Tag: interior

Categories
Design DIY RENO ADDICT

How much does painting a house cost?

In need of a face lift, or should I say could your home do with a refresh? Glad I clarified that! Everyone will tell you that the easiest way to reboot your home is to add a lick of paint, indoors or out. And they would be right. But should you DIY or get a pro in and how much will it cost?

SV Constructions

To DIY or not…

While many of us are happy to DIY, the reality is time and expertise are two commodities in short supply. You also might think that there is not much to painting, how hard can it be? Truth be told a lot of the work happens before any brushes, rollers or cans of paint make an appearance. Any experienced painter will tell you that surface preparation (cleaning, sanding and filling in holes and gaps) is as important as using quality paints, equipment and the right technique. So think twice before you head to the hardware store.

How much will my painting job cost?

So assuming you decided to get a pro in, the first question on most people’s minds is how much is this going to cost me?

You should really be looking for a painter to visit your home and give you a written quote for the entire job. Painters will typically quote a flat fee which includes materials and labour. They are also able to quote for smaller jobs, for example a single room. Some painters may even give you a ‘per square metre’ or hourly rate. Expect to pay anywhere between $18 to $20 per square metre depending on where you live. In terms of an hourly rate, painters charge in the region of $40 per hour, but this can vary significantly.

These rates are all well and good, but beware of being lured by ‘too good to be true’ figures. The bottom line on cost is that you should consider a range of factors when hiring a painter, not just price. That means screening them to get an idea if they are right for your job.

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Ask your painter the right questions

Hiring the right painter for your job isn’t hard if you know what questions to ask:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • What does your quote include?
  • Do you have insurance cover?
  • Are you licensed (if this is required where you live)?
  • Can you provide me with references/client recommendations?
  • What paints do you use?
  • How many people will work on my job?
  • How long will you take?

Painting your interiors

Points to consider when painting your interiors include the type of paint. Gloss, low sheen or matt each have a unique finish, so decide what look you are after. There are also easy clean paints, marketed as ‘mark resistant’ by manufacturers, which you should be aware of. Timber elements such as doors, windows, their frames and skirting boards will typically require a gloss or semi-gloss enamel paint or wood stain. These are available in oil or water-based versions, with the latter offering the benefit of drying quicker and having less odour. Painters also often double up as decorators, so are able to take care of any special finishes or effects, such as wallpapering, that you require.

Wallpaper Antics

Painting your exterior

In terms of your exteriors, these surfaces may require more remedial work such as patching and filling in. This is particularly true of any timber elements. Also bear in mind that a multi-storey home is likely going to require scaffolding. Painters will factor the cost of all this into your quote.

Don’t forget to get a range of quotes, say three or four, to be in a position to judge what you are willing to pay. Remember, don’t always be swayed by the lowest price…

– Craig Gibson is the online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals and the perfect place to find a painter in your local area.

Categories
Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews

Gorgeous vintage styled lighting used by Sibella Court, Jamie Oliver and The Grounds

The Grounds of Alexandria

Sponsored by Barn Light Australia

Lighting has to be one of my all-time favourite things. The fact that I live in an apartment with the most horrendous downlights I’ve ever seen actually causes me distress (first world problems, I know!). But what this does mean, is when I find good lights, I take note!

The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria

Enter Barn Light Australia, a business creating gorgeous vintage-styled lighting. Started in 2013, they are the first offshore venture of Barn Light Electric (based in the USA), who specialise in vintage light fixtures made from the highest quality materials.

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Barn Lights at the Society Inc Warehouse. Photo by Jacqui Turk
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Lights at Sibella Court’s The Society Inc

Run by Jesse-Lee Stringer, he originally worked for the USA business before deciding to return home to Australia. And with Australia being Barn Light Electric’s second largest export market, opening shop here didn’t seem like a bad idea. “I worked for Barn Light USA from 2008 through to 2012 as their ecommerce strategist and web developer,” explains Jesse-Lee. “However, once my wife and I had our first son in Florida, we decided to come back home. My boss didn’t want me to up and leave and decided that I’d be a commendable business partner for their first offshore venture. We signed the paperwork and Barn Light Australia was formed.”

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Barn Lights at Pressed Earth Juices

With the Australian entity now working towards becoming self-sufficient, their products are a mix of Australian-made lighting and US imports. They also specialise in custom-made light fixtures and their list of clients is very impressive! “We imported custom light fixtures from the US for The Grounds of Alexandria, we provided custom goosenecks for Jamie Oliver’s soon to open Parramatta restaurant, we had custom pendants made for Northbridge Brewing Company and we just finished working with Nando’s Elizabeth Street.” Cool customers indeed!

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Nando’s Elizabeth Street. Image credit: Faculty Design
Northbridge Brewing Company
Northbridge Brewing Company

But when it comes to his favourite project, Jesse-Lee is quick to name stylist Sibella Court’s new St Peters warehouse, The Society Inc. “Sibella Court was the first person to walk into our Barn Light factory and tell us what she wanted. Normally we have emails saying, ‘We want this, can you make something similar?’ Whereas for her, what we made was completely custom. It was a better project for us as we got to use different colours and finishes that we hadn’t used before. It was also a very proud moment, as we got to see our lights up in her warehouse.”

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Lighting at Sibella’s Society Inc Warehouse. Photo by Jacqui Turk
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The Society Inc

With a vast array of lighting on offer, everything from pendants and goosenecks to stems and sconces (available in a magnitude of powdercoat finishes), vintage fanatics are sure to find something they love. And to make the lights even more appealing, Barn Light Australia are offering Interiors Addicts a 10% discount off everything (excluding fans)! Discount code: theinteriorsaddict.

Shop online.

Categories
Competitions Designers Interviews

Meet the finalists for Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year 2015

The Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards always showcase the most amazing projects by the country’s most talented interior designers and this year… is no exception!

With the big prize of the night being Interior Designer of the Year (which last year was won by Interiors Addict favourite Greg Natale for the second time), 2015’s finalists are all first-time nominees. So, we thought what better time than now to learn a bit about the finalists and their featured projects (and also have a cheeky ogle at their amazing work!)?

Meryl Hare – Hare + Klein

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“It is humbling to be shortlisted for Interior Designer of the Year. I am supported by a great team so credit to them as well. We entered three projects that were quite diverse, one being a Federation home with a contemporary extension with clients we’d worked with previously; another was a new home designed by Popov Bass, with amazing views and the third was a renovation to a Kirribilli apartment. The common denominator was trusting and enthusiastic clients!”

Matt Gibson – Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

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“It is a real privilege to be shortlisted amongst the other fine practices and a nice acknowledgement of the hard work and passion that goes into running a practice such as ours. We are an architecture and interior design office that merges both disciplines concurrently. Our entries this year are a combination of residential and commercial projects of various sizes and scopes.”

Miriam Fanning – Mim Design

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“We are overwhelmed to be shortlisted among so many talented Australian designers achieving great things. We are particularly proud of our featured project, The Pask office. Pask was an innovative combination of cultivated styles which we accomplished through the use of quality natural materials that evoke a classic, understated and masculine luxury. In terms of planning, the Pask project needed to function as a dual tenancy, however instead of a reception they wanted a comfortable lounge/entry zone which reiterated the fundamental ‘residential’ feel we aimed to introduce throughout.”

Justine Hugh-Jones – Justine Hugh-Jones Interior Design

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“I feel extremely honoured and flattered to be shortlisted alongside other very impressive interior designers and I am of course very excited! The featured projects we entered were the residential Foreshore House, a waterfront home nestled directly on the shores of Middle Harbour. It is a joint collaboration between Justine Hugh-Jones Design and the architect Ben Vitale and is an elegant, inviting and relaxed family home that connects beautifully to the local landscape. The other project that my studio entered was the decoration of a display apartment in the Locarno precinct at Harold Park by the developers Mirvac. The apartment was styled and decorated to represent the modern eclectic feel of today’s attitude and desire towards design and lifestyle.”

Jeremy Bull – Alexander & Co.

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“We are absolutely thrilled. I have immense support in my role from our team and this shortlisting stands as a fantastic endorsement of what we have been able to achieve together over the last few years. We entered projects under the residential and hospitality categories. The first is a contemporary alteration of a family home in Mosman, Sydney, the two others included Sean Connolly’s new restaurant at the Adelaide Casino and a Japanese rock bar/restaurant in Manly.  All three are lovely projects though they could not be more different to each other in scale and intent. From the delicately personal to the epic and slightly insane!”

The Belle Coco Republic Interior Designs Awards night will take place on 13 May and I’ll be there. Watch this space! For more information.

Categories
Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Get reno ready with an intensive interior design workshop

Renovating can be extremely exciting, but it can also be extremely overwhelming, time-consuming and expensive! So how do you go about creating your dream home, without forking out thousands on an interior designer?

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Introducing the two-day intensive workshop from G.A.B.B.E, where they will teach you everything you need to know about your dream home renovation and have you walk away with interior fixtures and finishes schedules.

What many people don’t realise — and what sees them go over budget — is that when you get a quote off your builder you need to present them with a full documentation package, not just drawings and plans. For builders to quote properly they need schedules and finishes and a full idea of what they need to quote on. Without this you are receiving quotes from builders that don’t actually reflect what you want, ultimately leading to you spending more money than you have!

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Each workshop will only take four people (or four couples), so they’re extremely hands on. They will run every month in G.A.B.B.E’s Melbourne headquarters, with the first this weekend. And there’s still one space left! So hurry!

For more information.

Categories
Competitions Designers

Stunning homes dominate Australian Interior Design Awards

Planchonella House QLD by Jesse Bennett Architect. Photo by Sean Fennessy

The shortlisted projects for the 2015 Australian Interior Design Awards have been announced and boy oh boy, are they gorgeous. Our favourite interiors, are as usual, in the residential design and residential decoration categories. Check out the stunning shortlists below!

Residential Design

Residential Decoration

Now in their twelfth year, the Australian Interior Design Awards are co-presented by the Design Institute of Australia, Artichoke and Diversified Communications Australia. They celebrate the outstanding design skills of established practices and emerging talents across Australia, with this year’s competition seeing over 400 entries across the program’s 14 categories.

The winners will be announced at a gala event at Melbourne’s Sofitel on Collins on Friday 15 May. To see more of the shortlisted projects, visit the website.

Categories
Bedrooms Designers Expert Tips Furniture Homewares Interviews Kids Rooms Styling

Affordable photography & styling service by crafty supermum!

It’s not too often that I stumble upon something I’ve never seen before, but Concrete & Honey certainly ticks that box!

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With a unique business model, owner Nicola Greenaway provides an affordable styling and photography service for growing little businesses, encompassing everything from photography and styling to prop and studio hire, plus a little bit of PR.

“Clients post their products to me and in just a few days, they have beautifully styled images to share on social media, in online and print advertising and for their websites and webstores,” explains Nicola. “The service includes beautiful photography through to social media, as I share on my Instagram and/or blog. I also photograph babies and have been asked to design and photograph nurseries which I love to do.”

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Running Concrete & Honey alongside her blog and Etsy shop of the same name, Nicola is also a mother and a full-time employee (is she superwoman or what?!). “I work full-time in a bank and started my blog six years ago as a creative outlet from the corporate world. This year, I started my website and now style and photograph on weekends and craft at night for my Etsy shop.”

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Designed by Brie Stanley

 

Selling a range of products on Etsy, from paper feather clusters to stitch dot garlands, you’ll also find kids room design packages including mood boards, shopping lists and styling tips. Due to popular demand, she has even created a package based off her own dream nursery, her daughter Piper’s!

“Piper’s room is pretty dreamy: white walls and floors and grey linen curtains, a Número 74 canopy with lots of lush cushions and a great clothes rack to top it off. Her IKEA Ribba picture shelves are an effective way to display books and prints and the HK Living button wall hooks used as door handles on her wardrobe look gorgeous.”

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With a style that is modern, graphic and a little bit romantic; Nicola loves everything light and white, though let’s not forget some beautiful things to give the room a pop of colour. She believes you can create the look – be it in your kids room or anywhere in your home — without the big budget. “A fresh coat of paint is a must. If in doubt, make everything white and add colour with the wares. Remove anything you don’t absolutely love from sight. Paper storage bags are great for this. Beautiful greeting cards can be art when framed and they’re only a few dollars each.”

For more information.

Categories
Furniture Homewares Interviews RENO ADDICT

From vintage 1960s caravan to mobile homewares store

As a mother to three young children, Sarah Percy longed for a creative outlet. With a background in hospitality and a diploma in interior design, she dreamed of opening a shop, but knew the overheads and time commitment were too much. So, she thought of the perfect alternative solution: a shop on four wheels, in the form of a 1960s vintage caravan.

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“I started to search the ‘net for a vintage caravan after seeing a few that had been converted into mobile bars. They are not easy to find and after numerous failed bidding wars on eBay, just after the birth of my twins, I got lucky. I remember being in the final seconds of the bidding war with a baby on each hip getting restless, thinking to myself how will I possibly get the last bid in? But as a multi-tasking mum, I did!”

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A few weeks later, Sarah’s husband and father-in-law picked it up from Byron Bay and towed it back to their home on the NSW Central Coast. Lucky for them, the outside of the caravan was in good condition, however the inside was far from pretty! “The previous owner was originally going to renovate it himself but came to a standstill. He had already gutted the inside so this was one less job for us. But he had started to lay some ugly vinyl on the floor and grey tiles down one of the walls. It was pretty dismal looking on the inside, dark and closed in.”

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However, with a carpenter for a husband, Sarah was in a good position to start renovating. Keeping the outside true to its original style, inside was where the magic really happened. They cut out two small windows and added a long, server-style window, installed timber paneling, added bench seating and storage, polished the floor and installed new insulation and a pressed tin ceiling. “It’s very inviting now. Light and bright on the inside with that beautiful detail of the pressed tin ceiling and timber paneling, yet it still has all the character of its original self from the outside.”

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While the project was only supposed to be a hobby, as soon as Sarah started renovating, she knew she couldn’t wait to open shop. “It was always meant to be a hobby and something we could work on while the kids were at home still, and once they started school I would have myself a job without that fear of getting back into the workforce. But once we started to see the transformation, I knew I just had to make it work sooner.”

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Open every Sunday on the Central Coast’s Ettalong Beach, the caravan, called Blonde Onyx, sells a range of homewares from cushions and throws to small pieces of furniture, kids decor, wall art and pendant lights. Sarah also stocks her own range of hand poured soy candles, with the whole collection being a mix of Scandinavian and coastal charm.

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Having been very well received by the local community, Sarah has high hopes for the future. “I have grand plans for our little van once our children are all in school and my hands aren’t so tied. I’m constantly on the hunt for another caravan and while I don’t move location at this stage, it’s definitely something I will be considering. Starting this journey has opened my eyes to a whole new world of creativity and because it’s mobile, I have freedom!”

For more information.

Categories
Bedrooms Designers Interviews Kids Rooms

Australian nursery ideas: with Sunday Collector

Recently, we spoke to Briar Stanley, the blogger and interior decorator behind Sunday Collector. As a specialist in creating gorgeous rooms — especially for little people — we thought she would be the perfect person to share some tips on designing your nursery.

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Minnie_1 “Decide on the piece you want to splurge on (maybe the cot that converts into a toddler bed) and then don’t be afraid to mix vintage pieces with new. Have fun trawling op shops for a day or check out Gumtree for cute timber bookshelves or change tables. Update these pieces with a coat of paint and you will end up with an original nursery that has loads of character. Places like IKEA, Cotton On and Target are also your friend when it comes to nurseries — mix in a few pieces from affordable shops here and there for a truly unique space.”

BR1Briar also puts a lot of emphasis on the colour palette, recommending colour over its monochrome counterpart. “I’ve seen lots of black and white rooms lately, but I am happy to see colour is making a big comeback. I like the idea of kids growing up around the innocence of ‘happy’ colours. Cool painted wall murals are proving pretty popular, as is cute wallpaper.”

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Alongside a beautiful looking room, for Briar functionality is also of the utmost importance. “A change table with handy storage close by for nappies and wipes is a good idea. You want to be prepared in those early months with a newborn. Sleep deprivation can make the simplest task (like finding a nappy in the middle of the night) impossible! Also, a dimmer for the ceiling light is always handy. You need to be able to see your hands without bright overhead lighting that may stimulate your baby from slumber.”

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Having designed an array of nurseries, Briar can’t help but admit her favourite was her daughter, Sunday’s. “It was a true labour of love and a slow process of pulling together a space I imagined my daughter would like while I was pregnant. As luck would have it, I pretty much imagined her toddler personality (cheeky, funny, bold, artistic) perfectly. As a nearly three-year old, it’s a space she loves to play in and she’s always telling our visitors to, ‘Come see my room, now!'”

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With Sunday now a toddler, Briar recently transitioned the nursery into a kids room, a process that wasn’t time-consuming or expensive! “If you’re like me with my daughter, transforming your nursery into a kids room could be as easy as replacing the cot with an appropriate toddler bed and some fresh bed linen. I also added a second bookshelf to deal with a huge over-supply of books, and updated a few things on her walls. I’ll often find a client has applied a nursery-themed wall decal before I’ve come on on the scene, so removing that and replacing it with some great art is a really easy way to update a nursery.”

For more information.

Categories
Bathrooms Furniture

Kelly Hoppen’s bathware for apaiser launches in Australia

British interior design icon Kelly Hoppen has collaborated with leading Australian brand, apaiser, on a gorgeous new collection of Japanese-inspired, handcrafted stone bathware.

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Origami

Effortlessly elegant and with apaiser’s celebrated organic feel and sculptural lines, the range includes designs such as the Harmony, which resembles the petals of a lotus flower, the Origami, that was inspired by the intricate Japanese art and the Bande, which was originally based on the Obi, a sash used in traditional Japanese dress.

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Bande

Formulated with optimum performance in mind and using reclaimed sustainable marble as its core, each apaiser bathware piece has a minimal impact on the environment, yet does not compromise on quality.

Harmony
Harmony

Inspired by the East, where the act of bathing is a ceremony, the beautifully simple designs combine clean lines, complementary symmetry and neutral tones, resulting in the perfect harmony.

The range launched in Australia this week.

For more information.

Categories
Homewares Interviews Kids Rooms

Australian kids room ideas: with BabyDonkie

Having three children of her own and 20(!) nieces and nephews, Dong-Maria Le has always had a lot of kids’ presents to buy! Being constantly on the lookout for gorgeous, high quality and stylish pieces, all the gift buying saw her curate quite the collection of unique clothing, accessories, toys and decor; the perfect backdrop for opening up her own business, BabyDonkie.

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Launching BabyDonkie while on maternity leave in 2012, Dong-Maria specialises in products for babies and kids. Influenced by colour, all things retro and Scandinavian design, she offers beautiful pieces that won’t break the bank, perfect if you’re styling on a budget. “Changing the style of a kid’s room can be quite affordable by adding cushions, paper storage bags, prints, wall stickers or wooden/felt banners. Many of these can be purchased for around $30-to-50.”

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baby donkie interiors addict

While cheap and cheerful accessories are ideal for styling a kid’s room, Dong-Maria recommends investing in larger pieces, especially those that will grow with your child. “Must-buy products for a kid’s room are the investment pieces; products like a bed, storage (bedside or clothing) and lighting are a must.

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“Adding something personal is a beautiful touch, such as a favourite toy or book, or a print or light with their initial on it.”

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With Dong-Maria’s favourite trends currently being monochrome with a pop of colour and fun prints like animals, ice cream and fruit in delicious colours, her dream kids room would contain all of this and a lot more! “My dream room is a tidy room! I would love for it to include a reading nook, a corner for pretend play such as a wooden kitchen, a teepee to hide in, beautiful prints and favourite toys on display and lots and lots of storage!”

Shop online.

Photography and Styling by Nicola Brooke

Categories
Art

Affordable art from VISIONS means no more empty walls

Believing art should be accessible and approachable for everyone, VISIONS’ motto is: “No empty walls, no mass production and no huge price tags!”

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Delivering a diverse and interesting mix of limited edition art prints from across the globe, all works are at an affordable price point. With a collection of art that cannot be found just anywhere, artists included textile and fashion designers turned painters, digital artists from the Tumblr generation and photographers pushing the colour and print boundaries.

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VISIONS work with their artists and photographers to select each series’ individual specifications, including quantities, sizing, paper stock and printing techniques, so the final selection is small and refined. Collections are curated as a series, however each print also works as an individual.

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Shop online.

Categories
Bedrooms Interviews Kids Rooms Styling

Australian nursery & kids room ideas: with Hello Little Birdie

As an interior stylist for little people, Mel Spurling of Hello Little Birdie always encourages her clients to get their kids involved. “When I first meet a client I encourage them to bring their children, as it is a great way to gauge their little personalities and incorporate a little of them into their newly designed bedroom. In fact, you could argue that the little person is my client and they have to bring their parents!”

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Designing both nurseries and kids rooms, Mel is a lover of anything that is unique and original and pushes the boundaries. With an aim to design rooms that last a lifetime (or at least past the toddler years!) she believes creative thinking combined with clever shopping, can lead to rooms rich in detail and cheap to pull together. “It is definitely possible to put together a gorgeous nursery, which will work for many years to come. DIY should not be ignored; not everything has to have a dollar sign on it. You should always start with paint or wall decals; a new colour creates a whole new look. That means that you can spend the majority of your budget on furniture that can grow with your child, such as a high-quality dresser or side table, and save on items that they will quickly outgrow.”

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Mel also recommends places like eBay, Gumtree and garage sales for finding those cheap but good quality finds. “Take an outdated or damaged piece of furniture, give it a fresh coat of paint and all of a sudden you’ve given it a whole new life. You can finish off your entire new look by accessorising your room with inexpensive wall art. Try framing your little birdie’s artwork, or an image from a book, magazine or even greeting card!”

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Originally working in IT as a business analyst (“I am part geek too!”), Mel’s love for interior design began as a young child when she shared a room with her grandmother and longed for a room of her own. “As a little girl, I’d spend endless hours imagining what my room would look like if I had my own little space. By the time I had grown up and had my very first baby, I swore she would have the most whimsical, stylish and dreamy room. One like no other! But once I started looking into children’s decor, I found that most items were boring at best, and horrible at worst. That’s when I realised that I could put all of my skills and experience together to start creating wonderful, imaginative and fun spaces for little people.”

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With both online and on-site services, Mel designs for both boys and girls and in her opinion there are some key differences to remember: “We all know boys are boisterous and love to create clutter. Bearing this in mind, a boy’s room can’t go without storage. For boys, fresh white bedroom walls set a neutral backdrop that pair perfectly with any decorating style as tastes change. Add some bold prints and you are well on your way!”

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 And for girls? “Girl’s rooms are timeless and I always find decorating them with wallpaper will last for many years. We all know little girls like to call themselves little ladies, so I love creating rooms which incorporate on-trend furniture to give the room a more mature look. Once the foundations are set, adding a bunch of accessories and toys to the room, makes it come to life. I love adding lots of layers; quilts, throws and cushions.”

For more on Mel visit her website.

Categories
Designers Expert Tips

7 tips for becoming an interior designer

Are you considering a career in a creative field but not sure where to start? Do you enjoy decorating and have a natural flair for design? Well if you answered both with a resounding yes, then interior design may just be for you! 

Below are seven tips brought to you by the lecturers and students of CATC Design School, to help start you on your way to becoming a fantastic interior designer.

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CATC Design School graduate Jessica Viscarde

1. Get qualified

Studying is one of the best ways to ensure that you have the skills and experience to succeed in interior design. Enrolling in an interior design course will expose you to a range of concepts and skills, and see you work alongside talented teachers and industry professionals. You can also fit your study into your current schedule, as many training providers offer full-time and part-time study either on-campus, online or a mix of both, to suit your needs.

2. Stay curious

Staying curious, and keeping an eye on both local and international trends, will give you a fresh perspective. Look for inspiration and try incorporating a range of styles into your work to help your work stand out.

3. Keep it simple

Less can often be more. While you may love an idea, it may not be the best fit for that particular project. Some of your best creative decisions can be the first that come to mind. Keep it simple, trust your instincts and go with what feels right.

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Designed by CATC graduate Jessica Viscarde

4. Take risks

The best way to stand out is by trying something new and being bold. This does not necessarily mean reinventing the wheel, but recognising moments of opportunity and when to take them. Interior design is a highly competitive industry and you will need to work hard to give yourself an edge.

5. Get experience

Studying is a great start but you will need something that makes you unique. Many businesses run internship programs (register yourself for free as looking for work/experience on the Interiors Addict job board) which provide young designers an opportunity to find their feet. Do some work for friends and family. Try developing your own blog or website to showcase your work to potential clients.

6. Make connections

In order to maximise your opportunities, it’s vital to network and make industry connections. Go to events, network and meet new people. Social media platforms such as Instagram (we’d suggest our monthly styling challenge 7 Vignettes! Jen), Facebook and Pinterest can also provide a great way to get your work seen. It is important to remain visible as you never know who might stumble across your work.

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Design by CATC graduate Jessica Viscarde

7. Communicate well

Maintaining good communication with your client will help ensure your projects are a success. Try to keep communication channels as open as possible as it allows you to work together to achieve a common goal.

Remember to relate your ideas back to the main brief and keep in mind what you are trying to achieve with a room. While you are there to offer your professional advice you also need to be able to facilitate the client’s vision. Sticking to budget and being clear about any budget changes is also vital.

Find more information on CATC Design School.

All images contain the work of CATC graduate Jessica Viscarde of The Eclective Creative Studio.

Categories
Appliances Kitchens

Shabby chic kitchens gaining popularity

While sleek modern kitchens, with their clean finishes, custom designed cabinetry and integrated appliances are undoubtedly very popular, the retro, shabby chic style of kitchen is also gaining fans.

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With cupboards, tables and shelving that rarely match and accessories and tools in a mix of colours and finishes, there is usually one hero piece that anchors the space. And top of that hero wish list, in a growing number of cases, are Smeg’s freestanding retro-styled cookers and iconic refrigerators (I happen to know Jen is OBSESSED), which seamlessly meld beautiful vintage styling with the most efficient 21st century technology.

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The FAB28 and FAB10 refrigerators (there are other sizes available), feature automatic defrost, crystal quick-chill shelves, tropical rating and the choice of left or right-hand door hinges. The cute FAB10, which comes in a choice of black, red and panna is an under-bench model standing 960mm tall. Designed for drinks, it has bottle shelves, adjustable can holders and door shelving compartments.

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The FAB28, standing 1510mm tall and with a total capacity of 271L, features customisable drawers and keepers for salads, vegetables, meats, dairy, bottles and eggs plus a dedicated chrome wine rack. Available in a multitude of colours and finishes, from strong primaries to beautifully soft gelato colours, it even comes in a denim and black velvet matte finish.

smeg interiors addict

The Victoria freestanding cooker, in black or cream, is worthy of its hero status in terms of both styling and performance. With an enamel finish, perfectly proportioned metal controls and a picture-perfect vintage design, it houses two six-function 70-litre capacity thermoseal ovens, a 2700W electric grill, a seven-burner gas hob and a generous storage drawer. For those wanting to complete the look, there’s even matching rangehoods, in two styles, in both black and cream.

Smeg appliances are available nationally from electrical retailers, appliance specialists and some department stores. For more details visit their website.

We’re a little bit excited about the Smeg small appliance range of kettle, toasters and mixers hitting our shores this year (Jen attended the global launch in Milan last year, as you do!). You’ll be first to know when we know more.

Categories
Decorating 101 Designers Expert Tips Homewares Styling

How to arrange cushions by Greg Natale

By Greg Natale

While some think of the humble cushion as an inexpensive and fairly inconsequential styling accessory, it has an honourable history as a substitute for chairs across the palaces and great houses of the early Middle Ages. Only the very wealthy could afford cushions thanks to the expensive dyes and fabrics of the day. As their intricate patterns were also painstakingly handcrafted using fine threads and complex knotting, cushions became pieces of art in their own right.

Historical cushion cover 1590 Interiors Addict
An English cushion cover circa 1590. Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art

However these days, cushions are an easy and attractive way to add colour, pattern and contrast to any room and of course, they can also be replaced without fuss whenever you’re after a new look.

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But cushions mean more to me than just that. As I point out in my new book, The Tailored Interior, they’re an important aspect of layering and styling that create cohesion and flow in a room. To be honest, I can’t even imagine a sofa without cushions – it simply doesn’t look finished! So here are a few suggestions to help you get your cushion size, shape and styling right:

Size. Over the years, I’ve found that 500mm (20 inch) square cushions work best for sofas and beds. Keep them the same size for a cohesive result. Look for feather and foam inserts for a lovely firm feel and covers with concealed zips for a seamless effect.

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Quantity. I recommend four cushions for a two-seater sofa and six cushions for a three-seater. Divide them into two matching sets as visual bookends for a resolved and balanced look.

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Positioning. Sit them on their flat side, placed one behind the other. Whatever you do, don’t position them on a point to form a diamond shape! Leave that look to the Travelodge!

Combinations. Consider other elements of your design and go from there – for example, a pop of colour works for an otherwise largely neutral base. I also like to mix organic and geometric patterns for a really dynamic arrangement.

Cushions neutral sofa Interiors Addict

Fabrics. Of course you can select more sumptuous fabrics for indoors, but remember to rely on hard-wearing ones to keep your outdoor cushions fresh. As a fan of detail, I also love a bit of piping or trim to add contrast and personality.

Cushion Piping detail Interiors Addict

Anyone who knows me well knows that as a child of the eighties, a lot of my early memories came from what I saw on our family’s television set. I was obsessed with the American series Dynasty and consider its set design instrumental in inspiring me to become an interior designer.

Alexis with cushions Interiors Addict

In the introduction to The Tailored Interior, I mention that I thought Alexis Carrington’s all-white apartment was the height of glamour. Fittingly, as it turns out, it’s the pops of pink in her cushions that really help make her apartment sing.

Alexis Carringtons apartment Interiors Addict

Like all soft furnishings, cushions can be minimal, frivolous, classic or elegant, but whatever your taste, they’re a wonderful low-investment, high-return styling accessory.

Cushions final image Interiors Addict

So have some fun with them. Play with colours, patterns and textures and dare I even say it … throw cushion to the wind!

– The Tailored Interior by Greg Natale, Belle Coco Republic’s Interior Designer of the Year 2014, is now available at all good bookstores or online at Bookworld. It reveals Greg’s secrets on how to achieve your dream design look with complete confidence as well as all the places Greg shops for his fabulous cushions.

All photography from The Tailored Interior by Anson Smart. See photos from our reader book signing with Greg.

Categories
Expert Tips Furniture

Finding the perfect window treatment for sliding doors

By Jayde Ferguson

Mastering the look and feel of your home doesn’t mean you need a degree in interior design. It’s about understanding the simple changes that can refresh a dull looking space into one that is comfortable and inviting. As far as interior design elements go, window treatments are one of the easiest to implement in your home – and they don’t always have to cost you a fortune either.

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Source: Houzz

There’s absolutely no denying the beauty of glass sliding doors. These days, many homeowners desire the opportunity to merge the outside world with indoors and contemporary glass allows this by visually connecting us with the vibrant surroundings. Unfortunately though, large panels of glass don’t come with privacy and temperature control, so a functional and appealing window treatment is important. Below, we check out the essentials tips to consider and what style will suit your needs best.

1. Function vs. Fashion

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Source: Houzz

Before determining the right window dressing for your sliding doors, it’s important you identify your main concerns. Sliding doors are beneficial for letting a large supply of natural light into a room and offering quick and easy access from indoors to outdoors. Whilst this can be nice at times, it’s ideal to find window treatments that allow full control over the amount of light that enters the room and allows you to step in and out through the sliding doors with ease.

For some homeowners, the visual appeal of window treatments for sliding doors can be a big selling point. You want something that will complement your existing decor and bring life to the space, but is it functional too? Your choice of window treatments shouldn’t hinder the usefulness of the sliding door, rather it should look appealing, be convenient to use and meet your needs.

2. Material Selection

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Source: Houzz

There is a huge variety of choices when it comes to the fabric material of your window treatments. Sliding doors aren’t just limited to standard vertical blinds so let your imagination run wild and get inspired by something that can offer your space that ‘wow’ factor. Materials can be patterned, textured and loaded with colour or simplified and neutral. When selecting your material, keep in mind what your main concerns are – this could simply be the appearance to change the dynamics of the room or much-needed privacy, natural light and temperature control.

Regardless of what window treatment you choose for your sliding doors, there’s a good variety of materials available to help you achieve the best look possible, without sacrificing function. To assist in deciding what fabric you should use, consider the room and its purpose. If the room is small, Panel Glide Blinds are an ideal option because of slim retractable mechanisms. These styles of blinds are specifically designed to retract to the side when opened whilst staying flat to offer a sleek and convenient appeal. They are also ideal for larger sliding doors without overpowering the room’s current decor and design.

For homeowners that are after something a little more elegant and dressed up, Roman Blinds combine the luxurious appeal of curtains with the smartly designed mechanisms of blinds. One of the biggest advantages of these styles is their versatility, making them look stunning in any space. Roman Blinds are made from thicker material so they’re beneficial for homeowners wanting the best of both worlds – privacy control and a sophisticated look that can be matched with almost all decor styles.

3. Temperature Control

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Source: Houzz

For most homes, temperature control is a big priority – especially for those in Australia subjected to the harsh summer sun. One of the greatest benefits of window treatments is their ability to help control the temperature in your home, resulting in better comfort and lower utility bills. As sliding doors let in a lot of natural light, it’s important to select a style and material choice that can keep your home cool in summer and warmer in winter.

UV rays aren’t just damaging to your skin, they also contribute to your furniture and floors fading inside if you don’t have adequate protection on your windows. The best window treatment for sliding doors to help avoid sun damage and maximise energy-efficiency are Roman Blinds because their thicker material options are effective in maintaining a regular room temperature. Roman Blinds can be available in blockout fabrics for extra protection or sunscreen materials which allow light to enter the room without the harmful UV rays and heat or jeopardising those outdoor views.

Both Roller Blinds and Panel Glide Blinds can provide a well-balanced combination of temperature control and contemporary design to boost the ambience of any space. Roller Blinds are also ideal for small spaces as they are simple without excess fabrics getting in the way. For especially sunny locations or to really dim down the flood of natural light through your sliding doors, opt for a higher level of material transparency to accommodate your needs. Like with the other styles of blinds, sunscreen fabric and blockout fabric is available for the ultimate protection.

4. Shroud of Privacy

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Source: Houzz

Sliding doors make for a stunning interior design feature with their visual connections to the outside world but their biggest disadvantage is lack of privacy. And unless you live on a super large block with no prying eyes in sight, this can be a complete pain. This is where the right window treatments come in handy.

Especially for rooms like the bedroom and bathroom, maintaining an adequate level of privacy is essential for many homeowners. Blinds are a simple window solution that allows you to have unabated views of the outside scenery in an instant – when you want. For the best control of privacy opt for materials that are dark and solid in colour. Blockout fabrics are ideal too and offer a complete back out in space – perfect for shift workers that rely on sleep during the day and homeowners that seek a higher level of privacy and temperature control.

– Jayde Ferguson writes for Super Blinds Mart – an online store offering a variety of custom and ready-made blinds to suit any sliding door. 

Categories
Homewares

Olivia’s Fab Four Insta-Finds 24.12.14

Oh my goodness, it’s Christmas tomorrow!

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Olivia’s Fab Four is a weekly post that features my favourite finds on Instagram for the past week. To be in the running, all you have to do is hashtag your product photos #oliviasfabfour and tag them with my handle: @oliviashead.

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Here are this week’s beautiful products (clockwise from top left)

1. Dial Hangers, $30, from DesignByThem. @designbythem

2. Square Upright Planter, Tall Upright Planters and Jumbo Lunar Bowl, TBC, from Nothing But Vintage. @urban_decor_homewares

3. Evil Eye Clutch, $39.95, from Ourlieu. @ourlieu

4. Repurposed Tin Cans, price upon request, from Made By Jeff. @made.by.jeff

 I’ll be back with more next week! Olivia x

Categories
Bathrooms Homewares

Is matte black the new “it” tap?

A trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, black interior wares can be used to create a real impact, especially in the bathroom.

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Smart, sophisticated and always stylish, Tradelink have responded to this trend by introducing the Phoenix collection of quality basin and shower tapware plus matching accessories, all in beautiful matte black.

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The obvious and perfect partner for monochromatic and all-white bathrooms, black can also be used to create bold decoration and a deep sense of luxe when paired with metallics such as silver, copper or bronze or with stones and textured neutrals. It also looks striking in a contemporary setting as well as a more traditional bathroom (teamed with a black claw foot bath for example).

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The collection of shower, basin and bath tapware comprises of the Vivid Slimline wall mount bath set, bath outlet and shower mixer – each with a beautifully slender, elegant profile, which are complemented by a six star WELS rated basin mixer (just 4.5 litres of water a minute). For those preferring a more cubist approach there’s also the Rush wall top assemblies and the minimalist wall mount shower mixer.

Accessories are also prevalent, with towel rails (single and double), soap dishes, shelves, toilet roll holders and robe hooks – all with similar profiles that complement the tapware.

The Phoenix collection is available from all Tradelink branches nationally. For details on local branches visit their website.