With more and more people working from home, it’s never been more important to have an organised, tranquil and beautiful home office. Here are our top 8 desks, that are sure to meet all your needs.
With it’s white-on-wood palette and affordable price ($249.95), the Active Computer Desk from Huali (and available at Zanui), is contemporary, bright and just that little bit different.
If classic and white is your style, you can’t go past the Bedford range from Pottery Barn. This small version is $1,039 and should last you years.
Looking for a little laptop table for your study nook rather than a full-size desk? We think IKEA’s great value, compact, solid timber NORRASEN ($119) is the ideal option.
The very retro Mid-Century Acorn Desk in Acorn from West Elm ($799) has a generous tabletop and three drawers. Made from FSC-certified timber, this desk is no wallflower.
Jen has this large desk in her home office and everyone asks where it’s from. I can tell you it’s the Stationers Trestle Desk from Freedom ($449). What it lacks in drawers it more than makes up for in surface area! Even better, minimal assembly involved!
With a secret compartment ideal for tablet and laptop use, the timber Pod Lift Top Desk from Domayne is characterised by clean yet innovative design. Crafted from Australian mixed hardwood, giving it a rich and warm look, the price is available upon request.
Having been on The Block and Reno Rumble, Retrojan’s Isabella desk ($529) has had more than her 15 minutes of fame. With simple Scandi looks and three drawers, this is a very safe bet, whether it’s for the home office or a teenager’s bedroom.
We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you would add.
Metallics are a reliable go-to for timeless glamour. With silver tones thoroughly exhausted and gold having done the rounds a season or two ago, it was about time copper had its limelight moment.
A gorgeous counterpoint to this season’s moody, grey tones, there is something just so luxe, and a little unexpected, about this rose-tinted hue. We’ve made like a magpie and sourced some of the best and most affordable copper accessories around.
Adairs Home Republic Maya Hexagon copper mirror: This hexagon shaped mirror is a stylish mash up of both the copper and geometric trends. Featuring a copper trim, the mirror’s relatively diminutive size (30x35cm) makes it ideal fodder for a wall vignette. $69.95.
Domayne Diamond Print throw: Combining cosy texture with a geometric print in metallic copper, this throw adds a chic update to the end of your bed or sofa. $99.95.
Country Road Paton copper extra large frame: With its shallow box design, this stylish copper frame is a strong solo performer that also works well as part of a group – a perfect complement to an existing collection of black and white frames. And under $50!
Lark copper fruit basket: Stylish yet super practical and easy on the hip pocket, your apples and bananas have never looked so delectable. $39.95.
Freedom Paloma soap dispenser in copper: There’s no reason why your bathroom need escape the copper trend with this practical yet pretty hand wash pump. $24.95.
Linen House Apex copper cushion: With its bold triangle design, this linen and foil printed cushion is no shrinking violet. Place it in the middle of your bed for an instant update. $54.95
Kmart copper coloured clock: For big impact on a small budget, you can’t go past this $15 beauty. There are almost identical, yet much more expensive, versions on the market.
Lovely Pair marble candle with copper lid: Combining two of the season’s key trends, this luxurious, handmade Italian Carrara marble vessel is finished with a simple copper lid. From pink peony to champagne and pomegranate, the scents are pretty delicious too. $89.95.
Kmart copper coloured basket: A chic storage solution, this wire basket is the perfect spot to store children’s toys, firewood or even dirty laundry. At $12, it’s a no-brainer.
Is anyone else getting excited about spring being around the corner? After months stuck inside with the heating on, keeping a newborn (and his parents!) warm, I can’t wait to be able to throw open the doors and windows and smell the fresh air! Like many Australians, I love switching up my decor for the warmer months to make everything a bit brighter and more relaxed. This winter, we’ve been rocking a grey and gold colour scheme but I’m ready for something a little more colourful and fun for the next few months so I was excited to have a play with some of Freedom’s latest homewares at my place (I think this might just be the first time I’ve given readers a look inside this home too!).
There is no shortage of sunshine yellows in the latest range which instantly say summer! Such a happy hue! And even though it’s getting warmer, I still like to keep texture in my interiors. The absolute easiest and most cost-effective way to do this is through a mix ‘n match collection of cushions. You can see from my picks (all of those pictured are from Freedom, from $34.95 to $49.95) that there’s plenty of different materials and the knitted and quilted looks are my favourites.
The simple decorative turquoise and yellow metal ornaments on the table (just $9.95 and $4.95, BARGAIN!) are a great way to tie in the colours from the cushions and throw and very on trend. Likewise, this fab rug introduces little pops of colour without being over the top. There are a lot of same-same rugs on the market and this one’s a real standout and a generous size (160x230cm).
Your home shouldn’t be a show home, but it should rather make you smile and feel comfortable and relaxed. When my home’s feeling just right, I love opening the door at the end of a busy day!
I found it really liberating to introduce so much colour into my home. Maybe being a new mum has got me more used to brights and made me a little more fun?! What do you think of this look? Sebastian loves it 😉
There’s no denying the bathroom can be one of the blandest rooms. So add some colour and texture with these affordable and stylish accessories, which you can easily swap in and out depending on your mood.
Luxe Copper Toilet Brush & Holder from Target: The toilet brush is probably the foulest (but let’s admit, most vital) bathroom accessory! However, this rose gold one is, dare I say, quite stylish. With a refined and elegant look, it is simple, practical and at $20, affordable.
Stripes Bath Towel Set in Pastel Pink from Aura: Featuring two bath towels, two hand towels and one bath mat, the $179 towel set is sure to impress. Made from luxuriously soft, super absorbent pure cotton, the pattern is bold but simple. Items are also sold separately, starting from $19.95.
Quote Candles from Damselfly: As Damselfly say: “We want to hit you in the face, right in the nose, with our triple-scented aromas and then in the eyes, with a killer quote” and, they succeed! Their super fun candles are made from non-toxic soy based wax and are hand poured in Australia. Each has up to 60 hours burning time and retails for $39.95.
RÅGRUND Towel rack chair from IKEA: It’s the thing I never knew existed but now kind of want! Made from bamboo, this $49.99 towel rack chair is a real space saver. A place to store your belongings or take a seat, it is hard-wearing and durable.
Brio Pedal Bin 3 Litre in Mint from Freedom: This handy item is great for keeping your bathroom clean and injecting a bit of colour into your space. It’s sturdy metal body means it will go the distance and the easy-access pedal keeps things fuss free. Also available in yellow it retails for $29.95.
Budgie Bath Sheet Set from Ninnho: The ultimate in luxury, this set includes two super-sized bath sheets, one hand towel, one bath mat and two wash cloths. A chic colour statement, they are 100% cotton and designed in Melbourne by artist Antoinette Ferwerda. The set retails for $259, with individual items starting from $12
Salle De Bain Two Piece Bathroom Jar Set from Kmart: For just $7 this soap dispenser and toothbrush holder is quite the stylish bargain. Made from blue-tinted glass, they are functional, decorative and on-trend. Wicker Waste Bin Round from Bed Bath N’ Table: Perfect for that country home look, this white and beige wicker bin is both stylish and practical. Designed by Morgan & Finch, it retails for $11.20.
AW15 Tartan Bath Robe from Kip & Co: I’m not a bath robe kind of girl, but this, is convincing me otherwise. The ideal thing to wrap yourself up in this winter, the plush robe is made from 100% cotton terry toweling. One size fits most, it retails for $119.
Sea Tangle Bath Sheet from Kate & Kate: Soft, absorbent and generous, Kate & Kate’s bath sheets are double-sided with terry and velour. Made from 100% cotton and available in three colour ways they retail for $99.
We hope you found this list useful. Please let us know what you’d add!
Our homes may be getting smaller, but we are accumulating more and more stuff. So rather than hide it all in the linen cupboard (and make it so full you’re scared to even open it… surely I can’t be the only one!) invest in some great storage options, that are both convenient and beautiful.
Wire Wall Basket from Down To The Woods: Referring to itself as the magazine holder “not just for magazines” we recommend popping your fruit and veg, shoes or scarves (preferably not at the same time!) into these convenient, out-of-the-way wall baskets. Coming in five colours and made from powder coated metal, each retails for $49.95.
THE SANTIAGO Medium Box Storage Stand from Sagitine: Coming in both white and black, this premium storage stand (which comes with six boxes) keeps your much-loved shoes and clothes in flawless preservation. Retailing for $1,341, it captures the elegance of good design and the impression of beautiful furniture, while being practical and functional.
Hang Coat Rack With Black Hooks by Established & Sons from Living Edge: A gentle pull unfolds this hang coat stand to its full width, allowing for plenty of garments to be stored upon it and a series of low-level hooks meaning children can use it too. When closed, the coat stand is compact and neat, easy to store and transport. It retails for $585.
Odense European Oak Display Cabinet by Bent Design Studio from Huset: Combining the beauty of natural solid Oak with contemporary design elements like one-touch pop open drawers and black steel feet, this cabinet is both stylish and provides easy, appealing storage. It retails for $1995.
Round Polished Brass Wall Hook from Zakkia: Decorate your wall with a group of these in various sizes, or stick to the same size for a clean look. Prices start at $29 for the smallest size.
Priscilla Bookcase by Formabilio from Ipso Mofo: Bookcase come showcase come cabinet, the Priscilla is perfect for highlighting all your fave treasures and trinkets. With its peep holes, it’s up to you what you hide or show off. Made from 100% European Birch Ply, it is available in three colours and retails for $1289.
IKEA PS 2014 corner cabinet from IKEA: Taking up little space by fitting snugly into tight corners, it still allows for plenty of practical storage. Used either with the included legs or mounted on the wall, it also features adjustable shelves. Coming in both pink and white it retails for $149.
Block Table by Normann Copenhagen from Surrounding: A mobile side table on wheels, this light and airy piece of furniture can be easily moved around using its four handles, which are natural extensions of the legs. Used as a side table, coffee table or bedside table, it comes in six colours, is made from steel and Ash and retails for $465.
Natural Belly Basket from Olli Ella: Ethically sourced and free trade, each basket is hand-made by female artisans in Vietnam. Perfect for the living room, playroom, kids bedroom or nursery, they come in a range of colours and sizes, with a starting price of $29.
Conveyor Shelving Unit 192cm in Distressed Natural from Freedom: This industrial-meets-modern shelving unit is inspired by plumbing piping and joints and is rendered in matte black powder coated steel. Both stylish and functional, it is available in two practical sizes. Prices start at $699.
We hope you found this list useful. Please let us know who you’d add!
Here at Interiors Addict we love a good coffee table, so much so, we even have a regular series, ‘Covet my coffee table’ dedicated solely to this special piece of living room furniture. With so many options on the market, we thought we’d put together our top 10 picks to buy online. From the lavish and extravagant to the simple and minimal, there’s something for everyone no matter the taste or budget!
The Modernist by fifteenthirtyeight: This geometric coffee table retails for $1,200 and is designed and handmade in Australia. With a powdercoated steel base and tempered glass top, the base is available in white, black, yellow, brass and raw steel. Custom colours and tops are also available upon request.
Frankie Coffee Table by Seventh Lane: This one-of-a-kind timber coffee table has been lovingly restored from old timber pallets. Still keeping a lot of its old charm with numerous screw holes, indents and imperfections, it comes with powdercoated legs in either matt white or matt black. Retailing for $479, similar tables are also available.
Tribute Round Marble Coffee Table by Zuster: This showstopping coffee table features a round tabletop made from Quartzite Sapphire Blue Marble. Positioned on top of three hexagonal shaped legs and with an American Oak solid timber cross base, it retails for $3,500.
Place by TUCKBOX: Made from solid Australian Hardwood, this coffee table is hand worked and finished in either natural, oiled or black stain and available with Lozenge, Half Gem or Gem shaped tops. Easily dismantled for transport and storage, at $900 each table is unique and handmade to order.
Fitzroy Trunk Coffee Table by Zanui: A storage trunk and coffee table in one, this rustic, industrial-cool table is crafted from timber for strength and warp-resistance. Featuring metal detailing for a strong vintage look, it retails for $699. Frieda 1 Drawer Coffee Table by Freedom: This contemporary Danish-inspired coffee table partners tapered solid oak legs with fresh matte white lacquered finished cabinetry. Stash living room clutter in the flush drawer, which features a half-moon cut out handle, and use the two spaces either side for easy-to-access storage. Retailing for $399, it is both stylish and affordable. Settanta Coffee Table by Plyroom: Crafted from European Beech, the moulded plywood construction (composed of multiple layers of European Beech wood), means you get the strength without the extra weight. Retailing for $1,295, the table provides ample storage space and also includes hidden castors, making the table easy to move and incredibly versatile.
Dove Coffee Table by Nomi: A versatile and modular table, the thoughtful design allows the legs to be positioned in a variety of locations, as required. With a starting price of $695, the table top is available in a choice of solid oak timber or Compact Laminate with a variety of colour finishes. The legs also come in solid oak, with multiple colour finishes available.
Kiss Cuddle Coffee Table by Mr & Mrs White: Designed and made in Australia, it is available in American Oak or ply with a variety of finishes on offer. Beautiful and practical with a starting price of $640, it features a solid round top and solid cross legs.
We hope you found this list useful. Please let us know which coffee tables you’d add!
Rental decorating is hard! Especially when you’re as obsessed as I am with putting art up on your walls. Bare walls, with the addition of stains and a poor paint job, ah it makes me shudder!
So after living in my new house share for five months and spending a good $50 on 3M hooks (that would either cause my art to plummet to the ground or damage the already declining paint job!), my art is up and my room is done.
Space is at a premium and when I spend a decent amount of time working from home it’s important that I don’t feel claustrophobic. So I’ve attempted to make my bedroom as spacious as possible and zoned it: the sleeping area and the working area.
[contextly_sidebar id=”nXtxb4siwOE4foai1g7UgAgTohLr9hn5″]The main focal point of my sleeping area is my Sonno double bed base in wheat. I was keen to have a fabric headboard, and this ticks the boxes for both comfort and colour. I’m a neutral lover through and through! It also lets the accessories do the talking and means I can switch up the theme of my room with much more ease and affordability. I am particularly in love with my lamp from Freedom, my artwork of Copenhagen by Kortkartellet (brought back after my 6-month stint in Copenhagen last year) and my cushions from Art Club Concept.
Into the working area and I would be remiss not to mention my favourite piece straight away, the portrait of myself and my cat Kimby (yes to some that may be hugely embarrassingly but I can assure you I have no shame!). I am also a huge fan of my vintage desk, which I got a few years back at a reclaimed furniture store in Avalon.
Next to my desk is my storage unit, which I have tried to keep as clutter free as possible. My artwork from Brainspiration, my vase from Art Club Concept and my O light from Typo are all particular favourites!
While my room is done for now, I know I’ll be switching it up very soon. But after all that’s the good thing about rental decorating, nothing’s permanent!
— Disclosure: The Sonno bed, Brainspiration artwork and Art Club Concept homewares were gifted to me, however positive coverage was not guaranteed.
Walls in Taubmans Endure Orchid Child. Photo credit: Freedom
By Shaynna Blaze
Keeping an eye on new colour trends is a great way to spark inspiration and give your interiors a fresh, modern update. The key to using trend colours is just to have fun with them! Don’t be afraid to put a personal spin on a trend and embrace it in your home.
For first timer painters, you should try using trend colours in a smaller or more personal space like an entryway, hallway or bedroom. For more experienced painters or daring decorators, you can make a real statement in your lounge or open plan living area with a trend colour. Here are my top tips for incorporating five different colour trends into your home this winter.
Pastels are one of my favourite trends this year. The softness of the hues allows you to mix and match opposing colours on the one wall without creating an eyesore. They also work really well with white, blonde or light coloured timber furniture.
To re-create this look, use painter’s tape to divide your wall and paint one side in a pale blue, like Taubmans Castaway Isle, and the other in a soft pink, like Taubmans Hedonist. For those wanting to create an edgier look, paint two-thirds of your wall in one colour and the remaining third in the second colour rather than an even half and half. Complete the look with artworks predominately featuring brighter or darker shades of blues and pinks as they’ll really pop against the pastel wall.
Peachy keen
This winter we’ll begin to see a shift towards muted, warm tones mixed with whites and greys in our homes. Taking the lead from the trends of metallic colours like copper and bronze, hues of orange and salmon will also emerge into our winter palettes. Pastel orange tones like Taubmans Rosette Royale and Sweet Peach, work well with blonde timbers. Try this combination to create a modern look with an organic feel, which also adds a sense of warmth to a winter palette.
Darker days
Walls in Taubmans Endure Black Forest. Photo credit: Freedom
I love using dark colours to create a winter palette. Charcoal greys, navy blues and deep-sea greens can make any room feel cosy with a hint of sophistication. These colours work well as a backdrop for bolder coloured accessories in reds, oranges and yellows. The trick for this look is to use a simple palette of up to only four colours so as not to overwhelm the eye with too many shades. For example, a dark blue, like Taubmans Endure Black Forest, works well with grey, red and white. Ensure there is an even balance of your chosen colours in your bed linen, carpets and other room accessories. The combination of blue, red and white gives a gender-neutral, slightly nautical look without feeling kitschy.
I also love using less traditional winter colours like deep charcoals and indigos in my interiors. If you go with this trend, make sure you layer your tones from the dark wall colour through to a soft grey or white in your trims and accessories. Utilizing five or six hues ranging from dark blue, to grey blue to white, will create the perfect moody look this winter. My favourite combination is Taubmans Gypsy Rose, Dusty Violet, Snow Goose and Ice Princess.
Teal burst
Walls in Taubmans Endure Orchid Child. Photo credit: Freedom
If you’re a first time painter who doesn’t feel confident enough to paint with bright colour or a homeowner who’s fond of neutrals, you can still incorporate trend colours in your room design with statement artworks, soft furnishings and quirky room accessories.
When adding colour to a predominately neutral room it’s best to select three to four different colours making one dominant over the rest. Vibrant teals are becoming increasingly popular this year and can add a playful burst of energy to any neutral interior palette. The incorporation of bright teal in the artwork of this room creates a focal point on the wall without overwhelming it with colour. Various shades of teal also appear in the cushion and table accessories alongside subtle hints of yellow, red and blue.
Shades of grey
For an unexpected winter palette, try a nice shade of grey. Taupe greys on your walls give a warm base palette for crisp coloured bed linen and black accents, such as bedside lamps. Slightly reflective materials like silky timbers for bedside tables and copper flecks in details of cushions and bedside candles will bring the room to life.
— Shaynna Blaze is Taubmans’ brand ambassador and colour creative director, host of Selling Houses Australia and judge on The Block.
Ever since Jen and I attended the launch of the real living for Freedom collection, I’ve been obsessing over their ability to embrace the mismatched, the cool and the quirky. I’m quite the fan! Especially for the fact that their homewares let you create beautiful interiors, no matter your style.
Perfect for creating that cosy and warm winter feel, they are now — for a limited time — offering MyFreedom members 30% off across the range (you can join MyFreedom for a small fee here). So I thought now was the perfect time to showcase our favourite buys, which — with the discount — start from as little as $4.16! Yes please!
Staff writer Olivia Shead gets some tips from interior stylist Imogen Roache
Olivia and I are lucky enough to get invited to some beautiful events and the recent Real Living for Freedom homewares launch was no exception! We thought we’d take the chance to show you behind the scenes in this fab video.
We enjoyed a beautiful lunch surrounded by the vintage style homewares and stunning blooms by Holly Hipwell of The Flower Drum at the Palm House in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens. So much thought had gone into the little touches, like our names embroidered onto napkins, and it was great to catch up with some of our favourite bloggers and stylists.
Spot my baby bump! Always looking for the perfect Instagram shot, of course!
If only every day at Interiors Addict was this glam! We do work really hard most of the time, honestly…
Staff writer Olivia Shead (left) gets some tips from interior stylist Imogen Roache
The Real Living for Freedom collection is available online and in store now.
Yesterday, Olivia and I attended the stunning launch event for Real Living magazine’s homewares range for Freedom. It was a gorgeous setting in the old school Palm House in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, which suited the nostalgic collection perfectly.
Mixing patterned pieces that look like they came from your nanna’s house or a cute country cottage with pops of more modern colour, leather and typography is what this collection does really well. Freedom homewares buyer Korryn Bentley, said: “Ever since we started working together we knew we wanted to create something really special that is the sum of both Real Living and Freedom. The collaboration brings a fresh new twist on homewares. It challenges the idea of a perfectly matched interior. We want you to embrace the mismatched, the cool and quirky, and really carve out your own style.”
Think classic checks in contemporary palettes, vintage-looking florals in new tones, lamps in retro cool colours and even furniture in the form of wire wear storage that’s a little industrial and edgy.
“We welcome you to the 2015 Real Living for Freedom winter range, where the word “home” resonates with memories and emotions of a time gone by – a vintage vibe with a quirky element of playfulness,” said Deborah Bibby, editor-in-chief, of Real Living.
“I’m excited to see how customers bring the collection to life in their own homes with their individual styles — it’s warm, fun and a little bit eclectic, the way any home should be,” added Korryn.
Available in stores and online from Monday 6 April 2015.
Yesterday, gold pieces were among the favourites I shared from Freedom’s latest homewares range. today, I’m all about copper. I’m still welcoming pops of this warm metallic into my home and I think we’ll be seeing them trending for a long time yet. You may not have thought about adding copper to your bathroom, an often neglected room in the styling and accessorising stakes. so why not give these a go? I think the shower caddy ($34.95) is my favourite.
If you find copper a little too glitzy and worry it’ll look tacky, let me recommend the awesome combo that is matte black and copper, as seen in the Otis bowl ($44.95) below.
Lighting’s another place to add a touch of copper. At $49.95, the Helix suspension pendant is pretty low commitment.
Freedom’s new autumn/winter furniture and homewares recently hit stores and there are some standout pieces which you should probably grab now before they’re gone! I’m talking about these gorgeous gold, textured cushions and throw, perfect for warming things up for winter. These are limited edition too, so don’t hang around!
Above: From $39.95 to $149 from Freedom
There’s also a few great pieces in lighting which I have my eye on, particularly the new floor lamp version of the popular copper Metro lamp (below, top right) at $249 (which also comes in matte black in marble), these fancy schmancy globes (top left and bottom right) and the Wren table lamp (bottom left) at $129, which I think would look fab in the bedroom or lounge room.
There’s plenty more cool stuff to share with you. I’ll be back with my copper favourites (nope, that trend’s not going anywhere yet) tomorrow.
The amazing charity project Build for a Cure is making impressive progress and recently, Freedom and stylist Mr Jason Grant, helped give it its finishing touches. The house will be auctioned, fully furnished, on 26 October, with all money going to the Children’s Cancer Institute.
The four-bedroom house in Glenmore Park NSW, will be built and furnished in just 21 days with everyone donating their time and products for free. It’s a lucky buyer who gets to move straight into this place! And of course, the amount of money raised for the charity, as part of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, will be substantial.
Stylist Jason Grant
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom ‘Havana One’ home is being donated by McDonald Jones Homes and built in partnership with Austral Bricks. It will sit on 500 m2 of land in donated by Wearn Brothers Group and will be sold fully furnished by Freedom, with kitchen and laundry appliances by Electrolux and home entertainment by Panasonic. All real estate services are being donated by PRDnationwide Penrith and the home will be auctioned by The Block celebrity auctioneer, Damien Cooley.
Check out the race against the clock in this video!
We spoke to Freedom homewares buyer Korryn Bentley about the latest Spring trends and how to incorporate them into your home without breaking the bank.
“There’s a really strong move toward all things pastel this Spring, we can’t get enough! But we’re also seeing some chalky hues in citrus tones with terracotta as a hero colour. This can be a really sophisticated colour palette when combined with metallic coppers which are really hot this season,” Korryn says.
In terms of bringing these trends into your home, Korryn suggests a simple, easy and fun way is with a collection of vessels or vases. “These new pieces can look great mixed back with some vintage pieces, don’t be afraid to mix and match. There’s no hard and fast rule, but try and keep it tonal. Most interior upholstery, fabric or leather are fairly neutral in colour, so a cluster of vessels in a palette of chalky hues can easily work in with this look.”
If you were going to invest in one large key piece from Freedom, Korryn recommends, without a doubt, the Manhattan sofa in Loft Ecru. “I love the oversized proportions, the sleek contemporary legs, not to mention the level of comfort is out of this world. I could easily spend my summer sprawled on that with a cocktail and good book. Bring it on!”
One tricky issue for many readers is making your open plan living and dining spaces work together. Korryn still suggests creating obvious living and dining zones to prevent the space becoming confusing. “The best way of doing this is with floor rugs, this really helps bring structure to your room and visually ties the whole space together. You can play with a pop of colour that’s repeated in the rug, it creates real harmony in an open plan, while defining the space.”
When it comes to making a statement when entertaining at home this Spring, Korryn loves a brightly dressed table with fresh flowers and colourful napery. “My dinnerware is all white, so I get to play with lots of interesting textures and patterns in napery and tend to incorporate jute string somehow, I love jute string!
“Spring is one of my favourite times of the year. I love fresh bed linen that’s been drying in the sun, throwing the windows open at home and pulling back my blockout curtains. Spring is all about sheer curtains on the windows and fresh flowers in every nook of the home for me, and that gentle scent of jasmine blowing through.”
Korryn’s top four updates from Freedom’s Spring range for under $50
Serena Vessel 23.5cm: The dusty hue with the graphic stripe, I just love this look.
Bukhara Cushion: Again the way those dusty, earthy tones play together with the stitching, it’s a tactile, textural gem.
Arrow Basket 46cm: Why should storage be dull? The Arrow basket is practical and pretty!
Zedd Cactus Orange 32cm: Somebody pass me a Margarita, these cactus pieces bring a fun Mexican feel to a space, sans the prickles.
This time last week, an amazing and heartwarming charity project started in Glenmore Park, NSW. Build For A Cure will see a four-bedroom house built and fully furnished in just 21 days. Everyone has donated the labour, materials and furnishings for free and when the house is auctioned, all the money will go to the Children’s Cancer Institute. Amazing, huh? and the progress so far in week one is incredible!
Scott Cam at the Build For A Cure house
It’s the first ever Build For A Cure as part of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The home will be auctioned on 26 October and proceeds will go to the Institute to fund vital medical research to find a cure for childhood cancer.
The lavish four-bedroom, two-bathroom ‘Havana One’ home is being donated by McDonald Jones Homes and built in partnership with Austral Bricks. It will sit on 500 m2 of land in Glenmore Park donated by Wearn Brothers Group and will be sold fully furnished by Freedom, with kitchen and laundry appliances by Electrolux and home entertainment by Panasonic. All real estate services are being donated by PRDnationwide Penrith and the home will be auctioned by The Block celebrity auctioneer, Damien Cooley.
The Block’s Scott Cam, a McDonald Jones Homes ambassador, is lending his support to the project, along with the show’s 2012 winners Brad and Lara Cranfield and stylist Jason Grant.
“When Bill [McDonald] asked me to join the Build for a Cure campaign to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Institute, I was thrilled to have a way I could personally help. These people aren’t asking for a miracle, just the funds to make it happen. Children’s Cancer Institute’s determination is infectious and I encourage all Aussies to give generously,” said Scott.
With its labs first opened in 1984, Children’s Cancer Institute not only conducts medical research to find a cure for childhood cancer, but also ways to improve existing treatments and reduce the suffering long-term side effects can bring. The Institute is now excited to be embarking on a program of personalised cancer treatment that will see it centrally involved in guiding cancer care for high-risk children at paediatric hospitals throughout Australia.
Brad and Lara Cranfield
“As we celebrate 30 years of medical research, we’re more determined than ever to put an end to childhood cancer,” said Prof Michelle Haber AM, Executive Director, Children’s Cancer Institute. “As the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to childhood cancer, our role is vital – because even with the current survival rate of eight out of ten, childhood cancer still kills nearly three children every week. I am blown away by the generosity of our partners who are making this happen.”
You can follow the Build for a Cure journey here and donate at,or buy a $2 token at participating Big Ws throughout September and Woolworths Petrol throughout October.
Here’s a video that shows you a little more about it:
Nothing beats switching things up at home to herald the warmer days and the abundance of sunshine. The new Freedom Spring/Summer 2014 Collection is a culmination of colour, print and pattern. A true celebration of Australian interiors.
“Freedom has embraced everything there is to love about colour for the new summer collection,” says senior homewares buyer Korryn Bentley. “Remember those pastels we all grew up with — reminiscent of 20c worth of mixed lollies? We’ve grown up and so has the palette, but it’s just as sweet. We know colour makes an interior a happier place to be, this season we have plenty of options.”
Stylist Mr Jason Grant, whose second book is released later this month, styled these gorgeous images. He said: ““I’m loving the latest collection from Freedom, a welcome burst of colour and pattern for the warmer months. Mixing geometric patterns, bright pops of colour and gelato shades with classic shapes and timber pieces, the collection is fun and fresh.
“Of course I love anything nautical or tropical and there are anchors, stripes, oars and palm leaves everywhere! The collection is perfect for adding some summer vibes and relaxed, laid back style to your home.”
Four new decorating stories embody the spirit of an Australian summer. You can choose how you play with colour, but Freedom have helpfully done the groundwork for you to get you there:
Sorbet Dream
A soothing palette of pastel tones and grey makes for a home that is beautifully serene. When designing with simplicity in mind, every detail has been introduced with precision and beauty. Whether it’s the artisanal feel of contrast glazing on the Talleo vessel or the graphic statement of the Boyd rugs neon on neutral stripes, it’s the little things that count.
Sunseeker
Balancing classic and contemporary elements, Sunseeker delivers a fresh energy to interiors. Whether it’s the Saltram adjustable stool that combines the honest of timber with industrial form or our solid elm Constable dining table with mixed bench and chair seating, Sunseeker makes home life less ordinary. Earthy terracotta also features heavily, especially across the Terra vessel collection that has been handmade in Portugal.
Colour Fiesta
Making a strong statement with ease, Colour Fiesta gives a bold new direction to the warmer months. Start with the classic understatement of a hero neutral piece like the Benson Modular Sofa and build your look from there. Dip into new shades with everyday pieces, like the Pompidou table or the Epping nest of three tables, each given a playful splash of colour.
Island Life
Relaxed yet eye-catching, the living is easy with Island Life. From rope and natural weaves to bottle green glass; shipshape, nautical touches also steal the scene. Look no further than the Demijohn table lamp for proof that a little high sea inspiration can still be contemporary and urban. Rounding out Island Life is a range of new season cushions that have been rendered in vintage inspired prints. Case in point? The Hula cushion, it’s fun and unique and will get noticed for all the right reasons.
New collection pieces are arriving weekly from today. Shop online.
A corner of my sunroom/ studio in Bondi. Photography Maya Vidulich
From working as a circus artist and stunt performer to an account manager at an advertising agency, Adam Powell has had a very diverse career. Yet it was only after enrolling in a BA in Design Styling and Creative Direction at The Whitehouse Institute of Design, that he finally found his calling: styling. And thank goodness he did because here at Interiors Addict, we believe he is a talent to watch!
Photo credit: Maya Vidulich
“I had left the course hungry to sink my teeth into working in the interiors world,” explains Adam. “So when Chris Deal and Jessica Bellef, who were two of my teachers at The Whitehouse, offered me some assisting work with them at a new company that had just started called Temple & Webster, I jumped on it. Three years on, the brand is Australia’s largest online homewares retailer and I am lucky to have a regular gig there as their senior stylist.”
Working there two days a week, Adam spends the rest of his days freelancing, undertaking a mix of advertising and editorial work for brands such as Real Living, Inside Out and Freedom, a process he finds both challenging and rewarding. “It’s a hard slog being a freelancer and after three years I am only just getting into a good routine with my finances and erratic work schedule. I do love being a freelancer; I love the variety of work and exposure to working with lots of different and talented people who I am constantly learning from.”
Temple & Webster. Photo credit: Denise Braki
While his assisting days are now over (as well as assisting for Temple & Webster he was lucky enough to be taken under the wing of both Jason Grant and Sarah Ellison), Adam is quick to dismiss the rumour that being a senior stylist is glamorous. Aren’t all stylists?!
“The biggest misconception about styling is that it’s a glamorous job. Yes we get to play with beautiful things most days but it’s tough work. A typical shoot day will often start with an early morning trip to the flower market or bakery to pick up consumables, then there is the running around doing pick ups, making furniture, painting walls, building sets, getting the perfect shot, tweaking the perfect shot to make it just right, dismantling furniture, repackaging furniture, doing returns, typing up crediting information and then heading home to work on creative concepts for other jobs.”
Real Living Magazine, June 2014. Photo credit: Nick Scott
But all that tiring work aside, Adam loves his job, his favourite aspect being the ability to tell stories through images, loving that he can pull together products, lighting, paints, colours and props to visually portray a story. It’s something he has always been drawn to, having been a huge collector of props, even from his early childhood. “As a boy, it was all about frogs! My room was a tropical jungle and at the peak of the obsession I had over 500 ornamental frogs,” he admits. “These days, the collecting still happens but on a much smaller scale. Shells, feathers, sea urchins, vintage fishing floats and small clocks all make up my studio space and act as an easy prop department when pulling things together for a shoot.”
Adam’s studio. Photo credit: Maya Vidulich
While it is no doubt a challenging industry to get into, Adam is proof that it is possible, that if you’re not afraid to put yourself out there, experiment and even work for free, you can turn your dream into reality. “What I’d say to budding stylists is try anything and everything. From here it will be a process of elimination in discovering what you love and what you don’t like doing. Work for free — we have all done it before — it shows you are hungry and enthusiastic.”
Temple & Webster. Photo credit: Natalie Hunfalvay
Having followed his own advice and been a fully fledged stylist for the last three years, Adam has achieved countless milestones and undertaken many amazing projects. But his biggest styling triumph is something much more modest: “I guess my biggest milestone would be that turning point when my styling went from a hobby to a career that I could make a living from. It’s something that makes me smile often; the realisation of finding that passion.”
The very retro Mid-Century Acorn Desk in Acorn from West Elm ($799) has a generous tabletop and three drawers. Made from FSC-certified timber, this desk is no wallflower.
