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Bedrooms Expert Tips Shopping Styling

Turn your bedroom into the ultimate zen space with these great tips

Your bed is that welcoming presence that’s always there for comfort and warmth, which is exactly why you should style it to be the most personalised area of your home.

Jason Granziera, stylist and owner of Sage Styling Interiors, has provided six key ways to channel the zen, to celebrate the launch of Lounge Lovers’ bed range.

Keep it relaxed

Your bed is not the place for strict lines or rigid shapes. Opt for a more relaxed, layered vibe with soft throws and pillows, so the whole space feels calming and welcoming. Rattan can help create a more casual feeling, or try selecting simples lines and rounded edges in your furniture.

“No one wants to get into their place of rest that looks like a tightly folded envelope!” explains Jason.

Size up when choosing a quilt

One of the most common mistakes when styling your bed (and one of the easiest to make) is to purchase a quilt that’s the same size as the mattress, such as a queen-sized quilt for a queen-sized bed.

Instead, size up. Choose a king-sized quilt for a queen-sized bed. This allows for ample styling lusciousness and atmosphere of plush opulence for day or night.

Interchange seasonal statement pieces

Colour, texture or a seasonal hero piece can be a simple way to ensure furniture fatigue doesn’t hit in each season.

Whether it’s using natural fibres, changing the sheet set, or swapping out your side table, switching one item can be a simple way to refresh the boudoir. For a spectacular example of sophistication and craftsmanship, bone inlay pieces can create interest without changing your entire bedroom suite

It’s not all about the bed

The bed is the masterpiece of the bedroom, but the surrounding décor is the frame, and it’s almost as important. Aside from being highly practical and useful every day, an elegant armchair, set of nesting tables, or sleek bench seat at the end of the bed can add a real wow factor.

A side table or set of nesting tables is the perfect place for a splash of greenery with a pot plant, or a dash of style with an elegant candle. It’s the kind of decorating flair that you would usually only see in sumptuous hotel rooms and glitzy magazine spreads, which is exactly why it will help your bedroom feel extra chic.

Treat your feet to a rug

No bedroom setting is complete without a beautiful rug. It helps pull together all the furniture pieces and ground the setting. Better yet, a rug can be adjusted to the size of the room, making it feel bigger or drawing the eye to a certain statement piece.

For more information.

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Bedrooms Expert Tips Furniture Shopping Styling

Sweet dreams are made with the right bedside table: 10 stylist’s picks

Interior stylist Georgia Duncan uses her designer eye to curate a roundup of some very stylish bedside tables. From budget friendly, to higher end splurge, to Australian made, there’s something for everyone here. 

Btd Gridwork Side Table $1,150.

The Gridwork Side table is Melbourne made, and has a wicked industrial edge. Using products traditionally found in industrial settings, the toughened, yet oh so design savvy fluted glass, paired with either stainless steel or a powder coated black frame, creates a very streamlined, minimalist, yet hardwearing option. Storage shelves create nooks for your favourite books, and any other special items.

Brosa Slim Bedside Table $319

Available in three colour ways, the Slim Bedside Table displays a great amount of form and function. The on-trend curved legs create an ‘ongoing’ effect, while the drawer is a perfect place to stash all those necessary, yet unsightly items.

Kristina Dam Studio Curve Side Table from Design Stuff $629

The Powder coated steel Curve side table, takes on the on trend circular legs, while the top is perfect size for your lamp and personal items. Below, there is space for some magazines, or to be left empty for that perfect minimalist look.

HAY Tray Table Small $350

Versatile throughout the house, but very useful in the bedroom, the modern classic tray table from HAY comes in many colours. It’s aesthetically light and you could always nice basket placed underneath if you needed extra storage.

Heimur Design Origins Side Table $825

With its on trend woven shelf, and functionality of a single drawer, the Origins side table is definitely another example of form and function. Made in Melbourne from Australian Messmate, there are also custom timber options available. This is a do not pass go option if you are looking for a small piece of storage and a great looking piece. 8-to-10 weeks lead time.

Ikea Nikkeby $79

The Nikkeby bedside drawers are perfect for a room needing something a bit more hardy to withhold the test of time. Coming in a classic olive green, these are sure to suit a range of bedrooms, and come in at the budget-friendly end of the scale.

Made Of Tomorrow FOLD bedside table NZ $99, plus $22 international shipping

For those who either want to save on space or have enough storage already, the Fold Bedside is literally the perfect option. Made in New Zealand from powder coated aluminium, they are even hardy enough to go in bathrooms or outdoors. Base models come in white and black, but there is a large range of custom colours too. With a shelf for your lamp and phone, and one for your book and hand cream, this really is a great option.

McMullin & Co Agatha Bedside Table $599

With its rattan finish, and teak frame, the Agatha Bedside is a space saving storage soloution like no other. Rather than a drawer, this bedside has a fold down door.

Sarah Ellison Pierré $975

A definite piece for the bedroom, the Pierré has a playful presence. Designed to make a statement, with a marble top, rattan shelf, steel structure and teak spherical feet. 

West Elm Quinn Lacquer Nightstand $599

An on trend classic, the Quinn is a larger scale, versatile, and oh so functional piece. Pop your unsightly favourite things in the drawers, and a gorgeous lamp on top along with a few of your best sleepy-time styling objects and you’re away.

-For as long as Georgia can remember, at the forefront of her six senses has been design. Based in Melbourne, she works as a freelance stylist and creative in the interiors world. See more of her work on Instagram or via her website.

Categories
Furniture Homewares Shopping

Side tables Australia: Statement pieces from $39!

When it comes to the latest side table trends it would seem that anything goes. Rather ornamental, there’s a sculptural quality to the latest looks with materials ranging from brass to powder coated metal, timber and terrazzo. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

L&M Home Croft table: Available in brushed black, grey and earth (pictured), this gorgeous side table has just been released. Understated and visually light, its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces. $196.

Fenton & Fenton Woodrow Spikey Stump: Exclusive to Fenton & Fenton, this cutie has been crafted out of white cedar and we love its zig-zag detail. $390.

Fenton & Fenton

Life Interiors Cosmos Side Table (black): This stylish piece combines a circular white terrazzo top with a black timber clad column base. It’s also available in coffee table, dining table and console iterations. $395.

Kmart rattan side table: Dipping into the rattan trend, this little number is a steal at $39.

Design by Them Confetti round side table: With a base made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and a choice of top (white and black powder coat or timber), this statement piece has our tick of approval. From $279.

Design by Them Confetti table

West Elm Cecile side table: Curved u-shaped antique brass legs steal the show with this side table that provides elegant detail next to a sofa or bed. $299.

west elm side table

Fomu side table: Available in cream, black, white and light grey, this refined and versatile option is designed and made in Australia. $420.

Fomu side table

Target Svein Natural sideboard: It’s the unusual perpendicular linear timber detail that drew us to this piece. $189.

Target side table
Categories
Furniture Kitchens

This week, Jen’s loving… 27.01.16

I hope you enjoy this week’s roundup of my favourites!

this week jen's loving 27.01.16

Clockwise from top left: I’m swooning over this 2016 calendar by Melbourne illustrator Sarah Hankinson, chock full of seasonal botanicals ($40) | Now I have a crawling baby pulling himself up on everything, I can’t have things with sharp corners, which is no doubt why I keep falling in love with pieces like this Max Sparrow French Symmetry Side Table (on sale at $795). NOT FAIR! | This The Rise Vase from Art Club Concept is fresh and different ($59.95) | This Dekton in Aura is one of my top choices for our new kitchen benchtop (we’re moving on Friday, yay!).

Enjoy!

Categories
Bedrooms Furniture

Interiors Addict’s 10 best bedsides

From retro and industrial to quirky and pretty, we have a bedside table for every style and every budget! 

This Mid-Century Bedside Table ($399) from West Elm borrows its slim legs, angled face and understated retro details from iconic ’50s and ’60s furniture silhouettes. With antique bronze finish knobs for an unexpectedly luxe twist, it is made from FSC-certified wood and is available in three colourways.

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I love, love, love the Componibili 3 Round bedside (front left in the image below) and you’ve probably seen it everywhere, with many stores having replicas! However, the original is still surprisingly affordable at $220. Coming in many colours and configurations, the 30-year-old design from Kartell is flexible, functional and practical.

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Designed by two of our favourite Blockheads, twins Alisa and Lysandra, the Asta Bedside Table for Forty Winks is Australian made but Scandinavian inspired. Part of a four-piece bedroom suite, but available individually for $749, it combines the rawness of timber with eye-catching rose gold detailing.

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Magazine rack-slash-bedside table, the unique Three Legged Magazine Stand features carefully shaped steel plates to create an angle to place magazines, while leaving a flat top surface with enough space for a drink. Available from Urban Couture and coming in both black and white, it retails for $349.

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I’m not normally one for bedside tables that don’t have any drawers (I can’t be the only one who accumulates mess that needs to be hidden?!), but if space is at a premium, these Kerr Stools ($289) in rose pink and black are a gorgeous option. Available from Barnaby Lane, they are made from iron and timber.

Barnaby+Lane

The MUSKEN Bedside Table from IKEA is a total bargain, costing just $59. Sturdy, practical and working with most interiors, you can also purchase the matching wardrobe and drawers for the full look.

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The Swing Table ($279.95) by 6ixty is one-of-a-kind cool, with both colour accents (ash with grey, white, red or yellow) and natural wood tones. Practical too, it features an angled handle for easy moving and two storage drawers. It is available from Zanui.

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Made in Melbourne from Tasmanian Oak veneer and a powdercoated tube steel frame (in cloudy blue or soft white), the Oliver Side Table ($499) is minimal and versatile. Available from Hunting for George, there’s also a corresponding bed and bench if you want the whole set.

HFG-OLIVER-SIDE-TABLE-1

This shimmery number is sure to make a statement, in either a gorgeous coppery bronze or luxe clear and smoke colour tints. Fitted with three drawers and featuring a classic square front, the Optical Bedside Table from Domayne is a real show stopper. Price available in store or upon request.

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Small spaces need great storage and the Rigby Sidetable ($400) from Milkcart delivers in spades. With a narrow footprint, but deep storage, it fits your iPad, magazines and remote with room to spare. Available in matte or gloss white laminate and sustainable timber with a Tassie Oak trim, you can also choose from a silver button, black knob, handmade leather pull or timber handle.

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We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

Categories
Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews

Carl Holder, creator of plywood furniture that’s anything but generic

After being commissioned to design a public art installation for his local village on the Sunshine Coast (which was so well-received it won one of the 2013 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards), Carl Holder was left with a pile of plywood off-cuts in his garage.

Carl Holder_Foreply-7

Letting it sit there for over a year, one day he decided to turn it into a piece for his own home; something everyday but not, useful yet playful and beyond the generic. Beginning with a dozen or so ideas, Carl developed three into pieces, all of which you can now see in his online Etsy shop: Foreply.

Thingamabob
Thingamabob

Creating pieces that are sculptural and functional, Carl makes all his furniture himself from local FSC certified plywood. “I’ve always loved classic plywood furniture,” explains Carl. “I love its sleek good looks, its functionality and the fact that it is portable and flexible and can fit into very small spaces. So plywood furniture is kind of the perfect furniture for the way we live now.”

Capsule
Capsule

Designing the Thingamabob, both a table and seat ideal for holding things like books and an iPad; the Plus and Minus stool/side tables, which can easily be pulled apart and hung on the wall or door to save space; and the Capsule shelf, a modern mantelpiece for neatly holding daily belongings away from the kids, the products have been so sought-after Carl even won the Esty Design Award for New Talent last year. “It’s still early days for Foreply but it has come along way since winning the New Talent Award. The resulting confidence and exposure the award has given me is invaluable. I went from having a few dozen shop visits a day to literally tens of thousands, with interest coming from all over the globe.”

Plus side table
Plus

With entries now open for this year’s Etsy Design Awards (Jen’s a judge!), Carl has some helpful tips for any potential applicants. “Preparing your submission is a great opportunity to refresh your shop; ensure photos of your work are of a high standard and your shop information is up-to-date and engaging. Tell your story and share your passion in a concise way.”

Carl Holder_Foreply-12

Having always loved making things, Carl got into the furniture business after his day job at an architecture and design firm saw him miss getting his “hands dirty.” With his 9-5 life seeing him rely heavily on 3D CAD modelling and prototyping to design, Carl’s loving being able to follow his passion for ethical furniture design and working with local sustainable materials.

Currently using all his spare time to come up with exciting new products and ideas, the Foreply Etsy shop is as a result taking a short break. “I hope to reopen the virtual doors again very soon, there are lots of ideas on the drawing board that I want to resolve and bring to market to extend the Foreply range. These (like the current items) consist of designs that are entirely made from plywood and others introduce new materials and a different design aesthetic.” Watch this space!

For more information.

Categories
Bathrooms Furniture

The world’s first tray-table-stool?

Transforming from a stool to a side table with one simple flip, the Flip Around is a super multifunctional piece of furniture by Copenhagen-based designers NORM Architects, available in Australia.

Flip Around 4

As well as changing from sleek stool to side table, the surface portion is also removable to serve as a tray. With the simple yet timeless design, you could place the Flip Around anywhere in the bathroom, as a key-keeping tray in the hallway, a table holding your afternoon coffee or a surprisingly comfortable stool.

Flip Around 2

Flip Around 3

Constructed from high-quality Ash and premium plastic material, the Flip Around is an ingenious mix of modern and classic that can assist you all over the house. Coming in either Light Ash or Dark Ash, it retails for $400 and is available through Candana.

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Interiors Addict

Hot new lacquerware at The Brown Trading Co.

Who needs a hot pink, high gloss coffee table in their life? Me! I’d never get it past the fiance (and I’ve promised him a more neutral and unisex home post-marriage) but I’ve always thought it would be a really cool idea, since I saw one on the cover of Abigail Ahern’s book The Girl’s Guide to Decorating! A simple and very effective punch of colour. Pow!

abigail ahern a girl's guide to decorating

Keren Brown from the Brown Trading Co, who seems to have a great knack for spotting trends and things which will sell like hotcakes, has come to the rescue with her new range of lacquerware coffee and side tables (like the pink one above), hexagonal stools (which would work as side tables) and boxes, all made by hand in her hometown of Brisbane.

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Furniture

Dinosaur Designs branch out into furniture in their signature resin

Dinosaur Designs co-founders Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy have released their first furniture collection: side tables in the brand’s signature resin.

Stephen's collection, Collage
Stephen’s collection, Collage

Having cemented themselves in the Australian design industry, the introduction of these larger pieces is perhaps a natural progression. Louise and Stephen have each designed a collection of side tables, celebrating their individual design sensibility, all which are one of a kind and have been handmade in their Sydney studio.

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Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict’s top 8 Pottery Barn online buys

Following on from my top West Elm picks, today I give you my top 8 Pottery Barn buys, available in store at Bondi or online if you live interstate. This was really hard but you have to edit somewhere! As I’ve said before, Pottery Barn is my idea of “when I grow up” classic but that’s not to say there aren’t a lot of things I couldn’t incorporate into my decidedly not grown up apartment already.

Pottery Barn picks 1