Sydney-based property stylist Justine Wilson from Vault Interiors shares her 2022 tips to create a cocooning, welcoming environment as we shift our time to indoor living.
“It’s going to be a wet and cold winter season this year, if the start of the year and El Nino is anything to go by, so it’s the perfect time to cosy up your home. No matter what your budget, there are a few simple ways you can add warmth to every space in the home.”
Layer up
You don’t have to swap out all your summer/autumn items when the seasons change, but to prepare for the drop in temps, consider layering lovely thick textured throws, blankets, pillows, and rugs for that extra warmth. Materials such as faux fur, wool, velvet are great for this time of year. Don’t overlook swapping out textiles such as curtains or bedding to thicker fabrics and textures.
Dried or faux florals
Dried florals are a great way to beautify your space in the cooler months. They also last a long time and can add that pop reminiscent of the summer months. It’s always nice to have a floral arrangement either on your coffee table, console, or dining table. There are also wonderful faux floral twigs, branches, and greenery available, to give that evergreen look.
Air refresh
In winter your environment can tend to get stuffy, as we leave windows shut and doors closed, so consider beautiful scents to enrich your space. For winter I love the muskier notes, but you can opt for any scent that you love. Scented candles are a great way to change the feel of a room, also diffusers or even wax melts will do the trick.
Outdoor spaces
Think about adding a fire pit so you can still enjoy the outdoors and those cool nights under the stars or add an inexpensive pergola or cover structure. A cantilever umbrella is also a great option so you can enjoy sitting outdoors even if the weather shifts. It’s also really nice to add some fairy lights or lanterns, so you get that pretty ambient glow even if you just catch a glimpse through your window.
Consider tones
When changing your décor for the seasons, it’s nice to take inspiration from the surrounding environment, in winter warm earth tones such as mustards, greens, rich blues, rust tones and deep reds will echo the changing leaves. This winter colours such as blush, deep pinks and even purples are on trend. Warmer tones such as browns, beiges and caramels will also be popular with homeware designers. Introduce a new colour just by simply swapping out some accessories, cushions or throws.
From vases to tumblers and sculptural objets, there’s something fabulously retro about coloured glass. And while it’s a trend that’s been brewing for a while now the latest array of coloured glass is some of the best we’ve seen.
Maison Balzac Dotdot platter: Available in clear and teal iterations, this handblown glass bowl features multi coloured glass balls around the edge. So fun!
Kip & Co Champagne & Vino glasses: The debut glassware collection from Kip & Co features handmade, mouth blown pieces in three fabulous colour combinations. There’s tumblers, wine glasses, coupes, candlestick holders and these chic champagne and wine glasses. $59 (set of two)
The Cool Hunter mini glass sculpture: A globe resting on a solid glass cube, this objet is perfect for styling a shelfie. It’s available in four colour ways. $149.
Fazeek Home Vice Versa carafe: Available in a variety of colour ways including pink and amber (pictured), this carafe is part sculpture, part functional object. The sphere rests inside the glass-blown mouth or sits playfully inside the base. $149.
West Elm glass knot: Made from hollow glass, these gauged glass knots look fabulous atop a stack of books on a book case or coffee table. From $49.
Stella’s Unique glass mugs: Available on Etsy, these two-tone glass mugs feature squiggle handles and come in a variety of super fun shades. $45.41.
From cleaning until every surface sparkles to lighting, decluttering and even creating optical illusions, making your property visually appealing is one of the most important things you can do as a seller because first impressions are everything. So, as a buyer, your first impression of a property is the last thing you should rely on!
It’s easy to laugh about having a batch of freshly baked goods at an open home, but sellers go to extraordinary lengths to entice buyers. Good styling has become a very profitable industry for experts (and is a worthy investment for sellers in our opinion). They can strike the perfect balance between making a room look spacious yet cosy, unique enough to be memorable yet easy for any buyer to imagine living there.
Michelle May, principal of Michelle May Buyers Agents and host of Buy Your Side is someone who’s gone to thousands of open homes and is privy to all the tricks vendors use to make a great first impression, she still feels the emotional pull created by impeccable styling.
But all that styling disappears the moment you get the keys, so it’s essential to look beyond the sumptuous soft furnishings at any open home. Michelle has shared her tips on some of the most common tricks to look out for.
Removing the curtains
This makes a room look brighter, bigger and a lot cleaner but is often an impractical way to live, especially in bedrooms where light is an important factor.
Turning the lights on
Ensuring every switch is flicked on is an easy way to hide a lack of natural light, so don’t be afraid to switch the lights off to get a more accurate representation of lighting.
Swapping out furniture for smaller pieces
A bedroom looks bigger with a double bed over a king; the same goes for couches in living areas. You need to think practically about the size of your existing furniture in relation to the space and whether you’d be happy to downsize to a double bed if required.
Playing music
A curated playlist is an easy way to create a homely vibe in a property and also a great way to distract from unwanted noises such as arguing neighbours, traffic, barking dogs and screeching pipes.
Sending belongings to storage
The price of a storage unit for a few weeks is insignificant compared to many thousands on a sale price, which is what good styling can bring to a sale. Many sellers pack up their non-essentials while their home is on the market, so ask yourself, ‘what’s missing here?’ and ‘what do I need to fit in this space?’
Once you’ve looked past all of the creative ways sellers make their home more appealing, it’s time to get practical about the space and one major factor is often forgotten in the excitement of open homes: storage.
From appliances like air fryers and rice cookers in the kitchen to the ironing board, vacuum cleaner, tools, lawnmower, excess linen, suitcases, and even shoes. No matter how minimally you live, you’ll undoubtedly always have a few bulky items that need a home. Keep a checklist of things you own on your phone as you wander around open homes to avoid any rude shocks come move-in day.
As regular readers know, we love a good before and after around here and the latest one to hit our inbox is a series of spaces overhauled by furniture retailer BROSA. The brand has redesigned two luxury accommodation spaces in Sydney – a cosy, one-bedroom pad in Darlinghurst and a three-bedroom sky loft that features sweeping views of city landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
BEFORE bedroom (sky loft)AFTER bedroom (sky loft)
Overhauled by the BROSA Style Team, the spaces were transformed with everything from fresh paint to new fixtures and plenty of fabulous final touches. BROSA worked with Tint Paint and sourced gorgeous linens from I Love Linen to complete the looks.
The sky loft renovation featured tired tan leather sofas paired with dated occasional chairs and coffee tables. Its new monochrome palette includes an array of textures including trending ivory toned boucle. The fabric is showcased in BROSA’s gorgeous Ada Swivel Accent Chair.
BEFORE living (Sky Loft)
AFTER living (Sky Loft). The BROSA Ada Swivel Accent Chair (right) is a fabulous addition to the space.
The sky loft master bedroom was similarly transformed. Heavy dark timber was replaced with chic black and a lovely monochrome look overall. The team also painted out the timber feature ceiling.
BEFORE bedroomAFTER bedroom. An all-white ceiling updates the look.
In nearby Darlinghurst, the BROSA team employed similar techniques to overhaul a one-bedroom apartment. Dated timber furniture was updated with a fully upholstered bed (in a crowd-pleasing neutral fabric shade) that was then paired with simple black and white bedsides and a set of chic black lamps. A large indoor plant and a pair of neutral, graphic art prints finish the new look.
BEFORE bedroom (Darlinghurst apartment)AFTER bedroom (Darlinghurst)
Shop the look
If you love these looks, not only is the sky loft available for rent but you can purchase all of the BROSA makeover products here.
With Australian property prices still sky-high, many of us have abandoned the quarter-acre dream in favour of apartment living. And when it comes to the art of apartment living, interior designer, media personality and Interiors Addict fave Neale Whitaker has lots of fabulous, practical advice. From creating discrete zones to selecting supersized furniture and artwork (controversial, I know!), Neale has lots of great apartment styling tips – many of which he explored when creating this Melbourne apartment in conjunction with KING and Mirvac.
Neale Whitaker in the Melbourne apartment that he styled recently
Upsize furniture & artwork With many people downsizing from larger homes into apartments, Neale says that many people wrongly assume they must scale everything down and fill the space with smaller pieces. “This creates a doll’s house effect where because everything is smaller, it creates the illusion that the space is smaller. To create a feeling of space, it’s far better to upsize and have fewer pieces overall,” says Neale.
For instance, rather than opting for a two-seater in the apartment pictured, Neale chose a 2.5-seater as well as an occasional chair, ottoman and set of two complementary coffee tables from KING. “This apartment really isn’t that big but choosing larger pieces made it feel that way,” says Neale.
Lounge room
And this idea holds for art and mirrors too – upsizing both not only draws the eye up but makes a space feel instantly larger. “Basically, when in doubt, go bigger as it will allow a small space to feel like a large one,” says Neale.
Create distinct zones Whether you live in a house or apartment, most of us are familiar with open plan living and understand the pressure to create specific living zones – this tension is amplified with apartment living but Neale has some practical solutions.
“In this apartment I used contrasting rugs to delineate the dining and living zones, but I also like to use room dividers where possible,” says Neale. The designer used the KING Vertio wall unit as part of the design – in this case it was wall mounted but the design can be used as a freestanding room divider. “A room divider creates distinct zones within an open plan area while giving you extra storage and display areas too,” says Neale.
The KING Vertio unit can be seen on the left. Artwork by Kerry Armstrong.
Multifunctionality “With people spending much more time at home, all of us are seeking greater functionality from our houses and furniture items that double up are at a premium,” says Neale who explains that this is even more pressing when living in an apartment. Great multi-tasking furniture items include the aforementioned room divider as well as gas-lift storage beds. “KING has some great sofas and desks with built-in phone chargers too,” says Neale.
Neale included a multipurpose study nook in a recess in the apartment’s hallway.
Embrace the full colour palette – not just neutrals When it comes to your colour and materials palette, don’t assume that you must revert to white and bright. In this apartment, Neale chose a medley of colours inspired by the Australian landscape – rusty red, terracotta, greens and brown.
“There’s a lot of rules about compact spaces that don’t necessarily make a lot of sense. You don’t need to limit yourself to neutrals and blonde wood to make things feel bigger,” says Neale who used dark timber and a moody contrast wall in this apartment also – neither of which made it feel smaller.
The master bedroom features a moody contrast wall. Artwork by Daniel Butterworth.
The master bedroom’s contrast wall is painted in a Porter’s Paint tone that sits somewhere between dark grey and dark brown. “Again, it’s counterintuitive but that dark tone really made the room pop.”
Not long after I had my first child, and moved into my first house, I purchased two relatively expensive sofas to mark the occasion. Mid-century in style, said sofas looked fabulous but as time kicked on, I realised that tailored lines aside, the fabric choice was totally unsuitable for life with a young family. Rookie error, right?
And after spending a small fortune having the sofas cleaned every six months, I concluded that our next set would be a much more family friendly affair. Not only was I seeking a much hardier fabric choice, but I was also after a sofa with removable covers and one that was stylish too. Tall order you say? Enter, the Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa.
Me enjoying my new Lounge Lovers sofas. The painting is by the talented Elle Campbell.
A modern yet timeless design, the Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa boasts the sort of clean lines that complement just about any interior as well as stylishly proportioned, tapered legs. Available in four standard colours (a creamy linen, pale grey, mid grey and ivory) as well as a variety of custom hues ranging from terracotta to forest green and dusty pink, the fabrics are designed to withstand the rough and tumble of family life. It’s certainly something I can attest to as my young trio give this set a workout on the daily.
The tapered oak leg finishes the look
But ultimately the big selling point for me was the design’s removable covers – I love that I can take the covers off and have them cleaned. Not only does this make the sofas super practical but the other great thing about removable covers is that you can purchase an extra set when you’re looking for a lounge room refresh. I’m thinking I might even try a deep green next winter.
The covers attach to the frame via super strong velcro.
Good looks aside, the sofas also deliver on the comfort front. Boasting deep seats that enable both sitting and snoozing, the sofas’ foam seat cushions are wrapped in a feathery fibre mix. The result is a plush yet firm feel – you can really sink into the cushions, but they spring back ensuring that each sofa holds its shape. Having originally had quite a tailored sofa, this was important to me.
As for the different shapes and sizes within the Hampton range, there are a variety of options to choose from depending on your lounge room. Fully customisable, the Hampton is available in two, three and four seat iterations as well as a chaise and corner sofa option. There’s also a matching occasional chair and ottoman if you’d rather a sofa and two occasional chairs for instance.
And in these tricky COVID-induced times, where it’s not unusual to hear of six-month waits for furniture, Lounge Lovers hold a variety of Hamptons sofas in stock for immediate purchase – another plus in my book.
Me rather chuffed with my new sofas
Overall, the Hampton has proven a great choice for my family – and that’s before you even consider its comfort, customisation options and relatively affordable price tag.
*The Lounge Lovers Hamptons sofa starts at $1,999 for a two-seater.
When interior designer Emma Blomfield was tasked with transforming the Business Chicks headquarters in the heart of Sydney, she received an enviable brief. “The company founder, Emma Isaacs, asked me to bring the business’ brand to life in physical form. She also told me to be bold with colour and create a space that feels fun,” and as you can see from these exclusive pics, she certainly delivered on all fronts.
Entry
A boardroom with a difference
Far from your average office refurbishment, the project uses colour and pattern in a way that has a distinctly residential feel. “Commercial projects are often more neutral and refined but for this project, we were given permission to go as crazy as we wanted to,” says Emma who used a sumptuous palette of burgundy, mustard, blue and purple to create the spaces.
BarBreakout area
“We had to move the original kitchen to make way for that amazing bar!” says Emma of the office hero. The clever floorplan rearrangement resulted in a much more open feel and Emma subsequently zoned off the other open-plan areas with flooring and paint. Wallpapers take centre stage and brass touches serve to increase the feeling of opulence in the space. Brass pops feature everywhere from the company signage to statement light fittings, as well as in the joinery and furniture detailing.
Meeting room
Dream brief aside, the project was completed in the thick of lockdown with the Business Chicks’ founder overseas for its duration. Weekly Zoom catch-ups helped bridge the gap but the physical distance meant that the founder didn’t see any physical elements (wallpaper samples, paint chips, tile samples etc.) until she was able to fly back to Sydney after the project was completed. “It was definitely a challenging way to pitch a project ‘look and feel’ when you can’t show the client physical samples!” says Emma.
Emma and her team members Amy Boardman (left) and Marj Silva (right) enjoying the finished space
Bathroom
Unsurprisingly, the staff are thrilled with their gorgeous new workplace. “They are all absolutely obsessed with their new space! We’ve had so many people message us since they’ve been in to use the space or attend events in the office to say how much they love it.”
Julia Green, stylist and owner of homewares and art retailer Greenhouse Interiors, shares why it’s never too late to follow your interiors dream. She’s now helping others do so through her styling retreats.
Behind the scenes at last month’s styling retreat
It really is never too late to make a career change. And I am living, walking proof of that! At 39, I had a chance encounter with a photographer from Vogue magazine and ended up styling and writing for magazines without ever really meaning to.
But it was my entire 20 years of working prior to this move (largely in pharmaceuticals!) that set the stage for a seamless transition. We have so many transferable skills in our older years, it’s just all about working out how to make the transition.
On my styling retreats, I not only focus on pulling likeminded creative souls together into the one room, and hosting a live photoshoot, but I also teach them the practical ‘how to’ and what is involved in making the change possible at all.
Finished work from the styling retreat
Becoming a stylist is far more than making spaces look pretty. The commercials are what most people overlook: how to price your time and your worth, how to navigate PR, managing your social media, pitching work to magazines and so much more.
Interior styling is a guarded industry of information and not an easy place to cut your teeth. So the idea of my course is to break down the barriers, explore the realities, and work out if it really is the right move for you.
I asked my most recent group of students to reflect on their learnings, and here is what one of them, Paige Davies, had to say:
“Once we’d registered we were sent a questionnaire to understand our backgrounds, skills and career aspirations – for most of us it was an opportunity for reflection on why we were drawn to this retreat, our aspirations and, importantly, what we love most about interiors and styling.
“And then, before we knew it, the day was upon us and eight excited and highly motivated women came together at the Greenhouse Interiors flagship store in Geelong one Sunday morning. We were met and embraced warmly by Julia and quickly got to know each other’s motivations – we had a couple of new mums with a passion for styling, a lawyer pursuing a career change, women with new homes they wanted to take to the next level, an artist, small business owners and a few corporates wondering if this was a hobby or a genuine opportunity for change.
Students hard at work at Julia Green’s styling retreat
“Julia was bursting with information and took us through styling 101 and insights into many of the campaigns she has shot. We were asked to challenge our thinking on neutrals, think about colour pairings, styling cues and consistency between symmetrical or random styling. We learnt about flats in studios, patterns on walls and block colour on floors (and vice versa) and the brief to always make things look lived in and like someone has just left the room (plants, wine glasses, doors and windows open, etc). We discussed proportionality and scale and challenging the dimensions of the space and where rugs and lighting comes into play, and we learnt about the stylist’s’ “prop library”.
“The next part of the day we were paired up and received a styling brief for a room. Fortunately we were teamed with an incredibly talented photographer, Steph Rooney, as well as Julia’s styling collaborator Aisha, and collectively our number one learning was that what you see with the naked eye and what you see through the lens are very different things.
Finished work from the styling retreat
“You can no doubt study and build capability in interior styling and we would never want to detract from the professional attributes and credentials of many working in this field, but ultimately, as with any profession, it comes down to a talent, and in this dynamic and exciting area we understood that it comes down to an eye for detail and a raw understanding of composition, colour, texture and scale that can come together to create something uniquely beautiful, and the ability to work as a team.
“Bravo Julia and bravo to the women who came together to embrace the idea of a creative career change. We all individually left the course motivated and armed with knowledge to make the right choices for our future.”
It’s not every day that a home renovation is inspired by a rug but it happens to be the case for this Southern Highlands NSW home owned by Designer Rugs account manager Jonathon Murray and his husband Brian Hadnutt. “My client had a magnificent Designer Rugs rug in his living room, boasting fun patterns and colours such as ruby, orange, hot pink, black and white. This palette became the cornerstone for the living room colour palette and derivations of this palette were repeated throughout the home,” says interior designer Lynne Bradley who led the home’s gorgeous, colour-filled overhaul.
Master bedroom
Previously rented out, and used occasionally as a holiday home, the couple made the decision to leave the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and make this home their permanent residence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the all-white abode was very liveable, the couple wanted to make the home more inspiring, colourful and useable before making a permanent move.
This bedroom features another fabulous rug!
“Generally, the home had great bones, but it was a bit vanilla,” says Lynne, who set about transforming the home with colour, texture, and floorplan changes. The renovation also had to complement the couple’s existing furniture and act as a backdrop to their art and antiques collections.
As for the main living area, a new gas fireplace acts as a focal point and welcome area for guests – Dulux Red Vine creates drama in the space. “There was no fireplace in this room, so we designed one with bench seating either side and under seat storage. The room is cosy yet stimulating, provides an attractive focal point from the kitchen and frames the garden beyond, beautifully,” says Lynne.
The living room’s statement rug inspired the home’s colour palette
The kitchen received a partial renovation – Lynne filled in the bar stool area with new shallow cupboards, replaced the tall storage with integrated appliances and replaced the kick boards and cabinetry hardware. A new Kelly Wearstler pendant light hangs above the nearby dining table and Dulux Red Vine features in that space too.
Kitchen
Dulux Red Vine accentuates the original paintings on the wall in the dining room
The bedrooms were overhauled with a warm mix of paint (Dulux Turkish Bath) and soft, patterned furnishings. The couple receive many visitors but often work from home too so the guest room acts as a study when required. The thoughtfully designed study nook was originally a built-in robe before Lynne modified it.
Guest bedroom
Study nook
“The style of the home now is both dramatic and comfortable and while it has a strong colour palette it doesn’t dominate – rather it nurtures. This project was indeed a great joy to work on and the reason for this is that my clients trusted me and didn’t fight the process. My clients have become my dear friends for life!”
Designer Lynne Bradley with her client Jonathon Murray in the home’s gallery/hallway
Purchased by Sydney interior designer Alex Morrison and her partner in 2019, this Darling Point apartment was ripe for renovation despite its show-stopping harbour views. “I first saw the apartment in 2019 and was completely captivated with the location and the potential the space offered. We felt like we’d found a space that we could transform and add our own personality too,” says Alex who did just that with a series of deft structural and elegant cosmetic changes.
The dining room has spectacular views of Sydney Harbour
Originally, the home’s layout was very disjointed, and there was a disconnect between the key living spaces and harbour views. Bizarrely, the kitchen was located at the back of the apartment meaning that all the entertaining was done at the back of the home away from the fabulous views.
“I ended up flipping the floorplan so that the kitchen and living areas would enjoy the views and allow natural light to reflect off the bay and into the living area,” says Alex who collaborated with an engineer and builder from Think Built on the project.
The lounge room features a gorgeous Calacatta Viola marble fire place
After the structural and layout issues had been resolved, Alex set about making cosmetic changes to the abode. “As this was our home, it was a different experience than working with clients in terms of a design brief. My personal brief was to make the interiors more functional with classic and timeless finishes that any new homeowner could see and make the space their own,” says Alex who has since sold the property.
Bedroom
Bathroom
The tranquil spaces feature a neutral, luxurious palette of finishes including herringbone floors from Havwoods, hand painted joinery, Arabescato Corchia marble in the kitchen and Calacatta Vagli marble in the bathrooms. A standout feature, and Alex’s favourite part of the renovation, is the Calacatta Viola marble fireplace in the living room that is finished with a pair of Vintage Murano wall sconces. “I absolutely love them and think they finish the fireplace beautifully,” says Alex.
A close-up of that gorgeous fireplace
The home’s eclectic mix of furniture and art certainly adds interesting layers to the home – there’s classic designer pieces such as a Le Corbusier chair mixed with vintage and second-hand finds including a pair of unique kitchen bar stools. “I bought the vintage wavy barstools online for $220. They arrived with the seat cushion all damaged and I had them reupholstered and they look wonderful!” says Alex.
Kitchen
A ‘Floating Back’ chair from Pierre Jeanneret with Le Corbusier is paired with vintage finds from Conley & Co in this study nook
“Overall, I’m most proud of way it now feels when you’re standing in the living space. Previously all the natural light was closed off and every room felt dark and cold. Now it feels as if we’ve invited the outside elements inside and you can happily move around with natural light entering from every angle.”
With temperatures starting to plunge in many parts of the country, it’s time to get the winter woolies out. Whether you favour bold, patterned designs or neutral textures there’s something for everyone in the latest line-up of blankets and throws.
L&M Home Alby blanket eucalypt: Available in three sizes and crafted from Australian wool (and with a brushed fringe trim) there’s something classic yet contemporary about this gorgeous blanket. A coordinating cushion is available too. From $249.
Adairs Bee Green Knitted Throw: Designed by the Adairs in-house design team, this throw has a fun, graphic feel but is neutral enough to complement any spaces. We think it would be lovely in a chic nursery. $129.99.
Linen House Lana gold throw: You can’t go wrong with a super chunky knit and this blanket certainly ticks that box. Plus, the sumptuous colour sings autumn/winter vibes. $85.
CURIO Practice Turn On Check blanket: Made exclusively for Jardan by Melbourne’s CURIO, these blankets are super soft and made from 100 per cent Australian fine merino wool. Each blanket is reversible and the colour ways are rather delectable. $540.
West Elm Mixed Herringbone Blanket: Made from cotton, this classic design features a decorative herringbone motif and is available in ivory and graphite. From $209.
Slowdown Studio Bronte throw: Characterised by their bold designs, the hardest part is choosing a favourite from the highly covetable Slowdown Studio range. The 100 per cent cotton designs work perfectly on the couch, as a picnic rug or even as wall hangings. $335.
Sage & Clare Caro brushed wool blanket: Playful pom poms and lush, brushed wool – what’s not to love? The colour palette make this the coolest plaid number around. $279.
IKEA INGABRITTA throw: Available in five colours including khaki, mustard, grey, white and pink, this simple, textured knit throw is a fail-safe option. $39.
Target Jagger Chenille Throw – Sage Check: Lighter in weight making it perfect for the beginning and end of the seasons, this chenille throw comes in two neutral colour ways as well as this fabulous checked sage green. $29.
Castle large Secret Garden knit throw: I own one of these vibrant throws and can tell you that it’s even better in real life. It works in the lounge room, bedroom and just about anywhere else in the house. $159.
A designer living room inspired by Fantales lollies
Woodgrain textures and bold colour combine in this stunning living room collaboration inspired by the classic Allen’s lollies. Laminex teamed…
As many of you will know, interior stylist Julia Green has transformed a 600 square metre heritage warehouse in Geelong into a stunning retail concept flagship store for her business Greenhouse Interiors. A gorgeous space, complete with fully functioning kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and lounge (where every room is shoppable – whoop!), Julia partnered with Dulux to create the bedroom, using the Flourish palette from the paint brand’s 2022 colour forecast.
Julia Green in the Greenhouse Interiors flagship bedroom space. Artwork ‘The Chandelier Project 003’ by Regan Glazner for Greenhouse Interiors.
“Our aim was to demonstrate how much difference just a touch of colour can make. The Flourish palette was perfect for this. It’s sophisticated without any sense of ego or pretension; sometimes earthy, sometimes daring, and easy to style. It’s also highly versatile with hues that are both soft, beautiful, and timeless,” says colour guru Julia who loves singing the virtues of a paint change when it comes to renovating.
Bedside details
“Not all renovations start out as a blank canvas, in fact, many people buy renovated homes that are not styled to their liking. That’s where a fresh coat of paint and injection of colour can really come in handy. It’s one of the best ways to change up the look and feel of your home, without committing to a full-blown renovation,” says Julia.
Julia used Dulux Clay Pipe Half (a soft neutral with pink undertones) and Dulux Kenepuru Sound (a deep, rich blue with a hit of purple) on the walls and incorporated other tones from the Flourish palette through furniture and styling objects. All in all, it’s a warm and inviting result.
Julia’s top styling tips
Adding colour to your home can be transformative, so don’t be afraid to experiment and explore. It may not always work out the first time, but it’s worth persisting until you achieve the perfect balance.
Colour evokes emotions, so it’s best to consider how certain hues make you feel – whilst you may love a bold red, living with a whole room of it may be overwhelming. The good news about paint is, if you don’t love it, you can always paint over it. If in doubt, ask a friend or get a second opinion from a trade specialist – they are there to help!
Don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new and use bolder hues as accents rather than solid colours en-mass to avoid being too overpowering.
When decorating, always start with a blank canvas and add one piece at a time to ensure the balance is right. Sometimes how you edit your space can be more important than adding the homewares itself, so go slow.
Purchase Dulux A4 swatches, colour stickers or sample pots from the Dulux website of from your local paint shop to accurately test the colours around the room and view them at different times of day. That way, you’ll feel assured you’ve selected a colour(s) you’ll love.
One last look at the gorgeous space
Styling: Julia Green | Photography: Armelle Habib| Assistants: Justine Lanigan and Jessica Retallack
Designed by The Stylesmiths lead interior designer Priscilla Elasi, this renovation and extension, to a heritage red brick Federation home located in Sydney’s Burwood, has a timeless feel and uncomplicated design. With a project brief that called for liveability, the home has been designed to support the everyday life and entertaining needs of its occupants; a busy family of five.
The home’s gorgeous heritage front
The sensitive renovation highlights the original home’s heritage details; the exact details that drew the owners to the home. “These features remain the quiet heroes that inspired every decision but our clients are what made this experience special, and I wanted to do them justice. Even Uncle Amil who lives next door was included in the conversation,” says Priscilla.
Hallway
From the front door, architectural mouldings and archways at the entrance hall work to set the scene. The front reading room has been lavishly coated in layers of deep navy to further reflect the era of the home, using rich colours to create a moody yet cosy feel by the fire. An eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings complete the sumptuous space.
Stained windows are framed by midnight velvet Mokum fabric curtains and complemented by the Healey soft chair by Walter Knoll in tan leather. An authentic vintage crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
Fireplace
A new bathroom with integrated laundry replaces what was formerly the undersized kitchen. Fresh and neutral, the understated joinery allows the aged brass tapware to shine, while Calacatta marble tiling in a classic hexagon mosaic pattern takes the attention away from what is hidden behind the shaker style joinery doors.
Bathroom
The large rear addition marks the transition from heritage to modern with more neutral tones featured. The dining area boasts a ten-seater solid timber table paired with black leather chairs that complement the kitchen island bench stools by Grazia & Co. Skylights above let natural light permeate while pure linen curtains soften the space.
Dining room
Handmade and slightly imperfect, Moroccan Zellige tiles add depth to the kitchen splashback while the marble island is the main attraction – the underside of the bench is wrapped in a deep walnut colour. “By positioning the sink to the left side of the kitchen, the generous counter becomes flexible enough to double as a second, less formal dining space,” says Priscilla. Nearby, a hidden butler’s kitchen was a must for the family of five.
Kitchen
The rear lounge area features a double-sided wood fireplace that can be enjoyed from the outside too. “Our clients craved a space to unwind, prompting the use of neutral colours, plush furnishings and warm accents to realise their vision. Walking through, every element is of generous proportions, including the emotive art that feels immersive and soothing with shades of blue, orange and green,” says Priscilla.
Lounge room
The kidney shaped pool keeps the kids entertained
Upstairs, the daughter’s bedroom replicates the use of natural fibres and fabrics – a wool-blend Armadillo and Co rug underfoot, light timber side tables and aged brass antique bed frame, kept for sentimental reasons. The wardrobe joinery references the Federation style.
Once simply a haven for sewing enthusiasts, Spotlight diversified into homewares a while back and the range keeps improving. From quality poster frames to good looking soap dispenser pumps and its vast cushion range, Spotlight has a plethora of affordable home options.
KOO Sylvie quilted coverlet multicoloured queen/king: Quilted with diamond patterned stitching, this stylish coverlet is the perfect trans-seasonal piece. Pair it with matching European pillowcases to complete the look. $79.
Living Space hourglass vase pink: Available in pink or moss, this lovely ceramic vase contrasts matte and glossy glazed surfaces. $10.50.
KOO Elite Gingham Towel Collection Rust: Available in pink, rust, silver and charcoal, this on-trend towel range features a medium-scale gingham design. From $6.
KOO Speckle soap dispenser black: Made from stone, this terrazzo look hand wash dispenser would make a chic addition to any bathroom. $18.
Cooper & Co slimline arch mirror black: Finished with a black or natural slimline wooden frame, this mirror measures 91cm in height making for a fabulous statement piece. $80.
Living Space rings ornament marble 21 x 12 cm: Featuring three interlocking rings, this resin ornament looks like marble and would look fabulous stacked on top of a pile of coffee table books. $40.
Once just known for its quality, affordable bedding and towels, Adairs has expanded into a one-stop home emporium. The large range now includes furniture, prints, ceramics and more and often features collaborations with Australian design talents such as Mark Tuckey and Fleur Harris too.
Felix black bathroom accessories: Stylish and simple bathroom accessories (at an affordable price) can be hard to find. This range certainly fills that gap. From $19.99.
Somers natural rattan and black counter stool: Combining a rattan seat and back with a black or chrome metal cantilevered frame, this chair is very much inspired by Marcel Breuer’s iconic 1928 design. $329.99
Pipe white twist shape vase: Modern, abstract and minimalist – what more could you want when styling a coffee table or shelfie? This vase looks great with or without blooms. $29.99.
Tuberose toffee corduroy quilted coverlet: Featuring fine corduroy on the front and a floral printed cotton reverse, this quilt absolutely screams autumn. From $179.99.
Mark Tuckey Boston 5 tier oak shelving: Crafted from solid European oak and MDF/oak veneer, this shelving unit is part of the range designed with master Australian furniture maker Mark Tuckey. Use on its own or pair two pieces together. $999.99.
Flynn black and natural check rug: The Adairs rug range is surprisingly comprehensive though rarely extends beyond small and medium sizes. This tufted cotton design features fringing for eclectic appeal. From $299.99.
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Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech put the brand’s Flourish palette to the test recently with an autumnal inspired makeover that proves the power of colour. Flourish is part of the 2022 Dulux Colour forecast and it pairs warm and natural shades including Dulux Basic Coral and White Dune Quarter with the bold, rich tones of Dulux Murray Red and Discretion. All in all, it’s a striking result. Especially when you consider the clever use of burgundy (Murray Red) – a colour not seen since the feature walls of the 1990s!
BEFORE lounge roomAFTER lounge room. Artwork (large) ‘2021 Serpent Series’ by Barbara Kittallides. Artwork (small) ‘Clay Bird’ print by Stacey Rees via Modern Times.
To help showcase the colour palette, Bree overhauled a modern, open plan living and dining space by incorporating soft pinks, warm whites and rich reds – all of which built on the room’s existing features.
“The space is a beautiful, light-filled modern extension in a family home with great architectural details – we wanted to showcase this by using the natural, muted tones from the Flourish palette on the wall as a tonal backdrop to the stronger accent colour and then punctuate the interior with bold, daring colours in the decor to create a more distinct look and feel,” says Bree.
BEFORE dining roomAFTER dining room. ‘Connor Ives C’ artwork by Elsbeth Shaw via Studio Gallery.
When applying colour, Bree recommends starting with a tonal palette that connects with your main furniture pieces. “To add an edge to the interior, select some smaller statement pieces that feature bold colours and interesting finishes, such as natural stone and coloured glass, to provide contrast, however, still complement and harmonise your overall colour scheme.” She also highlighted bold colour in the room’s artwork and soft furnishings. In these spaces, blue, black and cream really serve to add contrast within the spaces.
AFTER lounge. Artwork (large) ‘2021 Serpent Series’ by Barbara Kittallides. Artwork (small) ‘Clay Bird’ print by Stacey Rees via Modern Times.
Autumn colour tips from Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr
Autumn palettes tend to consist of warm hues – both neutral and rich tones – and you can layer beautiful variations of these colours to add depth to your space.
Consider the intent of the space. Softer warm hues of pinks and earthy reds can create a light and cosy atmosphere whilst selecting the deeper hues of blues and greens can create a calm and moody space.
Ensure you love the colour(s) before you make your final decision. As we know, colours can differ greatly due to lighting and surrounding colour, so make sure you sample your colours before you commit to a purchase.
If you want to replicate the Flourish palette, test a a couple of key colours you initially gravitate towards and leave them up on your walls for 2-3 days to ensure the colour(s) work in your space and under different lighting conditions, both natural and artificial. You can also add some other colours from the palette in the shape of furnishings and décor items.
For an autumnal bedroom look, bring more depth into the scheme by adding the gorgeous Dulux Murray Red to your bedroom walls with Clay Pipe Half and Discretion tones as inspiration for your bed linen.
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Candace has personalised the apartment with pops of pink paint
With the Australian property market one of the world’s most expensive, home ownership is out of reach for many people. But being a renter doesn’t mean you can’t put a personal stamp on your home, as demonstrated by Melbourne hair colour educator Candice Johnson’s apartment.
Lounge room
Located in Brunswick, the bright, eclectic rental abode now has almost 10k Instagram followers who tune in for a daily dose of colour-packed inspiration and to see how Candice doesn’t let renting get in the way of her creativity.
A former t-shirt factory, the three-level apartment does have great bones – it features high ceilings, large open spaces, and a massive void (you can see through the middle from the top to the bottom floor). But bones aside, US born Candice has certainly put her own stamp on the rental that features an impressive array of colour and lots of pink.
Candice Johnson
“Pink has always been my go-to colour. I have always worn it and now I even have pink hair. The more pink I have around me, the happier I am,” says Candice Johnson who pairs vintage Facebook Marketplace finds with IKEA pieces and colour pops from Australian homewares brands Castle and Things and Sage & Clare. Candice’s home is also proof that you don’t have to own your home to truly make your mark on it, which is why we thought it would be interesting to hear her thoughts on how to make a rental your own.
Paint
“Paint is a cheap and easy way to make a space feel like home and it can completely change a space. I always ask my landlord before painting and I’ve never had one say no,” says Candice, whose apartment was quite sterile when she moved in. The all-white walls didn’t last long though – painting a few walls and beams pink instantly made the place feel much warmer. “Usually, I have to paint it back but some landlords will let you leave it. A lot of people don’t mind a feature wall or a small colour pop,” says Candice.
Candice has personalised the apartment with pops of pink paint
Art
“I change my prints constantly as I get bored,” says Candice who cites Society6 and little FY! as her favourite places to purchase affordable art. “The prints are usually priced at around $30-to-$50 and rather than just being mass printing places, they use independent artists that are less cookie cutter. They offer quick shipping too,” says Candice who puts her old prints into storage and pulls them out again when she’s after a change of scene.
As for hanging, Candice uses removable 3M hooks; often double the recommended amount just to be sure they won’t fall. “I use the velcro ones and I have used many over my rental history. I love how you don’t have to worry about nails,” says Candice.
Lounge room
Textiles
Candice uses a variety of colourful cushions, throws and rugs to imbue her home with personality. “I have well over 60 cushions and when I’m bored, I swap them all around. You can add a lot of fun that way,” says Candice.
Bedroom
House plants
“I counted over 60 house plants. It’s a lot of work as they’re all different and require different things but I do think they give character, personality, and make the place feel homely,” says Candice who often relies on plants if there’s a blank spot to fill in her home.
The dining room chairs were Facebook Marketplace finds and the lightning bolt mirror is from Melbourne’s Bride & Wolf.
Thrifty buys
“Some of my favourite things have come from Facebook Marketplace,” says Candice who found her orange dining room chairs on the platform. “They were from this elderly man, and they are pristine and gorgeous,” says Candice. Other finds include a vintage timber bar and Candice loves attending warehouse sales too. “Many fancy brands have annual sales and I’m always first in line.”
This vintage bar was found on Facebook Marketplace
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