Tag: lighting

The DIY fencing solution that is quick, easy & on trend

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 26, 2018
No Comments on The DIY fencing solution that is quick, easy & on trend

Rattan is still trending in Aussie interiors, says Pinterest

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 14, 2018
No Comments on Rattan is still trending in Aussie interiors, says Pinterest

I’m a big fan of trend data and especially when it comes to interior design. And with texture in vogue of late, I wasn’t surprised to hear that rattan is trending on Pinterest. In fact, we called it almost a year ago!

Made from the thin-jointed stems of a palm, and popular in both British and French colonial times and the 1970’s, rattan chairs, pendant lights and accessories complement a variety of interior schemes – most notably Hamptons, rustic and coastal homes. And when you consider that most of us live on the coast in Australia, rattan’s popularity down under makes plenty of sense.

Image source: Pinterest/Apartment Therapy

With searches for ‘rattan furniture’ up 540 per cent in Australia, compared to last year, Aussies can’t seem to get enough of its relaxed, earthy vibes. In addition, the search term ‘rattan pendant lights’ experienced a 400 per cent increase in ideas saved since last year and ‘rattan chair’ has experienced a surge in pinning too. And whether you’ve a modern home, or something more traditional – we’ve rounded up our favourite Pinterest picks for your viewing and inspirational pleasure.

The occasional chair
The rattan occasional chair is a time-honoured classic and the peacock inspired chair below has long been a favourite of mine. A guaranteed talking point, rattan chairs look fabulous both outside and indoors too.

Image source : Pinterest/Interiors Online

You can find something similar at The Family Love Tree.

Pendant lights
The bigger the better in my view and this massive rattan pendant light is a beauty – it makes me think of a faraway island in the Caribbean. Such is the potential of a great interior to inspire wanderlust!

Bisque Interiors has a fabulous range of rattan pendant lights.

The bedhead
A rattan bedhead can make a relatively cheap statement piece for the bedroom and they look great in children’s rooms too. I love the bohemian spirit of the space below and the bedhead is key.

Image source: Pinterest/Vintage Revivals

You can find something similar at The Family Love Tree.

The dining chair
The rattan dining chair was a feature of my childhood but I love the way the look has been reimagined below in what could have been a stark, white interior scheme. The rattan chairs really lift the space don’t you think?

You can find something similar at Bombora Custom Furniture.

Tags furniture, homewares, lighting, pendant lights, pinterest, rattan, styling

Design RENO ADDICT

How to light up your home while sticking to a budget

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 29, 2018
No Comments on How to light up your home while sticking to a budget

Renovating a home takes time, energy and money. So after all that heavy lifting and structural changes, many people treat lighting as an afterthought. This is a big mistake! Lighting has the potential to enhance all of your hard work and make a house feel like a home. Below are some top tips on how you can make the most out of your home’s lighting, while sticking to a budget.

Planning

It’s important to understand the different types of lighting and where they should go in your home. During the renovation process, it’s vital to keep lighting in mind and think about how it can accentuate the work that you have done, or are going to do. Different lighting obviously has a variety of effects, so consider how it could work with your interior design strategy.

Ambient lighting provides great overall illumination, task lighting is used for specific tasks such as writing or reading and accent lighting can be used to highlight aspects of the home or create visual interest.

It’s always a good idea to engage an electrician early on in the renovation process and discuss your upcoming work. Once an electrician knows your renovation plans they can work collaboratively to help map out your lighting and ensure that no mistakes are made. An electrician can also recommend lighting options when they hear about your hopes for the renovation, to really accentuate the work that you have already done.

Materials

A renovation can be an expensive undertaking and it’s important to understand that lights and fixtures can vary greatly in price and quality. LED lighting can initially be quite expensive, but it provides greater energy efficiency over a long period of time.

Beyond the lighting that you purchase make sure you consider the full potential of natural light and how it can complement your electrical lighting.

Dimmers

As well as introducing flexibility, the use of dimmers can help narrow down the decision process for those who are overwhelmed by the range and scale of lighting. By using dimmers, you can include three lights in one, giving your home a customisable aspect. Additionally, the use of dimmers can cut down on the cost of your lighting by implementing a variety of uses within one fixture.

Easy improvements

Sometimes a renovation costs more than you anticipated and there is not much money left in the kitty for lighting. When this happens, review the work you have done and determine what other easy and affordable improvements you can still make.

Well selected ambient lighting can enhance the illusion of space within a room. Conduct a review of the work that you have done and potentially use well selected LED downlights or panel lights that fit within your budget to brighten up any space that needs a lift. These small improvements can really enhance a room.

Consulting with an electrician during the renovation process can also be applicable when your budget is under strain. By working together, you can review your renovation project and understand how small changes within your budget can enhance your home, either now or in the near future.

— Bec Sparky is a qualified electrician and Clipsal ambassador

Tags budgeting, clipsal, design, electrician, lighting, reno, renovating

Expert Tips Kitchens RENO ADDICT

How to make a big impact on a small budget in your home

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 28, 2017
No Comments on How to make a big impact on a small budget in your home

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

As you know, we recently finished a couple of major jobs in our own reno: a new kitchen and a new floor. The photoshoots for these are imminent so I look forward to sharing the before and afters soon!

Kitchens and floors are pretty major investments but there are lots of other things you can achieve in your home for a few thousand dollars which make a huge impact. Here are some of my top suggestions:

Lighting: When we moved into our nanna house we changed all our lighting, swapping old and very dated pendants for gorgeous new brass chandeliers with LED filament-style bulbs as well as rattan pendants from Beacon Lighting. Total cost including the electrician was less than $3,000 and the difference it made was priceless!

Window treatments: We went for plantation shutters from DIY Online Blinds which aren’t the cheapest option but they make a huge difference (in our case, hiding some old and yellowing window frames which is a lot cheaper than replacing all the windows and the window treatments!). You could probably do all new matching blinds in your home for less than a couple of grand.

Paint: We had our whole house painted internally before we moved in (so much easier than moving furniture!). It cost a few thousand but it made the world of difference. We did most of our home in Haymes Greyology 4. We are now saving up to have the red brick exterior painted. This is a more expensive job but it really will be the icing on the cake! And then there’s the driveway (it never ends when you buy an older home!).

Walls painted in Haymes Greyology 4 in our bedroom

Doors: The last job on my list before Christmas is replacing all my internal doors, and my front door, with some new ones from Corinthian Doors. I’ve found the more we update things around here, the more the older/cheaper things stand out! It’s time for some quality doors and I’m confident they will make a huge difference. I can’t wait to share them with you.

Bathroom on a budget: With all the work we’ve been doing, we sadly can’t afford a full bathroom reno (or two!) just yet. But after Christmas we’ll be embarking on a family bathroom refresh on a budget which I hope you’ll all love. The idea is to have the bath and tiles professionally sprayed, paint the walls, replace the vanity and possibly tile over the floor, all for well under $5,000.

I talk more about these ideas in this latest video with Jess Aloi from our partners Latitude Financial Services.

For help achieving your reno dreams, speak to Latitude about your best borrowing options.

Photography by Jacqui Turk.

Tags borrowing for reno, finance, flooring, funding your reno, interiors addict home, kitchen, latitude financial services, lighting, paint, painting, personal loan, reno, renovating, update your home on a budget, window treatments

Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to: Achieve consistent style across the home

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 14, 2017
1 Comment on How to: Achieve consistent style across the home

By Naomi Findlay

Whether perusing Pinterest or devouring the latest interior design magazine, you’ll note the most stylish homes have one thing in common–consistency. From paint to flooring, window treatments and hardware, there are plenty of ways to achieve aesthetic unity throughout the home.

Paint

If there’s one single renovation product that can truly unify a home, it’s paint. From warm whites to cool grey shades, running the same hue throughout an abode creates a fabulous sense of visual continuity.

Flooring

Whether it’s carpet, timber or tiles, it’s wise to use the same floor covering throughout your entire home for maximum consistency, flow and to make it feel more spacious too. Conversely, if you really want to combine carpet with tiles or timber, choose complementary shades to connect the spaces.

Hardware

From door handles and pulls to tapware, matching hardware is key to creating consistent style across the home. And while you may not choose the exact same shape of handle for instance, choosing the same finish will ensure a unified look throughout.

Window treatments

A prominent feature in any home, running the same window treatment throughout is a great way to give a sense of cohesion and connect all the rooms. Whether it’s plantation shutters, sheer curtains or roman blinds, try to stick to one style of window treatment for maximum consistency.

Lighting

Aside from a smattering of fun feature pendant lights, try to ensure the rest of the lighting in your home is consistent. Fabulous lighting should be unobtrusive but create ambience and warmth the home.

—Australia’s rapid renovation expert, Naomi Findlay is an internationally renowned renovator, award-winning property stylist and speaker. She’s an industry leader in creating healthy wealthy spaces and creating wealth and profit from renovating property. Learn more about Naomi.

Tags consistency, consistent, floor, flooring, handles, hardware, how-to, interiors, lighting, lights, naomi findlay, paint

Designers Furniture Homewares

Jardan’s new Sydney flagship is a work of art

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 13, 2017
No Comments on Jardan’s new Sydney flagship is a work of art

At the core of furniture and lighting brand Jardan is a passion for family. Every product is made to be loved and lived with; to grow and change with families over generations.

It is that outlook, which inspired the layout of Jardan’s new Sydney flagship store, which opened in Paddington at the end of last month. Designed by IF Architecture, the space draws on the country’s most influential creative families for inspiration.

“Colour and family are big parts of the Jardan story,” says IF Architecture principal Iva Foschia. “So looking at Sydney families I was immediately inspired by the work of Brett Whiteley and his muse, daughter Arkie. Brett was completely inspired by Arkie and said that he couldn’t work without her, so there was a lovely connection with Jardan, being a family business. Marion Hall Best ran a beautiful store too, her and her daughter had a little interiors shop not too far from the Jardan showroom in Sydney, and similarly they worked together for years and had a real community minded approach.”

The new showroom is at Alderstein House, an old Art Deco building, which was home to the Ariel Bookshop for more than 30 years. With a focus on colour, over two levels you’ll notice subtle transitions between whites, blues, greens, pink, greys and blacks. “Colour is expressive light and Sydney has light like no other place in Australia,” says Iva. “So we wanted to use a palette derived from the tastes and styles of iconic Sydney creative families, and in turn, find something unique to Jardan.”

Jardan, 42 Oxford Street, Paddington.

Find out more.

Tags colour, funriture, jardan, lighting, shopping, sydney

Expert Tips Kitchens RENO ADDICT Styling

4 kitchen lighting goals and how to achieve them

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 12, 2017
No Comments on 4 kitchen lighting goals and how to achieve them

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so every design element needs to be thought out. Lighting is a key component of smart design; it affects the way you use the space but also how it feels. When designing your kitchen, it’s important to have a number of goals in mind. This will help you take a balanced approach that meets every need, instead of ending up with lights that are perfect in one area but let you down in others. The team behind Lighting Lighting Lighting share their top tips for lighting your kitchen.

Goal 1: Accessorise with lighting

Lights need to look good during the day as well as at night. When choosing light fittings you want them to be both decorative and functional. Beautiful light fittings should be eye-catching even when they’re not lit. Usually this is one of the easiest goals to achieve, if a light is ugly you’re probably not even going to consider buying it. The trick is to make sure you can fulfill this goal without losing sight of others.

How to make it happen: Pendant lights are the jewellery of the home, drawing the eye in and adding style. Whether you want your kitchen to have a sleek, industrial feel or to be an inviting, vintage space, pendants are an effective way to achieve a particular look. Pendant lights also have the benefit of being very easy to change compared with built-in fittings, so you can keep up to date with your home styling.

Goal 2: Provide task lighting

Your kitchen is where a lot of important household tasks are accomplished: from chopping veggies and cooking dinner to signing permission slips and helping kids with their homework. The lighting in your room needs to facilitate all of that by providing clear, direct light right where you need it. You don’t want to be working in your own shadow or struggling to read a label, but you also don’t want to be squinting because of glare.

How to make it happen: Directional lighting navigates light downwards, creating intense light in one spot. This is perfect for task lighting, when you need the intensity to see things clearly. Pendant lights are a great way of adding directional light to your kitchen island, dropping the light low enough to prevent glare and shadows. In addition to pendants, you might use carefully positioned down lights for task lighting in the kitchen or a suspended LED profile. Whatever lighting solution you choose be careful to select bulbs that are bright enough to properly light the area but do not distort the colour with overly warm light.

Goal 3: Be spatially aware

Choosing the right lights for your kitchen requires you to be spatially aware, make sure you know the space and its dimensions so you can plan accordingly. This lets you decide how many lights you need in a space, what size and type and how you should arrange them. You should always consider the height of your ceiling and the dimensions of your room when choosing lights, especially a pendant.

How to make it happen: The bottom of your pendant light should hang no lower than 1.8 metres from the floor, just above eye level. With the average ceiling height in Australia ranging from 2.5-to-2.7 metres, that doesn’t leave a lot of room to play with. A huge feature pendant might look amazing online, but if there is not enough cord it can look silly. Mini pendants can be the best choice allowing for a longer cord so that everything is in proportion. In addition to the length of your pendants you should consider the configuration of your lights based on the length and width of your benchtop or island.

Goal 4: Keep the room practical

In addition to providing light and looking beautiful, lights need to be practical and make your life easy. It’s a kitchen so that means they need to be resistant to smoke, resistant to moisture from steam and easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to make sure lights in such a high use area are energy efficient.

How to make it happen: When choosing kitchen pendant lights avoid using fabric as they will absorb smells and moisture and may be prone to mildew. It’s best to stick to materials that are easy to clean such as metal and glass. The choice of bulb also impacts the practicality of a space, each type has a difference in light distribution and power consumption so be mindful of your choice.

By keeping these four goals in mind when planning lighting for your kitchen you set yourself up for success. With some thought ahead of time you can create a kitchen that is beautiful, functional and well lit.

More on Lighting Lighting Lighting | Kitchen inspo

Tags design, furniture, kitchen, lighting, lighting lighting lighting, renovating

Expert Tips Homewares Jen's reno RENO ADDICT

Why I’m using LED lighting in my new home

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 14, 2017
No Comments on Why I’m using LED lighting in my new home

LED lighting used to be energy efficient but well, kinda ugly! The good news is that these days, by choosing LED, you can save energy and money, have your pick of beautiful light fittings and a nice, dimmable light which isn’t blue-tinged or harsh like a hospital! Winning!

I first learned what money-suckers those halogen downlights can be in our old apartment, where we had them in every room. OMG. When we swapped them for the newer style LED downlights, our power bills decreased dramatically. I’m someone who likes light and to have lights on if it’s anything less than full sunlight in the day, much to my husband’s annoyance!

When we moved into this house (with more rooms and therefore more lights!), we were faced with a lot of dated glass pendants (an old lady had lived here for 30 years before us) and, unlike many people, I didn’t want to immediately start again with downlights. I love pendants and they can be really nice design features, like jewellery for your room in a way. It was also a lot cheaper to replace pendants with pendants than have downlights put in. I still wanted good-looking LED light fittings though. These days, that’s not an issue.

I chose some gorgeous gold chandelier-style lights from Beacon Lighting (they’re now sold out in gold, but these are very similar) for our foyer, living room and play room. They’re so elegant and just the right mix of classic and modern.

They take nine globes each (27 in total!) so it was important they were energy efficient! We chose the heritage LED globes in warm white which are pricey at almost $30 each, but come with a three-year warranty (I’d suspect they’ll last a lot longer than that). It took a couple of attempts to get the right brightness after trying the first batch in our home and finding they were way too bright (these globes aren’t dimmable, but some similar ones are), but we are now delighted with them. Everyone comments on the lights as soon as they come in! The globes don’t look anything like what you’d imagine as energy efficient. And they really had to be as good-looking as the chandeliers or it wouldn’t work!

In our bedrooms, we went for something more neutral with less globes! These rattan shades from Josh & Jenna’s range for Beacon were my way of sneaking some rattan (which I love and my husband hates!) into the house.

I love the texture they provide, and they take two globes each, so it’s a nice diffused light. These come in three different diameters and two different colours. I went for this natural one, but there’s a darker tan too (there’s also matching floor and table lamps too if that’s your thing!).

I’m getting some professional shots of my reno progress so far very soon, so look forward to sharing some of the lights in situ with you all.

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode; a semiconductor device that converts electricity into light. Super energy efficient and long lasting, LEDs use approximately 85% less energy than halogen or incandescent lighting, which means significant savings on your power bills. The estimated lifespan of LED lighting (depending on the globe) is 15,000 to 50,000 hours. That’s compared to 1,000 to 5,000 for halogen.

If you’re not sure where to start, need advice on how many lights you need and how bright for example, Beacon Lighting can give you personalised help via their online chat facility, by emailing them or by calling 03 8561 1599.

Tags beacon lighting, chandelier, energy efficiency, energy efficient, led lighting, leds, lighting, pendant lights

Bedrooms Designers Furniture Homewares Kids Rooms Kitchens

Tropics and metallics on offer in IKEA’s latest collection

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 25, 2017
2 Comments on Tropics and metallics on offer in IKEA’s latest collection

Oh sweet, sweet IKEA! Quality products at reasonable prices. What’s not to love?

IKEA’s latest release lives up to its celebrated reputation, filled with deep colours, golden accents and a touch of the tropical.

For the living room, there’s a modern armchair with a handy magazine pocket, in a range of fresh colours, and a practical sofa bed that makes room for spontaneous sleepovers in under 30 seconds. There are plenty of new textiles to help cosy up the place, from rugs to throws. Plus a selection of new lighting and decorative objects to help set the right mood.

When it comes to dining, IKEA’s launched a chair that combines iconic design with sustainable innovation. Made with a mix of wood and plastic – where more than 50% of the plastic is recycled – the chair is a more environmentally sustainable choice than virgin oil-based products. To continue the theme, there’s a new dinnerware series that’s made partly of glass from IKEA factory scraps. And for special occasions, cutlery in brass or black adds some glitz and glamour to your table.

PRISTELLA Tray, TILLAGD Cutlery and STORHET Champagne Coupe

On the kitchen front, a new worktop creates a genuine look of ash while saving on wood, and leather handles made of leather scraps give a new twist to storage. In the bathroom the ingenuity continues, with new taps in a range of styles to help save on water and energy.

PINNARP Worktop and ÖSTERNÄS Leather Handles

For more information.

Tags bed, chairs, design, furniture, homewares, ikea, interiors, kitchen, kitchenware, lighting, sofabed

RENO ADDICT

Lighting with impact – planning the perfectly lit home

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date June 13, 2017
No Comments on Lighting with impact – planning the perfectly lit home

Lighting is an important piece of the interior design puzzle, mostly because lighting functionality and design plays a very big role in how you experience a space. The number one thing to remember when it comes to lighting your home is balance. Under-lit spaces can evoke a dull and dark atmosphere, and can also be impractical when performing tasks such as cooking or reading – however in contrast, over-lit spaces can make your home feel sterile (a bit like a hospital), and can also be an unnecessary strain on the eyes.

Image source: M.J. Harris Group

Planning the perfectly lit home

The three types of Lighting

A successfully-designed room needs a mix of three basic types of lighting — ambient, task and accent. Each of these forms of lighting provides benefits for different functions, and if used together can create a beautifully lit space.

Ambient lighting provides a room or area with overall illumination, best known as your general/main source of lighting. Ambient lighting emits a comfortable level of brightness, which allows you to see and walk about safely. This can be provided through ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, and recessed or track lights. Dimmers are a great option, as they allow you to alter the brightness so the atmosphere is just right.

Task lighting helps you to perform specific tasks, free from distracting glare or shadows that may cause eye strain. For example, task lighting is most commonly used in kitchens for food preparation and cooking, or studies for reading and working. The light can be provided through recessed or track lighting, under-cabinet lighting, pendant lighting, or portable desk or floor lamps. Clipsal’s LED downlights are a smart option for kitchen and work spaces, as they are higher quality, have more choices in colour (warm white, cool white, daylight), and, most importantly, are economically friendly.

Image source: M.J. Harris Group

Accent lighting is used to highlight and create visual interest in a room, and is most commonly used to draw our eyes to particular objects, such as paintings, plants, and other decorative items. Wall lights, bulkheads and floodlights (ideal for outdoors) can also be used to accentuate colours and textures of architectural designs.

Planning is everything

As with all aspects of home renovation, planning is paramount and will ensure your lighting is the best it can be. Designing a lighting and electrical plan is an essential (though often overlooked) step in the renovation process, as the lighting options you choose, along with their placement, can significantly impact the look and feel of your home. Make sure you engage your electrician early in the process for a Clipspec consultation, to map out exactly what’s needed and where. There is a huge difference between good, and great lighting, and taking that extra time to select the right electrical fixtures for your home is worth the effort.

Written by Bec Sparky, qualified electrician and Clipsal ambassador

Tags electrician, lighting, lighting design

Bathrooms Furniture Homewares

Kmart home latest: Cosy winter picks for under $50!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 25, 2017
No Comments on Kmart home latest: Cosy winter picks for under $50!

Kmart Australia dropped their May living range recently and it’s overflowing with plenty of snug, on-trend items set to transform your home for winter. “We all love to spend more time indoors in winter, whether it be rugged up in bed with a book or with a warm tea, and surrounded by plush bedding. The time is right to cosy up with layers of luxurious blankets, throws and cushions!” says Julie Miller-Sensini, Kmart’s general manager of Living.

“We have continued with the Scandinavian trend, including soft grey and pastel tones enhanced with new colours such as emerald green and midnight blue, all available in various soft-to-touch textures,” says Julie who cites the faux reindeer throw and flannelette marle sheets as some of her favourites from the range.

Everything in this picture is under $49!

With a nod to the Pantone 2017 colour of the year, Greenery, the range also features plenty of the lush hue. “Inspired by global interior trends, the emerald green and the midnight blue provides glamour and sophistication with a touch of luxury to the range. Also, Pantone highlighted leaf green as its colour of the year recently so we feel the green is here to stay,” says Julie.

The new range has your kitchen sorted too with gorgeous retro-styled appliances the pick of the bunch. “Our new baby blue Euro four slice kettle and toaster, for only $39 each, are a great addition to the kitchen,” says Julie.

“Cushions are also a large focus, the reindeer faux fur cushion is only $12, and the emerald green faux fur throw is $25. We haven’t forgotten about pets either! Keep your pooch pampered with our snuggly round plush beds for $10,” says Julie.

Shop online

Tags bathroom, bed linen, bedding, bedroom, cushions, homewares, kmart, lighting, styling, throws

Homewares

Our pick of Cotton On Home’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 20, 2017
No Comments on Our pick of Cotton On Home’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection

CO:HOME launches its Autumn/Winter 2017 collection early next month with a number of notable product additions. “As the weather cools down, CO:HOME has everything you need to refresh your space and stay cosy indoors. We’re excited to be expanding the range and the introduction of our new lighting, art and gifting categories will really round out the CO:HOME offering, ensuring we have something to suit every style and budget,” says CO:HOME brand manager Vanessa Ross of the collection that starts at a super affordable $9.95.

New for the brand, the table light styles are rather lovely with terrazzo featuring in milk, sage and terracotta colour ways. “For instant style credibility, tap into the terazzo trend with the contemporary Theron lamp. It’s a real statement piece featuring a terrazzo concrete base and chic black cord and it will make a striking addition to your side table, nightstand or desk,” says Vanessa.

Abstract canvas wall art also features with a variety of natural timber frames too. Plus, the overall colour palette is another highlight – think mustard, olive, plum, faded emerald, powder pink and neutral tones in a variety of prints, textures and glazes. And speaking of wood, we’re particularly taken with the Anki serving set in blush (below) – not only is the colour combination gorgeous but it’s a versatile piece too.

Cotton On Home Anki Serving Set Blush $49.95

The new range also features loungewear that will keep you looking stylish (yet comfortable!) at home – robes, cardigans, slippers, tanks, tops and pants in soft jersey, fleece and knit materials abound.

Cotton On Home Britt Cushion Multi $69.95

Cotton On Home Remy storage large grey marle, $34.95

The bedding range is stylish and diverse with apricot, sky blue and multiple shades of grey featuring. The Elliot quilt cover is a particular fave with its bold abstract design paired with soft pastel colouring.

Shop online from April 3, 2017.

Tags bed linen, bedding, CO:HOME, colour, cotton on, cotton on home, cushions, homewares, lighting, linen

Furniture

Trending: 10 hot picks from the 2017 Stockholm Furniture Fair

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 6, 2017
No Comments on Trending: 10 hot picks from the 2017 Stockholm Furniture Fair

Scandi-design lovers will delight in some of the latest furniture pieces to come out of the recent 2017 Stockholm Furniture Fair. Considered the place to discover the latest in Scandinavian design, our friends at Fred International have compiled their round-up of the hottest pieces from this year’s celebration.

The Jord sofa, designed by Luca Nichetto for Fogia, is a next-level modular system with built-in table too. Offering endless seating configurations, we love this piece!

Designed by Studioilse for Made by Hand, the Sturdy stool pays homage to traditional Danish design details – the splayed legs for one. It’s a lovely, timeless design.

The La Pipe lounge chair, designed by Ida Linea Hildebrand from Friends & Founders has a stunning silhouette. Elegant from all angles, the chair has a beautiful rounded shape, gorgeous detailing and is comfortable to boot. This is our favourite pick.

Made from glass sheets and timber, the Big Sur table, designed by Simon Klenell and Kristoffer Sundin for Fogia, has mix and match glass layers for an unexpected twist.

Designed by Niclas Hoflin for Rubn Lighting, the Vouge floor lamp boasts an industrial-style perforated steel cylinder design that casts lovely, even light across the room. While we’ve seen perforated steel table lamps, this is the first floor one and it’s certainly a statement piece.

Perhaps the most retro of our picks, the Guest chair by Mönica Forster for Swedese uses elegant blonde bentwood combined with super soft leather to great effect.

Minimal and clean, the Conekt table by Mogen Lassen from by Lassen, features custom-made, visible L-shaped brackets that add an industrial edge to this solid design.

An unusual design, the Teelo 8020 table lamp by Secto Design is a sculptural piece that combines beautiful clean lines with blonde wood. The design means you won’t be blinded by a bare light bulb either.

Designed by Andreas Engesvik for Fogia, the elegant and timeless Dini sofa was inspired by sports cars – its moniker is a tribute to Marcello Gandini, the man behind the iconic Lamborghini Miura.

The Pond table, designed by Mönica Forster for Swedese, has a gorgeous organic shaped top that contrasts with its four reedy, straight legs.

Shop online at Fred International.

Tags 2017 stockholm furniture fair, coffee table, design, dining table, fred international, furniture, lamp, lighting, lounge chair, scandinavian design, scandinavian furniture, sofa, stool

Furniture Homewares

Amy’s top 10 concrete picks: Coloured, metallic & much more!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date March 2, 2017
No Comments on Amy’s top 10 concrete picks: Coloured, metallic & much more!

With the industrial aesthetic still going strong, it makes sense that there remain plenty of concrete homewares and furniture options to purchase. To be honest, I thought the concrete trend would have had its day by now but it’s lovely to see the material reworked lately in some fresh and surprising ways. Whether combined with metallics or wood, or produced in a rainbow of different colours, check out my top picks from what is proving to be an enduring material.

Nood Co Kevin Stool: Available in seven gorgeous shades (including several sorbet tones), these coloured concrete stools are propped up by hardwood legs making them light but sturdy too. $360.

On The Side Lotus Pot (tall): This brand do fabulous things with concrete and this beauty is no exception. $275.

SLAB Big Diamond pendant in dark concrete: Gilded with a choice of copper, gold or silver inside, this geometric pendant light is cast in very dark grey concrete. Swoon! $550.

Zanui Rowan 2-dreawer concrete bedside table: Combining teak wood with concrete, this bedside would work in myriad settings. $479.

Anouk Gania glass cloche with concrete base: This simple design provides the perfect candle storage keeping it dust free and trapping its scent. $48.

Areaware concrete desk set: It’s the smooth lines that reeled me in with this timeless set. $79.95.

Twigs concrete dining table: I’m a fan of this piece for its tree inspired legs and dark grey concrete top – it’s a superb combination. $1,795.

Studio Five03 metallic concrete hex planters: I love the contrast between the concrete and high-shine metallic on these planters. $30 each.

Zakkia Ink trivet in grey: Handmade and mixed for a marble effect, this concrete piece is the perfect way to dress a table — just pop a vase or candle on top. $35.

JWDA concrete lamp dark grey & steel: Designed in Stockholm, this minimalist black concrete and steel lamp was inspired by traditional oil lamps. $400.

Tags coloured concrete, concrete, design, furniture, homewares, lighting

Bathrooms Furniture Homewares Styling

Pantone Greenery: Amy’s top homewares picks

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 30, 2017
No Comments on Pantone Greenery: Amy’s top homewares picks

When I saw this year’s Pantone colour of the year, Greenery, I’ll admit that I wasn’t exactly whirring with enthusiasm. According to Pantone, the zesty, acid green shade is supposed to “satisfy our growing desire to rejuvenuate and revitalise and symbolise the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.” And while I understand the fresh hue is intended as a calming antidote to the tumultuous social and political environment we currently find ourselves in, it doesn’t make it any less tricky to decorate with.

For my money, I’d use it in small doses – a pop here or a splash there can be surprisingly effective and is often all you need to dip your toes in. And if you really can’t find room for it, use the shade purely as inspiration and embrace green in its myriad other glorious shades.

Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in Antibes Green: The perfect choice for your next up cycling project, Annie Sloan’s chalk paints really can transform an old piece of furniture from drab to fab. This shade of green is particularly lush. $59.95 per litre.

Urban Road Solo Plum cushion: Evoking a rainforest, this cushion is perfect for those wishing to simply dabble in the hue. $79.

Danish Red Skipper Furniture Uni sofa: Who would have thought that an acid green sofa could look so good? I think it’s the blonde beech wood legs that make it – oh and it’s beautiful Danish curves. From $3855.
Alex & Elle Bjorkar wall art: Featuring an abstract water colour, this dual-tasking wall panel offers acoustic insulation too. From $595.

T2 Pearly White green teapot: It’s the runway inspired delicate lace pattern that reeled me in with this one. Plus, I love the combination of bright silver and vibrant green. $68.

Living Edge Tank S1 Suspension light in pea green: Obviously a splurge but this pendant light would make quite the statement over a beautiful wooden dining table. $1400.

Lorena Gaxiola Soft Rocks glasses in lime: Mouth-blown, each one of these glasses is entirely unique. From $75.

Kohler Toobi single lever basin mixer: This modernist tap design takes inspiration from the shape and form of bamboo. The pop of green at the spout is a playful touch. $354.

Tags bathroom, colour, cushions, furniture, homewares, interior design, lighting, pantone, pantone colour of the year, pantone colour of the year 2017, styling, trends

Interviews

Bella & Hunt: vintage filament globes with an LED difference

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 22, 2016
No Comments on Bella & Hunt: vintage filament globes with an LED difference

With a background in architectural lighting design, Sara McClintock launched the lighting company Bella & Hunt 18 months ago and it has a particular focus on high-quality filament vintage-style LED lamps. “I worked for over eight years with one of the leading lighting design companies in Australia and was involved in numerous local and international projects, mainly in the hospitality industry and residential spheres. After having a baby, I wanted to find a way to stay in the industry and share my expertise while still having plenty of time with my daughter Isabella Hunt and, from that, Bella & Hunt was born,” says Sara.

“Our complete and extensive lamp range uses LED filament. The product is able to replicate the warm feel of a traditional filament, but provides incredible benefits with the use of LED such as a lamp life of around two years minimum (20,000 hours) and a low wattage, so basically you use 10 times less energy than if you were running a standard filament lamp.” Sara explains that not only do the globes use less energy but they don’t get hot either, making them perfect for children’s rooms, small spaces, accessible floor or table lamps and resting on or leaning against surfaces or walls.

And while the initial outlay is more, LED bulbs save you money in the long term. “When considering the lamp life and the low energy usage, in the long run they are fantastic value,” says Sara.

The business initially focused on the restaurant, cafe and hotel markets as well as working with leading Australian lighting designers, but it’s recently cast its net wider. “We re-launched our website around three months ago, to try and make our products accessible to everyone,” says Sarah who is keen to capture the consumer market.

“We are expanding the range like never before with new curved LED filament, gold, copper and chrome dipped collections and even diamond shaped bulbs, so we can suit everyone’s personal style and our product can be incorporated into any space – not just industrial spaces specifically,” says Sara.

ia9 — Bella & Hunt lights feature in this hospitality space

Shop online.

Tags bella & hunt, design, interior design, interiors, lighting

RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

Beacon Lighting’s latest range combines sculptured shapes with muted tones

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date September 29, 2016
No Comments on Beacon Lighting’s latest range combines sculptured shapes with muted tones

Beacon Lighting’s latest range shows a return to a more natural, relaxed style of living with a collection that features a muted colour palette and subtle shapes and silhouettes to soften a contemporary interior. Check out our top picks below.

Grove pendant – $269

The Grove pendant is part of the natural craft range which celebrates simple and stylish shapes. It was designed to be a statement piece in the room.

Finn pendant – $149

The Finn pendant is part of the urban edge range which features a variety of contrasting textures and materials with simple compositions. The concrete pendants are available in grey and white with adjustable shades.

Orion pendant — from $595

Dynamic in design, the Orion five-light and 15-light pendants are available in black with smoke glass or brushed brass with amber glass shades.

Raleigh pendant – from $299

Raleigh pendants and close to ceiling lights are a new addition to the traditional range. Available in brushed chrome or brushed brass with frosted shades.

Shore pendant – from $149

A new take on the standard drum shade, the Shore pendants are available in two, three and four lights, in earthy tones of natural rattan, tan rattan and white weave. As these are handmade, they are organic in appearance, this being part of their design feature. They are part of the Josh & Jenna range.

Quinn pendant – from $149

The Quinn pendant range embodies an art deco aesthetic, with opal glass shades and a brushed brass or brushed chrome finish. The slender, elegant curved arms are adjustable so the shades can be faced either up or down for versatility.

Shop the look here.

Tags Beacon, design, josh and jenna, lighting, lights, pendant, products, renovating

Bathrooms Expert Tips

How to light your bathroom

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date September 23, 2016
No Comments on How to light your bathroom

By Cherie Barber

If you’ve ever doubted the power of lighting to create a distinct mood, just look to your average five-star hotel or resort. That magical garden lighting, wow factor foyer lighting, and so many choices of room lighting you almost need a manual to decipher… they all underline how much importance the mood police place on lighting.

Of all the rooms in your home that require a proper lighting plan, the kitchen and bathroom take top priority. It’s not just about creating atmosphere, but making sure there’s the right balance of strong and soft lighting to tick all the boxes. In a bathroom, you can always light candles to create a relaxed mood, but if you’ve got useless lighting for applying make-up or shaving you might have to resort to a head torch!

Here are the three key things to keep in mind before you get the sparkie in.

Ambient lighting

This is your general bathroom lighting – the one you’ll probably use most of the time. In a small bathroom, it will likely just be one central light, maybe some track lighting that you can focus in a few different directions. In a larger bathroom, with say an open shower, separate bath, vanity and toilet, you’ll want more than one central light.

This is where recessed ceiling lights work really well, especially if you have them on a dimmer. If you’re bathing the kids, you want to make sure you have enough direct bright lighting above; when you’re relaxing with a glass of wine after a trying day, you can dim the lights. The trick is to provide a few options. A larger bathroom could also have room for a fancy feature light.

Task lighting

This is what you’ll need for all those tasks you perform in front of the vanity mirror. One absolute no-no is to have a harsh light directly above your head, like a recessed ceiling light. This casts unflattering shadows that will age you 10 years or make you look like you haven’t slept in days. If you have enough space, a light either side of the mirror at eye level that casts an even wash of light is the ideal option. Otherwise, lighting above the mirror that directs light downwards onto the mirror is fine.

Accent lighting

This is your mood lighting. Think wall sconces that direct soft lighting up or down the wall, spotlights inside an alcove or highlighting a piece of art. It’s the final touch that will replicate all those resort-style glamour bathrooms you’ve been coveting.

bw-221042ab_cherie_checker_front — Cherie Barber

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Tags bathroom, bathroom lights, cherie barber, lighting, mood lighting. ambient lighting. how to light your bathroom, renovating, task lighting