Tag: styling

10 things we’re loving from the Target homewares range

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 15, 2022
No Comments on 10 things we’re loving from the Target homewares range

The latest instalment in our ’10 things we’re loving’ series, this week we’re shining the spotlight on Target. Once the poor cousin to Kmart in terms of affordable homewares buys, Target has really upped its game and now offers a plethora of quality homewares at a great price.

Flora coir printed doormat: Pretty and practical. This durable coir doormat is the perfect way to welcome visitors to your home. $12.

Wicker mirror flower: Made from rattan, this cute-as-a-button mirror is ideal for a child’s room. It would look great as part of a gallery wall. $35.

Caine check quilt cover set: The perfect way to dabble in the gingham trend, this smart set is made from soft cotton. Pair it with a matching set of European pillows to complete the look. From $59.

Ava office armchair: Combining a brushed gold base with a velvet upholstered bucket seat, this chair is perfect for a stylish home office. $139.

Iris framed canvas: It’s the fine timber frame that elevates this simple print that is perfect for adding a pop of colour to sombre walls. $40.

Pom pom terry bath towel in green: 100 per cent cotton with a fun fringed edge, this towel is soft yet absorbent. Available in black or green, it’s a look that would look at home in any wet area. $15.

3 pack kids flower wall decor: This bohemian flower-power inspired trio is a lovely, whimsical look for a child’s bedroom wall. $25.

Zoe storage ottoman – small: This storage ottoman features a grey upholstered body complemented by a removable, ash veneer top. It works super well as a low stool or even as bedside storage. $69.

Layton textured throw: This textured throw features a tufted design with a tassel trim. It would look fabulous on the end of the bed or sofa alike. $49.

Marlo soap dispenser: A stylish refillable soap dispenser at a great price, this beauty makes for a fabulous bathroom refresh. What more can you ask for? $15.

Target collaborates with local designer on Australian themed homewares

Melbourne based surface pattern designer Mable Tan has teamed up with Target Australia to create a lovely Australian themed homewares range titled ‘Glorious Summer’ which takes inspiration our bountiful native…

10 things we’re loving at Fantastic Furniture

There was a time when cut-price furniture and accessories rarely produced more than a cut-price result but that’s not the case anymore. Fantastic Furniture had a rebrand a few years…

Tags homewares, interiors, online shopping, styling, target, target australia, target home

Homewares Shopping

Valentine’s Day 2022: Our favourite gift ideas for the home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 9, 2022
No Comments on Valentine’s Day 2022: Our favourite gift ideas for the home

It’s been a while since we’ve done a Valentine’s Day homewares round-up but with the annual celebration imminent (on Monday) we thought it was time to dip into all things heart and love themed for the home.

Jones & Co Romeo and Jules face vases: Inspired by Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic take on the Shakespearean classic, these vases make a very cute couple for the bookshelf, bedside table or balcony. From $52.

Castle ‘Love’ European cushion cover: There’s a reason this cushion sells out swiftly every time it is restocked. From its fabulous colours to its timeless design and sentiment, we love (no pun intended!). $79.

Oh It’s Perfect ‘Love at First Sight’ wreath: Handmade in Melbourne from preserved hydrangea, this statement piece makes a fabulous, everlasting gift. $165.

Etsy Ex Voto wooden Mexican milagros heart wall hanging: Straight from Mexico, these heart-shaped beauties are covered in milagros and look fabulous styled on a gallery wall. The word milagro means “miracle” or “surprise” in Spanish and people use them as symbols to wish others good luck, good health, and hope for the future. $30.74.

Bitossi Home heart tray: Bitossi has been making ceramics in Tuscany since 1537 and this gorgeous little heart tray is one of their most recent designs. A tiny vessel for trinkets, keepsakes, jewellery or even sweets, this millennial pink heart-shaped dish is finished with a fern-like red detail at the top and an intricately painted bunch of flowers. $100.

Castle ‘Young Hearts’ art tea towel: Designed to be framed and hung or placed within one of Castle’s magnetic art tea towel hangers (sold separately), this tea towel is hand printed and embroidered on top quality linen in Rachel Castle’s Sydney studio. $89.

Electric Confetti neon ‘Love’ light: This statement light is made with with pastel pink, pastel red, vivid red and vivid pink LED neon mounted on clear acrylic. $749.

Oh It’s Perfect ‘Be Mine’ love vouchers gift set: A cute idea for Valentine’s Day, this set includes five wooden love vouchers redeemable by your partner. The cute tin can be reused around the house. $46.95.

Checkerboard homewares: The latest hot trend – The Interiors Addict

Tags design, heart themed homewares, homewares, interiors, online shopping, styling, valentine's day gifts, valentines day

Designers Interviews Styling

Juliet Love on her new role at Better Homes & Gardens and working with Charlie

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 7, 2022
No Comments on Juliet Love on her new role at Better Homes & Gardens and working with Charlie

A long-time friend of the blog, we caught up with stylist and interior designer Juliet Love recently when we heard she was joining Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens as the show’s permanent decorating presenter. Replacing Tara Dennis, who left last year, Juliet will be working alongside her husband Charlie Albone who she just so happened to meet working in television, many moons ago.

“Charlie had been doing Selling Houses Australia for a few years when we met so he was the seasoned professional and I was the novice. He was so kind to me from day one,” says Juliet who explains that the couple were engaged 10 months later, married not long after that and now share two beautiful children together.

Juliet first worked on Better Homes and Gardens as a guest presenter in 2021 and is thrilled with the permanent role that will see her give viewers fresh ideas on how to transform their homes for less – there will be cosmetic room makeovers, clever storage solutions and craft projects. “I’m passionate about showing people how easy it is to add some affordable creativity and beauty within their homes, so working on the show is a dream come true,” says Juliet.

Juliet on set — Behind the scenes on set

As for working with her husband, Juliet had always hoped to do another show together and it’s worked out quite nicely (given their role as parents), that most of their shoot days are separate. “Charlie and I mostly film separate stories, but we will do more makeovers together this year. It’s always a laugh with Charlie around – lots of pranks and jokes! I still get excited to work with him to this day, butterflies even. I’m like a giddy schoolgirl!” says Juliet who says that they wouldn’t be able to balance children and their careers without the help of very hands-on grandparents.

TV and parenting commitments aside, Juliet is continuing with her other styling work and is working on a homewares line due to launch later this year. The couple are also continuing their own Sydney home renovation with a plunge pool and pergola with rooftop vegetable garden in the works. “It will be pretty spectacular! I also can’t wait for that to finish because once that’s done, I can finally do the front of the house – we’re taking it from red brick to white weatherboard,” says Juliet.

And while Charlie is the resident landscaping expert and Juliet handles the interiors, the couple tend to consult each other on the bigger decisions at home. Upon first meeting, they both had rather different styles, (Juliet’s was more formal and Charlie’s more rustic) but they’ve learnt to compromise. “Over time, our styles have evolved, and I think we’ve been good for each other in that way. We have a mutual respect for each other’s eye for design, which I think helps us end up with the best overall result,” says Juliet.

Juliet and Charlie in the garden with their two sons

And as for Juliet’s top home styling advice, she’s a big proponent of mood boards and of letting an interior evolve over time. “A vision board and a plan will help you achieve the look you want. If you include all the things that inspire you and that you love, including colours, textures, and images on the board, you can’t go wrong. I think the most beautiful homes are the ones that are layered over time and tell the story of the person living there.”

Charlie Albone and Juliet Love share a first look at their new home – The Interiors Addict

With two sons, it didn’t take long for Aussie landscape designer and TV host Charlie Albone and his interior stylist wife Juliet Love, to outgrow their two-bedroom home. After going…

Sustainable garden design: Charlie Albone’s top 7 tips!

While sustainability is an ever-increasing concern for many Australians, it’s not something you may have thought about with respect to your garden. From choosing your plants with purpose to harvesting…

Tags better homes and gardens, charlie albone, design, interior design, interior designer, interior stylist, interiors, juliet love, styling

Design Homewares Styling

Checkerboard homewares: The latest hot trend

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 26, 2022
No Comments on Checkerboard homewares: The latest hot trend

The bold cousin to gingham, checkerboard print is different in that it usually consists of two different colours positioned in alternating positions. Drawing inspiration from a chess or checkerboard, the look has moved beyond the fashion scene and into our homes. We love its eye-catching, nostalgic feel.

Fenton & Fenton Checkerboard dhurrie rug in pepper: Available in five fabulous colours, these bold flat woven rugs are handmade on horizontal looms by skilled artisans from Indian cotton and chenille. They’re fully reversible too, which is handy. $1,620.

Oh It’s Pretty lilac checkerboard porcelain plate: Microwave and dishwasher safe, this gorgeous porcelain plate (and fabulous gift idea) comes packaged in a pretty pink box. It’s party of a wider, mix and match plate collection designed by the brand. $39.95.

Baina organic cotton pool towel in sage and chalk: Pool towel or bath sheet, this chic design will make a subtle statement in the bathroom or poolside. $110.

Bonnie & Neil Checkers Blossom cushion: Combining apricot with terracotta, this plush, feather filled linen cushion is finished off with cream cord piping and features a contrasting reverse. $165.

Kiosken ‘Sun In the Courtyard’ print: A limited, edition, artist-signed poster print, this beauty was created by artist Georgia McFarland from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. $69.

Sheet Society Sage Mega checkerboard bed linen: While checkerboard is bold, the sage green hue in this bedding gives it a calming twist. Made from 100 percent long-staple cotton, we love the mini and mega check sizes mixed and matched. From $40.

Etsy Handpainted checkered belly vase: Hand painted in Australia, this little beauty adds a touch of fun to the tabletop and looks fabulous styled with or without blooms. $50.

Curio Practice Lavender Fields Blanket: While this gorgeous blanket has an eye-watering price, it’s made from 100 percent merino wool and has instant heirloom status. It’s also super soft to touch. $430.

Gingham bed linen: Our pick of the latest hot trend

There’s no doubt that uncertain times have led to nostalgic homewares trends and we are very much here for the latest one. Having eschewed any hokey associations, courtesy of a…

Crystal homewares: Our pick of the hot trend

Recently we reported on the news that incense is trending and so too are crystals. In fact, Google searches for crystals are up by 40 per cent since the pandemic…

Tags checkerboard, checkerboard trend, design, homewares, homewares trend, interiors, styling, trend, trends

Before & Afters Design Designers House Tours Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Before & after: farmhouse coastal makeover on the Gold Coast

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 24, 2022
3 Comments on Before & after: farmhouse coastal makeover on the Gold Coast

There’s no doubt that our readers are always very excited for a before and after (it’s the most popular category on the site) which means that many of you will be very interested in today’s fabulous makeover. Located on the Northern Gold Coast riverfront, this 1990’s four-bedroom home was renovated and furnished recently with interior designer Mel Hoekstra, of MH Interiors, at the helm.

“It’s owned by a couple who divide their time between their riverfront Gold Coast home and a farm which is a few hours away,” says Mel, who furnished the home in a modern coastal farmhouse style.

“Our clients wanted to transform their home into a modern coastal farmhouse retreat which was light, airy and suitable for entertaining family and friends,” says Mel. The design combines the owner’s existing furnishings and artworks with new custom furniture and accessories in tranquil grey and green tones. The result is a calm, comfortable abode that is hugely enjoyed by the owners, their children and grandchildren.

Highlights of the home include an entertainer’s kitchen (in Dulux Lexicon) combined with a large island bench (in Dulux Timeless Grey). The island bench seats eight people making it a great hub for the family to congregate. Nearby, a six-metre butler’s pantry houses all the kitchen appliances, save for the cooktop and coffee maker. “Our client wanted most of the cooking and mess behind closed doors,” says Mel.

AFTER butler's pantry — AFTER butler’s pantry. The open pantry shelving, commercial glass fridge and wine fridge are perfect for large gatherings.

The lounge area was made significantly larger by combing the old lounge and dining areas. “It’s now a spacious, comfortable lounge area with custom cabinetry in Dulux Charcoal Fusion, a refined colour which camouflages the tv and complements our MH Interiors custom dusty blue sofa,” says Mel. Farmhouse style occasional chairs complete the look.

“The exterior has been transformed as much as the inside,” says Mel. What was once a yellow, square 1990’s design is now unrecognisable – a light, custom paint colour contrasts with new curved metal balustrade in Dulux Monument.

“It has been a privilege and absolute pleasure to work alongside our beautiful clients to transform their riverfront home into a much-loved sanctuary. In fact, they haven’t been back to their farm much since we finished!”

The kitchen leads onto an outdoor area that features a new undercover alfresco and landscaping

For more on MH Interiors

A super stylish heritage home makeover in rural NSW

After moving to Australia over 20 years ago from Mexico, Cecilia Mazadiego was very happy living in the Sydney seaside suburb of Clovelly with her property developer husband Sam Brewer…

Tags gold coast, interior design, interiors, mh interiors, real home, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation, styling

Architecture Design Expert Tips Interviews

How to create a Hamptons style home: Five key elements

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 11, 2022
No Comments on How to create a Hamptons style home: Five key elements

Kitchen design by Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms on Houzz

There’s no denying that the Hamptons aesthetic is an enduring one. Characterised by low-key elegance, the style is perfect for the Aussie climate and our focus on indoor-outdoor living. A perennial favourite, the Hamptons style trend has been noted by Houzz.com.au with Hamptons content on the site always ranking highly.

Testament to the popularity of the look, Vanessa Walker, Houzz Australia and New Zealand editor, has consulted with design experts in the Houzz community to share the five key ingredients that make the Hamptons look.

Buraneer Residence by Tonka Andjelkovic Design on Houzz. Photograph by Maree Homer.

Weatherboard cladding
On Houzz, we’ve seen increased searches by homeowners looking for ‘beach house exteriors’ (up by 6x), where a material such as ‘weatherboard’ (up by nearly 2.5x) cladding is commonly used to achieve the idyllic Hamptons-style home.

“Choose horizontal cladding, preferably made from a material such as cement composite over traditional timber, which is prone to splitting and fading in our harsh climate. Also, opt for wider panels over slimmer options for a more sophisticated finish,” says home stylist on Houzz, Naomi Findlay.

Coastal palette
The Australian Hamptons palette is becoming very popular on Houzz. Homeowners are looking for colours that embody coastal chic with cool whites and lighter, blue-based greys, in combination with timber accents and marble.

You can see this at play in the featured mood board created on Houzz Pro by Coastal Hamptons Design Studio, with restrained nautical lines, white ceramics, and soft and textured cushions and throws.

Mood board created by Coastal Hamptons Design Studio

Maximised light
With Hamptons charm referencing the seaside, every decorative decision intends to maximise the light entering a room and the surrounding outdoor views. An easy way to enhance the natural light in any interior, pros on Houzz advise using window treatments such as plantation shutters and sheer curtains to this end.

Decorative detailing
Hamptons design favours decorative details but with a ‘less is more’ approach. From luxurious pendant lights to collectibles and treasures on display, there are so many possibilities. “Introduce soft and textured treasures within your home. The trick is to make it your own and use a portion of the old world with new contemporary accents. Place items in threes in varying heights to create interest,” says interior designer on Houzz, Allie Duval at Coastal Hamptons Design Studio.

Shaker style kitchen
Unsurprisingly, the shaker style kitchen is very popular among homeowners on Houzz as it is synonymous with Hamptons-inspired design. Distinguished by its clean lines and practicality, shaker cabinetry often embraces a panelled profile with a slightly bevelled edge, alongside spacious marble islands with ease to breeze around while cooking, but that are cosy enough to entertain with seating.

Get more inspo at Houzz Australia & New Zealand

Interior designer works with heritage features on Hamptons makeover

While it’s hard to compete with the many charms of a heritage home, the ubiquitous jarrah floor can be a hard one to reconcile with contemporary interiors – mainly because…

Tags design, expert tips, hamptons, hamptons design, hamptons style, interior design, interiors, styling

Decorating 101 Design Designers Expert Tips Interviews Outdoor & Exteriors Styling

Christmas tabletop styling advice from stylist Steve Cordony

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 14, 2021
No Comments on Christmas tabletop styling advice from stylist Steve Cordony

If you’re not following Steve Cordony’s gorgeous personal account and that of his Rosedale Farm property you’d best get amongst it! A veritable treasure trove of inspiration, Steve manages to make things look glamorous but welcoming at the same time. And it’s for this reason that we caught up with him to find out how to elevate our festive season tabletop styling this season.

Steve’s tabletop styling is always elegant

Festive but stylish
One of the central challenges when creating a Christmas theme for your home is how to make it work with the existing aesthetic, but Steve has a trick. “The easiest way to do this is to play with one hero colour that is derived from your interior, and add a metallic accent. Whether that’s gold, chrome or rose gold, the pop of high polish automatically makes it feel like Christmas, and adds glamour to any tablescape,” says Steve.

Get resourceful
With the cost of Christmas already pretty sky-high, using what you already own is a great way to save a few dollars and this is especially true when it comes to flowers. “Styling with what you have in the garden is the best way to make your styling feel authentic and creative. Using what surrounds you, adds to the drama of outdoor entertaining, which then becomes an extension of your landscape,” says Steve.

Steve has used eggplants on this tabletop to great effect. We love the splash of aubergine!

Outdoors vs indoor Christmas tabletops
The Australian climate means that we often spend the summer holidays, and festive period, outdoors but just how should you differentiate your indoor and outdoor tabletops?

“For outdoor styling I like to be a little more informal and add more textures and softer styling. A loose folded napkin, having no tablecloth, and more whimsical loose ‘garden’ florals always feel tailored yet informal for outdoors,” says Steve.

By contrast, Steve likes to take a more formal approach to indoor dining with layering, formal dinnerware, en masse florals, candles and tailored linen on his Christmas tabletop.

Steve’s Christmas Day tabletop look
This year Steve will be in Sydney for both Christmas lunch and dinner but he will be bringing inspiration from his rural property in Orange, Rosedale Farm. “I am styling the table with fresh green herbs, garden flowers and fruit and vegetables, as I think it’s so important to use elements that can be re-used post event, whether that means planting the herbs in the garden, or using the edible elements for the next occasion,” says Steve. He will finish the look with beeswax candles, natural linen napery and hand written place cards for a personal touch.

For more on King

Steve Cordony styles The Daily Edited flagship

Given it’s so easy to purchase with the click of a button, and life is busy for most, you’ve got to work quite hard to get people to leave the…

Tags christmas styling, design, interior design, interiors, outdoors, steve cordony, styling

Decorating 101 Styling

Christmas 2021 decor: The farmhouse look is trending

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 9, 2021
No Comments on Christmas 2021 decor: The farmhouse look is trending

I don’t know about you, but I love a clear decor theme at Christmas time. Typically, I defer to a specific colour palette (rose gold and blush for example) and when looking for inspiration, Pinterest is my first port of call. With 400 million global users I’m certainly not alone and with such a huge volume of searches, the platform is a great way to gain insight into what is trending. Unsurprisingly, this month’s findings centre around beautiful, festive ideas.

Farmhouse Christmas decor
Searches for ‘farmhouse Christmas decor’ have increased by 60 percent locally over the past month; it seems that many people will be embracing laid-back, rustic charm over the holiday season. Pinterest is brimming with tablescape ideas on this front including rustic reindeer bunting, eucalyptus leaf ornaments and personalised stockings.

The farmhouse Christmas theme is a real vibe. Image: Pinterest/onekinddesign.com

Gingham, check and plaid
With gingham a hot design trend it is no surprise to see searches for that, check and plaid are all up. A super easy way to incorporate the pattern into your Christmas tablescape is via a table runner. This particular tabletop item had fallen out of favour over the last decade but it seems to be back with Pinterest reporting a 35 percent increase in searches for ‘Christmas table runner.’

Summer Christmas ideas
There’s no denying that an Australian Christmas is a very different experience to one in the Northern hemisphere and our festive eating and drinking habits reflect it. Too hot to crank up the oven and feed people heavy meals and mulled wine, Aussies go for less traditional food choices such as seafood and salad and this year, finger food is trending. Pinterest has seen a 75 percent increase in local searches for ‘finger food appetizers’ alongside a 35 percent increase in searches for ‘outdoor entertaining.’ Unsurprising really!

For more

Pinterest share new insights into what’s trending this spring

Spring is in full bloom, and with it so is Aussies’ desire to revitalise and update their homes to make the most of the warmer weather. Pinterest is seeing users…

Tags christmas, christmas decor, christmas decorations, Christmas deor trends, christmas trends, interior design, interiors, pinterest, styling

Decorating 101 Design Designers Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Reno Trends Styling

Refresh your home this summer with these stylist’s expert tips

Post author By Aleksa Rokvic
Post date December 2, 2021
No Comments on Refresh your home this summer with these stylist’s expert tips

With summer on the horizon, now is the time for a home refresh! Justine Wilson, a Sydney property stylist and founder of Vault Interiors, says by adding pops of colour you can quickly and easily get your interior and outdoor spaces looking amazing for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Justine’s top 5 tips for a party-ready summer home include:

1. Create an alfresco zone

This will depend on the type of outdoor space available to you. For a small balcony, ensure you have a cute café or pod set so you can enjoy those late summer nights outside. For larger homes, an outdoor lounge or outdoor dining table is a must to have long lunches and dreamy dinners. Bunnings is my pick for affordable yet stylish outdoor furniture.

2. Accessorise!

Add colourful pops with outdoor rugs, outdoor cushions, coloured planter pots or lanterns. There are so many great coloured outdoor items available, and summer is a time for bright happy tones like yellow, pink, teal or green. Try Freedom for great outdoor dressings. Also, don’t overlook outdoor crockery, serving ware and glassware. Having fun coloured plates or glasses can be an easy way to dress up a casual dinner.

3. Light it up!

Consider adding fairy or party lights so you have a pretty and festive twinkle to your outdoor zones. Also, flameless LED candles are a great way to get ambient lighting without the mess or risk of candles melting.

4. Swap out inside

For your interiors, swap out any heavy rugs throws or cushions and introduce soft, light airy materials such as sisal rugs, sheer curtains and cotton blankets or throws. Linen cushions will also add a relaxed summery feel to your sofas.

5. Greenery

Whether inside or outside, nothing says summer holidays like lush greenery; this could be leafy branches or cuttings from a florist in a vase, planter pots or larger outdoor plants for outside. Either way, having real plant life is a wonderful way to bring the outdoors in and create a lush resort-style feel. Palm trees, Ficus and Fiddle Leaf are wonderful selections for your indoor spaces, while outside architectural style plants such as Yuccas are great.

Styling your home: getting the icing on the cake right!

Styling is what Emma Blomfield calls “the fun bit” of interiors! And it’s definitely the case that a few styling tricks can totally lift your space. We’re big on homes…

For more styling tips

Tags alfresco, indoor, Justine Wilson, outdoor, property stylist, styling, Summer, top tips

Design Furniture Homewares Interviews Shopping

Ex competitive rider launches equestrian inspired luxury homewares store

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 25, 2021
No Comments on Ex competitive rider launches equestrian inspired luxury homewares store

Growing up in Tasmania, as a competitive equestrian, Sydney’s Kate Berry has a long association with horses. “I’ve always had a connection to horses and the equestrian lifestyle. I gave up riding for my career and ended up in London working in luxury PR,” says Kate. But it was after returning from the UK, when Kate was doing some freelance PR for an equestrian company, that she noticed a gap in the market.

“I had to source some beautiful gifts for some clients. There was nothing in Australia that was of any quality – that really reflected that beautiful, aspirational equestrian style,” says Kate who subsequently launched an equestrian themed online homewares store in 2017, Just Gorgeous Things.

Just Gorgeous Things’ new Parramatta store features five rooms of equestrian themed wares

“I’ve always loved the high-end equestrian aesthetic as seen with the likes of Hermes, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, but could never find beautiful but accessible pieces with as much appeal in the Australian market,” who has just opened a complementary bricks and mortar store in Parramatta.

The five-room emporium is filled with horse themed furniture and homewares and services an equestrian clientele as well as a more general one. “I have found it fascinating how equestrian style resonates with many people that aren’t horsey. It’s a style that works in all sorts of homes from Hamptons to French provincial,” says Kate.

As for the store’s location, Kate explains that it is central to her equestrian clients that come in from Dural, Richmond, Windsor, the Southern Highlands and more to purchase her wares.

The brand’s leather furniture pieces are some of its most popular items

The business also has a styling arm where Kate services equestrian as well as regular clients. She started doing high-end stables and viewing arenas before moving the aesthetic into homes. “I have high-end equestrian customers and get to work on incredible projects. Recently I put a beautiful wine cellar into an American style stable block in Queensland.”

Kate is hoping that the Paramatta store is the first of many with future interstate stores within her sights. “I love retail and homewares and would love to expand the business. Ultimately, it has grown to what it is today because people are drawn to that gorgeous, aspirational equestrian style.”

Shop online

Artist profile: Grace Costa’s regal horse photography

“I would describe my work as contemporary, soulful character portraits of horses. These portraits are captured with such high definition you can experience every hair, almost feel the velvety texture…

Tags equestrian homewares, furniture, homewares, homewares store, horses, interiors, just gorgeous things, parramatta, styling, sydney

Homewares

Christmas candles 2021: The most stylish and best scents

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 23, 2021
No Comments on Christmas candles 2021: The most stylish and best scents

Whether included in a stylish Christmas tabletop or simply lit from now until Santa arrives, a stylish and fabulously scented festive candle can really set the tone.

Oh It’s Perfect Merry Cherry glass vessel candle: Combining a tinted red glass vessel with a graphic label and cute octagonal shape, this Christmas scent is infused with an intoxicating aroma full of fruit, spices and a hint of red wine. $65.95.

Diptyque limited edition Sapin candle: This candle blends pine tree with a smokey ember scent for a very Christmassy vibe. The packaging and glass vessel are particularly fun. $60.

Ivy & Wood Christmas candle: Hand poured using natural coconut soy wax and cotton wicks, these Christmas candles come in three scents – the edible ‘Gingerbread’ and ‘Blackcurrant & Plum’ as well as the Australian themed ‘Bush Christmas.’ $39.95 each.

Carrière Frères Christmas edition festive candle gift set: A great gift, or perfect for those that like to mix things up, this trio is comprised of three scents including Damask rose, Siberian fir and Ivory Coast cacao. $139.

The Aromatherapy Co.’s Festive Favours passionfruit pavlova candle 100g: This mini candle smells just like Australia’s favourite Christmas dessert. Passionfruit and soft creamy vanilla bean combine with peach and pineapple notes with a splash of blackcurrant. $14.95.

Trudon Christmas edition Gabriel candle: While the notes of leather, cashmere wood, and candied chestnuts have a lovely festive feel, the real beauty of this candle is the gorgeous gold foiled glass vessel it is housed in. $149.

Peter Alexander Christmas candy cane large candle: Peppermint candy canes, peach, sugar cane and musk combine for a sweet take on Christmas with this fun candle. $39.95.

Circa Christmas Gingerbread Cookies scented soy candle: Combining cinnamon, ginger, baked apple, sugar and vanilla, this option is one for the gourmands. $44.95.

Christmas is coming! The best looking Santa sacks

We are only a hop, skip and a jump away from the festive season. Something we’ve been on the lookout for are Santa sacks that won’t ruin the look of…

Tags candles, christmas, christmas candles, interiors, styling

Art Decorating 101 Design Homewares Shopping Styling

Christmas Finders Keepers market: online this weekend

Post author By Aleksa Rokvic
Post date November 18, 2021
No Comments on Christmas Finders Keepers market: online this weekend

In its final online event of the year, The Finders Keepers is hosting a three-day Christmas Online Market from tomorrow (Friday 19) to Sunday 21 November to promote a season of shopping well and supporting small.

More than 200 small creative businesses on the Finders Keepers Online Marketplace platform are taking part, offering market-only specials across the long weekend event to give mindful shoppers the chance to get their festive season gifts sorted. And there’s plenty of homewares on offer.

With promotions across every category from ethical fashion and jewellery to baby and kids, handmade homewares, local art, and gifts for him, the Christmas Online Market is the opportunity for conscious consumers to choose mindfully made this season.

Check out some of the amazing products and gifts on offer:

Ornament – slender Christmas tree by A Fiery Heart. From $26 to $42.

Illustrations by Andrina Manon. From $7.50 to $35.

North star necklace by Au Revoir Les Filles. $89.95.

Eucalypt Bark Mug by Beatrice the Potter. From $45 to $85.

Beeswax wraps by Beeswax Wraps Australia. From $10 to $55.

Playground Arty Fabric Planter by Kristina Forrest art & design. $39.

6pc Reusable Cutlery Set by Ekoroo. $29.

Wall prints by Post & Co. From $60 to $440

Abstract Trivets Set of Two Spotted Gum by TS Makers. $79.

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Christmas is coming! The best looking Santa sacks

We are only a hop, skip and a jump away from the festive season. Something we’ve been on the lookout for are Santa sacks that won’t ruin the look of…

Tags art, ceramic, christmas, Christmas market online, finders keepers market, gifts, homewares, styling

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4 tips to help you fall in love with your home

Post author By Aleksa Rokvic
Post date November 15, 2021
No Comments on 4 tips to help you fall in love with your home

Have you fallen out of love with your home? You’re not alone, as a new report reveals that one in four Australians don’t feel emotionally connected to their abodes.

When asked about the ‘why’ behind this sentiment, 36% of respondents cited feeling like it’s a place of residence rather than a home, 35% said that renting restricts their choices, 17% said their homes don’t reflect their taste and personality, while 11% said their place was too small but it was all they could currently afford.

This research was commissioned by Luxo Living, Australia’s largest online boutique furniture store. Because interior design has a huge impact on our mood and feelings, “as we embrace the warmer months and look to entertain more guests, it’s important to feel comfortable and proud of your space, no matter the size!” says founder Winston Tu.

Winston shares his top tips to turn your house into a home:

1. Keep your lifestyle top of mind

It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful inspirational photos on Pinterest and Instagram, but does it embody your lifestyle? For example, a cream couch or rug may not be the best choice if you have children or pets, a dining table that has ample space should be considered if you like to entertain, or investing in multi-functional pieces might be wiser if you’re tight on space. Your furniture should be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, for example, you can use this three-tiered Natural Rattan Shelf as a coffee table, a display platform for your home décor, or a bar cart.

2. Declutter, declutter, declutter!

No matter how big your home is, clutter produces physical and unconscious chaos. This feeling of distress, whether you’re acutely aware of it or not, can cause immediate tension. Try the 12-12-12 challenge – locate 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate and 12 to be put back in their place. If this is too drastic for you, invest in organisational tools like drawer inserts or jars, or loan items to friends for a specific period to see if you miss them. Another way to ‘hide’ mess is to invest in an ottoman.

3. Create harmony

Balance equals happiness, right? This same principle applies to home decorating. No matter your personal style – colours, materials and symmetry need to align. If you choose to go for a natural and organic coffee table, incorporate cotton, linens and cool tones in other pieces. If you want to incorporate patterns, on the other hand, a core colour will reduce clashing.

4. Embrace your senses

A lot of people only consider sight when they decorate their home, but you should also incorporate touch, sound and smell. You can do this by including candles, diffusers, flowers or different textures and materials to touch. A luxurious and soft Boucle ottoman will seamlessly blend in with your existing décor and accent pieces.

For more products and tips

Styling your home: getting the icing on the cake right!

Styling is what Emma Blomfield calls “the fun bit” of interiors! And it’s definitely the case that a few styling tricks can totally lift your space. We’re big on homes…

Tags declutter, expert tips, lifestyle, luxo living, shopping links, styling

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Crystal homewares: Our pick of the hot trend

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 15, 2021
No Comments on Crystal homewares: Our pick of the hot trend

Recently we reported on the news that incense is trending and so too are crystals. In fact, Google searches for crystals are up by 40 per cent since the pandemic began suggesting people will go to great lengths to welcome a bit of wellbeing and zen-like calm into their homes. Energy healing properties aside, crystals make for great statement styling pieces in the home.

No. 22 Crystal Reine pink platter: The organic, irregular shape of this piece is what makes it so beautiful. That and the chic gold outer rim. Each piece is unique and handcrafted so no two platters are the same. $199. FYI, Jen has this at her place!

Sourceress Himalayan pink quartz crystal cluster XII: This is a versatile styling piece that would look great perched on top of a book or artfully arranged on a shelf. $295.

Stoned Crystals “Journey of the Soul” styling set: A complete, styled set, this neat trio includes a scolocite obelisk, lodolite sphere, ceramic hand and marble tray. $149.

Long Island Trader Onyx crystal bookends black grey XL: Weighing 5kg in total, these chunky bookends are hand carved out of natural stone into a half moon pair. A bold feature, we love the combination of green, grey, black, white and the little flecks of burgundy. $250.

Stoned Crystals “Youthful Joy” crystal chip styling set: This pretty set features five Ocean Jasper crystal chips styled in a ceramic dish of your colour choice (there’s peach, white or baby blue). $114. Anyone else fancy some Pringles all of a sudden?!

Mala Chrysocolla sphere 01: Sourced from Peru, Chrysocolla is a stone of peace and calm that is filled with striking hues of green and blue. This piece would look excellent displayed in a complementary vessel. $140.

West Elm natural stone on stand objects: Featuring natural quartz displayed inside a brass finished base, you can choose from three different varieties with design. Choose green aventurine for opportunity, white crystal for learning and rose quartz for unconditional love. From $50.95 each.

Gingham bed linen: Our pick of the latest hot trend

There’s no doubt that uncertain times have led to nostalgic homewares trends and we are very much here for the latest one. Having eschewed any hokey associations, courtesy of a…

Incense is trending: Introducing stylish Melbourne brand Kin North

My patchouli burning teenage self can barely believe it but in case you haven’t received the memo, incense is back. Undoubtedly another pandemic-led trend, it’s the perfect solution for those…

Tags crystal trend, crystals, design, homewares, interiors, styling

Homewares

Incense is trending: Introducing stylish Melbourne brand Kin North

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 2, 2021
No Comments on Incense is trending: Introducing stylish Melbourne brand Kin North

My patchouli burning teenage self can barely believe it but in case you haven’t received the memo, incense is back. Undoubtedly another pandemic-led trend, it’s the perfect solution for those looking for extra-sensory excitement and a connection to nature while locked down at home. It’s also got an entirely new aesthetic – the hippy feel has been replaced by something far more sophisticated, as evidenced by the Melbourne based incense and accessories brand Kin North.

Kin North is a curator of luxurious incense and accessories from around the world

Eschewing all teenage incense associations, the Melbourne based brand is a purveyor of premium Japanese incense alongside an array of stylish complementary accessories. Founded by Tresna Lee, the brand works closely with artisans across the globe to create gorgeous objects and scents for the home.

“Taking time each day to light incense is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to rest. In a culture obsessed with hustle, incense allows us to pause and enjoy an evocative scent, not only in the 15 minutes that it burns, but for many hours as it lingers in the home,” says Tresna.

The Kin North range focusses on premium ingredients and ethical, small-batch production. It’s also the exclusive Australian distributor of Tokyo Kodo which is a French perfumery meets traditional incense brand founded in Tokyo. The Tokyo Kodo brand came about when third generation Japanese incense maker Chikako Perez travelled to Grasse France to study the art of French perfumery.

Kin North’s in-house range Home is made in collaboration with Tokyo Kodo too and combines Japanese incense with an Aussie bent – indigenous Australian Buddah wood, cedar, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon and baked fruit mingle with a touch of coffee that adds depth and is a nod to the brand’s Melbourne roots.

Far from new, burning incense is an ancient practice; the use of it dates back thousands of years and is synonymous with ritual and spirituality. The current popularity of incense may also come down to its eco-credentials – packaged in paper and leaving no trace once burnt, it’s a wonderful sustainable alternative to candles.

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Non toxic candles: our top picks

By Kathryn Bamford To me, candles always needed to be two things: beautiful aesthetically and fabulous smelling! I’ve recently added a third requirement: non toxic. I hadn’t ever given much…

Tags home, homewares, incense, melbourne, styling, trend

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The best looking coffee table books: Amy’s top 10

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 27, 2021
No Comments on The best looking coffee table books: Amy’s top 10

Part conversation starter, part requisite styling item, I’m yet to meet a coffee table book that I don’t like. There’s always something to inspire right? From Slim Aarons’ iconic photo-journalistic take on the lifestyles of the rich and famous to the best New York interiors and the work of Friday Kahlo, these books are not only informative but they look fabulous too.

Assouline book series: With international travel off the cards, this series of interiors/travel books are a current influencer favourite. The bright, graphic covers certainly help – they’re perfect for coffee table styling. From Ibiza to St Moritz, Mykonos and and Marrakech, there’s a plethora of interiors inspo within the beautifully designed pages. $170 each.

Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses by Dominic Bradbury: A great one for mid-century architecture lovers this home features more than 400 of the world’s most glamorous homes from more than 290 architects. There are design icons like Marcel Breuer, Richard Neutra, Alvar Aalto, and Oscar Niemeyer as well as virtually unknown houses in Australia, Africa, and Asia. $150.

Tim Walker Pictures: A personal favourite of mine, this book is brimming with beauty and whimsy. Seeing the world through the lens of the celebrated fashion photographer Tim Walker is quite a treat. A personal favourite of mine, this book is pure fashion and interiors escapism. From shoots on location in India to several high-end English manors, there’s much to enjoy. $299.99.

Vivid, Style in Colour by Julia Green and Armelle Habib: One for colour lovers, this recent release is part travel compendium, part colour celebration. The book includes eight chapters divided by colour – orange, red, blue, green, pink, yellow, neutrals and black – and it’s filled with plenty of gorgeous interiors and practical advice alongside travel vignettes that illustrate how different palettes are interwoven in our lives. It’s another one for those with wanderlust. $60.

Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings: I’ve long been fascinated by Frida Kahlo and this book brings together all of her 152 paintings, stunningly reproduced. One of the key figures in Mexican revolutionary modern art, her raw exploration of politics, gender, sexuality and feminism (all in her signature incomparable style), make this one a great coffee table companion. $261.

Slim Aarons, Once Upon A Time: Our fascination with the rich and famous will never end and this book certainly scratches that itch. An insider’s view of the lifestyles of the wealthy, privileged and powerful, this book features a host of memorable portraits, shot across a vast geography of resorts, spas, estates, palaces, elegant apartments, and other glam settings. Shot in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, there’s plenty of delicious retro style to peruse too. $72.25.

Leaf Supply by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan: Pitched as a guide to keeping houseplants happy, this practical book not only looks gorgeous (that cover!) but it’s informative too. There’s details on how to care for more than 100 types of house plants plus styling advice. $50.

Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wall Kaval: Based on the popular instagram account of the same name, this book is a fabulous one for fans of the film maker Wes Anderson and his singular aesthetic. The world’s most Anderson-like sites are featured in all their faded grandeur and pastel colours – the accompanying text tells the story behind each unique location. The book features a foreword by Anderson himself. $28.90.

New York Interiors by Simon Upton: A striking visual homage to the Big Apple by The Australian interiors photographer Simon Upton, this book is perfect for the New York obsessed. Not you does it allow you to step inside the homes of Aerin Lauder and Hamish Bowles (as well as many other notable people), but the book is presented in two parts (City and Getaway) with plenty of Hamptons homes featured too. $80.75.

The Art Book for Children by Ruggi Gilda Williams: I’ve got this one and can attest to children actually reading it! It’s a fabulous conversation starter with the little ones and a great way to pique their interest in art. From Jeff Koons to Andy Warhol, Mattise and Van Gogh, the book is a guide to 30 great artists and their most famous works. $21.75.

Covet My Coffee Table: With Have You Met Miss Jones

Have You Met Miss Jones first came to my attention many years ago when I was working in women’s magazines. I loved their wares from the start – with more…

Tags art, books, coffee table books, design, design books, interiors, styling

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Designer Kate Walker’s new ‘Caribbean Colonial’ family home

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 25, 2021
1 Comment on Designer Kate Walker’s new ‘Caribbean Colonial’ family home

“The style that immediately came to mind was British Colonial, but being so close to the bay I wanted to add more of a luxe, coastal hotel feel with a Floridian, Island vibe,” says interior designer Kate Walker of her sparkling new home ‘Biscayne,’ located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The bayside Mt Martha residence is situated on over 2000 square metres and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two powder rooms, gorgeous gardens, a pool and tennis court.

Powder room — Stunning Gucci Heron print wallpaper makes a sizeable statement in the powder room

A renovation of an existing home, Kate incorporated existing architectural elements in the makeover – the large double-deck verandah is one of them and it certainly helped dictate the home’s British Colonial vibe. Elsewhere wide hallways and luxe finishes imbue the home with grandeur – think floor to ceiling wide glass panelled doorways, myriad artworks and colonial inspired finishes.

The interior walls are filled with texture, colour and pattern, from white walls adorned with gorgeous artwork to Gucci Heron print wallpaper in the bathroom, alongside wood, brass, marble and porcelain – all the elements add up to create a refined yet eclectic aesthetic.

Most notably, new architectural details were added with the application of cornices and wainscoting on the walls and ceilings, ensuring a seamless finish throughout. “Gyprock plasterboard was used throughout the home, it was part of every room and gave us the opportunity to create the perfect blank canvas for featuring the much-loved artwork and wallpaper,” says Kate.

And while the original house had great bones and was well built, it needed some major reworking in terms of spatial planning. “We redesigned the floor plan, which included restructuring how the entrance worked and changing the location of the kitchen,” says Kate. The team also turned an external verandah into an internal room utilising Gyprock to cover up the external brick walls. “Using Gyprock made transitioning external walls to internal walls such a simple and smooth process,” says Kate.

Unsurprisingly, the designer is absolutely thrilled with the result. “To see your vision come to life is the most rewarding aspect of what I do. I designed Biscayne with resort-living in mind and I wanted to make every part of the property a pleasure to be in. Now that I am living there with my family I have absolutely fallen in love with my home.”

Photography: Armelle Habib

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Reclaimed brick stars in new Mornington Peninsula sustainable home

This stylish new home is located on a block in the small seaside town of Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. Incredibly, the block was purchased 45 years ago for just…

Tags design, interior design, interiors, kate walker design, mornington peninsula, real reno, reno, renovation, styling

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A super stylish heritage home makeover in rural NSW

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date October 20, 2021
No Comments on A super stylish heritage home makeover in rural NSW

After moving to Australia over 20 years ago from Mexico, Cecilia Mazadiego was very happy living in the Sydney seaside suburb of Clovelly with her property developer husband Sam Brewer and their young son Luca. But with the onset of COVID-19 and the initial lockdown, the family escaped to their beloved Kangaroo Valley and decided to make the move permanent as a result.

“We purchased a farm in Kangaroo Valley four years ago so know the area well. My husband fell in love with farm life – we have cattle. I didn’t want to leave Sydney but after spending four months here last year I fell in love with it too,” says Cecilia.

After deciding to move, it became apparent that it was going to be difficult to find a house to purchase (their farm has no dwelling on it), given most properties are heavily booked as holiday rentals. “This little cottage came on the market, and we checked it out. We thought we could do a quick reno and move in,” says Cecilia of the gorgeous 1918 home that she overhauled with the help of architect Gian Cerruti over a nine month period. “Sam and I were very involved with everything. I chose all the finishes and colours,” says Cecilia.

“We wanted to keep the heritage house and re-use whatever we could and bring it alive. It was very beautiful. For the back addition, we were careful to build something that didn’t dominate the heritage front. We wanted something that blended so that the transition was smooth,” says Cecilia.

AFTER master bedroom. Dulux Viridis paint features.

Ensuite. All of the tiles were sourced from Onsite and the basin is from Astra Walker.

From picture rails to decorative ceilings, timber windows and Huon pine floors, the original home has plenty of gorgeous details – they just needed some love. “Those details really are the essence of the home,” says Cecilia who improved the original home’s light and ventilation by adding extra matching period windows that were salvaged from the back of the original home.

AFTER guest bedroom. The rattan bedhead is from Yak + Yeti Trader while Dulux Grey Pail features on the walls.

Luca's bedroom features the gorgeous House of Orange Frankie bunk bed — Luca’s bedroom features the stylish House of Orange Frankie bunk bed and Dulux Grey Pail paint

The light-filled rear extension features concrete, recycled bricks and black steel windows in an area that includes an open plan kitchen, dining, formal living room, office and laundry. “We used recycled timber beams on the ceiling. It was really beautiful to see how it looked altogether without overpowering the original house,” says Cecilia.

One of the biggest splurges of the renovation, the extension features a gorgeous terrazzo tile from Onsite. “We fell in love with that tile at first sight. It is so beautiful, but it was very expensive,” says Cecilia.

Recycled timber beams line the ceiling and complement that stunning terrazzo tile

Having lived in and renovated four properties before, Cecilia and Sam had plenty of experience to draw on. “After a lot of hard work and lots of decisions, we feel that the restoration really has shown her beauty, creating the perfect place that we now call home. We’re not moving!

Interior decoration and styling: Cecilia Mazadiego | Photos: Moss & Co Photography

2019 hospitality design awards: Rural areas feature

Recognising the best in design across restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and more, the Eat Drink Design Awards are Australia’s only hospitality design honours, and 2019’s coveted trophies have just been…

Tags before and after, design, interior design, interiors, kangaroo valley, real home, real reno, renovating, renovation, styling