15 leather options. There are three distinct arm styles (contemporary, double and sloped) and new leg styles with three timber colours and a metal option, as well as having a low or high base for easy cleaning. All of this is available in thousands of options for a truly customised piece that fits your room size, use and style perfectly.

“We believe great design should be available to everyone. That’s why we’re creating unique pieces to seamlessly fit into our Australian homes, easy to piece together and personalise to create your own look,” says head of design Kate Hopwood.

Prices for the Autograph range start at $1,439.

Some of the new range is in store now with more dropping over the next couple of months.

Shop online.

Launching with a single store in Sydney in 1981, Freedom was an Australian retail pioneer, bringing design in house well before other Australian furniture retailers. In 2022, Freedom has come full circle, once again designing and curating in-house to create beautiful products for our unique Australian lifestyle. Freedom is part of Greenlit Brands, an integrated retailer that designs manufactures, sources and retails a broad range of furniture, bedding and other homewares. Greenlit Brands employs more than 3,800 people with 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand. 

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Bedrooms Homewares Interiors Addict

Only 12% of Aussies are getting a good night’s sleep

If you feel like you’ve been missing out on sleep more and more lately, you’re not the only Aussie going through it. According to a recent survey by Freedom Furniture for World Sleep Day (today) only 12% of people could say they had a great night’s sleep. So, what can we do to help the rest of us?

In today’s ever-alert world, over half of the 1,000 people surveyed said stress and worry were major reasons for losing sleep. Surprisingly, those aged 45-to-54 are especially concerned. All of us have had to live through more than two years of constant Covid updates and it shows, with 40% reporting it had a negative impact on their sleep.

Of course, there’s the more common classics to this phenomenon too. 27% complained about noise, 20% informed of illness or injury, and 20% noted that they used an uncomfortable pillow or bed. One thing we can do to remedy this then, is select a good quality mattress. Lloyd Craske, head of sleep at Freedom, shares some key factors to getting the right mattress:

  • A mattress with a quality spring system is vital to bringing back the skip in your step. Pocket springs can reduce motion transfer, meaning you won’t keep waking up because of your partner or pet anymore.
  • Remember that the top of the support system are the comfort layers. Too soft will have you in the sunken place and too hard will have you tossing and turning towards a stiff lower back. Avoid this by opting for foams, memory foams or latex.
  • Lastly, consider the very top layers of the mattress. Made with natural fibres they can create a healthier sleep environment for a comfier night’s sleep.

Freedom has launched a new mattress range handcrafted in Australia and inspired by its landscapes. They have Warwick fabric on the sides and a matching base. Available in three feels: firm, medium and plush, they do what mattresses should by conforming to your body and providing pressure relief. They also have hundreds of individual pocket springs for all night support and natural fibres on top for better breathability.

Other key findings from the research include:

  • Retirees/over-65s reported the best quality sleep while those aged 45-to-54 and those performing home duties reported the worst.
  • 73% of 18-to-24 year olds reported that worry and stress was a reason for their poor night’s sleep, compared to 33% of over-65s.  
  • 1 in 5 people take over an hour to get to sleep.
  • 30% of respondents included taking a bath or shower in their bedtime routine.
  • 47% have a hard mattress.
  • Australians have an average of 1.69 pillows per person.

For more on Freedom’s new mattresses

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Bathrooms Bedrooms Furniture Homewares Interiors Addict Living Room Shopping

Ten things we’re loving at Adairs: Checks, rattan and more!

Once just known for its quality, affordable bedding and towels, Adairs has expanded into a one-stop home emporium. The large range now includes furniture, prints, ceramics and more and often features collaborations with Australian design talents such as Mark Tuckey and Fleur Harris too.

Baxter Desert sand and natural check knitted throw: Woven into a large scale, on-trend checkered design, I adore this 100% cotton throw and will definitely be adding it to cart. $119.95

Adairs throw

Boden natural desk: Is this not the boho desk of your teenage dreams? I can see this rattan number looking gorgeous in a girl’s bedroom. $999.99

Adairs Boden natural desk

Home Republic vintage washed linen onyx quilted coverlet: The brand’s vintage, pre-washed linen has that gorgeous worn-in feel. This coverlet is the perfect, cross-seasonal layering piece. $329.99.

Onyx coverlet

Home Republic Orson shell side table: Crafted from powder coated metal, this piece is both sculpture and side table. $249.99

Adairs side table

Felix black bathroom accessories: Stylish and simple bathroom accessories (at an affordable price) can be hard to find. This range certainly fills that gap. From $19.99.

Felix bathroom accessories

Somers natural rattan and black counter stool: Combining a rattan seat and back with a black or chrome metal cantilevered frame, this chair is very much inspired by Marcel Breuer’s iconic 1928 design. $329.99

Bar stools

Pipe white twist shape vase: Modern, abstract and minimalist – what more could you want when styling a coffee table or shelfie? This vase looks great with or without blooms. $29.99.

pipe vase

Tuberose toffee corduroy quilted coverlet: Featuring fine corduroy on the front and a floral printed cotton reverse, this quilt absolutely screams autumn. From $179.99.

Toffee bedding

Mark Tuckey Boston 5 tier oak shelving: Crafted from solid European oak and MDF/oak veneer, this shelving unit is part of the range designed with master Australian furniture maker Mark Tuckey. Use on its own or pair two pieces together. $999.99.

Mark Tuckey shelving

Flynn black and natural check rug: The Adairs rug range is surprisingly comprehensive though rarely extends beyond small and medium sizes. This tufted cotton design features fringing for eclectic appeal. From $299.99.

Rug

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Bedrooms Interiors Addict Shopping

Autumn bed linen latest: Navy, eucalyptus & cinnamon dominate

While it’s hard to think about any other weather event than the tragic floods that have hit the country of late, autumn has arrived and with it a new array of bed linen. From trans-seasonal coverlets to pretty autumnal florals, the season sees an emergence of a strong colour palette with navy, eucalyptus green and cinnamon appearing across brands.

L&M Home

L&M Home’s autumn line-up is a cosy affair with lots of plain bedding options in rich tones including classic navy and cinnamon. The brand’s plain Nordic linen range is woven in Portugal and crafted using fine, 100% cotton yarns making for an ultra-soft feel with a hint of crispness. We love the brand’s gorgeous Soho quilt in the new nougat tone – it looks particularly fresh when paired with navy sheets.

Aura Home
L&M Home’s Soho quilt in nougat, pictured with the brand’s Nordic bed linen in navy.
L and M home
L&M Home Nordic bed linen in cinnamon

Kip & Co.

As is typical for the brand, the, Kip & Co. autumn drop is rather large with lots of gems to be found. We’re particularly fond of the ‘Blooms’ printed linen range that features an orange, white-washed green and pink floral print on an olive base with plain olive reverse. This design looks fabulous paired with the brand’s iconic velvet quilt cover in the new khaki colour way. From $209.

Kip and Co
‘Bloom’ sheets and pillow cases paired with a khaki velvet quilt cover
Kip & Co
‘Blooms’ fitted sheet and pillow cases

Aura Home

Aura’s much-loved Maison Vintage coverlet has had an autumnal makeover and is now available in a gorgeous warm tone the the brand has called hazelnut. Perfect for the in-between seasons, the coverlet is made from French flax grown sustainably in the coastal regions of France and blended with sustainably sourced, super soft cotton. The brand’s Maison Vintage quilt cover in Syrah is a sophisticated choice too. From $259.

Aura
Maison Vintage coverlet in hazelnut
Aura Home
Aura’s Maison quilt cover in Syrah

Linen House

Linen House has embraced green in a major way this autumn from khaki to forest green and other shades too. The large-scale ‘Wren Forest’ quilt cover set and the ‘Heath Eucalyptus’ quilt cover set are particularly lovely. From $169.99.

Linen House
This versatile quilt cover wouldn’t look out of place in a teenage boy’s room
Linen House

Adairs

Navy is big on the bedding front at Adairs also – perhaps the classic shade is the new charcoal? The pretty ‘Wild Garden’ pale green quilt cover set is one for the floral lovers. From $159.99.

Adairs
Home Republic Stonewashed cotton navy quilt cover
Adairs
‘Wild Garden’ pale green quilt cover set
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Bedrooms Homewares Kids Rooms Shopping

Where to buy Australian kids’ bed linen online

It’s no secret that we absolutely love what Aussie designers are doing in the world of bed linen! So much so that a few weeks ago we showcased our top 10 best places to buy Australian-made bed linen online. But today it’s all about the kids! So check out the amazing kids’ linen brands below, where you’ll find something to suit every little one, from classic bedding, to colourful, to just plain crazy!

This always popular post has been updated for 2022.

Sage & Clare

If you’re after a bit of 1970’s inspired colour and print in your child’s room then Sage & Clare is the place to hit up. Featuring clashing prints, gorgeous quilt covers, embroidery, pom poms and a host of fabulous mix and match cushions, the range allows you to create a layered and original kids’ bedroom look with a touch of the bohemian.


Sage and Clare

Kip & Co

2014 saw the girls at Kip & Co branch into kids and cot linen and the line has been a huge success. The brand’s anything goes approach sees designs include fairies, monsters, checks and more and we love their motto: “We’re not trying to be the sophisticated kids bedding company, or even the cute or the pretty, we just want to make a spunky, fun kids bedding range.”

Kip & Co

Sack Me!

Sack Me! has three goals: to be fun, stylish and gender-neutral. Hitting the nail on the head for all three, their range is all about food, bringing about that friendly familiarity to kids and kids-at-heart.

Sack Me

Castle & Things

Rachel Castle is the queen of fun yet stylish bed linen and we love the way that she mixes and matches her fabulous prints that are designed by hand in her Sydney studio. From spotty sheets to beautiful floral designs, as well as beautiful complementary cushions, Castle is all about whimsical colour pops making it perfect for kids’ rooms.

Castle & Things

Cultiver

High-quality linen bedding in a range of beautiful full-bodied colours, Cultiver is the perfect alternative for parents tired of garish colours and clunky bed designs. With a selection of their range available in single sizes, their bedding is sophisticated and promises to last the test of time.

cultiver1

Society of Wanderers

This beautiful, retro inspired bedding brand isn’t just for adults with single sizes available too. From leopard print to gingham floral patterns and more, the range is created in 100 per cent French flax linen and the brand also produces a lovely line-up of cushions to complete the look.

Little Willow Vintage

For a personal touch, you can’t go past the Little Willow Vintage range of personalised embroidered cushions. Each pure linen pillow is hand stitched and features a contrasting oatmeal linen backing and is filled with an eco insert made from recycled plastics. They make a lovely gift.

Little Willow Vintage

Linen House

A stalwart of the Aussie bed linen scene, the Linen House kids’ bedding offering just keeps getting better. From on-trend prints and colours to matching novelty cushions, there’s plenty within the range to build up the layers in your child’s room. And in a welcome move for many parents (who are tired of the standard pink or blue!) the brand’s latest range is designed to be gender neutral.

Linen House

Sheridan

Established in 1967, Sheridan bed linen has been adorning Aussie kids’ beds for a very long time and its quality has remained. From stars to stripes, quilting and sorbet-hued designs, the range is perfect for those that favour a more classic children’s room aesthetic.

Sheridan

Pottery Barn Kids

From animal prints to plains and a smorgasbord of licensed designs (think Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Star Wars and more), the Pottery Barn Kids bed linen range has something for everybody. The brand also does bed skirts and plush children’s comforters too.

Pottery Barn Kids

 We hope you found this list useful. Please let us know who you’d add!

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Bedrooms Homewares

The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

This always popular post has been updated for 2022.

L&M Home

Previously known as Linen & Moore, L&M Home was founded in 2000 and its bedding range has a focus on natural materials rich in texture and character. More of a forever purchase, the linen becomes softer with time and use, as does the soft hand-loomed cotton. And while the range features plenty of trend-based colours, it’s the classic stripes and textured pieces that are perfect for that chic, timeless aesthetic.

Castle & Things

We just love Rachel Castle’s fun but sophisticated linen range, mastering mix and match and making bright colour acceptably grown up. You’re probably familiar with her spotty sheets, velvet penny round cushions and limited edition screen printed tea towels, which get snapped up and framed as affordable art. Castle’s all about pops of colour and a bit of whimsy.

On the website you’ll also find beach towels, bags, sweatshirts, Rachel’s original artwork and prints and more. I have countless grey linen doona covers and my castle one is my fave. So much so I have now actually worn it out from years of washing and use!

Castle & Things

LinenMe

It’s the linen Jen currently has on her bed (a mix of rosa and mint ticking stripes, if you’re interested, and yes, pink and green should always be seen!). LinenMe only manufacture bed linen from 100% European stonewashed linen which is strong and supple, getting better with each use and wash. They say investing in a top quality European linen product is an investment in longevity. Their range of colours (especially for the stripe lovers!) is huge and as well as sheets. covers and pillowcases, they also sell table linen, throws, cushions, robes and much more!

 

I Love Linen

Launched in 2013, I Love Linen started as just bed linen and has expanded to include table linen, homewares, towels and more. When it comes to your bedroom textiles, you’ll find pure cotton and linen, organic bamboo, cushions, mattress toppers and more. Whether you’re after on-trend crumpled plain linen or crisp, white, hotel style sheets, it’s a great one-stop-shop! We love the mix of plains and patterns and layering extras like valances and pillowcases too – all great quality and at very reasonable prices.

The brand’s ‘3D Bundle Curator’ tool is a great feature of the site – you can build an entire bedroom look from the fitted sheet to the quilt cover and more. The tool gives you a visual which shows exactly how the selection will look on your bed.

I Love Linen

Kip&Co

Launched in Melbourne in 2012, Kip&Co was founded by sisters Kate Heppell and Hayley Pannekoecke and best buddy Alex McCabe. Their bold designs and trademark giant tassel throws have become cult bestsellers and they do a great limited edition collaboration too! Collection after collection, year after year, we love this brand more and more.

What started as a bright, colourful bedding brand, quickly expanded into a vibrant lifestyle brand, as the girls brought their fun and stylish aesthetic to products for every corner of the home, and every member of the family. Now with a global following, Kip&Co continues to be inspired by the girls’ simple passion for interiors that are full of joy, laughter and the colour of life.

 

Aura Home

Aura Home is now a very established brand, sold online as well as in the likes of Myer. Founded in 2000 by Tracie Ellis, and inspired by years of global meandering, they design everything in Melbourne, and while we seen many trends come and go, they believe it’s their forward-looking approach that sets them apart. They’ve evolved from muted, earthy tones to extravagant colour, and then to subtle pastels. We think they have just the right amount of pattern and texture these days!

They’ve expanded to sell things such as rugs, ceramics, towels and more, and now have a beautiful concept store in Malvern too. I’m a fan of their ticking stripes and tie-closure Maison quilt covers.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is aura-maya_bedlinen_midnight-640x853.jpg

Cultiver

Another great small Aussie linen brand for high quality, classic, muted linen. They believe in products that last, great customer service and only use European flax linen. Founder Nicolle Sullivan believes using beautiful things in our everyday life can make us feel happier. Agreed! They also sell table linen, throws, cushions, robes and more. Shipping is free on every order and the brand offers free returns too.

Cultiver

In the Sac

Just another plain linen brand? Maybe! But In the Sac gets top marks for branding, packaging and colour choices! Great quality, great colours (and lovely stripes) and free shipping worldwide.

Sheridan

Of course, no Australian linen roundup is complete without Sheridan! People will tell you how the sheets they received as a wedding gift are still going strong, decades on! And I find their sheets just feel amazing too! Cotton, silk, linen, plain, patterned, modern, classic, colourful, from 250 to 1200 threadcount and everything in between, they have it all! Founded in 1967, Sheridan is a household name synonymous with quality (you’ll find them in Qantas first class, no less). In recent years they’ve done some great collaborations too. I find it’s a great place to buy bed covers (or coverlets) which can be tricky to find in Australia.

Sheridan

Sage x Clare

“We’re proud to design prints that unexpectedly and expertly clash with one another,” says Sage x Clare’s designer Phoebe Bell. From Moroccan stars to statement animal prints, hand drawn florals, handmade embroidery and 1970’s inspired colours and textures, this brand is one for the maximalists. Expert at the mix and match, we love how the brand’s sheet sets, quilt covers and cushions create a playful Bohemian vibe in the bedroom.

Sage and Clare

Ezibuy

Not the first place you’d expect to find fabulous bed linen but we like to think of it as a hidden gem. From florals to checks, plain and abstract designs, the line-up is strong but the prices are reasonable. For example, the 100% linen duvet cover below is priced at $200 which is a steal in our books! With waffle blankets, down duvet covers, pillows and more available, it really is a one-stop bedding shop. 

Greenhouse Interiors

Featuring collaborations with contemporary Australian artists, the Greenhouse Interiors bedding range comes in limited edition, highly covetable, prints. The art embellished range is designed to be mixed and matched with all of the pieces available to purchase separately. The range’s 100 per cent cotton art emblazoned bed covers are always a sell-out.

Greenhouse Interiors

Sheet Society

Another clever purveyor of mix and match bed linen, Melbourne’s Sheet Society don’t believe in being forced to buy bed sheets in sets; all of its items are available for individual sale making the brand a great choice for a bespoke look. Specialising in bed sheets that are trend-driven in terms of colours, designs and fabrics, the brand’s core products are made from luxurious long-stable Eden Cotton and French flax Eve linen but there’s boucle, corduroy and waffle options too. Invisible zips, extra wide elastic, a deep pillow fold and a folded top edge are all standard features.

The Sheet Society

The Cover Collective

This VIC-based brand do luxury linen “without the la di da” and pride themselves on keeping it real! “We are not your typical linen brand and we don’t get all fancy pants on our customers, we just want to give them the best night’s sleep, night after night,” says founder Nikki Cap. They specialise in only 100% premium pure French linen. “Quite simply, it’s damn good!”

Society of Wanderers

This gorgeous bedding brand has a distinct retro vibe. There’s leopard print, gingham, floral patterns and more, all created in 100 per cent French flax linen. The brand also produces gorgeous napery and cushions as well as a lovely line-up of matching apparel.

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Where to buy kids’ bed linen

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Popular blog posts: Our top 10 most read in 2021

A COVID-led renovation wave gripped the nation in 2020 (as we all spent more time at home) and this trend was certainly reflected in our most popular posts. From an affordable bench top reno solution to the ideal kitchen dimensions and a post that details just how long it takes to renovate a bathroom, our most popular stories had a strong renovation focus. On a related note, our most popular category for 2020 was the before and after – again, unsurprising given the current climate!

  1. Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail: From the ideal bench top height and thickness to the perfect distance between the island bench and kitchen row, this practical post proved super popular with readers this year.
Kitchen
Image: Ben Clare

2. The best places to buy Australian bed linen online: A perennial reader favourite, it seems that our appetite for gorgeous Aussie bed linen is insatiable. This post tells you where to find the best on the market.

3. How long does a bathroom reno REALLY take and why?: Another practical reno post, this one gives an honest breakout down of just how long it takes to renovate a bathroom along with all the nitty gritty details.

Bathroom renovation

4. Interiors Addict bathroom reno 2: what I chose and why: Unsurprisingly, many of you were interested to see what Jen did in her own home. From tile selection to the vanity and bath, Jen unpacks the design decisions for her main bathroom in detail in this post.

Jen's bathroom
Image: Jacqui Turk

5. 3 ways to transform your benchtop for a few hundred dollars: With kitchen bench tops a big ticket item, the popularity of this post comes as no surprise. Cherie Barber talks you through how to overhaul a bench top without breaking the bank.

6. Why biophilic design is increasingly important right now: With all that time spent inside (thanks COVID!) the biophilic design trend has never seemed more appropriate. In this post, renovator Ozge Fettahlioglu explains why connecting our homes with nature is more important than ever.

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Park by INC Architecture & Design | Photo by Eric Laignel

7. Painted brick houses: 3 readers share before & afters: Jen took the plunge and painted her brick home and became obsessed with the the transformative effect it had, for a relatively small spend. In this post, three readers share their fabulous painted brick before and afters.

Jen’s own painted brick before & after

8. IKEA hacks Australia: DIY built-in HEMNES cabinetry how-to: In this post, renovator extraordinaire Naomi Findlay explains how she used IKEA flat packs to create a custom built-in cabinet in one of her renos. The end result was pretty special and looked far from budget!

IKEA Hemnes

9. DIY wainscoting just got really easy!: Wall panelling was always something that had to be left to the professionals but in this popular post we show you how to do it yourself!

10. Charlie Albone and Juliet Love share a first look at their new home: This popular post saw us tour the fresh Sydney home of Aussie landscape designer and TV host Charlie Albone and his interior stylist wife Juliet Love.