Categories
Design Homewares Styling

Wall hooks: 10 of the most good looking and useful!

No longer just a purely utilitarian solution, the humble wall hook has had a serious glow-up over the last few years. From brass to wood and rattan to hand-carved and hand-painted, these are our favourite picks.

norsuHOME solid brass wall hook/knob: Designed in-house, these 100 per cent solid brass hooks come in a gorgeous matte finish for a modern luxe feel. $45 each.

Norsu hooks

Lucie Kaas Sketch wall hooks: Made from solid oak, hand painted and sealed in hard wearing non-toxic varnish, these gorgeous hooks have an abundance of personality. We love! $42 each.

Simple Form wall hooks

Pineapple Traders brass Shaka hook: The ideal complement to a coastal home, this super fun brass hook is inspired by the Hawaiian hand gesture of the Shaka. It’s available in sculpture and key ring form too. $42.95.

Pineapple Traders hook

West Elm Mid-Century hook rack (white): A stylish option for the hallway, we love the antique brass detail on these mid-century inspired coat racks. From $119.

West Elm

Zakkia terrazzo hooks: Available in black, snow, rose and seashell, these versatile hooks are perfect for the wall or you could even use them to up cycle a cupboard or chest of drawers. $56.

Zakkia hooks

Scandiluxe Luxe scoop hook: Available in American oak and walnut timbers, this stylish brass trimmed hook is perfect for organising a bedroom, bathroom, laundry or entry. $35.95.

Scandiluxe hook

Ferm Living Animal hand-carved hooks: One for the kids, these whimsical, safari themed hand-painted hooks look fabulous with or without something hanging from them. $39 each.

Ferm Living animal hooks

Aura three hook wall hanger: Combining metal and rattan, this bohemian number would look fabulous in a seaside home or an inner-city apartment. We like its eclectic feel. $34.95.

Aura three hook wall hanger

Oliver Thom Kolor line hooks: Available in three sizes and a rainbow of colours, these delicate, minimal hooks look graphic and playful on the wall. They’re great for hanging towels or keys. From $40.

Oliver Thom hooks

Muuto The Dots set of five: A modern classic, for good reason, these Scandinavian hooks can be arranged on the wall in any pattern. They’re available in an array of colours. $185.

Muuto wall hooks
Categories
Design Furniture Kids Rooms

Decorative shelves: Stylish and practical vertical storage

No longer purely utilitarian, the humble and hard-working shelf has really come into its own of late. From large and round to Scandi-inspired replete with handy hooks, these are some of our favourite decorative shelving options. Not only are they practical (ahem, who doesn’t need more storage?), but they’re statement-making too.

West Elm Deco Round metal shelf: While styled in a bathroom setting in the picture below, this shelf would work just about anywhere in the home. Functional yet stylish, we love its statement circular design. $179.

West Elm

Adairs Kids Arden Wall Book Shelf (pack of two): Featuring a boxy design accented with on-trend rattan, these gender-neutral wall shelves are ideal for a child’s room or play area. $149.99

Adairs shelf

Willow & Wood Scandi peg shelf: Handcrafted on the Gold Coast from New Zealand pine and beech timber hooks, this slimline design features a display shelf above a series of handy hooks. It’s a great spot to store bags, coats or hats. $179.

Willow and Wood

Kmart Arch wall shelf: We saw these shelves in a budget bathroom makeover recently and we couldn’t get over how fabulous they look for the price. The ideal spot to create a personalised shelfie, they look great styled with objects and plants for a pop of green. $19.

Kmart

West Elm Kaia entryway organiser: An ideal ‘mudroom’ for dwellings short on space, this clever design makes fabulous use of unused vertical space. Its wooden ledge is the perfect spot to house memos or mementos, and the hooks keep essentials within easy reach. $198.95.

West Elm shelf
West Elm shelf

Hyde Park Home natural Marley round rattan hanging shelf: One for bohemian spaces, we love this shelf’s strong 1970’s vibe. Made from rattan, it would look fabulous in a beachside abode too. $249.

Temple and Webster shelf

IKEA Flisat wall storage: Made from solid wood, these simple shelves are ideal for storing children’s books and toys but they work well as spice storage in the kitchen also. $22.

IKEA Flisat

Kristina Dam Studio large grid wall shelf: Made from white or black powder coated steel, this shelf’s clean and classic grid design makes for an elegant way to store anything from shoes to books and kitchenware. $539.

Husky Workshop Japanese style classic floating shelf: Made to order in Melbourne, this Japanese inspired design is crafted from locally sourced Tasmanian oak and finished in high quality Danish oil. Custom sizes are available on request. From $49.95.

Husky shelf
Categories
Bathrooms Design Homewares Interviews Shopping Styling

Designer toilet brushes and bins the new must-haves for a stylish bathroom

While Australia’s homewares scene has continued to dramatically improve over the years, when it comes to bathrooms it can still be a little tricky to find stylish wares to put the icing on the cake. Oliver Thom, the exclusive bathroom accessory store launched in 2019, has well and truly filled that gap, which is probably why it’s been such a big success.

Oliver Thom's Woollahra bathroom emporium
Oliver Thom’s Sydney bathroom emporium

“Over the years of working in bathroom design, I noticed a real lack of high-end, well produced bathroom accessories that were easily accessible in Australia. We would fit out really beautiful luxe bathrooms and then struggle to style them and give them the finishing touches they deserved,” explains co-founder Kaety Thompson. She spent many years as a design consultant and buyer at high end bathroomware store Candana, before starting Oliver Thom with its owner Marc Reed.

Oliver Thom co-founders Marc Reed and Kaety Thompson

After combining Marc’s business savvy with Kaety’s interior design prowess, the pair decided on a business name that is both personal and clever. “Oliver is Marc’s middle name, and Thom is the beginning of my surname Thompson. Simple but effective, we thought Oliver Thom sounded like a stylish, design enthusiast and imagined a whole persona to fit the store,” says Kaety of the business that started as an online store in 2019, before becoming a physical one in Sydney’s Woollahra a year later.

The bricks and mortar store was developed in response to feedback from clients who really wanted to see the products in real life before specifying them. Opening the store proved to be the right move as it instantly improved brand exposure and boosted sales. “It’s probably a 60/40 percent split with in-store sales being the more profitable part of the business,” says Kaety.

Oliver Thom store

The store is located close to Candana which works well – customers who have just finished a renovation or new bathroom can pop down to the store and get everything they need style it. “Our shop corner on busy Edgecliff Road has been extremely beneficial in terms of exposure, so even if customers aren’t able to find parking (which is often the case in Sydney!) they can jump online and view the full range.”

As for which items are the most requested, predictably they are the ones that are usually the ugliest – toilet brushes and bins! “They are absolutely necessary in the bathroom, but they often end up being the least thought about, which doesn’t make sense if you’re designing a beautiful bathroom and then finish it off with ugly bins and toilet brushes,” says Kaety.

The Nova pedal bin by Zone Denmark is another popular style
The Nova pedal bin by Zone Denmark is another popular style

She admits that finding stylish alternatives for those items hasn’t always been easy. Oliver Thom’s curation of bins are not only pleasing to look at but they won’t rust or look aged in a few years’ time. 

Lotus toilet brush
The Mette Dimmer toilet range includes a rather attractive brush

Also popular is the Frama Apothecary range of soaps and lotions that come out of Copenhagen. “We’re one of only a handful of Australian retailers of this product, and they are becoming a design icon,” says Kaety.

The cult Frama range
The cult Frama range is a big hit for the store

Unsurprisingly, their own range of across-the-bath caddies are another top seller. Designed in collaboration with the San Francisco artist Tina Frey, they are hand cast and finished in black or white resin. They’re certainly the most stylish bath caddies we’ve seen. In addition, the Baina Josephine hand towels sell out every time they are restocked. “The simple check design and feel of organic cotton will always ensure they are a coveted item,” says Kaety.

Bath caddy
The resin bath trays are designed in-house in conjunction with the US artist Tina Frey

And as with many furniture and homewares retailers, Oliver Thom has seen a boon in sales since the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020. “Just like I think the rest of the building and design industry, we were lucky that our customers were able to spend money that they would normally reserve for travel and hospitality on their homes, and making them beautiful.”

Kaety’s favourite three products under $100

Tradition beech wood bath brush by Andrée Jardin’s, $60: “Our Andrée Jardin brushes are made in France by third generation artisans. The entire range of brushes is under $100, but if I had to choose a favourite it would be the Tradition bath brush in Beech wood,” says Kaety.

The Raconteur Hamilton Island candle, $75: “It reminds me of holidaying on Whitehaven and the aromas of Australia’s natural beauty,” says Kaety.

Hamilton Island candle

Baina Josephine hand towel, $45: “These hand towels sell out every time we re-stock them, but the simple check design and feel of organic cotton will always ensure they are a coveted item,” says Kaety.

The Le Bain collection.
The Le Bain collection.

Photography: Jacqui Turk

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Categories
Decorating 101 Dining Homewares Shopping Styling

Tablescape ideas: How to create a Pinterest-worthy dining table

Along with an increase in furniture sales and at-home entertaining, COVID-19 has spawned yet another interiors trend in the form of ‘tablescaping.’ No doubt inspired by a desire to break the monotony of lockdown, and bring a little bit of magic back to the domestic sphere, what was once referred to as simply ‘decorating one’s table’ is now emerging as a serious interiors hobby – there’s over 1.3 million hashtags for the term ‘tablescape’ on Instagram alone.

From candles to placemats, cutlery, napery and decorations, here are our favourite online destinations to help make your table sing.

Sage & Clare: Home to napkins and tablecloths in bespoke prints plus a gorgeous range of resin serving ware and cutlery, one of our favourite bedding, cushion and bath brands is emerging as a strong player in the tabletop scene too.

Sage & Clare

Aura Home: One for the minimalists, the Aura tabletop range features gorgeous linen tablecloths and napkins plus ceramic dinnerware, coloured glassware and cutlery in simple, understated designs.

The Sourceress: The home of interior stylist Belinda Cendron, here you will find a chic array of interesting wares to add that final flourish. There’s giant clamshells, polished shells, coral, glass cloches, flameless candles, crystals and much more.

Sourceress
Sourceress

Oh It’s Perfect: A one-stop party shop, here you’ll find stylish plates, napkins and cutlery of the disposable variety but it’s the fabulous array of colourful candles and glass holders that caught our eye.

Twist duo candles

Pillow Talk: There’s plenty of reasonably priced tabletop finds to be found here from runners to jute placemats, coasters, table cloths and more.

Pillow Talk
Pillow Talk

Everbloome: A natural element (flowers, foliage or both!) is key to a fabulous tablescape and this range of preserved blooms is second to none. Our pick is the hydrangea which is available in every colour of the rainbow.

This hydrangea will last forever making it an ideal dining table styling prop

Mrs Alice: Arguably the queen of tablescaping, English socialite Alice Naylor-Leyland sells full tablescaping kits shipped worldwide. Containing everything from candles to plates to placemats, napkins and bud vases, these sets provide everything you need to create a whimsical, very British, tabletop experience.

The ‘Poppy’ tablescape
Mrs Alice
The ‘Enchanted Forest’ tablescape
Categories
Homewares Shopping Styling

Taper candles take over from the jar variety in new trend we’re loving!

Given the fast-paced tech-driven world that we live in, there’s something charming about the latest trend to invade our Instagram feeds – the taper candle. Low-fi and nostalgic, the taper candle has a long history in the home (they found their way into gothic, baroque and colonial interiors mainly out of necessity) but the latest designs have a distinctly modern flavour. There’s unusual shapes, neon colours and a gorgeous array of contemporary vessels to house them in.

De Crecy candles: Designed and hand poured in Bondi by Tony Assness, these gorgeous candles have taken over our Instagram feeds – no doubt due to their unique, sculptural shapes. They’re made from Australian-sourced butter beige wax and are priced from $44.

De Crecy taper candles

Urban Outfitters Ombre Taper candle set: Bring a colourful glow to your next tabletop display with these ombre-hued taper candles. They’re very reasonably priced at $18 for a set of four.

Urbar outfitters ombre candle set

XRJ Celebrations taper candles: Never one to do things in halves, Roxy Jacenko’s candle foray certainly packs a visual punch. Styled en masse, the key to this look is the sheer number of candles in the mix. The acrylic and wooden bases are available for purchase too. From $100.

XRJ taper candles
XRJ taper candles

Black Blaze Colour Pillar candles: Available in an array of gorgeous hues (eucalyptus, honey and peach to name just a few), these candles (from $16) are made in Sydney from pure plant based wax. The matching minimalist solid brass candle holder, $59, completes the look.

Black Blaze pillar candles

Lex Pott ‘TWIST’ twisted candle in pink: Made in the Netherlands from paraffin wax, this fun sculptural piece is a fabulous blend of form and function. It’s available in an array of colours. $44.

Smallable twist candle

Gloria Speaking Alias candlestick in pink: The perfect vessel in which to hold a taper candle, these delicate glassware pieces are giving us major mid-century modern vibes. The matching taper candles are also available for purchase. $44.

Oh it’s Perfect Twist Duo candle in peach/blue moon: Handmade in Denmark, these ombre twist candles are sure to be a talking point on your next tabletop display. $48.

Twisty candle

NorsuHOME Brass Balance candlestick holder: A statement candle holder if ever there was one, this brass beauty combines style with practicality. $39.

NorsuHOME candle holder
Categories
Interviews Styling

Staging a house for sale like an art gallery pays off for derelict terrace

Located in a highly prized pocket of inner-Melbourne, this rundown Victorian terrace was styled for sale with a difference recently by Jordanka Kuzmanov of Reworke. Originally taken to market empty, the agent felt it looked a bit harsh and so Jordanka’s services were enlisted to generate interest. And she did so by making it look more art gallery than show home.

The front of the home
The front of the historic inner-city terrace

“Originally they wanted the home staged like a normal house, but I didn’t think that would work,” says Jordanka. Tight and dark spaces, outdated fixtures, confusing floor plans and rooms cluttered with impractical furniture were just some of the challenges faced. So, given the house needed a lot of love (it didn’t even have a kitchen!) Jordanka came at the project with a novel approach.

Dining room
Dining room

“Rather than use traditional furniture staging to style the rooms and fade the flaws, I convinced the selling agent that the best approach, to generate interest in the property, was to completely reimagine the space,” says Jordanka. She styled the property with vintage finds, DIY pieces, hired items, art and her own styling inventory to create a unique result that saw the terrace reborn as an artful, gallery-like space that highlights the bones of the historic building.

Study
Study
Bedroom
Bedroom

To make the project even more challenging, the work had to be done while Melbourne was in stage-four COVID-19 lockdown; styling pieces were sourced online and over the phone. “The dining room chairs were vintage – I purchased them online and then painted and distressed them,” says Jordanka.

“I wanted it to be a bit eclectic and unexpected. A lot of the selections simply came down to what I could find and then I just had to figure out how I could piece it together. I wanted to warm it up with colour, but I couldn’t over style it either.”

Kitchen
Kitchen

A highlight of the home, Jordanka’s strong artwork choices were comprised of some DIY pieces and a couple of statement photographic prints hired from Studio Gallery. In one of the rooms, a piece of pink linen was stretched to create a sizeable pop of colour and Jordanka paired it with a gorgeous original mid-century Dutch chaise that had been restored and reupholstered. 

Bedroom
Bedroom
Bathroom
Bathroom

“Ultimately we were certain that the interest generated by a unique styling approach would unearth a buyer that would appreciate the incredible potential of the home.”

And it did, with the home selling last week for more than $2.1m, $206k over the reserve! “Everyone was extremely happy with the result,” Jordana said.

For more on Jordanka and Reworke

Check out the property’s real estate listing

Photography: Jason Reekie

Categories
Decorating 101 Expert Tips Styling

Megan Morton’s tips for improving your home for the new normal

By Australian interior stylist Megan Morton

Home has always been our refuge, but now more than ever before, the layout of our homes, backyards and communities has been placed under the spotlight.

Megan Morton

New research from Stockland, one of Australia’s largest residential developers, revealed the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our expectations of home and neighbourhood. It’s no surprise that we are more likely to take better care of our mental wellbeing and physical health, the way we think about our home has shifted significantly. More than 80% of Australians are now more conscious that their home and environment is intrinsically linked to their wellbeing.

Space has always been an important factor to home design and satisfaction but with people spending so much time at home, it’s become vital. We’ve become less satisfied with at least one aspect of our current home or neighbourhood. The main grievance is a lack of indoor and outdoor space, with 62% of us more likely to consider space-related features than before the pandemic – such as in-home storage (44%), a separate study (40%), a private outdoor space (39%), open-plan living (36%) and a separate living area (33%).

Creating different spaces
With one in four people working from home, we know have to consider spaces such as the ‘Zoom room’ or work from home office. With this in mind, we should also consider a ‘zen’ zone for ourselves. A place to counter the activity and energy of a designated work space, where there is quiet and a time for reflection

We ask so much of our open plan areas that I like the closed rooms to have very obvious uses. Toy room, craft room, Zoom room. A custom build can allow for all of this possibility so you can look to the future – a toy room is a future media room. A future craft room is today’s nursery.

Be very diligent with your furniture. Choose items that can reflect the real use of the room and furnish it to match.

How to create a feeling of solace?
On a granular level, I think the first thing people can do is counter all the hard surfaces with soft textures. It seems a simple act but so effective. It’s a failsafe for every room. In the kitchen it can be mats, floor covering or a fabulous pendant light. In bedrooms it’s cushions and curtain trims. Living areas can be texturised with sofa fabric choices, throws and rugs.

How to create separation in the spaces?
I use a series of rugs and lights to lead the separation. I never use lights and rugs in the same open plan room, only in the front closed rooms. By swapping out you get to carve away space by swapping out the hero from floor to ceiling within the same open plan.

Top tips to harness light
Stockland’s research also revealed that we have a greater need for space and light in the home, as well as a desire to be closer to parks and green spaces.

Embrace natural light. No matter who you are and where you live, light control is so important as it can have a pivotal impact on mood. There are a couple of solutions to embrace the natural light. Firstly skylights will change the feeling of any room. Use only where you need as the idea is to use them to highlight a space. Another way to accentuate natural light sources, is by adding curtains over a beautiful window. Curtains need not be over the whole house, instead use them sparingly and show off the views you’re most proud of.

Bring the outside in. Mirrors are a great way to reflect the outside in. When you are dealing with straight lines, I prefer a rounded or archway mirror. Ensure you position your mirror to reflect a great view of the outside or garden. When we see green we know things are healthy and wonderful, to create this feeling in a home add elements of nature such as greenery or flowers to a room. This is an extremely simple but underused tactic.

How to make a home more liveable? 
Liveability is achieved through likeability! And likeability is won through understanding your own needs, then marrying your decorative preferences with your home’s existing foundations. All of this can be masterfully achieved when you build new.

There are so many new highly liveable communities where you don’t have to settle for less and that are meeting our changing needs in a post-covid world. I’ve been working with Stockland and have been impressed with how they have developed homes based around embracing the things that are increasingly important to people – such as more space, storage and light within the home, as well as parks and outdoor spaces.

For more on Stockland

Categories
Design Designers Furniture Homewares Interviews Styling

Modern heirloom furnishing and clever storage transform Newtown terrace

Tucked behind the bustling main drag of Sydney’s vibrant Newtown, this small 1980’s era terrace was transformed into an urban sanctuary recently by the talented interior stylist Jessi Eve. “The owner is a female entrepreneur that was looking to create a home that suited her social, laid-back lifestyle and mindful values,” says Jessi who deftly guided the transformation.

Lounge room
Lounge room

In keeping with the owner’s eco-conscious values, Jessi selected quality investment furniture and homeware pieces that are built to last; selections that shouldn’t end up in landfill as trends change. “We favoured ethically sourced, natural materials and supported local artisans and businesses along the way,” says Jessi of the quality Australian wares that pepper the home.

The master bedroom’s minimal timber furniture suite was handcrafted by surf coast duo Al & Imo Handmade. It sits atop a textured wool rug by Melbourne’s Armadillo & Co. whose rugs are also featured in the living area.  The lounge room’s stylish linen sofa is by the talented Aussie-based designer Sarah Ellison.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom

The dining table setting is by Aussie father and son duo, Icon by Design. “They have a strong focus on creating quality-crafted, timeless, designer-calibre furniture made with natural, ethnically-sourced materials, minus the high-end price tag,” says Jessi.

Dining room
Dining room

More local flags fly in the guest bedroom where planter pots and the guest bedside table/stool are by Pop & Scott, and the bed linen is by Cultiver and I Love Linen. “There’s a lot of local talent producing quality pieces that will stand the test of time, that were used in the making of this home,” says Jessi.

The lounge room looks out onto a lovely courtyard

When it comes to the materials palette, the cohesive selection includes timber, marble, linen, wool and pops of velvet. Jessi also disproved the old adage that ‘blue and green should never be seen’ with the colour combination proving a hit in the lounge room.

“I don’t agree with most of those rules. In fact, I also love a playful combo of orange and pink when the space calls for it! It’s all about balancing out those ‘louder’ elements with calmer ones,” says Jessi who paired deeper moodier jewel tones such as navy, emerald, maroon and mustard with pops of natural timber, warm white and soft grey.

Gorgeous coffee table details
Gorgeous coffee table details

Eco-conscious considerations aside, maximising the home’s small footprint was the other main focus of Jessi’s design brief. “Custom joinery was added throughout to ensure everything was absolutely fit-for-purpose,” says Jessi.

The entry way features a piece of built-in joinery that includes a mirrored coat-closet, shoe cabinet and storage bench surrounded by high open shelving that acts as a library. Talk about multi-tasking!

Entry
The entry features clever multi-purpose joinery

“In the guest bedroom, the bedside table doubles as a stool for the built-in dressing bench which can also be used as a laptop nook. The attic-style storage space, off the master bedroom, was transformed into a custom walk in robe with all the clothing, shoe and accessory storage required.”

Guest bedroom
Guest bedroom study nook

Another home highlight is the charming outdoor area that runs off the living room. “Ultimately, the vibe is casual yet considered, cosy and comfortable with a courtyard fit for an ambient dinner party with friends.”

Courtyard
Courtyard

Photography: The Palm Co.

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Design Designers Interviews

Darren Palmer’s latest holiday home styling project

Located in a fabulous, central part of Byron Bay, this holiday home was given the makeover treatment recently courtesy of The Block judge Darren Palmer. A long-time holidaymaker in the area, Darren leant his formidable styling talents to the gorgeous home that is now available to book on Airbnb.

Bedroom
Bedroom

“This was literally a styling project on a rented holiday home that we thought we would like to have so we can take special trips away that aren’t overseas,” says Darren who was drawn to the home’s central Byron Bay location. Just 10 minutes’ walk to most things and only 10 minutes’ drive to everything else, the home is on a generous 1000 square metre block and is a fabulous spot from which to explore the area.

Byron Bay
The house looks onto lush landscaped gardens and a pool

With eyes on Byron Bay since 2004, Darren always thought it was a fabulous property market but concedes that even he didn’t realise just how popular it would become. “It’s got great energy, dining at all levels and prices, and there is a holiday or beach experience for anyone whether you stay in a campervan or a multi-million-dollar ocean view home,” says Darren.

Lounge room
Lounge room

And when it came to furnishing and styling the home, Darren relied on a simple palette, earthy, woven fabrics and a variety of thrifty finds. “The inclusions were cobbled together from warehouse sales, Gumtree and stuff we had in our Hyams Beach holiday rental,” says Darren who recommends this budget-friendly approach when styling a holiday home.

Bedroom
Bedroom
Bathroom
Bathroom

Darren also suggests approaching a holiday rental styling project with a clear vision and fairly strict budget. A big fan of upcycling and repurposing, Darren regularly scours Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to scratch that itch. “You just need to style to the mood you want to create. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be right and it doesn’t have to be the best to be good,” says Darren.

Backyard
The outdoor deck

As for his favourite part of the home, he can’t go past the lush outdoor area and its heated pool. “The plants are so established, it’s crazy. The frangipani tree must be at least 100 years old and there’s heaps of grass for kids and dogs. The outdoor area is definitely the heart of this home.”

The lush backyard

Book your stay

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Decorating 101 Expert Tips Styling

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 being unique reflections of the people who live in them, and styling has the power to give every home more personality.

Today, the Sydney-based stylist, designer and decorator, is sharing some of her top tips; things that everyone can have a go at, styling ideas you may not have thought of, and some simple rules to follow.

“It’s different to decorating as decorating consists of selecting the big ticket items like sofas, coffee tables, beds, sideboards and other larger furniture items,” says Emma, author of Home and Keeping House. “You can also have a lot of fun with decorating when choosing fabrics, timber tones and textures as well as actually placing the furniture out in the room. But styling is arranging the smaller, more moveable pieces. Think candles, books, trays, crystals, coasters, trinkets, boxes and other decorative items.”

Emma sees any flat surface as an excuse to “style up a storm”! It could be the top of a bar cart styled with attractive liquor bottles, a coffee table with a tray of nice decorative items or a hall table in the entry way with pretty trinkets and photo frames. 

“A home with no deliberate styling is going to feel a little sterile, like no one lives there! The styling adds character and personality. It gives little nods to who lives there, where they’ve travelled and collected items from, or what they’ve been given for significant milestones in their lives.”

Get it right however, and Emma says your home will feel cosy, welcoming and intriguing. “You want your guests to come over and want to explore all the corners of your home because there are interesting things to look at everywhere. Those little elements tell stories and hold many amazing memories, ready to be recollected.”

Styling is also a great way to carry a theme from room to room, giving your home a more cohesive feel. “You don’t have to rely on a colour palette to do this,” Emma says. “For example, use trays to house some cute decorative items collected on your holiday to Paris in one room and then another tray in the next room with photos of your Paris trip so you carry your lovely memories into the other rooms of the house.”

While some people say it’s nothing more than fluffing cushions and not at all essential, Emma says styling is what sets your house apart from an Airbnb or rental property and shows that real people live there. “It’s an essential part of bringing a home together for its occupants. Those styling elements are often handed down to the next generation as heirlooms like teacups and saucers or little crystal figurines.” 

So, do you need to call in a professional like Emma? “No! You just need to have an eye for collecting a few little meaningful things from your life. Most people can do that!”

So, where to start?

“Using trays to collate the trinket-y things really helps collate them all without the styling looking messy or unfinished. When styling a bedside table, a coaster for your water glass, a ring dish, an attractive box of tissues and a candle are all you need to create a pretty vignette,” Emma says.

“When creating a ‘shelfie’, use height and scale to create a cute display. Mix tall skinny objects with short squat objects so there’s some interest with the items on display and they aren’t all at the same height. Vary the textures too to create interest.”

You don’t need to go shopping for new decor either, although that’s always fun! “Look around your house for inspiration. You might find something in the back of your desk drawer that reminds you of the fun you had at university or a marble your son gave you when he was a child. They don’t have to be expensive items. In fact, often the cheapest items hold the most meaning and are therefore the most interesting to talk about when guests ask you the meaning behind them.

“Objects from your travels are often inexpensive but meaningful and fun objects to have on display. Or even found objects like a bowl of attractive feathers or sea urchins found on a Christmas holiday.”

If you do want to treat yourself to something new for your vignette, Emma suggests a fancy candle, candle sticks, small brass dishes, room sprays in nice bottles, snow globes, coffee table books or small photo frames as great options.

And there are some styling rules which never go out of fashion: “The odds rule is an age old styling trick. Grouping objects on your coffee table or dining table centrepiece in threes or fives is more cohesive-looking than groupings of four or six. There’s probably some science (or feng shui) behind why!”

For more about Emma

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Expert Tips

Expert tips: How to style and sell your home on a budget

With the economy officially in recession, the real estate market looks set to get even tougher which makes styling before selling more important than ever. And while we do talk about this topic a fair bit, it’s for good reason; research consistently shows that a styled home will fetch a higher price than one that hasn’t been. 

Image: Huntley + Co furniture hire

An expert in the real estate space, we caught up with Domain’s Alice Stolz who gave us some advice on what styling features buyers typically look for, and how you can achieve them on a budget. “First impressions are everything and it can take only a few seconds for potential buyers to fall in or out of love with your property. There are a few suggestions that I recommend thinking about prior to hosting an open house to ensure you get the best price,” says Alice.

Domain managing editor and guest judge on The Block, Alice Stolz

Presentation/cleaning
Your homes’ presentation is key; simply cleaning and tidying your home shows buyers that you care about it. “Make your home presentable. It shouldn’t be left to the agent to be cleaning up any obvious mess,” says Alice. On this note, a professional window clean is a great idea too. “Not only will your house look sparkling, but clean glass allows even more natural light to flow in,” says Alice.

Decluttering
Marie Kondo’s favourite pastime, decluttering is an absolute must before your first home open. “Clutter is a big turn off as it shows neglect and can also give an impression that the place has a lack of storage,” says Alice. Also, having minimal furniture and homewares will make your home look spacious, while giving the impression that you have adequate storage. 

Pests
Make sure to exterminate any creepy crawlies before any home opens as buyers are easily put off by obvious signs of insects and animals invading the home.

Aromas
“Try and remove obvious smells from the house like the smell of pets,” says Alice. And while it’s a great idea to air the house, don’t be tempted to overwhelm it with trite scents. “Don’t fill the house with brewed coffee and bread-making aromas, or offend the senses with too many scented candles,” says Alice.

Paint
Painting is the most effective, inexpensive DIY job you can do to make your property appeal to the most buyers. “Many prospective buyers cannot see past dated colour schemes or feature walls,” says Alice who is a big fan of paint for a relatively cheap overhaul that provides good bang for buck.

Fresh flowers
An oldie but a goodie, fresh flowers won’t break the bank and are a wonderful way to bring the outside in. “If you are trying hard to be thrifty, pick them from the garden. Adding elements of nature inside can really add interest to a property,” says Alice.

Engage a property staging service
Not exactly a budget option but if you can afford it, property staging can really pay off; particularly if your furniture is a little old-fashioned.

Staging furniture can also turn an extra bedroom into a home office which is something we, at Domain, are seeing a huge surge in activity for at the moment. Staging can also make a home look more complete and ready for a new owner,” says Alice.

A clean, blank canvas allows a prospective buyer to be able to see themselves living in your home, rather than struggling to see the home for what it is, beyond the furniture.

DIY styling
If you can’t afford to hire a designer, pick up some magazines (or consult this blog!), and look for different ways to style a part of your home. “Magazines are often speaking to interior designers so you can always pull from their ideas,” says Alice. 

If you are not using rental furniture during the marketing of your home, have a go at moving furniture around to ensure the rooms are set up as best they can be. “Create space and easy flow within a sitting and dining room, even if it means taking some pieces away. Play with your house and try to view it through the eyes of someone who has never seen it before.”

For more

Categories
Expert Tips House Tours

Designer helps downsizers love their new modern home

Downsizing, not surprisingly, can be a difficult and emotional process for the older generation.

Interior designer Joanne Yeomans was recently asked to help a couple who had moved from a character-filled house in Sydney’s Hunters Hill to a new, smaller house in Putney.

“They weren’t at all settled in their new, modern house. It lacked the character of their previous property and they were both at a loss as to how to make it feel like home,” she said. But, with just a few additions, she helped them bring it all together.

She started by freshening things up with new paint and carpet, and then set about adding some wow factor to each of the rooms.

“The key was mixing their treasured keepsakes in with new pieces, blending them to look fresh and on trend. The Hamptons style master bedroom (gifted with the most amazing natural light!) is now a favourite for the couple, who love waking up every day to the soft blue colour palette, luxurious sheer curtains and gorgeous Florence Broadhurst wallpaper.”

Another showstopper is the hall runner in the upstairs landing. “Waratah Wonderland is a gorgeously rich and unique design by House of Heras, and was custom sized and manufactured by Designer Rugs,” says Joanne, who owns Issy & H Creative.

“The end result is that their home now doesn’t look like they have just replicated their previous house with the same furniture and style, and they are really enjoying encompassing the gorgeous new colours and styling.”

In the lounge/dining, the clients’ existing rug and Coco Republic lounge were brought to life with pops of blue and saffron to complement the existing oil painting. The new dining chairs with brass legs are from west elm.

The couple’s daughter said it all: “Joanne managed to include all of my parents’ treasured keepsakes in with new pieces. She hand selected and blended them to look amazing, fresh and on trend.

“Her patience and care towards my parents has been amazing and I’m so grateful. They are really enjoying the gorgeous blues and greens Joanne introduced.”

For more on Joanne and Issy & H Creative.

Categories
Expert Tips House Tours

Real homes: Stylist Georgia Duncan’s imperfect apartment with heart

Georgia Duncan may be a stylist but that doesn’t mean her own Melbourne home is picture perfect at all times. And she’s totally okay with that! Living above her favourite coffee spot in the middle of Richmond’s high street, she has surrounded herself with objects that she holds dear while also managing to keep things clutter-free.

And, most importantly, how her home makes her feel is everything to Georgia, who lives there with her partner Jack and their dog. “It is by no means perfect and never will be, but I love it.”

They’ve lived in the 2.5-bedroom 1880s above-shop apartment since 2014, renovating one of the bathrooms, replacing lights and painting throughout.

Georgia’s home studio space

Georgia describes her style as eclectic, calm and in many parts ‘half-minimalist’. “I like to layer pieces within my styling work, however at home, I find I really need the space to be organised and clutter-free! Especially when the same four walls are staring back at me 24/7 (hello 2020)! It is vital that I feel relaxed in my home.”

The studio

She adds: “I am very lucky to have some amazing storage; this is a game changer. I have lots of indoor plants and bringing the outdoors in does so much for your mental health! And I am never without a fresh bunch of flowers; they add colour and vibrancy to an otherwise simple space.”

The 28-year-old surrounds herself with special pieces, some with sentimental value and some which she has collected because she loves and appreciates their design. “My mum passed away when I was 13, and prior to that, every birthday she would give me a keepsake item. Because of this, I have artwork, vintage meat-safes, an antique Japanese writer’s chest and other things.

“I inherited the chest of drawers in my bedroom, which my mum moved out of home with at around 20 years old. My desk is a kitchen table which was my great aunt’s farmhouse table, and my dining table is the one I grew up eating around. Most of my artwork I have had re-framed; new life into gorgeous older pieces inherited from my maternal grandparents and my parents.”

Other favourites include a set of secondhand Cesca dining chairs, her Melbourne made Heimur bed base and an Objekto Paulistano armchair from the days when she worked at Hub Furniture. The Aboriginal art in her bedroom was bought while visiting her brother in Alice Springs.

While the character of the apartment, the first home she’s owned, has dictated how she has decorated, Georgia says she was lucky she already had so many vintage pieces. She loves its high ceilings, fireplaces and spacious rooms.

“The pieces I have added in are all classic, yet fresh and fun, and in many cases, in keeping with what I already own. However, with the bathroom renovation I went all out modern for a harsh juxtaposition. I hope to put a rooftop on soon, and do a similar thing.”

As someone who dislikes driving, living on a high street suits Georgia down to the ground! Being able to roll out of home, to the cafe, supermarket or bar is heavenly! I am also known for my ability to sleep at any stage, so the hustle and bustle below my bedroom window doesn’t bother me.

“I like to think everyone feels welcome here. I have friends all over the city, making my home the perfect central meeting hub. I love being safely curled up in the comfort of my home and knowing there is so much happening just downstairs. FOMO is rare here!”

Georgia Duncan

Georgia studied Interior Design at RMIT but found that styling was her favourite part of the process. “I love everything to do with architecture and design, but it has to be the icing on the cake; the final finishings, styling and sourcing of objects, art, soft and hard furnishings, that I absolutely adore! I work a few days a week from home, and usually on a few photoshoots in one week.

“My home workspace is simple. I need it to be tidy and simplistic so I can spread samples and ideas out everywhere for specific projects and not be sidetracked by other objects and colours. I have a cabinet full of props right next to my desk, and a little reading nook, where I catch up on all my favourite magazines and blogs.”

Along with Jack, a builder, Georgia dreams of one day buying and renovating a ‘shack’ or farm outside Melbourne. “I fancy the idea of growing flowers, a vegetable garden and chooks, but not too much land that we can’t look after. I dream of my own studio, storage for all my props and he dreams of a shed full of all his tools and toys to make the reno happen!”

But for now, they’re more than happy living the inner city life.

Georgia’s tips for making your home FEEL nicer

  1. There is something about natural light. You cannot create it. If you do not have a lot of it, fill your home with mirrors, light objects and warmth in textures and colours. I am so lucky that my home is north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere (this is by no means an accident; it was a must on my list of house non-negotiables).
  2. Where possible, do not purchase pieces that are ’on trend’ and very importantly (if you ask me) invest in pieces you will keep for a long time, not for yesterday and today. And do invest, although I don’t shy away from an IKEA piece as needed! Only purchase pieces you really love. 
  3. In terms of comfort, I do not want to be too obvious, but ensure your home is welcoming (both for you and for when guests are allowed to visit)! I often have a scented candle lit, a fire in winter, fresh flowers, a cuppa or glass of wine on hand and without a doubt can whip up a platter without much notice! 

The current Melbourne lockdown has made Georgia appreciate her home more than ever. “I am so fortunate to have a roof over my head at minimum, and not just a roof but a space I feel both safe and comfortable and also love to be in.

“Do not get me wrong, it has taken me the five-plus years I have lived here to create this. I am a strong believer in creating a home. As humans we move into a house, and over time you turn it into a home.”

For more on Georgia Duncan

Follow her on Instagram

Photography: Emma Pegrum | Styling by Georgia, assisted by Emma Hirst (Phy Design).

Categories
Homewares Styling

Stylist Jason Grant creates new paint colours for Murobond

Now with 70 paint colours to his name as part of his collaboration with Murobond, creating new hues is as exciting a process as ever for Byron-based stylist Jason Grant.

This week sees the launch of his sixth collection, Paradigm Shift, created in isolation during lockdown. But like the others, it’s mostly inspired by nature. “I like to take it all in and notice all the details, and of course I see all the colours,” he says. “The new colours highlight earth elements and nature’s beauty.”

Jason art directed, produced, styled and photographed the collection solo in his studio during isolation. “I was doing some deep thinking too,” he said. “The palette is named Paradigm Shift, a concept that I discovered and spiralled into. It’s the notion of a major change that happens when the usual way of thinking about doing something is replaced by a new or a different way – a concept that inspires me and gives me hope and hope is what we need. I’ve always been a hippy at heart, focusing on positivity and high vibrations.”

He loves how a paint can transform room, an object or even a mood. “Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint for a new lease on life. It’s all in your mindset.”

Although it had been a while since he created new colours for Murobond, Jason said it came easily. “It comes naturally because I love that I get to do this. With everything I do, I love to create the process to create the result.

“Creating colours gets easier. I work in quite an analogue way, first conceptualising then creating the colour references that we colour match. This time we pretty much nailed the colours that were in my head first go.”

Because he likes to tell stories with words as well as pictures, Jason enjoys coming up with the colour names too. “These colours are inspired by a few clever people and a few favourite moments or objects.” Names include the very Aussie Flowering Gum, Wattle Seed and Davidson Plum, as well Guacamole, Vagabond, Kai and more.

“I love them all,” Jason says. “Flowering Gum in a soft pink; Vagabond, the subtle light shade of uplifting grey; and Kai, based on the leaf of a gum tree, are three standouts.”

Jason’s currently busy with a variety of projects, creating content for brands, working on a few residential and commercial spaces, including a restaurant. The biggest interiors trends he’s seeing for 2020 are creating the ultimate in home comforts, simple things becoming luxuries and simplification of living.

Jason is part of Denfair’s virtual design event this week. Tune into his online masterclass Live Your Best Creative Life, on Thursday at 12 noon.

Shop Paradigm Shift on the Murobond website | Check out Jason’s website

Jason was one of Interiors Addict’s first interviewees 9 years ago:

Categories
Expert Tips Styling

Interior styling 101: top stylist shares all in new online course

Renowned interior stylist Kerrie-Ann Jones has launched an online styling school called The Stylist Lab. Her first course, Interior Styling 101, will help you define and refine your personal interior style.

You’ll learn how to style:

  • vignettes
  • coffee table
  • sideboards
  • shelfies
  • bed
  • with flowers
  • with art
  • with textures
  • with what you have
  • any room of your home!

Ex-real living magazine’s Kerrie-Ann, says you’ll be capable of styling a vignette, room or home after completing the stylist challenges in each module. You’ll even implement the basics of styling for photography so you can take captivating photos of your beautifully styled home.

“You’ll feel confident styling your home with the tips, tricks and knowledge you’ve learnt from the course and be inspired to take your styling to the next level with the skills and knowledge you have gained.”

What’s included in the course:

  • 5 modules of styling content plus a bonus module
  • Demonstration videos styling many areas of your home
  • Step by step guides
  • Audio-visual presentations
  • Downloadable cheat sheets, checklists, hotlist of suppliers
  • Inspiration and examples of interiors that demonstrate the course content
  • The styling techniques Kerrie-Ann uses when styling any interior
  • Her hottest tips and tricks that you can easily and instantly put into practice at home
  • Stylist challenges that will help develop your ‘styling eye’
  • Private access to The Stylist Lab Facebook Group, where you can connect with likeminded interior lovers.

Kerrie-Ann adds: “I’ve designed the course for students to do at their own pace. They can dip in and out whenever they like. Students will have lifetime access to the course, so they can come back and give themselves a refresh in years to come.”

For more on The Stylist Lab

Kerrie-Ann’s interiors podcast with fellow stylist Jono Fleming

Categories
Covet my coffee table

Covet my coffee table: Interior designer Kathryn Bamford

I’m so jealous of today’s coffee table, belonging to interior designer and Interiors Addict contributor Kathryn Bamford. I vaguely remember a time, before kids, when I too could display so many pretty trinkets on mine. Not anymore! I digress! And will you just look at the sheer size of this one? Over to you, Kat…

My coffee table is always changing, whether it be the books and magazines which are inspiring me at the time or my latest find while hunting for homewares. To be honest, it’s all pretty flexible as it’s where we eat dinner most nights!

It really sums up my design style at home; some old, some new and some DIY. It’s my own creation. I drew up the plans and managed to score an old marble boardroom table on Gumtree from an architecture firm that was moving. I had the table top cut to size from that, a base welded, and then sprayed the frame myself. It’s always the first piece everyone comments on when they walk into the room.

I love collecting things! Whether it be on travels or a random weekend away, I always seem to pick up something I love along the way! I’m also fond of mixing these items with new and vintage pieces. It’s always a conversation starter for when guests come over and it’s a good reminder of all the places I’ve been lucky enough to have been.

When it comes to styling a coffee table, especially one that is oversized like mine, knowing where to begin can be half the battle. I like to create sections and almost form a grid. It helps give some structure and makes the whole task less intimidating. From there, I then make stacks, whether it be books, trays or magazines, and include smaller pieces on top. I find the height variance between the stacks creates smaller, more eye-catching vignettes.

I’m also a firm believer in keeping it real and practical. For us, the coffee table is the hub of our home, we use it all the time, whether it be for entertaining guests, game nights or weeknight dinners so it can’t be high maintenance. I believe form and function can coexist so if you’re going to put things on it, then use them. If you’re going to have coasters, have beautiful ones you just keep out and actually use.

I have so many pieces I love on display on the coffee table, but my favourite is this book my Yiayia (grandmother) made me. It’s full of handwritten facts about her life, family, work and everything in between. It’s such a special reminder about the special bond I have with her and just how similar we are with some things. Along with her handwritten recipe book, this would have to be one of the most prized items in my home.

Photography: Michelle Young

– Kathryn Bamford is a regular contributor, certified interiors addict and degree-qualified interior designer & stylist. You can follow her projects and adventures on Instagram @kathryn_bamford.

A look at what’s on more people’s coffee tables

Categories
House Tours Styling

Stunning LA home styled largely online by an Aussie

Stylist Jessi Eve Deakin is living proof that her job really can be done remotely and via email. While this beautiful project was completed before the world changed due to Covid-19, the fact remains that much of an interior really can be created by an expert without them having to physically visit the space.

“I had helped this client with some decorative elements for their previous home via my eStyling service, so when they moved, they hired me again to do the lot,” says Jessi, of Jessi Eve. “I have set up my Wollongong-based business in a way that allows me to work with clients all around the world and before Covid-19, I was already doing about half my work this way.”

The stunning project was created for a young, busy family. The clients entrusted Jessi with transforming their house into their dream home. While she completed most of the sourcing remotely from Australia, she was thrilled when the clients opted to fly her over for the installation!

“I spent three weeks in LA sourcing final touches, installing all furniture, art and decor (as well as exploring all the tourist spots, of course)! I was given an entirely blank canvas to work with and sourced everything from the furniture right down to the cutlery!”

It was a great blank canvas however, with oak floors, white walls, pitched ceilings with exposed beams and French doors. “It was everything I could have ever asked to work with really! It really was a dream come true! I feel very grateful for the opportunity and had to pinch myself at many points throughout the project.”

Jessi developed an aesthetic which was a balance of what she calls California Cool blended with her signature coastal-bohemian-luxe style.

“To me, California Cool refers to an eclectic mix of casual coastal and boho vibes in a light and sunny palette,” she says. “My signature style is a blend of luxe bohemian and contemporary coastal done in a very relaxed, Aussie way which I think complements this well.

“The colour palette I chose had lots of white and light natural elements with pops of muted candy colours such as pink, orange, yellow, teal and blue, offset by luxe brass accents. The bohemian style is woven into the spaces through layered textures such as the vintage rugs, cushions and throws, rattan furniture, floor cushions, soft linens and live greenery.”

The same theory applied to the entire wall of open shelving in the living area. She kept the palette light and simple and positioned the visually heavier objects and vignettes in a way that draws the eye up to the ceiling. “It was important to ensure the spaces felt cosy and homely whilst still maintaining the sense of abundant open space.”

To anyone who thinks eStyling can’t possibly be as good as in-person styling, Jessi says it’s absolutely possible with accurate floor plans and clear photographs of the spaces. “This allows me to get a really good idea of the space without ever physically visiting the home and also allows me to plan layouts, determine ideal furniture sizing, artwork placement options etc.

“In terms of the creative process, I tackle eStyling projects in the exact same way I tackle in-person projects. I build a concept first, based on my client’s brief, and then source the elements required to achieve the desired look, functionality and feel. Instead of visiting the site to measure up my own plans, this is provided by the client. Once the client is happy with the items I have specified for the home, they are free to go ahead and place the orders direct with retailers, as they please!

Our current social distancing requirements aside, Jessi says eStyling is a great, affordable option for people who need creative direction but are happy to take on some of the more logistical elements of a decorating project such as measuring, order placement and installing deliveries as they arrive.

“We’ve never before seen a time quite like this where having a positive and uplifting home environment has been more relevant and although it’s not a priority for everyone, I think those who are in a position to make some changes will perhaps start thinking about investing in the industry whether that be now via eStyling services or in the future when in-person interactions can resume as normal,” Jessi says.

“I think if businesses can adapt to the changes we’re facing and find ways to offer variations of their more traditional face-to-face services by embracing technology, they will hopefully be able to continue during this time.”

For more on Jessi Eve

Photography: Paper + Pate

Categories
Art Expert Tips Styling

Coveting: Greenhouse Interiors’ latest art collection

The Greenhouse Interiors artist stable is one of Australia’s most impressive, so when they shared their latest group photoshoot with us recently, we couldn’t wait to share. The shoot started with each artist being asked to produce a colourful new capsule collection of original artworks (inspired by summer and autumn), that were styled up together. “Life is better with colour,” goes the Greenhouse Interiors tagline and this latest shoot proves it really is.

Greenhouse Interiors
What a delicious gallery wall!

“In true form, the pieces of the puzzle all came together as they always do. It all sat beautifully together, like they had all shared a studio space and co-created in the same room. The synergy and spirit in our team of artists is palpable. We are a unique bunch of like-minded colour lovers and when we get together, magic happens. We hope you love this collection as much as we do!” says Greenhouse Interiors’ Julia Green.

Greenhouse Interiors

Aside from acting as a fabulous showcase for the Greenhouse Interiors artists, the shoot provides plenty of excellent styling insight too. “We like to give our customers ideas about how best to hang work, how to cluster it, and what kind of companion colours work. We also like to share the happy vibe created by using colour in one’s home!” says Julia.

Greenhouse Interiors
Artist Madeleine Stamer’s works draw inspiration from Mexican folk art, nature, old school tattoos, 70′s design and the natural world

Shot inside a home on the coastline of Jan Juc (a suburb in Victoria’s Torquay), luckily for the team, the abode was already filled with an array of gorgeous furniture. “It’s a beautiful, textured space so all we had to was move on in and hang the work,” says Julia.

Greenhouse Interiors
Monica Henry’s gorgeous hand stitched pieces take 8-10 hours to complete

Of the overall fun, colour-loving vibe, Julia wanted the shoot to convey the idea that true style often has nothing to do with how much money a person has. “We believe style is never about money or your bank account. It’s instead about creating warm, inviting spaces with love and colour always. And we think that was definitely achieved.”

A piece by Anna Cole
A piece by Anna Cole

Julia’s artwork styling tips

  1. Size matters
    The scale of an artwork is really important for maximum impact. Always make sure you measure up the space with masking tape first, to see how it will really translate onto the wall. Greenhouse Interiors has a clever 3d augmented reality App that makes this task even easier.
  2. Colour
    Try to pick out some of the colours in the work and repeat them in soft furnishings or textiles, as this will sew the room together like a tapestry and make the space feel very harmonious.
  3. Come to the dark side
    Don’t be afraid of darker wall colours. The bedroom in our house was a clear favorite and it made all of our artworks go BOOM! Darker colours really mood up a space and create fab ambience. Give them a go!

A Kimmy Hogan piece pops on the dark bedroom wall
A Kimmy Hogan original pops on the dark bedroom wall

Photography: Armelle Habib | Art direction: Julia Green | Styling: Aisha Chaudhry, Jessica Rettalack | Styling assistants: Kate Moss, Catherine Cornehls, Lisa Hunter, Lisa Kozsik

For more on Greenhouse Interiors | Artist Joan Blond’s work filled with joie de vivre