Tag: quilt

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Design Designers Expert Tips Homewares Shopping

Interiors expert Neale Whitaker launches own homewares range

One of Australia’s favourite media personalities, Neale Whitaker has launched a luxurious contemporary homewares collection.

The Neale Whitaker N|W collection features bed linen, coordinating throws and cushions, towels and decor items in natural fabrics like linen, Turkish and woven pure cotton.

“My collection offers the opportunity to create an individual look without the big price tag,” says Neale. “It comprises designs and colours that can be layered or used individually to create your look. The collection is as perfect for city living as it is for the country or the coast!”

The contemporary bed linen includes a large range of quilts with matching pillowcases, such as the Braemar quilt. This beautiful cover is available in Pink Salt, Burrow, Wattleseed and White.

Braemar Quilt Cover in white

Coverlets are a versatile year-round item perfect for all-weather sleeping, as a lightweight blanket in summer and a layer of extra warmth in winter. The Eden Coverlet is available with matching pillowcases in three delicious colours: Pink Salt, Eucalyptus and Granite.

The Eden Coverlet with matching pillowcases in Pink Salt

Add texture and depth to your room with throws and cushions, including the generously sized linen throws and a range of contemporary cushions.

Create your own relaxing bathroom retreat with bath towels in Oyster, Granite, Desert and Wattleseed. They’re designed to co-ordinate and woven from luxurious premium Turkish cotton for a soft, absorbent, faster-drying and durable
towel. There are also beach towels in Moroccan Palm or Beach Stripe.

And last but not least, from beautifully scented candles and diffusers to chic vases, lamps, wall art, rugs, and mirrors, the Neale Whitaker N|W décor items will add the perfect finishing touch to any room.

Neale Whitaker N|W homewares range is available in-store and online at MyHouse and HOUSE.

Interior design expert Neale Whitaker shares four things to make your house a home – The Interiors Addict

When it comes to transforming a house into a home, interior design expert and TV personality Neale Whitaker, certainly knows a thing or two. Neale, pictured in his own home,…
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Bedrooms Expert Tips Homewares Shopping

How to pick the best duvet: your quilt questions answered

I recently decided it was time to invest in a quality quilt; a really warm, heavy-feeling, hotel-like one that would look all plump on the bed. I don’t ask much, do I?! But I didn’t know where to start. And while I thought I probably wanted a feather duvet (that’s what we call them in the UK and the term doona used in Australia is actually trademarked by Tontine, don’t you know?), I wasn’t sure if they were cruelty-free.

A winter weight wool quilt

I thought if I had all these questions, you might have too! So I asked the folks at Onkaparinga, one of Australia’s oldest textile brands, to give us the lowdown on loft, fill options and certifications. Not sure what I’m talking about? Read on…

What are the main quilt fill options and which is best for which reason/season?

The main fills available are:

  • Down and feather – this can be great all year round depending on the percentage of down vs feather. For example, 85% down and 15% feather will be very warm and more suited to winter sleeping whereas 50% down 50% feather would be suited to all seasons or warmer sleepers all year.  

Down is the super soft and warm under-feather material sourced from ducks or geese. When the quilt is referred to as ‘down and feather’ it has a higher down count (more expensive and warmer), when mentioned as ‘feather and down’ it has a higher feather count (a cheaper alternative suited to all seasons/less warm).

  • Wool – this can be sourced from all over the world, although Australian wool is seen as the premium wool worldwide (we only use this). Wool is naturally temperature regulating and breathable, allowing for the materials to lock in warmth while allowing your skin to breathe. Higher wool GSM means a warmer quilt, for example 450-500gsm is perfect for winter or colder sleepers, 300gsm is suited to all seasons or warmer sleepers. Due to the temperature regulating properties both are suited to all year depending on the sleeper. Look for washable wool for a longer lasting quilt. 
  • Cotton – for the warmer sleeper or those hot balmy nights, it feels light on and doesn’t have much bulk to it. It’s a very thin looking quilt that will not give that plump look. Those that like a good looking bed too may want to add another quilt for decorative purposes but sleep just under the cotton quilt! 
  • Polyester is a cheaper alternative for quilts and is often found in quilts for commercial purposes or budget friendly quilts. Polyester quilts may give a plump look depending on the type and can be favoured by allergy sufferers as they can be washed frequently at higher temperatures. They are less breathable due to the synthetic fibres so are not recommended for hot sleepers. Being polyester, they are not made from natural fibres which can put some people off due to environmental factors and synthetics being close to skin for long lengths of time. 
A washable wool quilt is a good option for allergy sufferers

Is there one quilt that will work all year round or is it essential to have a summer and winter weight option?

Many quilts are suitable all year round depending on your sleep type. If you are an extremely cold person you may need to invest in a good winter quilt as well as hot sleepers, a summer weight (cotton) quilt. For those sleeping with heating and cooling in homes or average temperature sleepers, a good quality quilt made from natural fibres will be suitable for all year round.

Looking after your quilt, airing it regularly and shaking to help with loft, will keep your quilt fresh and looking great all year.

A quality doona is a few hundred dollars. Why is it worth it?

Investing in a good quality quilt will give you a quilt that will last for years if well looked after. A premium quilt will generally be made with higher quality and more natural fibres that are proven to give a great night’s sleep and last longer. 

Are there any considerations for people with allergies or asthma?

We find that natural fibres generally give less chance of allergies or asthma with wool being one recommended for allergy sufferers. With no chemical substances to irritate, wool is generally suited to allergy sufferers. It is important to regularly air your quilts and clean them according to instructions to keep dust (and allergens) to a minimum.

Can you explain some of the jargon please?!

  • Loft is the height of the quilt – so when the quilt naturally falls on the bed, how pillowy/high it looks and feels.
  • Baffle Box or Box Construction is the term used to describe how the quilt is built.  The ‘box’ is like a pocket that is filled with the fill material and closed off so that your quilt is made from ‘boxes’ holding the fill in place, preventing too much movement of the fill that can result in uneven warmth. 

Are there any certifications we should look out for? Many people worry down-filled quilts involve cruelty to birds?

Oeko-Tex is important to check when considering allergies and an aversion to any harmful substances as it means the manufacturer and product has been checked and the product is free from any nasties! 

If you are looking for a down and feather quilt we do believe it is important to ensure they are RDS (The Responsible Down Standard) certified. RDS certification ensures the materials were sourced from suppliers that have treated the geese and ducks involved well. They are able to express innate behaviors and live pain and distress free. To become RDS certified the entire process from farm to manufacturer has been certified by auditors and inspectors from a third-party certifier. Any RDS certified down and feathers are clearly marked during the manufacturing process to ensure no non-certified products are mistakenly used.

Ensure your down and feather quilt is cruelty free by checking for RDS certification

What’s the most popular quilt you sell?

Our most popular is our Australian Washable Wool, Winter Weight Quilt. Filled with washable Australian wool this quilt is perfect for cooler nights.

I’ll let you know how I get on with choosing mine!

The best places to buy Australian bed linen online

Get our FREE eBook: 10 tips to fall back in love with your home This very popular post has been updated for 2020. I Love Linen Launched in 2013, I…
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Bedrooms Designers Homewares

Miss Bettina’s unapologetically bold new bed linen

Struggling to find beautiful quilt covers that were youthful and unique, designer Christina Inserra decided not only to design them herself, but to leave her long-term job as well.

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Starting Miss Bettina, the boutique bedding brand features four collections of reversible quilt covers, pillows and cushions in bold, romantic and floral designs.

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“My collections showcase bold, hand-drawn florals contrasted with clean lines and painterly textures,” says Christina. “I am inspired by the idea of creating a new world of beauty in your bedroom and an escape from everyday life.”

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A lover of all things print and pattern, Christina’s fun and energetic style is reflected in the dreamy fabrics and finishes including velvet and metallic piping. All of the quilt covers (in double, queen and king) and pillows are made from 100% cotton sateen which is extra soft and gives a lustrous finish.

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With many designs and looks to choose from, the collections are ideal for mixing and matching, opening up the possibilities for a youthful (or young at heart) audience to create an individual sanctuary.

Quilt cover prices range from $199-to-249, with pillows and cushions ranging from $49-to-59.

Shop online.

Photography: Martina Gemmola

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Bedrooms Styling

Steve Cordony styles Sheridan’s SS15 range for a hotel feel

This season, Sheridan collaborated with renowned Australian stylist, Steve Cordony, and asked him to show us how to transform your home with hotel inspired luxury.

“The hotel luxe look is about checking into a lovely hotel and having crisp sheets and warm towels – so why shouldn’t we apply this to our everyday lives? As with everything, it’s the small details that make your space beautiful and more importantly make you feel special,” Steve says.

Hotel Luxury: three different ways.

“Structure is important when creating a hotel luxe bedroom. Clean crisp lines, and tailored pillows create a sense of elegance and formality. I love layering with European pillows, with standard in front and a smaller breakfast accent cushion in front. I love having a throw at the base of the bed and using a bed topper and deluxe feather and down quilt all create a luxuriously indulgent looking bed. Each look is about creating a contemporary, luxurious space that feels indulgent and super chic while remaining warm and inviting.”

Contemporary chic. Everyone knows hotel luxury begins with layering of high quality 1200 thread count sheeting. With Palais Luxe in Dove, I wanted to make sure the environment was light, airy and more feminine. I love using shades of grey and this particular tone of grey is warm but still contemporary. I kept the accessories monochromatic and accented with a touch of gold to give a hint of the unexpected.

Palais Lux 1200TC Queen Quilt Cover $599.95, Tailored Pillowcase $99.95, Tailored European Pillowcase $99.95, Standard Pillowcase Pair $109.95, Queen Flat and Fitted Sheet $269.95 in Dove, Lanham Silk Pillowcase in Snow $99.95.

Boutique style. The classic Millennia receives a boutique-hotel makeover in a new midnight tone. Deep navy is one of my favourite colours as it has so much depth and the subtle stripe pattern of the bed linen adds that touch of sophistication. I accented with a tonal colour palette of natural rattan on the bedhead, which gives great texture, aged brass, gold, mirror and chrome.

Millennia 1200TC Queen Quilt Cover $599.95, Tailored Pillowcase $99.95, Tailored European Pillowcase $99.95, Standard Pillowcase Pair $109.95, Queen Flat and Fitted Sheet $269.95 in Midnight.

Graphic and masculine. Anyone who knows me, knows I love black and white – it’s a classic and luxurious palette. For styling 1200 thread count Palais in Silver I wanted to create a graphic, more masculine look. Keeping the shapes strict and formal with accessories and furniture work perfectly with the structure and subtle pattern of the linen. Think Tom Ford meets Palm Beach.

Image courtesy of Sheridan
Palais 1200TC Queen Quilt Cover $599.95, Tailored Pillowcase $99.95, Tailored European Pillowcase $99.95, Standard Pillowcase Pair $109.95 and Queen Flat Sheet $269.95 in Silver. Vachon wool throw in Smoke $249.95.

Create a sanctuary. The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the home. It is a sanctuary that should feel personal and comfortable and styled like any other room in the home. Simple ideas such as rolling or folding hand towels on a side table beside the bath with some fresh flowers and a scented candle adds an elegant touch. There is nothing more indulgent than monogramming and having personalised initials on your towels – it’s all about the details!

Palais Hand Towel $32.95 and Bath Towel $54.95 in Silver and French Blue, Personalisation additional $15.00.

Shop Sheridan online.

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Bedrooms Expert Tips Styling The Block

Interiors Addict TV: how to make your bed look as good as the magazines!

Don’t you wish you could make your bed look all effortlessly stylish and inviting like they do in the magazines and on The Block; done but not too done?! Well, you can! Follow the straightforward hints and tips from Deb Clifford-Ames of Aussie business Sheets on the Line in our latest video.

She shows our reporter Lauren Ellis three different looks and how to achieve them. And answers the age old question: can you ever have too many cushions?!

Shop online at Sheets on the Line.

Watch every episode of Interiors Addict TV

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Kids Rooms

Screenprinted-to-order linen for kids rooms

I’m often told there’s not much cool stuff for kids rooms out there so when I find some, I make sure to share it!

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Little Louli is very cute bed linen for children, screenprinted to order in Australia, by former women’s fashion designer, Lucy Miller.

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Bedrooms Styling

Video: How to style your bedding

Check out these easy to follow video tips from Temple & Webster stylist Adam Powell on how to style your bedding three different ways.

Temple & Webster have a sale on Florence Broadhurst bed linen starting today (8 January). Check it out if you feel like refreshing your sanctuary for the New Year! Special offer for Interiors Addicts of $15 off for new members joining up using the link below.

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Bedrooms

Goo Collection children’s linen is a family affair

It’s always a good sign when you see something designed for kids and think “I wish that came in adult size!”

Whale Time Doona w Boy LRE

I think that can certainly be said for some of Goo Collection’s new children’s bed linen.

Oh Deer Doona w Girl LRE

Goo started as Olive’s Tree in 2009 when Lisa Nicol failed to find a dribble bib which was absorbent enough or she was happy to have her daughter, Olive, wear. Leveraging her mother’s knowledge of sewing and fabric, she created something that was both fashionable and functional and together they hand made bibs and sold them online and at markets. They then branched out into patchwork quilts, putting a modern spin on them.

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Bedrooms Homewares

Super soft linen with a splash of colour from Major Minor

There’s some great quality linen out there in Australia, and for those who love the perfectly crumpled look and feel but prefer theirs with a shot of bright colour, mother-daughter team Major Minor could be just the ticket.

MAJORMINOR red

I spoke to Hannah Seely, one half of the new, online linen business, with her mum, Anne. They launched earlier this year after struggling to find linen bedding that was contemporary and modern at an affordable price.

Mother and daughter Anne and Hannah of Major Minor
Mother and daughter Anne and Hannah of Major Minor

“We knew we wanted to work together on a project that would allow us to travel, be creative and have a good laugh in the process,” says Hannah. “The ball started rolling a couple of years ago after a trip to India. We’d already decided to offer classic linen colours such as white and grey but also wanted to add some vibrant pops of colour to our range and thought there was no better place than India to locate and source beautiful bright linen!”

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Interiors Addict

Kip & Co bedding on sale: 40% off!

Don’t hang around with this one, okay? Kip & Co’s bedding has a bit of a cult following and if you’d like to get your hands on some at a huge discount, now is your chance.

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To make way for the new range, arriving in about 4 weeks, the Melbourne boutique bedding brand are having a big sale with 40% off EVERYTHING from the Autumn/Winter 2013 designs. They’re not even that old and they certain won’t look out of place on your bed this summer!

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Interiors Addict

New kantha quilts just landed at Fossik

Some unique new kantha quilt designs just arrived at Fossik and they’re worth a look.

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Interiors Addict

I heart Urban Outfitters homewares

Paper Medallion doona cover. $79-$89

Did you know that Urban Outfitters now ships for FREE to Australia if your order’s over $50 (not hard) and returns are only $5? Hooray! They have some of the best value, on trend, fun, colourful homewares going. I thought I’d pick a few of my current favourites from the bed linen range. Neon brights, chevron, patchwork, textured; there’s a bit of everything!

Paper Medallion doona cover. $79-$89

Smell the Roses pillowcase set, $34

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