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DIY Expert Tips Interiors Addict

5 tips for first time painters: it’s all in the prep!

The thought of painting walls and ceilings yourself can be a daunting. Nobody wants to make what seem like permanent mistakes whilst painting for everyone to see. That is why British Paints has shared their top tips that all first time painters need to know.

Check for damage on walls

The first important step when starting a new paint project is to check walls for damages and marks, in order to determine exactly what paint and tools are needed. Are there any leaks? Is there pre-existing mould or stains? Are there any cracks? If these aren’t attended to before painting, it will impact the final result. Water stains, oil based stains, ceiling mould, gaps, holes or cracks are all common types of damage. Such issues can be solved with specialist paint products.

*Tip: Use oil-based products for water stains and water-based products for oil-based stains!

Set up with the right tools

Having the right tools is essential for tackling a paint project. Pairing the right paint to the right brush/roller is key to ensuring the finished product is faultless. Brushes are perfect for small areas, trims and edges, while a roller is great for a large painting area, such as a wall or ceiling.

Along with the correct pairing, add the following to the shopping list: frame, ladder, roller tray, roller pole, drop sheets, painter’s tape, filing blades, gap filler, rags, sandpaper, sugar soap.

How to know when to use a primer

Although similar, primers and undercoats both serve quite different functions. Primers act as a foundation for paint to stick to, while undercoats create a flat and level base for topcoats. An easy way to remember when to use a primer is if a surface is new and hasn’t been painted before.

If a surface is painted and in good condition, but in need of a refresh, a regular paint without a primer can be used. Ensure the wall has had a good clean, with sugar soap, then use British Paints Clean & Protect Low Sheen to give the wall a refresh. Clean & Protect is guaranteed to protect from mould, it’s easy to apply, allows for a smooth flow and an even finish.

Choosing the right paint

Paints are designed for different purposes and it’s important to look for a paint specific to the project at hand. When painting a ceiling, for example, the aim is for a lower gloss paint, to create a flat finish. Whereas, if painting exterior surfaces, use a paint that can protect against seasonal demands.

Once the purpose of the paint is decided, it’s time to choose the colour! To assist with the hardest decision of all, Aussies can visit British Paints’ online colour wall assistant tool to work out the best colour for the project and how much paint is needed.

Give it a go!

The best way to get started on a painting project, is to just give it a go! Painting is supposed to be fun, particularly for painting novices setting out to DIY homes. Because of this, British Paints has the Good Job Guarantee which gives painters piece of mind by offering paint replacement for any mishaps or mistakes that happen along the way – so there’s no reason not to give it a go!

Click here for all paints and more help with painting

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Decorating 101 Design Designers Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Reno Trends Styling

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.

For more styling tips

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Design Expert Tips Kitchens

Kitchen design: 5 important things to consider

As the heart of the home, to gather, entertain and unwind, kitchen design is something that can make or break a home. A well-designed kitchen should not only look great but also be functional.

With so many elements to consider, the kitchen can be one of the most challenging rooms when it comes to renovating or building. Porter Davis Homes interior designer, Koraly Fasone, shares her top five tips when it comes to kitchen design.

1. Invest in planning

Like all elements of design, planning is key. First, consider the key functions of your kitchen.

“The kitchen isn’t just a space for cooking,” says Koraly, “It’s a place to share meals, gather as a family, entertain, or even be used as a place for the kids to do their homework while dinner is on the way. It’s so important to consider all the different ways the space will be used.”

Koraly loves using island benches, which are extremely versatile across all times of the day, whether that be early breakfasts, after-school homework, or evening social gatherings.

She says, “If you’re thinking about installing an island, measure and mark up a space on the existing floor for the role you want it to play. Will it include a cooktop, sink, appliances, powerpoints, or just be a free workspace? Islands don’t even have to be permanent fixtures – if you’re working with a small space, consider a movable bench or trolley for instant storage and flexible space.”

2. Embrace lighting

Natural lighting is crucial in the kitchen as it not only creates warmth but a seamless connection to the outdoors. If your kitchen can’t cater to a window, Koraly suggests considering a skylight, or maximising the windows in the surrounding rooms to help that morning sun shine through.

She also notes the vital nature of task lighting. “Position lighting to specified areas, such as beside the cooktop, over the island bench, or above the sink,” Koraly says. “This will not only help these areas function better, but can also be used to highlight feature areas of your kitchen.”

3. Storage is a hero

“Well-considered storage is imperative to effective kitchen design,” says Koraly. “Make your space work for you by grouping items that are used for the same purpose or at the same time.”

Storage spaces need to be easy to access and practical to what is – or will be – stored there (think both height and depth), and nearby to where those items will be used.

Some of Koraly’s storage suggestions include:

  • Group all breakfast items together like tea, coffee, mugs, bread basket and toaster
  • Keep utensils, pots and pans within reach of the cooktop
  • Store dinner plates close to the dining area
  • The addition of storage systems inside cabinetry can quickly increase your storage capacity and practicality
  • Drawers will generally give a better vision of what is stored inside, and are great for storing smaller items
  • Consider built-in rubbish bins and pull-out racks, baskets, and dividers

4. The three F’s: Fixtures, Finishes and Fittings

“When we move into the fine details of fixtures, finishes and fittings, the choices and decisions can be overwhelming,” says Koraly. “If this is you, revisit your brief and remember how you want your kitchen to function, and the aesthetic character you wish to achieve.”

Appliances:

Appliances all have their functional and visual elements of appeal, so consider how each appliance’s technology, capacity and price tag fits in with your household. While they may not need to take centre stage visually, their size and function need accommodated your requirements.

Hardware:

The sleek look of handless cabinetry isn’t for all, and for those who love the application of a cabinet handle, the choices are endless. With the ability to tie in finishes to tapware, appliances, and décor accessories, handles easily become a main focal point and accessory to a well designed kitchen.

Benchtops and cabinetry:

You can achieve the look you’re going for with any price point. Natural stone is a beautiful material, but can be substituted for reconstituted stone. Similarly, timber or 2Pack finish cabinets can be subbed for laminate. Consider the functionality of your splashback; stone or glass is easier to clean than tiles, but tiles will enable you to introduce a feature pattern, colour or texture to the space.

5. Finishing touches

“As well as being functional, kitchens can also be the perfect place to introduce character into your home, particularly as it’s one of the most utilised rooms in the home,” Koraly says. “Inject colour and texture through fixtures, fittings and simple styling touches. Think about complementary artwork, ambient lighting, feature hardware, decorative items and unique pieces of furniture to bring the space full circle. Ultimately, make it your own and have fun with it!”

For more on Porter Davis Homes

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Expert Tips

5 tips for getting your home ready for guests this Christmas

Whether your place is in need of a last minute spruce up or you want to go in hard to impress, these top tips from Madras Link will have your place feeling and looking more charming and comfortable than any restaurant, hotel or bed and breakfast.

Tip 1.        

Creating a warm welcome is as easy as throwing down a fresh new doormat for the perfect first impression.

Whether you want to say “Welcome” or “Home”, or show off your unique style with colour and prints, a fun doormat sets the scene for the love that awaits behind the door.

Tip 2.        

Switching out those old couch cushions will bring a fresh new look to your living room. Mix prints and patterns with textured block colours in woven cottons, luxuriously soft velvets and look for embellished details like fringes, tufts and tassels. Then pile them on for impact.

Tip 3.        

Guests staying over? Don’t forget the comforting details in the guest room. Create a quick transformation with a bold upholstered armchair, new bedside lamps and a pop of colour from a throw blanket (if it’s really last minute, moving a statement cushion from Tip 2 into the bedroom can still make all the difference).

Tip 4.       

Have plenty of serving boards and cheese knives on hand. Who can wait to dive in after a big market shop for cheeses and antipasto? Not us, so we make sure we keep an assortment of serveware within arm’s reach.

Tip 5.          

Don’t say goodbye to your guests without pulling out all the stops for an at-home soiree. Create a dining experience that cannot be matched by any restaurant with glamorous wine coolers, sophisticated brass or marble serveware and napery uniquely styled by you. This combined with your cooking will wow your guests and create an unforgettable night.

–Madras Link is an Australian homewares company that designs locally in Melbourne and sources globally, showcasing unique products made with care by artisans to be loved in our homes. All pictured products can be found in stores nationally or online at www.madraslinkonline.com.au

Photography: Melissa Lau Photography

Categories
Expert Tips

8 tips to uncover your own style and avoid decorating cliches

By Bianca Tzatzagos

Don’t let your home succumb to fashion fads or cliché or mediocrity – make it a space that thrills you to the core. The best part? It’s sure to cost less than you’d think.

Pic source: Hunting for George
Image source: Hunting for George

  1. Reclaim, reuse, repurpose. We’re not just talking about building furniture out of shipping pallets (almost a cliché itself nowadays!) or recycling jars as food storage (the hallmark of every current hipster café). This is about taking a look around your home and reassessing each object for its worth, its appeal, and its function. Maybe you can’t bear to throw away your ancient library bag from primary school – why not hang it from a hook in the kitchen and use it to store the shopping bags? Or what about that soup tureen you received as a wedding gift and never used: why not plant it with succulents or herbs and display it outside? Take simple steps to reimagine the things you already have filling your precious storage space. Bring them new life and in turn they’ll bring new life to your home.
  1. Avoid theme decorating. “French Provincial” is fine if you live in a villa in Provence and have access to scores of genuine antiques. Likewise, an all-out mid-century home is great if you are living in a mod bungalow – in the 1950s! But in any other scenario, it’s definitely best to pick and choose. Life isn’t a theme park, and nor is your home. Most of us have to accept the architectural period of our homes, whether it’s federation style or art deco or contemporary. And while it’s great to embrace those original features, don’t to be too rigid with carrying that theme into your decorating – or you’ll risk tiring of it quicker than you can say “shabby chic”.
  1. Mix it up. See point 2 for why! Don’t just mix decorating eras, but mix vintage and new too. If you only have old things, your place can end up looking like a junk shop (or your grandmother’s house). All new, and it will look like a furniture catalogue. Crucially though, you should only choose pieces that feel right to you. “Eclectic”, after all, has become one of the biggest decorating clichés of all. Don’t choose an ultra-modern chair to pair with your antique desk just because you want a dramatic contrast. Mixing can be as simple as pairing a classic bentwood dining chair with a simple flat-pack desk.

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Image source: Kitsch Please

  1. Be authentic. Learn to listen to your gut (or your heart – whatever’s speaking the loudest). Ask yourself: do I love, love, love this wall art, or am I just excited that it’s trendy, that the colours match my décor, and that I can afford it? Will I love it in 2, 5, 10 years’ time? Is it unique? Does it enrich the story of my home? If not, go to point 5.
  1. When in doubt, under-decorate. Unless you’re competing on a TV show, there’s no need to completely style your home in a single sitting. Take your time to consider purchases, understand the way you live in a space, and recognise those things that really make your spirit sing. Know that there’s nothing wrong with a blank wall for now. (Tip: an oversized arrangement of foliage from the backyard can make a stunning and free placeholder while you search for that perfect piece.)
  1. Always opt for quality. Hand-in-hand with points 4 & 5 goes this mantra: buy less, buy better. Let yourself fall in love with things, then save up for them and buy them once you can afford them. You’ll always love them more than those things you compromised on.
  1. Be realistic about your lifestyle. Decorate for the life you lead, not a magazine photoshoot. Are you a secret “maximalist” trying to live a minimalist lie? If you love your stuff, don’t hide it away, just learn the art of display. Do you dream of owning a chic white suede sofa even though you have four kids and two dogs? (Try slipcovered cotton instead for now.)

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Image source: Leah Bartholomew/Greenhouse Interiors

  1. Never apologise. Tell your story proudly and in your own way. Love your grandmother’s crochet rug? Give it pride of place on the sofa. Can’t afford to replace the 1960s pink tiles in the bathroom right now? Celebrate their retro charm by adding a jug of pink flowers to the windowsill. If you find yourself worrying what other people will think of your decorating, or if you constantly compare your home to your friends’ or family’s places, then you’re doing it wrong. Does your place give you a thrill every time you enter it? Home should make everyone who lives there feel calm, safe, inspired and happy. People who visit should feel welcome. All it takes is a little TLC, and your home will love you right back.

Bianca Tzatzagos is a freelance copywriter and former magazine journalist who works from her Sydney home (which she is endlessly restyling).

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Art Expert Tips Styling

5 tips for arranging flowers at home by top Sydney florists

I’ve never attempted to arrange flowers at home because I have absolutely no idea how! So I thought it was time to call in the experts and ask five of Sydney’s best florists how amateurs like me can create some floral loveliness at home. 

Aleksandra Keast of Aleksandra: (Jen’s wedding florist no less!) “When you have spontaneous guests, use your fruit and veg as your flower arrangements! Adding sweet-scented orange and peach blossom and fruit on the branch such as cumquat, pear, fig, apple and mandarin, is a beautiful en masse vase filler and looks great for the kitchen and dining room. You then get to reap the rewards and eat it too! Rosemary and fresh bay leaves look beautiful next to the stove top and are on hand when cooking.”

Aleksandra. Photo credit: Luisa Brimble
Aleksandra. Photo credit: Luisa Brimble

Louise Reeves of The Posy Supply Co.: “I specialise in posies or little bunches of blooms so the most important tip I like to give is to use a size-appropriate vase. Little arrangements look beautiful in jars or small vases that narrow at the neck. A little jar of flowers on the bathroom vanity or bedside table can have just as much impact as a huge arrangement. Try mixing different flower types of varying size and texture such as a big feathery Protea with delicate Geraldton Wax, along with some lovely fresh foliage like Dollar Gum.”

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Louise

Claire Simpson of Willow and Dune: “To keep flowers looking fresher for longer always remember:

  • To remove foliage from the stem that sits below the water line; this prevents the water from getting polluted.
  • Cut stems at an angle to maximise the area for water absorption.
  • Re-cut stems and change water in the vase every two days.
  • Keep floral arrangements away from warm sunny areas and heaters.”

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One of Claire’s bouquets

Sophie Rothwell of Little Flowers: “You should always arrange the flowers in their natural form, be it wonky, kooky or perfectly perfect. By leaving them in their natural state and not forcing them into a position they are not suited to, the flowers not only live longer and flourish, but it allows the arrangement to take on a beautiful, uncontrived freedom. Depth is also important because it encourages the eye to look at every individual element of the bunch instead of just the bunch as a whole. You can create depth by layering your stems and placing different floral elements at different heights throughout your arrangement.”

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Sophie

Holly Hipwell of The Flower Drum: “There’s nothing worse than getting home with an armful of beautiful blooms only to realise you don’t have the perfect vessel. Be sure to have a good selection of the basics. Every home must have a tall cylinder vase with a heavy base for big blooms and blossoms; a fishbowl vase for tulips and posies of roses; a tear shape vase with a narrow neck to keep arrangements from splaying out of control; a cone shape to construct a relaxed looking masterpiece; and a couple of old pasta jars for garden picked treasures. Making sure your flowers are in the correct shape vase is really the number one trick to making your florals look good.”

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Holly

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Bathrooms Expert Tips

Five tips for winter-proofing your bathroom

By Belinda Geels

The bathroom can be quite the chilly place thanks to its hard surfaces like tiles, stone and ceramic. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are five tips on how to winter-proof your bathroom.

Underfloor heating

For a lasting warming solution, underfloor heating is not only a sound investment but is now considered an affordable luxury for new Australian homes. It is one of most efficient ways to heat your home and because it transfers more natural radiant heat, its also one of the cleanest.

For new builds, the Auspex Radiant system allows you to indulge in the luxury of underfloor heating at a fraction of the cost as this system uses energy efficient gas boilers and radiant heat transfer to achieve a comfortable natural heat. For an underfloor heating solution that can be installed during a renovation, Stiebel Eltron offers an electric above slab solution. Because it can be installed just underneath tiles, it’s ideal for renovations in smaller spaces like bathrooms.

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Hydrotherm Milan Mobile Heated Rail Black

Hot water units

Having a hot water unit that’s going to allow for long hot showers at the end of a dreary day is another essential for the cooler months. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or looking for a brand new system, our Hot Water Decisions Guide is a great online tool that will help you choose the unit that perfectly suits your home and your usage requirements. There are plenty of electric, gas, continuous flow and solar hot water systems available, with our Thermann range proving one of the most popular thanks to its innovative modular design, efficiency and reliability.

Overhead heat lamps

If underfloor heating isn’t an option or you want to add heat from above, overhead lamps are the perfect answer. The benefit of installing this type of heater over others is twofold: they heat the space quickly and efficiently, and their overhead position means they’re out of the way.

These heaters are usually found as part of an all-in-one unit that combines an exhaust fan, lights and heater, so if you’re tight on space or budget this is a perfect option for you.

Heated towel rails

Heated towel rails like those in the Milli Edge and Kado ranges not only add a touch of luxury, but will also dry your wet towels quickly and conveniently in those colder months. There are also moveable options like the Hydrotherm Milan Mobile available which can be stored away during the warmer months — great for rentals or when space is at a premium.

With a range of sizes and finishes to suit any bathroom design and budget, heated towel rails are an easy and affordable winter warmer accessory, and have become one of the must-have items in the Australian bathroom.

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Kado Quad Wall Mounted Heated Rails

Soft furnishings

While some options like new hot water units or underfloor heating require more forward planning, there are still many ways to add warmth to the bathroom without extensive renovations. Adding soft furnishings like natural-fibre rugs and bathmats will do wonders to soften hard surfaces and make your bathing experience a lot more cosy.

And, never underestimate the power of a fluffy bath robe and a cosy set of slippers. Having these on hand as you step out of the bath or shower is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to keep toasty in those
 winter months!

–Belinda Geels is marketing manager for Reece Bathrooms.

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Interiors Addict

10 secrets to striking gold when op shopping for your home

By Claudia Stephenson

Previously on Interiors Addict, I shared my top op shop finds. People often ask me what my secret is, so I thought it could be useful to give you my top 10 tips:

1. Don’t limit yourself to one area. Of course I have my favourite stores that usually deliver some kind of delight each visit, but when I have time, I travel all over Sydney, to the Blue Mountains and up to the Central Coast. Just because it’s in a nice area doesn’t mean there will be better stuff: cast your net wide!

2. Keep going back. The reason I tend to find great stuff is because I keep going back. Don’t be put off if you go somewhere and find nothing the first go, chances are you will if you are persistent. I tend to visit at least one store per week, even if it’s on my way home from work, I always find time to pop in.

3. Take your time. I took a girlfriend once and she scanned the room once and gave up, whereas I always scour every shelf and corner. I once found (and bought) an Hermes ashtray tucked up at the back of a bottom shelf amongst some cheap white plates. I paid $3…

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Furniture

Peep My Style’s best op shop furniture finds

By Claudia Stephenson

Firstly, thank you for having me on Interiors Addict, Jen! For those of you who have visited me at Peep My Style, you’ll know I’ve been an avid op shopper for about 10 years. In that time, I have come across the most incredible finds, like this dining set complete with 6 Chippendale chairs (they were selling the whole lot for $160), but unfortunately I got there one minute too late! 

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But that same day I found my pride and joy: this gold dining table base. It originally came with a big hexagonal smoked glass top (you will be glad to know I left it at the shop) and I eventually found a large slab of marble to top it off, which works perfectly with it. 

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Expert Tips Homewares

Top tips for starting your own online homewares store from those who’ve been there and done it

By Natasha Voudouris

Our journey into the online world began less than 2 years ago, when my mum Debbie and I had the idea of creating a website for her interior styling business. At the time, Mum had just completed a new interior design course and was ready to put her excitement and passion into practice. Up until that point, she had been flying solo as an interior stylist for over 10 years. I found myself drawn to her assignments and our shared love for beautiful furniture and homewares grew deeper.

Natasha and Debbie
Natasha and Debbie

While we were pouring out ideas for mum’s new website, we talked about one day having an online store. Talking and dreaming soon became planning and organising. Within a few weeks we had our name, Zohi Interiors, a domain and a logo, and chose a web development company. Within a few months, we began importing from India, Morocco and beyond.

Zohi-Interiors-Styled-Blue-Bone-Inlay

We often get comments that our online store appears polished and looks like it is run by a team of 20, not a team of 2 who have never had any web or retail experience! The truth is, creating an online brand isn’t easy, we are constantly growing and learning to keep improving our business. We would love to share a few tips for anyone who is considering launching their business online.

Categories
Expert Tips

8 top tips for displaying flowers in your home

Stylist Samantha White shares her top tips for using flowers in your home or at your next event and these photos of her work. From combining focal flowers and filler flowers, to changing the water every 2 days, to using foliage, there’s bound to be a nugget of useful information for everyone. 

1. Instead of using traditional vases for arranging flowers, try bringing a little personality to your arrangements in a design theme.

2. Using your favourite homewares or quirky vintage pieces with your blooms is a fun and interesting way to add style to your home. Our rusty vintage typewriter and Art Deco birdcage are perfect accessories for floral styling.

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Interiors Addict

Video tips: How to style cushions on your sofa

Temple & Webster share their top tips and a helpful video.

We can’t get enough of cushions. We welcome all shapes, sizes and colours, and reserve a special place in our hearts for the unique and hand-embellished. In this welcoming and supportive environment, it’s safe to admit it: we’re cushion addicts.

The great thing about cushions is that they can be totally transformative. Want to explore a new look? Try new colours, mix patterns or follow a trend? It’s all possible with cushions, which have the added advantage of excellent bang-for-buck value. The endless possibilities are also the problem with cushions. We’ve seen a few crimes against cushionry in our time. Over-cushioning, under-cushioning, and the modern day epidemic: crazy-clashy-cushioning.

In the following video, Temple & Webster’s Head of Styling Jessica Bellef explains how to create cushion magic by following three simple rules:

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Kitchens

10 top tips when designing your new kitchen

Today’s top tips come from kitchen designer Nadia Hursky of Sydney kitchen design and renovations company, Blue Tea.

blue tea kitchen design red stools

1. Understand your style but be brave enough to push the boundaries

While it is tempting to go down the safe road of an all-white kitchen, it is more rewarding to push the design boundaries. You should aim for a brilliant renovation instead of an average one. Playing it safe is great for investment properties, but creating your dream kitchen allows for more creativity.

Your home has been created through your own style, taste and sensibility. Your kitchen should relate to the rest of the home. However, don’t worry too much about making it match exactly. Your home is always evolving; a new kitchen can be a breath of fresh air for developing your style in other living spaces.

blue tea kitchen design

2. Design for practicality

Design your kitchen to be practical and ergonomic. You don’t just want your kitchen to look amazing, you want it to be functional too. Make sure your layout works efficiently. Your fridge needs to be accessible; your dishwasher shouldn’t block any paths either. You need ample bench and storage space too.