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.
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.
After 10 busy years building and running a multi-disciplinary design studio, working on over 400 client projects and amassing an Instagram following in excess of 260k, The Designory director Melissa Bonney was a little burnt out and looking for a career pivot.
“We’ve done so many beautiful client projects but I felt like it was time for a reinvention. We get constant questions through our website and Instagram and we’re inspiring and teaching people at the same time. We’ve become more of an education platform in a way,” says Melissa, who has just launched The Designory’s Digital Resources to cater to this demand.
Created to demystify the world of design and teach you everything that Melissa and her talented team know, the offering gives you access to all the tools, tips and professional know-how to help you create your dream interiors. You can affordably shop the brand’s in-house documentation including architectural plans, detailed designs, schedules and even smaller details like specific tiles or furniture items. “Good design should be for everyone and not just for those that can afford the big dollars. I’m so excited about these products,” says Melissa who explains that the digital downloads vary in price from $15 for a single item to $2,500 for a full set of architectural plans.
Samudra House bedroom
Samudra House design schedule
Comprised of easy-to-read, downloadable PDFs that can be purchased individually or as a bundle (room by room and house by house), from concept to construction, you can now recreate The Designory look for a fraction of the cost and without the decision fatigue.
“As a design firm, when we’re doing these projects we’ve got these massive schedules that sit behind them. It’s everything down to tile layout, grout colour and the mechanism in the drawer runners,” says Melissa. A super smooth process, the schedules contain fully clickable links that allow you to click through and make purchases.
Users can choose elements from individual projects (there’s three now with nine available soon) or buy a complete set of plans. “The plans are so detailed that you can literally print them and hand them straight to your builder, trades or consultants,” says Melissa.
The Samudra is one of three house designs you can purchase from
And while you can purchase all the details from a specific house, you can also come up with an entirely bespoke design solution. “The idea is that you can mix and match houses to come up with something unique. You can copy it entirely or be inspired and take elements from a couple of houses,” says Melissa.
Sikata kitchen
Melissa would charge 15k minimum to design a kitchen but the plans for this one can be downloaded for $850.
“Of course, we’ll continue to be your go-to design bible for all things building, interiors, architecture and design, but we’re pulling back the curtain and we couldn’t be more excited!”
James Hardie has revealed that ‘The Hamptons’ is its most popular search term when people are looking at building new homes or renovating their existing homes, with its second most popular search term being ‘modern coastal’, considered a variation of The Hamptons theme. To help clear up what Hamptons actually is and how we can achieve the aesthetic, is Hamptons expert Natalee Bowen.
What is The Hamptons?
“The Hamptons can have many different variations but at its core is a mix of coastal relaxed sophistication that embodies a high-end layered look,” said Natalee. “Overall, The Hamptons is a classic, traditional style with open plan living and beautiful cabinetry throughout. It should be identifiable from the outset with a weatherboard façade and contrasting trims. While the interiors feature wooden flooring, details of shiplap (horizontal boards) and wainscoting (vertical boards on the lower half or third of a wall) and a neutral palette of layered soft furnishings,” she explains.
Variations on a theme
Increasingly, Australian homeowners are after individuality and diversity, and are reworking the Hamptons look to create architecturally designed, personalised variations. While there are the ubiquitous hallmarks of The Hamptons style, Australian homeowners have taken that style and morphed it into three main sub-categories: Traditional Hamptons, Contemporary Hamptons and Australian Hamptons.
Natalee explains the subtle differences between the three looks:
Traditional Hamptons
“Traditional Hamptons is a classic style made obvious with soft grey finishes and detailed white trims. It is full of character and beautiful, heavy detail. Every nook is an opportunity to create a feature and layer to its fullness,” she says.
“Contemporary Hamptons is typically more of a minimalist look, pared back and monotone in colour, using mostly a black and white palette and more masculine touches. Taking design cues from the urban environment such as stone, steel and cement-based cladding, gives a slightly industrial feel. It allows us to still reach out in detail, however when furnishing this look, we stick to more black than white. The use of wrought iron brass also defines Contemporary Hamptons.
“Australian Hamptons is more laidback, with wider verandahs and pared back detail from the inside out. It is less fussy in its approach with a much more casual feel. The colourways are also more defined, using either a darker palette externally of blues and greys, or a white-on-white palate for a distinctly coastal look,” Natalee explains.
Australian Hamptons
According to Natalee, there is no right or wrong take on The Hamptons but it is important to take cues from the surrounding landscape.
“For example, if you are in the suburbs you want to go with a colourway that creates a balance for the streetscape. Darker tones with darker roofs are generally used in dense areas and in leafier suburbs more lighter tones are used, such as grey and white. In rural areas we use grey and whites with lighter roofs that embody a farm style home with wider verandahs,” says Natalee.
Contemporary Hamptons
Trend watching in 2022 and beyond
As for future trends within The Hamptons genre, Natalee predicts adaptations to the theme with interiors but not exteriors. “What has been interesting is that the external façades still have the same distinct weatherboard and trim. However, internally we are seeing a few very distinctive looks.
“Classic is still very popular but modern coastal, defined as traditional coastal with a tropical twist, modern and country styles are all becoming more prominent and allow you to create your own character within the Hamptons style. I think this flexibility gives longevity to the overall Hamptons theme,” said Natalee.
Australian Hamptons
“Whatever Hamptons style appeals, there is no denying its lasting popularity with Australians. Perhaps it’s our mild climate and love of indoor-outdoor living that makes the Hamptons work so well in any Australian setting.”
With tablescaping still a hot trend, the Christmas table top has never looked more fun; gone is the stiff white linen and in its place is a riot of colour and pattern. These are our top picks for creating a fabulous festive season table top.
Fenton & Fenton Pink Summer tablecloth by Whitney Spicer: A collaboration with NSW still-life artist Whitney Spicer, this is one the most beautiful tablecloths we’ve ever seen and the colour way is almost rather traditional for Christmas. $245.
I Love Linen Ivy gingham tablecloth: It’s been so great seeing the return of gingham and this fresh green number is equal parts nostalgic and stylish. From $135.
Target galah tablecloth: A wonderful affordable option, this galah and protea emblazoned tablecloth is perfect for an Australiana Christmas. $45.
Kip & Co Jessica Nguyen Summer Sunset check linen tablecloth: An ode to Italian summers and long lunches under the sun, this French flax linen design was created in collaboration with foodie Jessica Nguyen and features a gradient check pattern in warm sunset hues. $159.
Bespoke Press Summer Picnic linen tablecloth: Another gorgeous Whitney Spicer collaboration, this 100% linen tablecloth comes in a chic box printed with the same beautiful design. $270.
Adairs La Frutta fruit blue tablecloth: More Italian inspired design vibes, this fruity flax linen number will bring some summer fun to your festive table. $149.99.
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,…
Latest tabletop wares inspired by desert blooms
With the tablescape trend still going strong, and summer entertaining on the horizon, the latest Ecology collection couldn’t have come…
Popular media personality and interiors expert Neale Whitaker is bringing us a taste of his country home through his latest homewares collection.
Inspired by his country home and the nature that surrounds it, Neale’s spring/summer range features a range of versatile, earthy tones; the perfect collection of affordable, well-designed, contemporary basics.
“My new range continues to draw inspiration from the landscape and colours of my country home,” he said. “The collection is made from all-natural fabrics, including – for the first time – hemp.”
Sheet set – Clay
Neale has taken a considered approach to his new collection, designing pieces that will pair perfectly with his existing range. It features brand new bed linen, co-ordinating throws and cushions and towels in natural fabrics like linen, hemp and pure cottons. He has even added a new colour, Grey Gum, to the palette.
“Grey Gum is a beautiful, soft shade that shimmers somewhere between blue and silver grey. It reminds me of my favourite ghost gums, but also conjures the horizon of the ocean here on the NSW South Coast,” he said. “Mix Grey Gum with Granite or Oyster for a cool palette, or team it with Wattleseed for a palette that suggests the beauty of an Australian summer.”
Beercroft cushions
The Neale Whitaker N|W homewares range is now available in store and online at MyHouse.
A mainstay in American homes, we’ve seen the mudroom concept surge in popularity in Australia over the last few years. A practical space at the entrance of your home, used to store all your household belongings, a mudroom is the perfect place to house shoes, hang up your bag, keys, dog leads and more.
These spaces are beginning to become popular DIY projects, as people crave functionality within the home and embark on a spring-cleaning refresh. And you don’t need a dedicated space to create a mudroom – a hallway, nook or alcove will suffice. Wendy Rennie from Haymes Paint has some great tips to share.
Colour is everything when creating a mudroom The first and most essential step of creating a DIY mudroom is differentiating the space from the rest of the house through the use of colour.
The great thing about a mudroom is that you can create one out of nothing. Often, these handy little spaces can be used to fill up an entryway or transform a hallway, inviting guests to take a moment to kick off their shoes or hang up their jacket as they enter your home. But to make this space feel like its own, colour is required.
“Since the mudroom is the entrance to the home, it is key to select a colour theme that is consistent with the rest of the house, but still creates impact. You want the impact of the first impression to flow harmoniously throughout the entire home,” says Haymes Paint colour and concept manager Wendy Rennie.
“I recommend using a darker shade to differentiate the mudroom from the rest of the house, especially if you do have an alcove or separate entryway to use. If your mudroom is simply an extension of your hallway then a lighter neutral, complemented by accents of a darker tone that may feature elsewhere in the home is a nice introduction for your guests of what is to come,” says Wendy.
You can choose any colour theme you desire, as long as you steer clear from bright primary colours. Reds, yellows or even blues will be too overwhelming when first entering the house.
Bring it to the next level with furniture Not everyone has a dedicated room or nook that they can designate for this space, and the good thing is you don’t actually need one. You’d be amazed at what you can create with simply the right colour themes and a few simple pieces of furniture.
A set of hooks you can drill into the wall, a hall table and a cute wooden shoe rack is all you need to create a ‘mudroom vibe’ without requiring a designated room. The best part about these furniture pieces is that they are practical but also aesthetic, adding character and style to a hall or entryway.
This mudroom features the Haymes Paint Artisan Surface Industrial finish on the walls
Accessorise! Once you have selected the furniture you can inject your personality into the mudroom through the accessories you choose.
To warm up the mudroom, Wendy suggests laying down a rug to add a pop of colour and act as an entryway for your guests. Potted plants by the door and in the corners will also enliven the mudroom with the freshness of greenery, acting as the perfect transition from the outdoors to the indoors.
A dark and drab apartment in the heart of Redfern, has been transformed into a calm and contemporary oasis for a retiring couple by interior stylist Jessi Eve. Faced with the challenge of merging two completely different briefs from each client, Jessi found a balance that honoured both. One of the clients preferred an all-white, cool-toned, clean and fresh look while her partner requested a slightly more masculine vibe. Jessi delivered a cohesive interior, bringing life and light to this much-loved home.
BEFORE dining
AFTER dining
“The greatest challenge was merging the two polar-opposite design briefs. It’s not unusual for couples to have completely different design preferences and there is an art to finding a balance between two extremes to ensure a cohesive result. A skilled eye will be able to identify and extract the similarities to form the basis of the scheme,” says Jessi Eve.
A key objective was to incorporate a contemporary and timeless interior to the dated apartment. Jessi achieved this with beautiful new cabinetry in the kitchen and entry, replacing the chocolate brown cabinetry with white fronts. “We did a mini kitchen reno in the sense that we kept the original stone splashback, stone benchtop and internal cabinetry and just refreshed the overall style by swapping out the heavy brown cabinetry and island benchtop,” says Jessi.
BEFORE kitchen
AFTER kitchen
The main living, dining, entry and kitchen areas of the home feature a black, white, grey and navy palette with hints of tan leather. To appease both clients, a minimal and clean aesthetic was chosen with touches of masculinity connecting the spaces together. A navy blue Molmic sofa is paired with a Trit House leather armchair and textured braided rug from Rug Culture.
BEFORE lounge
AFTER lounge
Existing bedroom joinery was removed to allow for more movement and flow while a coat of paint, new window treatments and new Hycraft carpet further elevated the spaces. The two bedrooms became the perfect space for Jessi to bring the polar opposite client briefs to life.
In bedroom one, a white-on-white palette is featured against a cool grey backdrop of curtains and carpet. The client’s existing Lone Swimmer artwork by Aquabumps was a sentimental piece incorporated into the space and Jessi drew inspiration from the minty hues of this artwork to add accent styling in the room.
BEFORE bedroom one
AFTER bedroom one
And although the two briefs are contrasting in aesthetic, Jessi created synergy between them by selecting another Aquabumps artwork in moody tones for the more masculine bedroom. Create Estate custom bedheads were created for both spaces – for the masculine room, a bedhead fabric was matched to the custom sofa in the living room to create a subtle link between the spaces.
Patterned Cultiver linen is featured in the masculine room alongside black rattan Globewest bedside tables.
BEFORE bedroom two
AFTER bedroom two
The result of this design transformation is a home that blends the best of both worlds for the lucky owners, who can ease into retirement with a space that brings joy and relaxation.
Christmas parties are upon us which signals the return of Secret Santa. Make yours a gift to remember with these fabulous homeware picks.
Project Ten Taverna zip medium tote: Not strictly a homewares piece but this one comes into the lifestyle category for sure. Use it to elevate your trip to the market. $29.95.
Robert Gordon Garden to Table candlestick: Packaged in a lovely gift box, this hand crafted range uses high fired stoneware with iron flecks for a truly artisanal feel. $29.95.
Sage & Clare Astrid tiny bowl: Available in a variety of gelato-hued colours, these little bowls are perfect for serving up salt flakes, holding olive pips or storing tiny trinkets. $24.
Typo Mystic Minded planter: Flower power made chic – add a trailing plant to really elevate the look. $24.95.
Proving the transformative power of colour yet again, the latest Dulux makeover is a bright, bold confection designed to showcase this summer’s hottest paint trends. A predominantly white lounge room and tween bedroom were overhauled using the Revive palette – one of three palettes from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023.
“As our world opens up and we adapt to new ways of doing things, we’re looking for lightness and joy in our surroundings. This is a time for reconnecting with the ones we love, and we want guests to walk into our homes and feel a sense of happiness and celebration. At the same time, after two years of restrictions, many of us are yearning for fun, freedom and the chance to try new things,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.
BEFORE loungeAFTER lounge
The formerly all-white lounge room was overhauled with Dulux Paper Brown paint on the walls and Dulux Breezy Half on the ceiling. “The brown instantly added warmth and character while the soft blue ceiling really brightens up the space. “Taking the ceilng colour part-way down on the wall, as we’ve done here, is a design trick to make the ceiling feel higher,” says Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech.
The Revive palette perfectly captures the mood with vibrant hues including a rich blue (Dulux Integra), lively green (Dulux Diorite) and a whimsical lilac (Dulux Perplexed) paired with over-scaled patterns, voluptuous furniture and bold, abstract artworks inside the renovated lounge room. “If you’ve never swayed from whites and neutrals before, using saturated colours like these can feel daunting, but there’s really nothing to fear,” says Bree.
A colourful vignette is displayed on the lounge room side board
Bree styled the room with a mash-up of futuristic and retro influences including curvy, statement seating in 80’s inspired electric blue paired with a 70’s inspired textural feature chair and foot stool in mustard. A powder blue sideboard topped with a bright green vessel completes the scene. “Design trends today are heavily influenced by the idea of ‘creating a moment,’ whether it’s the perfect Instagrammable photo or a great Zoom backdrop,” says Bree of the inspiration behind the room.
BEFORE bedroom
AFTER bedroom
In the nearby tween bedroom, Bree balanced calm with a sense of fun. “As a sleep space, we wanted this bedroom to feel restful, so we painted the walls in soothing and immersive Dulux Integra. For something a little unexpected, we used Dulux Diorite on the skirting boards, window trims and door, rather than traditional white.”
AFTER bedroom door
Bree’s summer styling tips
Add colour in unexpected spots: The element of surprise can be a powerful decorating tool; consider adding colour to your ceiling, timber window frames, door edges or the back of shelves.
Exaggerated curves: Whether it’s a curvaceous sofa, a chubby accent chair or rounded coffee table, this look calls for curves.
Be bold with pattern: Forget the so-called rules on mixing patterns – have fun combining thick or thin stripes, geometrics, over-sized floral prints and more, all in the one space.
Keep artworks casual: Think unframed, abstracts and digital artworks casually propped, even overlapping, on a shelf or sideboard.
Textural contrast: Add depth and interest to your rooms décor by mixing different textures, such as boucle armchairs, thick woven rugs, imperfect ceramics, matte finish joinery and touches of high-shine metallics in furniture legs.
Highlight interesting furniture shapes: Having a backdrop in a contrasting colour allows pieces like curvy, statement seating to shine.
Scheming: The Dulux curated palettes are designed to be used as schemes for paint, as well as soft furnishings, artwork and décor – to ensure all colour references work cohesively.
Much-loved Australian media icon Deborah Hutton has drawn inspiration from her recent move to the NSW South Coast to create her latest spring /summer collection.
“Since moving to the South Coast, every day has felt like a weekend getaway and I want to give others the opportunity to create a sense of holiday and relaxation in their homes too,” she said.
“The idea behind my latest collection is to bring a relaxed weekend vibe to you. Whether you’re by the beach, in the city, even in the country you can add a touch of coastal luxe in your own home. And you can do so without breaking your budget, either.”
Quilt cover set
The collection features a range of luxurious bed linen, coordinating throw rugs and cushions, coverlets, towels, décor items and tableware.
While the recent sea change has been the main focus of Deborah’s newest collection, memories from travelling near and far have helped bring it together.
From a much loved trip to Morocco (Amira), walking through local palm forests (Palmetto) and wearing her favourite relaxed linen shirts (Sinclair) there is a touch of vacation throughout Deborah’s entire collection.
It includes bed linen sets, European pillowcases, coverlets, throws, blankets and cushions.
The HOME with Deborah Hutton collection is available now, exclusive to HOUSE Bed & Bath, in store and online.
If you’re anything like me, your indoor plants don’t last too long. Whether you are a first-time plant owner like me or a well-seasoned gardener these simple tips and tricks from gardening expert and Scotts Osmocote ambassador Melissa King can help you be a better plant parent (without having to spend endless hours refining that black thumb).
Tip 1: Don’t drown your plants with love
Over watering is the biggest killer of indoor plants. Wilting leaves can be a sign of too much or too little water (among other things). So if your house plants are sulking, don’t always assume that they are thirsty. Poke your finger into the soil first to see if it’s dry down to your second knuckle before getting out the watering can.
Tip 2: Some extra TLC never hurt
Give your house plants a regular wipe down with a moist cloth to prevent an accumulation of dust on the leaves. To give them a thorough clean, pop them in the shower every month or so to remove any build up, helping make them look shiny and healthy. You could also put them outside in the rain or sprinkle them with the hose before bringing them inside again.
Tip 3: Lighting is key
Some houseplants grow well in low light, others need it a bit brighter to flourish, so position them around your home according to their required light levels and keep them away from heaters and blasts of cold and warm air.
Here’s a good rule to live by; If it’s bright enough to be able to read a book in a room with the lights off, then there’s enough light for your indoor plants to thrive.
Tip 4: Plants like dinner too
They key to thriving plant babies? Food! Pick up Scotts Osmocote pour + feed. You don’t have to mess around diluting it in a watering can, simply pour a capful into the base of your plant every fortnight or when your plants look like they need a boost.
Tip 5: When was the last time you changed your potting mix?
If your plant babies are looking a bit tired or practically jumping out of their pots then it might be time to repot them. I recommend trying Scotts Osmocote potting mix for indoor plants, which is tailor-made to bring out the best in your green beauties. It doesn’t contain compost or pine bark, which are known to shelter pesky fungus gnats. Instead, it’s based on an expert recipe of Scotts Coir, Sphagnum Peat and Perlite, which provides the ideal foundation to keep your indoor plant babies looking fresh, green and lively.
The houseplants trending in 2022 and how to care for them
Melissa King, Better Homes and Gardens presenter and Scotts Osmocote ambassador, shares her horticultural wisdom! #SentimentalPlants It’s not surprising that…
Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area
For over a decade Australians have had a love affair with the Hamptons style, with the trend increasing throughout the…
With the new year around the corner, it’s time to look ahead at the trends 2023 will have to offer. With unique materials, earth-drawn colours and stunning, statement stone – kitchens are fast becoming the most luxurious place in the home. In order to properly assess what next years kitchens will look like, Kate Deakin-Bell, marketing manager at Neolith, reveals five of the biggest design trends we can expect to see in cooking spaces next year.
Neolith Bassalt Black
1. Earth-drawn colours and materials
Mother Nature will continue to inspire kitchen design in 2023, says Kate. “The new kitchen trends are more thoughtful and considered than ever and are all about enhancing the time you spend in your cooking space. The focus is on comfort and longevity, using beautiful, quality materials that will age gracefully and stand the test of time. Expect to see unpainted wood cabinetry, natural stone benchtops and splashbacks, and muted, natural tones inspired by the outdoors such as sage, olive and buttermilk, which combine to create a sense of calm.”
2. Luxurious stone surfaces
Characterful stone benchtops and splashbacks are a key trend for kitchens in the year ahead, says Kate. “Homeowners are becoming braver with their stone choices, increasingly using it to express their personal style in the kitchen. While soft, understated stone colours and patterns will remain popular in 2023, expect to see stone in bold colours and with dramatic veining trending alongside them. Applied to benchtops and splashbacks, they look incredible paired with 2023’s rustic timbers and organic metal finishes.”
3. Statement islands
Forget boring kitchen islands – 2023’s iteration will be multi-use and packed with personality, says Kate. “The island is the hero of today’s kitchen, so it makes sense to see it receive the decorative attention it deserves.
“Next year, expect to see islands that feel less ‘kitchen-y’ and anything but off the shelf, including ones that resemble a piece of custom furniture, designs with curves, and islands with matchstick legs in powder-coated steel that give you space to tuck a few bar stools underneath – ideal in a compact kitchen.
“With more of us working from home and taking up new hobbies over the pandemic – often at the kitchen island – you’ll also see more tech features, such as integrated charging stations, charging drawers and places for devices to sit while they’re being used.”
4. Darker timbers
Dark timbers are liveable, luxe and exciting – and they’re coming to a kitchen near you in 2023. “Rich timber species such as walnut and blackened oak have been popular for a while now, but they’ll really come into their own in 2023,” says Kate. “And what’s not to love? They are wonderfully versatile and suit everything from modern rustic, contemporary and eclectic to industrial-style kitchens. Dark hues are also incredibly forgiving in a family home.
“Expect to see rich timber used in ever more creative ways in cooking spaces – pair it dramatic, veined benchtops and splashbacks to create a show-stopping colour contrast, add dark floating timber display shelves to personalise your kitchen, consider integrated joinery handles, or bring in texture with contoured panelling.”
Neolith Abu Dhabi White
5. Natural, ageing finishes
While sleek, modern finishes such as chrome and stainless steel tapware and handles will never really go out of style, expect to see a growing trend for finishes that embrace the natural ageing process in the year ahead, says Kate. “Weathered brass tapware, which has a living, organic finish, is designed to show the patina of time, bringing warmth and character to your kitchen. Add touches of weathered brass to create an appealing contrast against streamlined, contemporary joinery and benchtops, or use it to bring rustic charm to a modern-country cooking space.
“Water-marking and spotting is normal with a weathered brass finish. You’ll find the areas you touch most frequently will develop a light, golden colour while those you interact with less frequently will age and darken.”
There was a time when the sink was the last thing you’d put much thought into for your kitchen unless, perhaps, you were opting for a farmhouse-style ceramic butler’s sink over your more common stainless steel option. Single or double bowl might have been as complicated as it got. But oh, how times have changed! It’s not just two options these days; the sink has become a statement! And we’re happy to see it!
But when it comes choosing your fancy new brushed gold, black, gunmetal or terrazzo sink, what makes a good one and how can you confidently buy one online? Emma Johan, from leading Australian sink supplier Buildmat, which recently started supplying the public as well as the trade, filled us in.
All Buildmat’s sinks are designed by their team in Melbourne. “As a brand, we interact directly with the end user and being able to do that allowed us to understand what styles and designs were missing in the market,” she says. “We’ll often see customers compare our sinks with other brands and they realise they can’t pinpoint why but the designs of our sinks just feel better. The secret is that we purposely designed every ratio, size, corner and angle.”
Emma says their regular interaction with the customer keeps their finger on the pulse and inspires new ideas.”That first-hand information always ends up straight back in the product design and innovation.” An example of this is the unique Ella double corner sink which they designed when they realised there was indeed enough demand for it!
Buildmat have an amazing range of kitchen, bathroom and laundry sinks. While they started with sinks, they’ve now branched out into tapware and complementary products like wastes, towel and toilet roll holders.
Terrazzo, marble and brass basin wastes!
What started as stainless steel sinks in 2014, grew to include concrete, ceramic and terrazzo versions. In stainless steel sinks, their colour range spans brushed stainless steel, brushed nickel, brushed gunmetal, brushed brass gold, and brushed copper. It’s quite the candy store! And if you haven’t heard of them it’s because they haven’t been customer-facing, dealing solely with the trade, until their consumer business took off during the pandemic.
They also sell more kitchen sink accessories than you probably knew existed, such as protector grids, drying racks, chopping boards and colanders, in all the colours!
Cutting out the middleman of expensive retailers means Buildmat can offer a higher spec product for less. “Our sinks are manufactured with 1.5mm thick steel whereas the rest of the industry starts from 0.8mm to 1.2mm. The difference is a much stronger, sturdier sink.” And let’s face it, sinks get a lot of use and you don’t really want to have to be careful with them!
Emma agrees that the sink is becoming more about aesthetics and trends as well as function alongside the rise of the island bench. “We’re seeing a lot more stone benches that match throughout the house and as they become more on show, the kitchen sink and mixer become the masterpiece on the stone. We’re also seeing some customers choose bold colours in tapware and sinkware as the statement and having larger, more functional sinks in their butler’s pantry where all the mess is hidden away.”
A terrazzo and a pink concrete basin
We weren’t surprised to hear that the most popular tapware and sink colour for Buildmat is currently brushed brass gold (which I just happen to have in my own kitchen and laundry!). “It’s become really popular in the last few years. It’s a nice contrast to the more natural concrete and stone colours that we find being used in benchtops.”
And if you’re looking for something specific you haven’t been able to source anywhere else, like a brushed brass pullout mixer tap for example (above), the chances are Buildmat has one!
Although buying renovation materials online, sight unseen, is becoming more and more common, Jimmy appreciates many customers still can’t get their head around it and are nervous. His advice is to measure, measure, and then measure again!
“During the process of buying online, your best friend is always the cabinetmaker as they will tell you the exact sizes that you can work with. We find the people who talk to their cabinetmaker and get them to sign off on the sink size and dimensions always have it the easiest. Always listen to their advice as they are real professionals in measuring and figuring out what fits in your space.”
Buildmat is a 100% Australian owned and operated online supplier of building products. Based in Melbourne, they ship nationally, and their team live by the motto that if it’s not a product we would have in their own home, then they won’t be selling it!
The lure of fresh country air, wide open spaces and a community feel continues to entice Australian homebuyers. Alongside larger, more affordable spaces, and the promise of a simpler way of life, comes the charm of older homes and their intricate period details. The cost of maintaining, repairing and restoring these features, however, can be significant.
Tom & Sarah-Jane’s master ensuite on The Block 2022
For those period homes that require a touch of modernising, knowing when to hold onto, or replace, original features can be a tricky path to navigate. CSR Gyprock have shared some top tips on how to retain the heritage charm of your country home while incorporating modern updates.
Blending old and new
One popular way to modernise a period home is to open up the original structure with a modern extension, resulting in a more spacious and airier floorplan.
Contrasting period features against modern design can make a big impact architecturally, but it’s also important to retain a flavour of the old in the new. High ceilings, decorative cornice, chandeliers, door knobs and ceiling roses are typical hero moments in older homes and showcasing some of these features in a new renovation can serve as an anchor between the eras.
Rachael & Ryan’s master bedroom on The Block 2022
Whether you’re renovating or extending the home’s footprint, it’s important to retain the authenticity and character of the existing home,” says Renee McGinty, general manager of marketing for Gyprock. “The installation of interesting design features that stay true to the era can help set the scene.”
Ceiling roses
A ceiling is an element that can easily transform the look and feel of a room and ceiling features can make an enormous difference no matter what style or era of your room. Ceiling roses have been used throughout the decades and come in a variety of designs from simple to very elaborate and ornate. The original purpose of a ceiling rose, particularly in large and spacious homes, was to provide a focal point for a high ceiling, as well as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of light fittings.
Bathroom Tom & Sarah-Jane
“The style you choose will largely depend on your current décor and any other pre-existing heritage features,” says Renee. Whether original or newly installed, a ceiling rose can add an elegant and sophisticated touch to a room. For example, incorporating decorative elements in bathrooms can provide a unique focal element and, when used alongside modern plasterboard such as moisture resistant Gyprock Aquachek, can signal a tangible blend of old and new.
“The trick to choosing the right ceiling rose is to consider the ceiling height and room size, and to match the smaller and larger diameters with the same patterns. You can select from different periods’ styles to suit your home or by a particular design, which helps if you are trying to match a cornice style or pattern in a room.”
Cornices
When renovating a home with a particular era in mind, there are ways to respect the character of the property, preserving the past while allowing for modern day living. Effectively, cornice bridges the junctions between walls and ceilings and today there are many modern profiles which, beyond function, work to make a striking style statement in a home. Throughout the eras, cornice styles have changed to reflect the building trends of the time and were typically known for their intricate and decorative mouldings.
Ankur & Sharon’s walk-in robe on the Block
“Ornate plasterwork is often the defining feature of a heritage home and will give a clear reference to its period,” says Renee. “Understanding how the building was originally finished and following that lead will give the best result.”
Carrying the same detail throughout a newer or more modernised space in a period home, will result in a more cohesive design narrative reflective of its past. Beyond decorative moulding many other factors will contribute to the liveability and aesthetic impact of a period renovation. Consider paint colours, wall patterns, furniture and cabinetry to assist in maximising the charm.
Rachel & Ryan’s master ensuite
With thought and planning you can create contemporary spaces that preserve a beautiful, timeless quality. You can speak with your builder about how to incorporate Gyprock Decorative plaster features when you are renovating or building. Made in Victoria, they are available to order from Gyprock Trade Preston.
The Cotton On empire has expanded over the years with brand offshoot Typo home to the brand’s homewares offerings. Bold, fun and affordable, what’s not to love?
Mystic minded vase: Combining organic shapes with a speckled, off-white finish, this sculptural piece looks fabulous with or without blooms. $39.99.
Candle sticks (2pk): Available in pink, black and yellow, these fun, on-trend candles have a burn time of eight hours. $19.99.
Floor cushion: Available in a variety of prints, these floor cushions are perfect for kids’ play rooms or for when you find yourself with extra guests. $39.99.
Double dip bowl: Available in eleven bright colours, this stoneware bowl has a cute detachable dip bowl that hangs on its lip. $29.99.
Short tumbler set: We love the timeless design and pattern on this pair of glass tumblers. $14.99.
Stacks On candle: Colour blocking in candle form! This one is too fabulous to burn. $39.99.
Shape Shifter planter: Combining cobalt blue with speckled lavender stripes, this bold stoneware planter would make a lovely addition to a coffee table or shelf. $29.99.
Glassy drink bottle: Smooth outside and ribbed inside, these chic glass bottles are available in pink, green and clear iterations. $24.99 each.
See It Through glass vase: Typo’s take on the coloured glass trend. This statement piece combines clear glass with blue, grey or pale pink inside. $29.99.
Ten things we’re loving at Freedom for every budget
A stalwart of the Australian furniture scene, Freedom celebrated its 40 year anniversary last year – in an industry that…
Ten things we’re loving at Life Interiors
Launched in 2006 (with an eBay store no less!), Life Interiors has since grown to encompass a large online store…
Professional surfer and Olympian Sally Fitzgibbons has opened the doors to her stunning beachside home. Perched on the Gerroa headland in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Highline House has been inspired by nature and drawing from the land, sea and wildlife, it was a project from the heart for Sally, who was born and bred in Gerroa, and worked closely with her builder and friend, Simon Rees, to reimagine the original weatherboard beach shack.
“This project became my anchor and why I love the Gerroa headland so dearly,” says Sally. “My builder Simon and I love nature so much and let it guide us through the project, capturing the essence and beauty of the view through many portals, viewing windows, balcony spaces and garden settings.”
The resulting home is the height of Australian coastal living, a luxe and stylish revival that manages to retain the relaxed appeal of a traditional Australian beach shack. It encompasses a main bedroom and ensuite, guest bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/dining, a separate living room, study nook, private gym and swimming pool.
From the exterior, the home exudes a rustic charm, with its white painted walls and exquisitely landscaped gardens. It works to connect with the ocean at every opportunity through both the exterior and interior, with stepping stones, pathways, a large entertaining balcony and a myriad of viewing windows.
As much as Highline House has been designed to capitalise on its stunning views, through the interior, it also works to both capture and resist the fluctuating light of the day. Each room has been finished with premium Luxaflex blinds and curtains.
“The range at Luxaflex window coverings was so perfect to suit my project,” says Sally. “Just like the moods in the weather we experience at Gerroa, the rooms in this house spoke to a mix of Luxaflex treatments. The result allows you to enjoy every room in the house and to make it your own private sanctuary.”
Flooded in natural light, the kitchen dining area features a peaked floor-to-ceiling window, offering the main ocean view from the interior. To complete the aesthetic feel of the space, while also working to filter the heavy afternoon sun, the windows have been finished with Luxaflex Pirouette Shadings. Sally chose a linen fabric in the colourway, “Chamomile”, to harness and beautifully diffuse the light to preference.
Continuing the aesthetic appeal, further windows throughout the interior have been framed by the soft flowing effect of sheer curtains from the Luxaflex Abre range in the colour Froth, adding a further dimension to the elegant finish of the home. The sheer curtains were chosen to complement the Luxaflex Duette Shades which have been used in the front entryway and guest bedroom.
As well as adding an element of style, Luxaflex Duette Shades play an important role in helping moderate the temperature in a bedroom. Their unique honeycomb structure traps air, which provides a layer of insulation to help keep the interior warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The balance of light control, privacy and energy-efficient qualities they provide make them perfect for an Australian beach home.
Recognising that a dark and peaceful space for rest and relaxation is essential in a home that’s abundant in light, Sally selected the Luxaflex Duette shades in a blockout fabric for the main bedroom, which has become a hero moment in her day. “One of my favourite parts of the design, is waking up in the master bedroom, rolling over and pressing the remote control for the shades, and watching them rise,” Sally says. “It slowly reveals the pool, the ocean, the beach and then the mountains, the magic of this just gets me every single time.”
Throughout the interior, texture and neutral tones are layered through a repeated colour palette of white, black, and grey, the neutrality is enhanced vividly by the surrounding blues of the ocean. A scattering of natural elements such as timber and green foliage also works to connect the abundant views of nature.
“Highline House has a unique feel, with quirks that sometimes make it hard to give it one particular style,” says Sally. “It is a beach house when categorised, but it’s also open to interpretation, from the visuals of the salt-crusted rock platforms becoming the inspiration for the kitchen benchtops, to the warmth of the Baltic pine flooring and the history of the restored pieces from the original house, including the front door, oars and lifesaving ring.”
The deck area leading directly from the living room provides a perfect viewing point where one can sit and relax. Assisting again with impeccable form and function is the Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning, enabling balcony privacy whilst offering advanced sun protection and airflow for a more enjoyable entertaining space. Sally says, “It’s comforting to know that the awning can handle the diverse and unforgiving weather conditions we experience here, as they are engineered, and tested in Australia to handle such conditions.”
For Sally, the most satisfying aspect of the renovation is being able to enjoy the success of the finished project. “It is so satisfying to reach the end of the road and sit on the balcony with family and friends, looking out over my favourite view in the whole world.”
Looking ahead to 2023, what paint colour trends do you think will take over in Australia? Luckily for us we can find out with Benjamin Moore releasing their 2023 colour of the year. And in 2023 their colour of the year is…
Raspberry Blush 2008-30
Raspberry Blush! It’s a saturated red-orange that enlivens our surroundings while awakening our senses with charismatic colour. This vivacious colour is unapologetic in its boldness as it encourages a confident colour statement.
“Colour is coming back into Australian homes and Aussies should feel empowered to move away from pure white walls. Raspberry Blush and the Colour Trends 2023 palette deliver whole bodied paint colours that can be used to form statement transformations for incredible results,” commented Brian Hamilton, general manager for Tenaru, the Australian distributor of Benjamin Moore paints.
Raspberry Blush
Leaning into deeply saturated colours with undeniable charisma, the Colour Trends 2023 palette celebrates the use of colour to influence dramatic transformations. As living spaces are often an expression of individuality and personal style, Australians should move towards a bold statement and the palette empowers designers and homeowners to take colour to unexpected places.
Here are seven other Benjamin Moore paint colours from the Colour Trends 2023 palette:
Conch Shell
Wenge
Cinnamon
New Age
Starry Night Blue
North Sea Green
Savannah Green
Savannah Green 2150-30
To commemorate this year’s selection, Benjamin Moore enlisted Canadian electro-funk duo Chromeo to underscore the upbeat and optimistic tone of the palette and the dynamic role colour plays in self-expression, much like music. Chromeo’s new single, Raspberry Blush, celebrates the positivity and enjoyment of life that both colour and music can influence. Designers and DIYers alike can experience the Colour Trends 2023 palette through eight specially curated playlists that reflect the personality of each colour and the spirit of the palette on Spotify. It’s certainly different!
