Tag: decorating

How to furnish your place from scratch on a tight budget

Post author By Yuri Nagata
Post date July 1, 2021
No Comments on How to furnish your place from scratch on a tight budget

Starting from scratch in a new home, whether you’re renting or buying, is not cheap! Winston Tu, founder of Luxo Living, shares his top four tips for feathering your nest on a budget.

Choose bigger items first

“It’s easy to get carried away and add a number of mismatched items to your cart at the start of your journey,” says Winston. “I’m sure you’ve felt that pang of regret once everything arrives and it doesn’t exactly match up.”

To avoid this, Winston says it’s best to decide on your style and vision for your home from the get-go. Will it be Scandinavian, Hamptons, industrial, Art Deco, French Provincial, or even a mixed style? Once your vision is set, invest in the bigger furniture pieces first, such as this leather sofa (pictured above). Soft furnishings such as mirrors, rugs or side tables can always be sourced later on and cater to style.

Rank pieces by priority

In a dream world, we would buy every furniture piece that our hearts desire. However, the reality is that we have to make sacrifices so that every room has at least one piece that fits our style. “Rank each item in order of priority and then decide how much you could realistically spend on it,” Winston says. “Keep this list handy as you may acquire more money down the track and you could purchase that piece of artwork or bar stool you had your eye on.”

Go bold with key furniture items

Each room typically has a key furniture piece that attracts the most attention. This can be a couch, dining table, or bedhead. If you choose bold colours, textures, shapes, curves or fabrics for these pieces, such as the mother of pearl Inlay coffee table (pictured above), the room will feel instantly elevated.

Once you have your statement piece, you can tone the room down and add warmth through more neutral décor. You’ll also find that you won’t need to invest in as many styling pieces, otherwise, the room will feel cluttered and ‘busy’. Let your statement piece do the heavy lifting!

Find pieces that serve multiple purposes

If you’re short on budget or storage space, an excellent idea is to find items that have more than one use. For example, this velvet ottoman (pictured above) acts not only as a centrepiece but can also keep your spare throws or cushions. Sideboard units can be used as a living room credenza, bedroom storage, or hallway and entryway console table. The options are endless!

Luxo Living is an Australian owned business offering a wide range of furniture and homewares to buy online.

The DIY Decorator’s top 5 budget decorating tips

Since its inception in 2015 The DIY Decorator has amassed an impressive online following. Almost 90k people tune into Perth-based interior decorator Zoe Gilpin’s Insta-feed and blog to take advantage of…

Tags budget, decorating, expert tips, furniture, interior decoration, interior design, luxo living, redecorating, winter

Decorating 101 Expert Tips Shopping

Five ways to add crystals to your home décor

Post author By Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence
Post date March 9, 2021
No Comments on Five ways to add crystals to your home décor

Property stylist and crystal enthusiast Justine Wilson offers her advice on the best ways to style crystals in your home.

Crystal clusters

A collection of crystals on a coffee table or atop a stack of books can be a gorgeous addition to your home. You can create your own mini oasis by pairing your crystals with a candle and a vase of fresh flowers.

Crystal candle holders

Whether you opt for tall candelabras or petite tealight holders, crystal candleholders look great as a table place setting. At night, the crystals will provide a soft, intimate glow for added atmosphere.

Crystal bookends

These are both practical and eye catching, and are a fantastic addition to your shelving.

Crystal drinkware

Crystal coasters are a simple but beautiful way to incorporate crystals into your home. Another unique option is a crystal water bottle, which houses a crystal within the bottle itself.

A collection showcase

Collections can make for beautiful décor anywhere in your home, but crystals work especially well as an accessory in an office space. They key is to pair similar or complementary colours, as well as using varying heights to make a visual statement.

Crystal Connection

Justine loves gems so much, she has just published her first book, Crystal Connection. It features over a hundred stunning photos of different crystals. “You can not only use them to transform your mood but also any space in the home and beyond,” she says.

How pretty would this look on your coffee table? Especially with a crystal or two on top!

Founder of Vault Interiors, Justine has more than 10 years’ experience in interior design. Her book marries her professional work with her love of crystals.

Crystal Connection is available on Amazon and Booktopia now, RRP $45.

See more via Instagram,

Photography: Steffen Burggraaf-McCabe.

Tags crystal decor, crystals, decorating, styling tips

Designers Styling

How to decorate a beach house without the clichés

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date January 23, 2018
2 Comments on How to decorate a beach house without the clichés

We all know that clichéd beach house look. Think jars overflowing with seashells, starfish paperweights, driftwood furniture in every room and of course blue, blue and more blue. But, thankfully, nautical style doesn’t have to be the default setting for a seaside home!

Styled by Katie Sargent of Katie Sargent Design, this particular beach house, tucked above St Andrews beach in Victoria, stays clear of any coastal or Hamptons cliches. Full of one-off furniture mixed in with pieces from the local high street, its stunning interiors go hand in hand with its dramatic outlook onto the Bass Strait.

So as the mind behind such a beautiful retreat, we had to ask Katie what her top tips are for coastal decorating without the cliché. Below she shares all, so you too can get the look at home.

Identify the pieces you love that you already own. A mirror, an inherited sideboard, a favourite piece of art. It doesn’t matter how daggy you think it is, it will work. It might not be the feature of your, but it will work somewhere. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed by the pieces you love.

White and blue is perennially beautiful, however there are so many colour and texture options. White on white divine, just make sure there are multiple textures. Don’t be afraid of colour. Start small and build in confidence.

Don’t be matchy, matchy. Don’t match your curtains and cushions and throws. Mix it up and don’t be afraid of pattern clashes. Just have a look at the work of interior designers Kit Kemp, Kelly Wearstler and Anna Spiro. They are bold and although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, you cannot deny their interiors are bursting with interest and character.

Don’t match armchairs and sofas. Mix it up and don’t be afraid to put different styles of furniture together. If you have two sofas, have two different styles of sofa. Or if they are the same sofa, upholster them in different fabrics.

Embrace the chaos – there will be sand, shells, towels, buckets and spades. These items can be stored in baskets around the house and add character.

Don’t limit yourself to seascape artwork. Just because you’re near the beach doesn’t mean you need to fill your home with artwork depicting boats, sand, fish and the sea! Mix it up.

Pops of black furniture in a beach house actually looks quite stunning. A black coffee table, or table lamp, or art frame. Same goes for tan or chocolate.

More on Katie | Expert design tips

Tags beach house, beach house decorating, decorating, design, interiors, renovating, styling

Designers Expert Tips Kids Rooms RENO ADDICT Styling

5 points to consider when designing a kids’ bedroom

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date December 18, 2017
3 Comments on 5 points to consider when designing a kids’ bedroom

By Alexandra Ganipeau

While there are many books and websites about kids’ bedroom decor, they tend to focus mainly on the aesthetics – which is of course important – but I firmly believe the way we decorate our children’s rooms influences the way they feel. You want to create a special place just for them, somewhere that’s nurturing and brings comfort. There is no doubt in my mind that a children’s bedroom should reflect their personality, but it must also cater for their needs; a place to play, sleep, read, dream and create. Below are some aspects to consider when designing a kids’ bedroom:

Sleep

Sleep is so important for a child’s healthy development. We have all experienced the feeling that follows an awful night’s sleep! Children, just like us, should be looking forward to going to bed at night, knowing that the next day is another adventure.

One third of our lives will be spent in bed so it’s essential you make it a priority. A bed is one item that should be bought with great care. To dress it up, use soft and natural fabrics, with colour accents on cushions and a childish pillowcase.

Play

For a growing little person, play is equally as important as sleep. Parents often go crazy at how messy and disorganised kids’ rooms can be, but for a child, spreading toys is an essential part of playing. However, there are ways to minimise the mess. I only leave out three of my boys’ absolute favourite toys: Lego, Playmobil and Bionicles. These are the only toys left permanently outside the cupboard and each belong in a pretty basket.

All the other toys, games and bits and pieces are tucked away behind closed doors and only get taken out one at a time. This allows the mind to focus on the one item or game, instead of overstimulating.

Layout

If you look at your child’s preferred activities you will find clues on how to arrange their space. Do they like to spend hours on the floor building things or do they prefer to draw? Arrange the space accordingly to give them the layout they need.

If your child, like most, enjoys gathering and collecting things, a pretty shelf just for treasures can look delightful. Books coupled with decorative items or handmade creations can then finish off the look. I like to include small boxes or baskets on shelves, just for the little trinkets my boys have gathered on their adventures.

Colour

I don’t think a room needs to be bombarded with primary colours to be attractive to a child, neither does it have to be all white. There are lots of alternative patterns, colours and textures that make a room inviting and pleasing to the eye. Do what you think is right. I am fond of beautiful wallpaper or adorable little removable stickers. Have fun! You probably can’t do this in any other room of your house. And don’t forget it is a child’s room; it will probably change in a few years!

Read and work

From a young age, children love being read to and what parent doesn’t like that time of day? Especially when it means you get some peace and quiet afterwards! A ceiling light is not sufficient in a child’s bedroom when it comes to bedtime reading, instead choose soft lights for relaxing, but also efficient lamps or wall lights strategically placed above or behind the bed, in order to read, work and play.

— Alexandra is the owner of The Roaming Atelier, an interior decorating company that focuses on using the beautiful, sentimental pieces you already have, to make your home as unique as your family.

Photography (of Alexandra’s own kids’ rooms) by Kate Collingwood

Tags bedroom, children's bedroom, decorating, design, kids bedroom, styling, The Roaming Atelier

Designers Styling

Virtual reality: An affordable way to design your home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 13, 2017
4 Comments on Virtual reality: An affordable way to design your home

The home of Milray Park client Erin Smith

Sometimes the best ideas come to you unexpectedly, which was the case for Milray Park founder Sally Bevan. Struggling to decorate her home, she was overwhelmed by the magnitude of options. Furniture shops left her feeling directionless, while interiors on Pinterest found her questioning how on Earth she could bring them to life, especially with a budget! So, Sally enlisted the help of an interior designer online and via email they came up with a design she was happy with.

Jump forward a few months and Milray Park was conceived, with the hope no one else would ever have to deal with the same stress. 100% online, the platform allows you to access all of the tools you need to achieve a beautiful home. “We’ve plugged in the best interior designers, custom built the eDecorating platform for seamless designer-client collaboration and have disrupted the pricing model to provide a full design service at $299 flat-fee per room.”

However, Milray Park’s recent development is the most exciting, with the launch of the ‘View my room in VR’ service. This allows you to fully visualise your new space with a realistic 3D rendering, so you can actually try pieces of furniture in your home before you buy. And the best part? It’s only $99 per room. “Before virtual reality, it was impossible to know exactly how your furniture would look like in your home,” explains Sally. “Now, our customers can make much better purchasing decisions and with confidence. This is particularly important when buying pieces like dining tables and couches, which are investment items that you don’t want to get wrong.”

So the big question: Does it work? Well according to client Erin Smith: “Yes! When Milray Park suggested using ‘View my room in VR’ we jumped at the idea of seeing our space perfectly designed, before hitting the buy button for our big ticket items. The VR service gave us full confidence in our design.”

Before Milray Park came to Erin’s rescue!

While eDecorating can seem a bit daunting, for peace of mind Milray Park offers a designer callout service (for $149 per visit), however both Sally and Erin agree it’s not necessary. “I fell in love with the concept of having a beautiful, professionally designed space without the huge price tag,” says Erin. “With Milray Park I was able to bring to life the interior design I envisaged and be involved in the process.”

For more on Milray Park | Designers we love

Tags 2014 International Design and Architecture Awards, decor, decorating, design, edecorating, Erin Smith, interiors, Milray Park, Sally Bevan

Art Expert Tips Styling

Fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess’ small space decorating tips

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 7, 2017
No Comments on Fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess’ small space decorating tips

Small-space decorating doesn’t have to be hard! Australian illustrator Kerrie Hess shares her secrets on styling the cosiest of spaces to make your home the most inviting one yet! Say hello to a newly refreshed abode and goodbye to cramped and uncomfortable with her simple styling tips!

Create height

A great way to add instant style and space is with a wall gallery. A definite statement piece, a wall gallery draws the eye upwards and will give the illusion that your ceiling is higher than it really is. When styling your wall gallery make sure you plan it out, especially if you are hanging art in a smaller space. I always find laying the framed artwork on the floor and moving the art around until I’m happy with it is the best place to begin. During this process you will be able to see what art complements each other and place them accordingly. When spacing the artwork on a smaller surface area make sure to keep white space between the frames. This will make the artwork appear larger than it is. If your frames are very light and you forgo glass, you can use picture hanging adhesives to secure the frames. When choosing a colour scheme, stick to light or neutral colours that connect to the rest of the room. Hues of pink are great for adding a feminine touch!

Think multi-purpose

When decorating a smaller space think of the items purpose. If I can think of two multipurpose reasons for an item of furniture I will buy it. Ask yourself questions like, what functions does this item have? Can I store items in it? Can I move it to different areas of the house if need be? An ottoman is a great example, use it as a coffee table or extra seating in the living room all at once!

Forgo the coffee table

Cumbersome furniture such as coffee tables chew up space. Instead opt for stumps, ottomans, or side tables as a substitute for larger items. Not only will this make the room feel less confined and poky, but it will stop you from hoarding unnecessary items in the living room. If losing the coffee table is out of the question, choose a design with a glass top. This will let natural light bounce off the surface and will fool the eye into thinking there is more space than there actually is.

Keep colour palette neutral

When decorating keep your accessories in a colour palette that is light and neutral. This will dramatically expand your space. Think pastels, beiges, stones and light greys. To add impact, get creative and mix up fabrics and textures on rugs, cushions and seats. This subtle detailing will add interest and ensure all the colours don’t blend into one.

Choose one large statement piece

Believe it or not placing one large item of furniture into a room can often make it appear bigger than it is. More often than not cramming lots of little items into a room can make it feel crowded. So instead of creating lots of separate nooks with several pieces of small-scale furniture, try filling a large portion of the room with one item. For example fill 80 percent of the living room with an oversized sectional lounge. Add a small side table and you have a warm and inviting space. Opting for a sectional lounge will allow you to change up the space as you please.

Kerrie’s illustrations have featured in Vogue, Tatler and Harper’s Bazaar. She has illustrated countless fashion windows, billboards, book covers, silk scarves, cushions and packaging around the globe. She is also the author and illustrator of style book Shoestring Chic. Kerrie has lived in London, Hong Kong and Paris and is now based in Brisbane.

Shop Kerrie’s prints online.

Tags art, decorating, fashion, gallery wall, illustration, illustrator, kerrie hess, megan hess, small space living

Designers

Abigail Ahern returns to Australia: grab your ticket, quick!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 5, 2017
No Comments on Abigail Ahern returns to Australia: grab your ticket, quick!

Our favourite decorating rule breaker Abigail Ahern returns to Australia this month, running design masterclasses in Sydney and Melbourne. Don’t hang around, as tickets are selling fast!

Abigail Ahern is coming to Australia later this month

The British interior designer has been wanting to return to the country since her last successful masterclasses, and this time she’s bringing her sister, Gemma. The duo have combined their legendary Design Class and Seasonal Flower Course into one bumper, full-day masterclass. Learn how to rip up the rule book and push boundaries to create seductively stylish spaces, overflowing with personality. We just LOVE the sound of that!

“We have a huge following in Oz,” Abigail says. “Last time, the room was bursting full of design-conscious people. I wish I could have come back sooner but my schedule has been mad! I love the laid back atmosphere in Australia and how passionate everyone is about interiors, it makes teaching it so much fun. It also helps you guys have the best coffee in the world! I am coffee-obsessed and no matter where you go, it’s always amazing!”

She said she loves the Australian design scene. “It very much mirrors my own aesthetic: laid back, relaxed and super-comfy.”

Abigail is running classes in Melbourne (23 June) and Sydney (25 June) at The Establishment Studios and The Hughenden Hotel respectively. Full-day tickets are 225 pounds (approximately $391). Lunch is not included. BOOK HERE.

“You will learn how to decorate differently, go off the grid, so to speak, to mainstream design,” says Abigail. “My class is all about ditching convention and mixing things up to create homes that you will never want to leave. You’ll learn all about playing with P&P (perspective and proportion), introducing tantalising colours, overdosing on texture, introducing pattern and game-changing tricks with lighting. And that is just in the first five minutes!”

We just love Abigail and her unique style. Don’t hang around as the classes are sure to sell out very soon!

Tags abigail ahern, australia, decorating, gemma ahern, interiors, mastercless, styling, workshop

RENO ADDICT

How to prepare your wall for painting: expert advice

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date March 2, 2017
No Comments on How to prepare your wall for painting: expert advice

By Naomi Findlay

Repainting a wall, or painting a new wall for the first time, is a great way to add elements of newness, freshness and crispness into a space. Painting a wall a new colour can symbolise the start of something new, such as moving into a new property, start of a new stage in life, such as going from childhood to adulthood, or it can even symbolise the start of a new colour obsession.

The idea of painting a space can seem like a daunting task to many people, but in reality it is an exciting time that will allow you to redesign your space.

Making painting a space as stress-free, fun and exciting as possible is all about the preparation you do. There are a bunch of remedies out there for how to get the perfect paintwork at home, but these don’t last as long as some others. I have created the perfect method of prepping and painting a wall through years of trial and error.

So, what will you need?

You will need a soapy solution of detergent and water as this is the most affordable method of washing your walls prior to painting. You will also need pre-mixed filler so you can create an even painting surface, sandpaper at either 180 or 240 grade and finally, masking tape.

Once you are ready with your equipment it is time to start preparing your wall. How long this will take can vary from wall to wall as it is totally dependent on how many bumps and issues the wall has.

To start, you will need to take down anything and everything that is on the wall. Once you have done this it is time to wash the walls with your soapy solution. This is to remove any dust from the wall so the paint will stick to the wall, not the dust.

Next, you must check the walls to see if there is any surface damage, use your hands for this as the light can play tricks and make it appear that there are lumps where there isn’t! Make sure the wall is completely dry then begin checking for mould. If you find any mould, clean the location with bleach and again, wait for the wall to dry.

Once the wall is completely dry, place masking take around the skirting boards, light switches or any other items that can’t be removed, such as an air conditioner. If you notice that any areas of the wall are flaking paint, sand back the spot to allow to an even coat to paint to be applied. Similarly, if there are any holes or dints in the wall, use nail filler to patch the area up. Once the filler is set, sand the area down again. It is also important to prime the filled areas with a high quality spot prime such as Taubmans 3 in 1 Sealer Primer Undercoat. This can also be applied to the whole wall to create an even finish.

Then you’re good to go!

—Naomi Findlay is Australia’s Rapid Renovation Expert and a resident expert at our sister site, Reno Addict.

Tags colour, decorating, feature wall, interiors, naomi findlay, paint, painting, painting a wall, prep, preparation, sugar soap, wash a wall

Competitions

Win a scholarship to the PLAN, DECORATE, LIVE online course

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 23, 2017
No Comments on Win a scholarship to the PLAN, DECORATE, LIVE online course

Interiors Addict is exclusively offer a scholarship to The Decorating School’s signature eCourse Plan Decorate Live. The six-week online eCourse (which usually costs $497) is designed to teach you everything you need to know to design and decorate your home – including how to analyse your space, how to use colour, how to buy and position furniture, how to use pattern, texture and soft furnishings, and so much more.

The lessons include videos, worksheets, PDFs, checklists, buying guides, masterclasses from guest experts, as well as a lots of other goodies. You’ll get the complete Plan Decorate Live eCourse (including all modules and bonuses) plus access to the exclusive Facebook community and private Pinterest boards.

For your chance to win, complete the form below, telling us, in 100 words or less, what your decorating dilemma is and why you want to take part in Plan Decorate Live. Entries close at midnight on Wednesday 1 March 2017.

The course will open for enrolments on 5 March 2017.

[gravityform id=”37″ title=”false” description=”false”]

The winner was Nicole Morgan

Tags competition, decorating, Emma blomfield, interiors, online course, plan decorate live, scholarship, styling, The Decorating School, win

Homewares

Get sent the ultimate flooring guide for free!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 7, 2017
No Comments on Get sent the ultimate flooring guide for free!

How to pick the right grey paint: expert advice

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date August 18, 2016
4 Comments on How to pick the right grey paint: expert advice

Grey is the new neutral that stylists love to work with. It’s sophisticated, versatile and can add depth or lighten up any room. But there’s one problem – finding the right shade without professional advice can prove extremely difficult. Unfortunately, I know from experience. Despite trying numerous samples in the room, in different lights, I painted our bedroom walls lilac not once, but twice. Ahh! So, how can you avoid making the same mistake? I quizzed colour consultant Lisa Harragon to find out.

Tip 1. A grey with a beige base will stop your walls looking purple. To identify the base colour look at the darkest colour on the fan deck or colour atlas, then run your eyes up to find the shade you’re after.

Tip 2. Don’t assume the grey in your friend’s home or on Instagram will work in your home too. Natural light, the colour of the floor, overhead lighting and the aspect of the house all play tricks on the eye and transform the colour.

This is Dulux Celtic Sky on the living room walls of one of my favorite Insta accounts, @the_stables_

…then in my home (with sample attempts over the top).

Tip 3. Always buy a sample pot and test the paint on every wall in the room. Make sure the test patch is at least one metre squared and apply two coats. A small test patch and one coat won’t give a true indication of the colour.

Tip 4. Don’t rush out and buy 4 litres of paint before you’ve checked the grey on all walls, at different times of day, with the lights switched on and off. A wall with no natural light looks much darker than the colour chip in store and as the sun sets, more of the base colour will show. It takes patience but this is the only way to get an accurate idea of whether you really like the colour or not.

So there you have it. Simple tips that will hopefully save you from painting your walls twice, like me!

–Lauren Ellis is a reporter/senior producer for TODAY, the face of Interiors Addict TV and a graduate of ISCD. Follow her on Instagram @mypicketfence_

Tags 50 shades of grey, beige, colour, decorating, expert advice, getting the right colour, grey, lisa harrogan, paint, painting, picking paint colour, sample pots, tester pots

Designers Homewares

The history of decorating with Marimekko

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date December 8, 2015
1 Comment on The history of decorating with Marimekko

By Julie-Ann Bigava

The name Marimekko has been synonymous with striking fabrics since 1949. Viljo Ratia and his wife Armi Ratia founded Printex, a small textile printing company in Helsinki, Finland. A woman of vision, Armi saw a big future for quality textiles and bold designs. She commissioned promising young artists to produce bold, colourful and hard-wearing fabrics for Printex.

In the 1950s, the bold prints were much admired but people did not quite know how to use them. They were too ‘out there’. The colours and designs were quite radical for the times but Armi was undaunted: the company staged a fashion show, with clothes designed by a well-known designer using the unusual fabrics.

Everything sold. On the day. And that was the start of Marimekko.

Be bold!

Marimekko fabrics are perfect for soft furnishings, particularly curtains. Made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen, they are hard-wearing and easy to launder with a little care.

We love the story of how the Lokki design came about as the artist observed the broad folds in a curtain drawn across a sunlit window, with the shadow-lines resembling waves on the water. This has become one of Marimekko’s best-known designs. Below is an example of curtains made out of Lokki fabric.

Scandinavian design is known for its clean, fresh, minimal lines. It is often abstract but always warm and inviting, never cold. The bright colours inspired by the outdoors and nature make any room feel homely and welcoming. Table linen, bed linen and big soft cushions of all sizes can transform the look and feel of any room with a minimum of effort.

Marimekko designs don’t stop at fabrics. There is also a range of crockery and tableware with typically vivid designs. The Siirtolapuutarha print is used here on mugs and bowls as well as on fabrics. It depicts the abundance of an urban garden.

Marimekko fabrics are famous for their durability and extra wide widths, hence the fabrics functionality can be extended to home decor projects for your home that are prone to wear and tear. For example, have a look the irresistible bunch below…

The top cover is in the well known Unikko red. This classic was created in 1964, after Marimekko founder Armi publicly proclaimed a ban on flowers in Marimekko prints. Artist Maija Isola defied the order and designed a whole collection of floral patterns that were so fresh and unique that Armi ended up taking eight of them (thank goodness Maija was a rebel!). One of those Armi accepted was Unikko, the future icon of icons, now in several delightful, new shades.

Creations are not limited to curtains, cushions and table linen. Let your imagination run!

— Julie-Ann is the owner of Yulki’s Home Décor, the go-to place for fabrics, ideas, inspiration or to indulge your love for great design.

Tags armi ratia, bed linen, cushions, decorating, design, fabric, homewares, marimekko, soft furnishings, table linen, Viljo Ratia

Interiors Addict

Three checklists to make your Christmas easier

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date December 2, 2015
1 Comment on Three checklists to make your Christmas easier

Temple & Webster’s stylists have pulled together three checklists to ensure your Christmas plans are on track. From your front door wreath to Christmas lights, enjoy a stress-free holiday season.CHECKLIST 1: Decorate the house

Home

wreath on the front door
find suitable area to display cards
tree (real or faux) and tree stand
sort baubles and decorations, repair and clean
add to decorations as required
check lights (indoor and outdoor) for faults

Wrapping

decide wrapping theme – one for kids, one for adults
stock up on paper, sticky tape, bows, ribbon
plan for awkward shapes with bags and boxes, write name tags (bought or homemade)

Gifts

check online delivery dates
consider idea of book/plant/gift token for everyone
keep a few spare gifts ready-wrapped

Traditions

the Advent calendar
stockings
letter to Santa

CHECKLIST 2: Decorate the table

Practical

extra serving dishes
extra glassware
extra crockery including mugs extra knives, forks, spoons and serving ware
extra napkins and placemats
carafes and pitchers for drinks
table cloth – washed and ironed
extra chairs

Decorative

vases for flowers
place names or tags around napkins
bunting, garlands or decorative elements candles, candleholders, tealights

CHECKLIST 3: Prepare for the party

Plan ahead

order meat or seafood (note pickup date)
stock up on your favourite tipple
quality snacks for drop-in guests
pudding, cake and mince pies

Foodie gifts

wine, boutique oils, biscuits
make your own (don’t forget pretty packaging)

Last minute tasks

milk and bread for Christmas week (plus extra to freeze)
ripe summer fruit summer salad ingredients
flowers and foliage for house and table

Happy planning!

Visit Temple & Webster’ one-stop Christmas shop.

Tags baubles, christmas, decorating, festive season, temple & webster, wreath

Expert Tips Furniture Homewares Styling

How to style a room using both new and vintage pieces

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date October 21, 2015
No Comments on How to style a room using both new and vintage pieces

By Samuel Clarke

The popularity of vintage homewares and furniture has undeniably increased over the past few years, and with good reason. In addition to being budget-friendly and good for the environment, using pre-loved vintage pieces that have personality and a story, helps to create unique interiors that are as individual as the people who reside within them.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about creating period perfect vintage homes. Rather, I’m talking about how adding a little old in with the new, produces refreshing, eclectic interiors that challenge those common catalogue reproductions. Because let’s be honest, that’s just lazy and no fun at all!

So, how does one actually do this? There are no steadfast rules in this game, much like a round of pool at your local, but here are a few tips to guide you through and help create a space that speaks to you and your own personal style.

1. Select the right pieces

Like with any interior scheme, it’s important to achieve the right balance in your space. So the first thing to consider (apart from the space itself!) is what furniture pieces you’ll need for a functional space.

Identify a few extra special vintage pieces that will ‘carry’ the room, for example a beautiful Mid-Century sideboard, or an Art Deco armchair. They don’t have to match, or even be from the same style or era. Think of them like celebrities; when rappers hang out with country singers. Everyone can get along in the right setting! Once you have these pieces, fill in the gaps with simple contemporary designs to allow your celebrity pieces to really take centre stage (sorry, celebrity analogy is over now).

When deciding on your vintage pieces, make it personal. What makes you smile, what makes you think, and what is just too cool to pass up?

2. Keep an open mind

When selecting and collecting your vintage pieces, keep an open mind. You may never find the vintage piece of your dreams, so in some cases, you may need to roll up your sleeves and create it yourself. Look to the pieces’ best features; if there’s a winning case that makes you think twice about leaving it behind, then think about how you can repurpose it to suit your needs. This may be a lick of paint, some simple recovering, or a sand-back and refinish, but there are some pretty thrifty ways to get the look you desire — just ask old mate Google!

3. Tie it all together

Tie It IA — Phot credit: Apartment Therapy

Once you have a collection of pieces you love, think outside the box when putting them together. Display your pieces in unlikely places, group together in unlikely pairings, and layer for interest and depth.

Achieving the eclectic vintage look is about not being afraid to clash styles and eras, but also consider how you can use colours, textures and themes to build a road between them and tie them all together for a cohesive, harmonious space.

4. Don’t overdo it

When decorating with different eras and styles, there can be a lot going on. So here’s the big tip — just because there’s an empty space, doesn’t mean you have to fill it! Consider yourself somewhere between minimalism and maximalism. Would that be mediumism? Anyway, work with your canvas, allow some of it to peek through, and leave some negative space for the eye to rest.

5. Take your time

IA- Take Your time — Photo credit: Emily Henderson

Finally, it’s worth noting that collecting takes time, so be patient. Your look won’t come together over night. Keep your eyes peeled for vintage pieces that really speak to you and collect them along the way. Add-and-subtract and mix-and-match them in your space and let it constantly grow and change as you do, over time.

— Samuel is a Melbourne-based interior stylist and the founder and curator of Kitsch please — Australia’s first dedicated online marketplace for buying and selling vintage homewares and furniture.

Tags decorating, furniture, homewares, new furniture, period pieces, samuel clarke, second-hand, styling, upcycled, vintage, vintage furniture, vintage homewares

House Tours Renting

Real Homes: Melissa Barratt from Home Decorating Mummas

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 7, 2015
7 Comments on Real Homes: Melissa Barratt from Home Decorating Mummas

The co-founder of one of Facebook’s most popular Australian decorating groups has a house that many of its members envy!

Melissa Barratt set up Home Decorating Mummas with Cheree Lawrence two years ago and it has more than 13,000 extremely enthusiastic members sharing their homes, bargains, ideas and homewares hacks, and giving each other inspiration.

Melissa has always rented and definitely sees this as no barrier to having a stylish home. Her own, which she shares with her husband and four daughters near Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast, with its muted colour scheme and always-styled look, gets hundreds of compliments each time she shares it.

“I think my style is very relaxed Hamptons coastal with a bit of French chic! I always try to make a place feel like our home as much as I can within reason of what our landlords allow! I want my girls’ rooms to feel to them as they would as if we owned our own home. As with most rentals, you cannot really change much regarding wall colour or putting in new hooks so I do try and find nice pieces of furniture.”

Like many renters, 3M removable hooks are a staple! Melissa’s biggest challenge has been working with bold feature walls in her current home which are definitely not her colour choice, particularly with her obsession with white! “Often people think I’m crazy with so many kids having white, but my lounge covers can be washed and so can most of my other furniture coverings.”

She loves a good bargain, as do many of the fellow mummas in the group, and is also an enthusiastic upcycler, making and making over many pieces with her husband. “I mix cheaper items with more expensive things. The girls’ beds, my dining table and bedroom furniture were all from Gumtree! I then painted, waxed and sealed them and styled them with a mix of cheaper and more expensive decorations and candles. I love shops like Pillowtalk and Kmart and get a lot online or after seeing it on Instagram (a woman after our own hearts!).”

The response Melissa gets from members on the Facebook group has definitely built her confidence and she has recently enrolled to study interior design, hoping to one day make a career of it. “The girls on there are great and everyone helps and encourages in positive ways. I don’t think Cheree and I ever thought the page would be so successful! It’s also helped us go down paths we probably wouldn’t have gone down. Cheree now has her blog Oh So Busy Mum too. So yes, the page has been great for us.”

Love a Kmart or Adairs bargain? Transforming a roadside find with chalk or spray paint? Love taking a peek at other people’s decor projects in real homes? Want a few hundred opinions on the best way to style your buffet? Perhaps you should apply to join!

Tags chalk paint, cheree lawrence, decorating, Facebook, home decorating mummas, homewares hacks, kmart, melissa barratt, oh so busy mum, upcycling

Designers House Tours Interviews Renting Styling

Inside interior decorator Alex Hocking’s Melbourne pad

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date August 5, 2015
No Comments on Inside interior decorator Alex Hocking’s Melbourne pad

As a big collector of quirky things, the one-bedroom apartment of 24-year-old Alex Hocking is chock-full of carefully sourced wares and furniture he has refurbished himself.

From the spinning wheel (a nod to his love of Disney and Sleeping Beauty), which he upcycled in metallic gold with black spikes, to his custom-made eight-foot long design bench turned dining table, Alex is all about creating a home with one-of-a-kind pieces. “I’ve made my home very quirky with lots of fine detailing and unique room accessories,” explains Alex. ” I am a little fussy with the way I like things — I do have a mild case of OCD which does come across in the styling of my apartment. I’m a huge fan of white and black, neutral colours and clean lines — but then to counteract I love bold pops of colour.”

Situated just outside of Melbourne’s CBD in West Footscray, the home is extremely modern and full of character, with high ceilings, white walls and large windows and doors that let in an incredible amount of natural light. And while Alex is currently renting, that’s definitely not stopped him from putting his own stamp on things.

“I’ve never found renting to be a hinderance in decorating my home just the way that I like. My first question to any agent before I sign on the dotted line is can I put frames up on the walls? I’m a huge fan of art and own more framed pieces that I can count! I find adding things like framed pictures to a wall is a great way to show your personality and make your place feel like home. Removable wallpaper is great for small featured areas and I’m also a big fan of soft furnishings such as textured throw blankets, rugs and pillows — they are effortless and can definitely make a home feel warm and welcoming.”

Working as an interior decorator, but with a background in fashion design, styling and photography, Alex approached the home decoration process in the same way he does during his nine-to-five. “Generally when I put together a room I’ll start with the big-ticket items such as furniture, then move onto artworks and lastly finish with cushions, blankets and rugs. I think when adding colour to a room it’s best to incorporate it with small accessory items rather than in the furniture. Though I haven’t always followed this rule I do try to as often as I can!”

It is for this reason that his favourite space is his bedroom, liking it for its monochrome base with the occasional pop of colour. “My bedroom is just so cosy and warm and is a perfect representation of my style. It’s the kind of room I’ve always wanted! It’s nearly entirely black, white and silver which can be quite cold, however I’ve balanced this by adding warm dim lighting, a lot of plush silk cushions and linen accompanied by a faux fur blanket throw and rug, and most importantly, a musk candle so that it always smells like my favourite candy and makes me happy.”

Tags Alex Hocking, decorating, design, furniture, homewares, house tours, interior decorating, interiors, photographer, photography, styling, stylist

Competitions Designers Expert Tips Styling

Home decoration made easy thanks to new online service

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date May 4, 2015
No Comments on Home decoration made easy thanks to new online service

Decorating your home and looking for new furniture and homewares can be overwhelming. There really is such thing as too much choice!

So, enter STYLECT, an Australian based online service dedicated to professional style and decorating advice. With prices ranging from $50-to-$440, it’s the perfect option if you need a little guidance but can’t justify the hefty price tag that comes with an interior designer.

STYLECT offers three services, starting at the basic Ask a Question, where you can ask anything from “What coffee table would suit my living room?” to “What feature lamp would suit my lounge?” and in return get three suggestions; to The Mini service, where you can get a room or outdoor living area revamped; and finally to The Full service, where you can have a room of your choice completely made over.

With a team of professional stylists and interiors designers on call, STYLECT is led by Georgie Bean. As a stylist who has worked for the likes of Vogue Living and Wallpaper*, she aims to make professional interior advice accessible to everyone.

“We know how hard it can be to make the right decisions for your home, especially with the huge amount of options available,” explains Georgie. “With our different levels of service and fast, easy online platform, STYLECT takes this stress away, saving you time and possibly money as well, by avoiding making the wrong decision.”

For more information.

WIN

One lucky reader will win a Mini service, valued at $220, which includes room rearrangement advice plus four product suggestions for the room or outdoor living area of your choice. To be in the running, complete the form below by 5pm Sydney time on Friday 8 May 2015. Open to Australian residents only. Good luck!

[gravityform id=”14″ title=”false” description=”true”]

Tags competition, decorating, design, furniture, georgie bean, homewares, interior, interior design, interior designer, stylect, styling, stylist, win

Bedrooms Designers Expert Tips Kids Rooms

How to design the perfect shared kids bedroom

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date April 8, 2015
1 Comment on How to design the perfect shared kids bedroom

By Diana Scully

I shared a bedroom with my sister for a few years growing up and while I can remember a handful of arguments, it was mostly a fun, bonding experience. So when my client sought my help to redesign a bedroom for her twin grandchildren, I was excited to recreate a similar experience.

Many parents find designing a shared bedroom tricky — do you try to give each child their own bit of space to express their personality or explore some neutral ground? While the size of the room may dictate which way you go, I didn’t let it determine the plans I had for this bedroom!

My client and her husband own a charming Victorian terrace home that offers all the beautiful period style features one would expect of the era, including high ornate ceilings, dark timber features and lead-light windows. But for the kids bedroom, these features just didn’t work.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that your child’s bedroom design needs to ‘fit into’ the style of your home. Create something personal and unique by focusing on colour and character to inspire your child’s imagination… and a little organisation to keep things in order! Here’s what we did.

Colour

Colour plays such an important role in the mood and feel of a room. While the children’s favourite colours were pink and blue (naturally, of course), we chose hues in more unexpected tones, like navy blue and dusty pink to avoid a clichéd colour palette. We introduced a custom rug from Armadillo&Co in our preferred palette to set the foundation for the room and unite the contrasting hues.

FfgQknXFU0gWK2lyMT_JhwYOAF4FpZflF5oBpEm7ZZw,8QvzyN-9mGnRhVg3M5W9a489RWEWF0Kmx165xbMVmVc,AjCbXTjB0ixRefjzJ0lJpnFG46v7-A977tiHRMFuF2g

4abqHMhg5zYccRSQTB0SJCAuWaLO0B1PQ6nFjaYeUlM,uBRUqoMCBy-VuVtruGnScHnKHsXitTfV9L_G-b91Vkw,-WqM62Re3QJapWrgfo7ZUiMxbzM7yl13P-apamijWbM

Character

When trying to keep both children happy, it can sometimes be easier to avoid a theme, like farm animals, fairies or dinosaurs. Instead, choose shapes or patterns — like we did in this project — that will appeal to both genders and offer a more timeless approach. Each bed features linens and accent cushions in colours inspired by the rug. And the vintage bed frames were retained to stay connected with the period style of my client’s home.

jHKCqlURj-CqJ257yfhN4qNFmxLoZuG-3g_9nWKsDeA,GLd5AZUbGWgCqT1GGOrncg3xEbPKd4vjxuKUwtZbQtw,nJZ3I7Uwsqro6reK8JTxoKs9NdyxqKI2NdjwMSjCobA

_oTCcLnC3uAKC7OG87Z0RTXK9GRS955OPLIQGM7nTVI,Gktw2_OTiUv53S35hQ9HRyfnlPf3CeSN4gtMomZYcd0

Clutter-free space

In a shared bedroom, especially where space is limited, an organised and tidy room is essential to keeping it feeling open and bright. In this project, a customised Zuster storage unit with drawers was used to store the children’s games and toys and hopefully encourage them to pack up their belongings at the end of the day!

Above the storage unit, we installed acrylic bookshelves from Ubabub to display the children’s favourite books and add a personal touch to their room. We also incorporated lots of storage under the bed and kept it visually tidy by designing bed valances to hide their appearance.

ezGgMDIj4wQMHPZf27eAdJgRI37-vTm6MwepTRdBxn4,e5senZw5MWy9Wqkk6s21t8OrSJIrdY-xPIWeuOMF-cc

vAowmGb6ronrdAF6EPTpqt9MX7AvALbnM1BuxsRyU2c,hLMuNH3wdmLVbOv8M9bCBOG4Xl1xEI9z0yBDSZo2Adk,5Y8I5meazFMGMopRXeh8oSoIaljG7112n647NOTsLAc

I think my sister and I would have loved this room!

— Diana Scully is the principal designer at Spaces by Diana, an interior decorating business that believes every home deserves good, affordable design.

Designed by Spaces by Diana | Photographed by Martina Gemmola

Tags decorating, decorating kids rooms, design, diana scully, interiors, kids bedroom, kids room, kids room ideas, shared kids bedroom, spaces by diana, styling