Interiors

Favourite rooms in March

I’m sure many of you, like me, have found yourselves lost in the endless scroll of Instagram and Pinterest, admiring beautiful interiors. This month, I’ve gathered a few standout rooms that caught my eye—spaces that exude style, comfort, and personality. Here’s what makes them so special. Favourite Kitchen What I.. Read more

Let me show you how to use Navy Blue and White

Navy blue is the new black.  Many will argue that grey is the new black, however as a long time lover of grey and one who appreciates its suitability to many decorating schemes, I still contend that for many interior projects, Navy is still the current all star.  There is.. Read more

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Favourite rooms in February

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in February to show you, together with why I think these rooms are.. Read more

A Tudor-style beachside home

Set against a breathtaking coastal backdrop, Alisa and Lysandra’s latest project is a true masterpiece – an Airbnb transformation that blends classic charm with modern sophistication. Tasked with revitalising Tudor Charm by the Bay, a Tudor-style beachside home, the design duo has seamlessly merged heritage character with contemporary coastal aesthetics,.. Read more

Favourite rooms in January

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in January to show you, together with why I think these rooms are.. Read more

How to choose the right kitchen splashback

Kitchens sell houses and are also the heart of the home.  Overall this is probably the biggest investment you will make when renovating or building your home.  NO pressure then to get it right! There are many decisions to be made but one that is very important and I find.. Read more

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Favourite rooms in December

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in December to show you, together with why I think these rooms are.. Read more

What to paint stairs and balustrades

There are lots of components to a staircase and therefore it can get tricky understanding and also conveying to your painter, what to paint this area.  I have a list below of the elements that you need to consider with details of what to paint stairs and balustrades. What to.. Read more

Which mattress size is the best for you?

Choosing the right mattress size is a crucial decision that impacts comfort, sleep quality, and even the overall look of your bedroom. With various options available, it can be challenging to determine which size suits your needs best. Factors such as your room’s dimensions, sleeping habits, and budget play significant.. Read more

Favourite rooms in November

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in November to show you, together with why I think these rooms are.. Read more

Coastal dream house from SOUL Home

Tucked away in the picturesque beachside suburb of Cronulla, The ‘Maybe’ Forever home is the true creative vision of Simone Mathews, the founder and interior designer of SOUL Home. A labour of love, this stunning sanctuary combines classic elegance, natural warmth, and resort-inspired relaxation. Designed to provide the perfect balance.. Read more

Favourite rooms in October

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in October to show you, together with why I think these rooms are.. Read more

Alisa and Lysandra’s surprise renovation of Mum’s apartment

Alisa and Lysandra, the design duo famed for their impeccable design talents, have once again delivered a stunning transformation – this time, for someone especially close to their hearts. Their mum’s unit in South Brighton, South Australia, has been completely revamped into a luxurious yet functional space that embodies timeless.. Read more

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How to select a kitchen benchtop

Your kitchen benchtop can often be the single most expensive item for a kitchen renovation and it is therefore really important that you get this choice right, both in terms of practicality for you and your family and in terms of colour and design for the look that you want.. Read more

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Favourite rooms in September

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in September below to show you, together with why I think these rooms.. Read more

Favourite rooms in August

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in August below to show you together with why I think these rooms.. Read more

Monochromatic colour schemes – Black and White

Colour trends come and go.  When we didn’t think anything could take over from our beloved greys, beige has popped back up on the horizon and the warm terracotta tones are featuring everywhere.  It can be difficult to keep up so you should opt for what you like.  However there.. Read more

Favourite rooms in June

I have been looking at modern farmhouse style a lot lately and many of the images that I have found have really jumped out at me as the look is classic, but also modern without some of the harsher edges that you see with contemporary design.  I have realised that.. Read more

Favourite rooms in May

Do you find yourself going through the maze of Pinterest and becoming overwhelmed with the beautiful rooms displayed?  Most people do, so I have been through and looked at some of my favourite rooms that I have found in May and listed them below.  I also tell you why they.. Read more

Favourite rooms in April

Trawling through the internet, as I do most days, I have found some beautiful spaces.  I am sharing these with you as my favourite rooms in April and telling you why I think they work so well. My favourite dining space I do love metal interior doors, and what is.. Read more

Oak and Orange talk flooring and window dressing trends

Whether you’re embarking on a ground-up build or giving your current home a facelift, reimagining our living spaces with innovative design concepts presents an ideal chance to craft environments that are not just visually stunning but also eco-friendly. Sarah Jobse, a visionary behind the design powerhouse Oak & Orange and.. Read more

How to work with a dark colour palette

People tend to either love or hate a dark colour palette.  Those of us who do like them though are often too afraid to use them and the alternative of a light white or neutral scheme just seems an easier option.  Certainly, this can be true but often it isn’t the.. Read more

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How to style your home office

For many of us, working from home is the new normal.  When we used to occasionally work from home due to illness or other commitments, a laptop on the dining room table was adequate, but now we really need a dedicated space, as in many professions, home is now the.. Read more

Parisian Decorating Style – 7 steps to achieve this look

Black, white and grey are perennial favourites in the decorating stakes and the basis for a classic Parisian decorating style.  Sophisticated and elegant, this look, which belongs to the salons of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, is timeless.  The appeal of Parisian style is that if you get.. Read more

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Favourite rooms in March

Here is my round up of my favourite rooms in March.  I have chanced upon some fabulous spaces during my scouring of the internet during the past month. The rooms are all very classic and I will show you what it is that I love about them and felt them.. Read more

How to use shelving in your kitchen design

Years ago, a kitchen always included shelving and then we got all contemporary and kitchens became sleek with everything put away and in its place.  For those of you who don’t like clutter and prefer simple clean lines, this is probably the best design solution for you.  However, even with.. Read more

How to use a dark trim in your home

Traditionally, internal trim and doors are painted in a lighter colour than the walls.  However, you get quite a different look and feel to your house if you paint the internal doors, architraves, skirting boards and any wainscoting in a darker tone.  This is a very effective way of using.. Read more

Favourite rooms in February

I have found so many favourite rooms in my trawling of the internet during February.  As you know, you can get lost in Instagram and Pinterest which takes you off to some wonderful websites and blogs, but you can end up going around in circles as there are so many.. Read more

How to create a dream holiday home

Situated close to the pristine Byron Bay coastline in northern New South Wales, Samudra House is one of three stunning homes, collectively known as ‘The Vela Properties’, which is the latest project in the portfolio of multi-disciplinary design studio, The Designory. Sitting proudly on a quarter-acre corner block of the.. Read more

Styling a Coastal Interior

Coastal style will always be one of the most popular looks in Australia.  Other styles come and go, but this one is enduring.  Styling a coastal interior though needs updating from time to time, so I thought I would write about how to achieve a modern coastal look by simply.. Read more

10 simple ways to improve the look of your home

If you have lived in a home for a long time, chances are that you feel it needs an update.  Often though a huge renovation can be hundreds of thousands of dollars and the thought of this can be overwhelming.  You end up going around in circles and then not.. Read more

Favourite rooms in January

I come across so many rooms that I absolutely love, so I thought that each month I would share some of these with you and let you know why I think they work so well. What I love about this bedroom The different wall treatments make this bedroom interesting, without.. Read more

How to choose the right sofa

A sofa can be amongst the most expensive furniture decisions you will make and you should expect one to last for a decent amount of time.  Styles come and go and our tastes change over the years, so with such a significant investment you need to carefully consider this choice... Read more

Recreating a Redfern terrace house

What happens when you combine a leading architectural firm, a talented interior designer with a client who is a leader himself in the Australian design industry?  Recreating a Redfern terrace house details this amazing collaboration and showcases a truly fabulous renovation.  Read the full story below, together with what I.. Read more

Tonal contrasts in interiors

When you see a simple neutral scheme that you love and would like to replicate, the key is understanding the importance of tonal contrasts in interiors.  You often hear derogatory remarks about the colour beige and how boring it can be.  This is only true if you use lots of.. Read more

Sikata House by The Designory

Sikata House, designed by The Designory team, sits within a quarter acre corner site in Byron Bay’s coveted golden grid, mirroring the sandy warm tones of the surrounding beaches, clifftops and bushlands. Exuding all the hallmarks of the global travel experience, the home is an exploration of the concept of.. Read more

Japandi Style 7 steps to achieve this look

There is a good reason that Japandi style is gaining in popularity, however this is a style with its roots deep in the past.  When Japan opened its borders in the late 19th century, Scandinavian visitors found an affinity with the delicate style and balance of Japanese interiors with their.. Read more

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New homes by Alisa and Lysandra

Renowned interior designers and past winners of The Block, Alisa and Lysandra have wrapped up their latest Design Duo project – building homes side-by-side. Although the pair usually work as a team on their renovation projects, for this project, dubbed a “Twin Off”, each designed and built their own family.. Read more

How high should my bathroom wall tiles be?

Do you remember when it was easy and you either tiled all the way to the ceiling in your bathroom, or if funds were limited, you tiled to 1800mm in the shower cubicle and to 1200mm everywhere else?  Thankfully, design ideas have come a long way and there are now.. Read more

Kitchen Styling – My 5 top tips

Kitchen styling is the fun part of a renovation project.  Let’s face it, renovating a kitchen is a major job.  There is a lot of planning, choices to be made, tradespeople to deal with and the upheaval of making do with a microwave in the living room for far too.. Read more

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How to decorate with brown

Warm and inviting, rich and enveloping are words associated with a classic winter scheme and no colour meets the brief more perfectly than brown.  Solid and reliable, conservative and yet sometimes perceived as boring, brown is without doubt a colour that would be greatly missed by interior decorators who appreciate.. Read more

Why indoor plants are good for your health

Indoor plants are good for your health.  This is a fact and one of many good reasons you should be scooting off to your local garden centre to include these in your home styling. I have a list of reasons why you should introduce these into your home and lots.. Read more

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Open plan vs Individual rooms

When it comes to buying or designing a house, do you prefer open plan spaces or a series of more intimate individual rooms? Both layouts for me have their merits, but I think you have to be very careful when opting for a full open plan solution.  Before getting carried.. Read more

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How to use black for kitchen cabinetry

Have you ever considered black for kitchen cabinetry? It can be a bold decision and one that I think many people would shy away from.  But a black kitchen has many benefits from a design perspective.  Read further to see whether this could be the right choice for your next.. Read more

How to display a statement artwork

Did you know there is an art to hanging an artwork?  How to display a statement artwork I realised is a complete topic in itself.  If you want to make a statement, you really need to do just that and not something that is just halfway there.  Large pieces of.. Read more

Single storey coastal home

Located on the Illawarra coastline in New South Wales’s South Coast, ‘The Bach’ is a single storey coastal home that showcases relaxed living at its best. Transformed from a dark and outdated space to a spectacular coastal holiday home, The Bach effortlessly combines coastal charm and contemporary influences to create.. Read more

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What colour do I paint my cornice?

The cornice is the plaster detail that covers the join between the wall and the ceiling.  It’s an area that isn’t usually paid a lot of attention until you have to select one or decide what you should paint it.  There is a very straight forward answer in terms of.. Read more

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How to choose interior wall panelling

I absolutely love designing interior spaces with wall panelling.  Have you noticed that you can get away with richer tones and more colourful exteriors when you have a weatherboard home?  You can use colours and tones that you just couldn’t get away with on a rendered house.  The secret is.. Read more

7 tips to style a living room

We have all seen the real estate photos where it is clear as day that the property has been professionally styled to sell.  We have also seen living rooms that are nicely painted, which have some decent furniture but absolutely no soul.  What you are aiming to achieve for your.. Read more

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Taylor’s of Berry Guest House

Back in 2016 I wrote a blog post about painting your house black and it has proved very popular.  What started as quite a unique exterior colour palette has evolved into a mainstream trend. Colour, and more importantly the tone of that colour, has the ability, more than any other.. Read more

How to choose a bathroom vanity

It wasn’t so long ago that if you wanted a vanity that was out of the ordinary, you needed to arrange for something that was custom made.  This is still the case if you have an awkward opening or you need something built in wall to wall, but the choice.. Read more

Byron Bay beach house tour

Byron Bay would have to be a leading location when it comes to showcasing Australian coastal style.  Extremely chic, but wonderfully laid back, this coastal town is the ideal holiday destination.  I must say that a Bryon Bay beach house would probably be near the top of many people’s wish.. Read more

Contemporary update to a 1970s home

It is so interesting to see how architects can transform a home, particularly a 1970s project home in the suburbs.  What these houses do offer are usually large blocks with established gardens and trees surrounding them.  I am so glad to be able to show you this update to a.. Read more

Sally Fitzgibbons’ Gerroa beach house

Gerroa is a special place on the south coast of NSW and one that legendary surfer Sally Fitzgibbons calls home.  This house tour is very timely for those who love a simple, pared back coastal style that is easy to live in and at the same time absolutely gorgeous.  In.. Read more

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How to complete a room with sheer curtains

Window dressings, in addition to looking great and finishing a room, are also extremely practical.  One of my favourite choices to dress a window are sheer curtains – curtains that are simple and unlined that you can just see through when the light shines on them.  Sheers can look contemporary.. Read more

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How to choose ceiling fans

Who doesn’t love the gentle whir of a ceiling fan? Along with frogs and cicadas, it is one of the sounds that signifies summer has arrived.  Those days when the roar of the cicadas actually make you feel the heat, is the time to ramp up the overhead fans.  A.. Read more

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How to select the right interior door

I know from working with clients who are building their dream home that often the interior door is one of the last elements that they consider.  However to get the look and feel right for your home, internal doors are one of the most important selections you will make.  Don’t.. Read more

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How to put a gallery wall together

I am going to show you how to put a gallery wall together – one of the most eye catching styling features for a room.  There is nothing worse than a large wall with just one or two small pictures on it.  Without being in a group or with a.. Read more

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Using tan leather in a colour palette

Remember when we used to furnish a living room with a three piece suite?  Those were the days when decorating was easy.  Putting a living room scheme together now often requires a lot more thought.  The outcome though is more interesting and means that you can swap pieces in and.. Read more

My Guide to the Perfect Home Office

We are working from a home office with increased regularity.  Whether avoiding a virus, traffic jams or simply realising that with greater advances in technology, we don’t need to haul into an office in the centre of town every day.  Even if you work from home for one to two.. Read more

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The trend for Mediterranean arches

What do you think of the Mediterranean trend for arches in our homes?  For many, including myself, a house with interior arches usually meant a frantic call to the local plasterer to square off those rounded edges.  I have always loved them in the Mediterranean and have swooned over houses.. Read more

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Renovated 1930s Australian beach house

When you see a renovated 1930s Australian beach house that has been produced by the talented Lucy Glade Wright, founder of Hunting for George, and her husband Jonno, you know that it is going to be a treat.  This house is everything it should be.  Beautifully renovated with a simple.. Read more

How high should a tiled kitchen spashback be?

A tiled kitchen splashback used to be easy.  We picked a height that ran around to the base of our kitchen wall cabinets and stuck on the tiles to this height.  But have you seen lately that designers are coming up with so many alternatives? With different designs of tiles.. Read more

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How to use black accents in interiors

What do you conjure up with the word black?  For me it signifies elegance and sophistication.  I wouldn’t be without a little black dress in my wardrobe and the same is true for me with interiors.  I would generally choose a black lampshade over a white one or a black.. Read more

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How to choose kitchen pendants

Which kitchen pendants should I choose is one of the questions that I am most often asked.  I think that the issue that people have is that there are so many on the market to choose from and a wide range of styles.  Then there is the question of how.. Read more

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Studio living at The Shack

Who wouldn’t love a trendy bolt hole at the end of their garden?  A perfect white studio to use as an office, guest accommodation or even just as a quiet escape.  This story is about studio living at The Shack and if you have the space, I hope that you.. Read more

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What is Campaign Furniture

Have you heard the term Campaign furniture lately and wondered what on earth it is?  Often referred to as exploration furniture, these pieces are becoming integral to many of our much loved styles.  From Plantation and Caribbean style, a Hamptons look and even through to an Industrial vibe.  I have.. Read more

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Hayden and Sara Vale’s South Coast home

Former winners of The Block, Hayden and Sara Vale, have recently completed their latest project – transforming an old South Coast house into a luxury home with a marriage of urban and coastal influences. Southhouse is located just a stone’s throw away from the beach in New South Wales’ Stanwell.. Read more

Kate Walker’s Caribbean style home

One of my favourite styles, and those of my readers, is British Colonial Style.  After time spent living in Asia and many Singapore Slings at Raffles, it is a nostalgic look that I love.  Caribbean style however is much better suited to our lifestyle here in Australia and I was.. Read more

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10 things you must include when planning a Mud Room

Who wouldn’t like to see the back of school bags, shoes, hats and coats cluttering up the entrance hall?  I would hazard a guess that this is pretty much everyone, which is why when you are planning a new house or renovating an existing one you should consider including a.. Read more

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What colour do I paint my skirting boards and architraves?

Skirting boards and architraves are often given the least thought – they are in fact an after-thought but the colour and tone that you use here can make or break your colour scheme.  I have some guidelines and tips to help you to decide the right colour for your look... Read more

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10 things to include in a Laundry Room

I believe there are 10 things to include in a laundry room to ensure that it works effectively.  Let’s face it though, this room is often the last one on your list when it comes to a renovation but if you get this room right then it saves you so.. Read more

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4 Key elements of Contemporary Bohemian Style

Have you come across Contemporary Bohemian Style?  I would hazard a guess that the majority of us have introduced a little bit of Bohemian style into our homes without even realising it.  Remember there are no new ideas, just reinvented ones.  I am happy to say though that these are.. Read more

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Kitchen Range Hood Designs

Do you remember when choosing the design of a range hood for your kitchen was easy?  You basically bought a range hood and stuck it on the wall over the stove top.  Whether it was made of stainless steel or glass, it was proudly on display as part of the.. Read more

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Shelley Craft’s Byron Bay Beach House

This house tour of Shelley Craft’s Byron Bay Beach house is a real treat.  Forget the classic white coastal look, this is an altogether different proposition which is refreshing and fun but very tasteful.  I love this home as I am a fan of lovely warm tones.  I would love.. Read more

How to use a strong feature colour

All white interiors are certainly popular, but I am hearing more and more from clients that they would like to introduce some colour.   In fact, they are craving some more colour but are completely unsure of how to achieve this without compromising the look of their home.  Using a strong.. Read more

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Trend report – Grey and Oak Interiors

I am a big fan of Scandi style and one of the trends that has come from this look is the partnership of pale grey and oak in interiors.  Do you love this look?  I do, and I think that it also suits other styles too.  These two colours can.. Read more

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How to use the colour Sage Green

Have you noticed the recent love affair with green in the world of interiors?  Green, in general, is making a comeback, but Sage Green is really causing a stir and fast becoming many people’s new favourite colour.  I am thrilled as green is my favourite colour and I also love.. Read more

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How to choose canopy beds

Five years ago I would have only associated Canopy Beds with historical movies.  The realms of Queen Elizabeth 1st or Anne Boleyn seemed more appropriate then than a modern day bedroom but how things have changed.  The canopy bed is now quite a common piece of bedroom furniture which I.. Read more

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A contemporary Hamptons farmhouse

Situated in the sprawling rural community of Tallai, on the outer edge of the Gold Coast, lies a home with a unique take on the luxurious contemporary Hamptons farmhouse style and the timeless comfort of the Australian Country aesthetic. Fontaine, by Australia’s Metricon Homes, is an acreage design spanning 600m2.. Read more

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My Guide to Contemporary Timber Kitchens

Both beautiful and sustainable, natural timber is one of the best ways to introduce warmth and personality into an interior scheme, which is one of the main reasons that timber kitchens are enjoying a well deserved revival.  While we don’t see full solid timber kitchens in design much anymore, there.. Read more

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How to use a Nude Colour Palette

How does everyone feel about the warm colours, whites and neutrals that are gaining in popularity?  I love warmer tones as they are comforting and gentle on the eye.  However, I know some people are mystified that terracotta has made a comeback and that blush and apricot tones are now.. Read more

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My 10 favourite media nooks

The great debate about whether technology has simplified our life goes on but in terms of decorating, whether we like it or not, we now need to consider a dedicated area in our homes to handle all of our media.  Hence many kitchens, studies or living areas are being designed.. Read more

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How to style with baskets

I can’t think of a time when the humble basket has not been integral to everyday home life.  As we gravitate to organic shapes and styles more and particularly appreciate handmade products, the basket has come to centre stage in the home styling stakes so I am going to show.. Read more

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How to choose an upholstered bedhead

I am a huge fan of an upholstered bedhead as I feel that bedrooms, as places of sanctuary, should be cosy, soft and inviting.  A beautifully finished bedhead makes a colour and sometimes a major design statement, is tactile and really nice to rest upon after a long day.  I.. Read more

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How to create a classic white kitchen

Designers are always writing about trends but it is great to have a design element in the home that is a classic and a white kitchen is truly one of these.  Whether contemporary or traditional in style, a white kitchen is timeless.  I love to introduce colour into kitchens and.. Read more

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How to renovate for profit

The value of renovation projects across the country has increased by 7% to $748 million, the highest level recorded since April 2016, as homeowners take advantage of recent favourable market conditions and realise renovations dreamed up during lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns.  If this is you, then I have some inspiration of.. Read more

Let me show you how to use Yellow

Yellow is the happy colour of the spectrum.  Uplifting and bright, this colour evokes images of beautiful sunflowers, bobbing heads turned towards the sun and brings warmth to all it touches.  Good news for those of you who profess to love yellow as it is purported that this beautiful bright colour is.. Read more

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Inside a Modern Scandi Conversion

Scandi style has been embraced around the world as it is a style that is underpinned by good quality design and the premise that less is more.  Simplicity is important with this style, with each piece in an interior being carefully curated to provide a look that is timeless.  No.. Read more

My top 7 tips for a Classic Coastal Scheme

Have you noticed that interiors are very neutral now? I’m sure there is no way that you couldn’t have done.  White and Grey are the neutrals of the moment and of course they are very stylish.  Scroll through Pinterest and you will see that so many coastal schemes are also.. Read more

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7 Tips for a Neutral Beachside Scheme

One of my favourite coastal looks is a neutral beachside scheme.  We are so conditioned to associate coastal style with the colour blue that we often don’t consider using anything else for this look.   Although blue is a favourite colour for the majority of us, in fact Pantone say 70%, we may.. Read more

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Nat Wheeler’s 1920s Californian Bungalow renovation

Do you love Scandi style?  The decorating mantra of light, white, texture, beautiful muted grey colours, natural finishes and simplicity.  Where can you go wrong with that?  The team behind the successful Melbourne based Scandinavian Interiors store Norsu Interiors have lots to tell you and tempt you with if you.. Read more

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7 Tips for the Perfect Welcoming Hallway

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  What do you think of this old adage?  I believe that it is absolutely true, whether we are talking about people or houses.  That first impression really does count and is particularly important if you are in the process.. Read more

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How to decorate with Mustard

I doubt that any of us would ever say that Mustard is a favourite colour.  In fact I always remember Tricia Guild, the founder of Designer’s Guild and a lover of colour, professing Mustard to be one of the few tones she disliked! I must agree that Mustard can be.. Read more

US Hamptons style compared with Australian Hamptons

At home on the East Coast of America, the upmarket, but very understated Hamptons style has swept the globe.  It seems that every second house that I work on is based on this classic style.  Whether it is the delicate colour palette of soft blues, greens and greys or the.. Read more

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Australian beach house tour

There is something quintessential about Australian Coastal style that sets it apart from similar looks around the world.  An Australian beach house is a long held dream for many of us, somewhere to retreat to, or if lucky enough to live in full time. Australian beach houses need to be.. Read more

How to choose windows

Choosing the right style and colour for your windows is one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to planning and building a new home or renovation project. With so much at stake, let me show you how to choose windows and ensure you get the.. Read more

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Decorating with the new beige

Did you know that beige is back in fashion?  That non-colour that everyone derides as being boring is on-trend.  So much so that Dulux UK announced this week that their colour of the year for 2021 is Brave Ground. According to Dulux UK, this earthy beige hue connects us to.. Read more

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My Guide to the Perfect Dining Room

I love my dining room.  It is lined with bookshelves and music and I love entertaining there.  I also just like to go in and sit at the dining table. It’s in the cooler part of the house, so sometimes in the summer I just camp there with my laptop.. Read more

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Surf shack to stylish Byron Beach house

How many of us don’t dream of having a gorgeous little beach house to escape to?  Somewhere that offers a completely different environment to our regular day to day abode.  I certainly do and what appeals to me the most is that rather than a sensible home in neutrals and.. Read more

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The Secrets to Modern Scandinavian Barn Style

In the global world of design, the hot trend of the moment has to be Scandi Style.  Whether it’s our love of the Scandinavian mid century classic designs of the Modernist movement or the Danish passion for Hygge, we can’t seem to get enough of it.  While this has been.. Read more

Hamptons style in Queensland

The Hamptons style is becoming increasingly popular for homes nationwide, particularly as it suits the Australian climate. Nowhere is it more at home than in Queensland, as the majority of the population lives on the coast.  The Hamptons look is reminiscent of the style of traditional Queensland homes, making it.. Read more

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Australian Coastal meets Mediterranean villa

Expert renovators Kyal and Kara Demmrich have wrapped up their latest project – a three-bedroom family home and studio just metres from Blue Lagoon beach on the Central Coast of NSW. Drawing inspiration from a Frangipani tree in the front yard of a small fibro cottage, the couple were able.. Read more

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How to define your decorating style

Do you get confused by which style of decorating you like?  You can certainly be forgiven as there are so many styles around, many of them gorgeous and also many of them overlapping.  It can be difficult to define exactly what it is that you really like and why and.. Read more

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Black bathrooms – how to successfuly pull this off

Have you noticed the trend for black bathrooms?  These have been popular for a little while now, but I am seeing more and more elements of this colour being incorporated in lots of different ways. It certainly doesn’t seem like a passing fancy.  If you love this trend but are.. Read more

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The Rattan Trend – how to incorporate it into your home

Have you noticed the Rattan Trend gaining hold in interior decorating?  It seems that whichever style you look at, from British Colonial through to Coastal, Bohemian, Retro or Scandi, the Rattan Trend is firmly entrenched.  I have always been a fan of furniture in rattan as I like the casual.. Read more

8 Comments

How to choose kitchen door handles

Your choice of kitchen door handles can have the greatest impact on the overall look of your new kitchen but this is often a crucial detail that is overlooked and then becomes a last minute choice.  Let me take you through some ideas and show you how much a difference.. Read more

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How to choose Engineered Oak Floorboards

Engineered oak floorboards are now firmly entrenched in the range of flooring options available.   As a designer, I regularly specify engineered oak flooring due to its superior aesthetic quality.  It is a preference for many of my clients, both in terms of functionality and style. The options though can be.. Read more

Doors for a Hamptons Style

With any style, it is often the design elements that you don’t always consider first that can either really enhance and finish the look or mean that you don’t quite achieve it properly.  The much loved Hamptons Style is no exception.  While we may adapt it to suit our own.. Read more

5 Comments

Have you considered green for your kitchen cabinetry?

I am a big fan of green and it has made my heart sing to see the trend growing stronger for green kitchens.  In fact, I’m wondering whether green is the new navy blue.  I swoon over most kitchens with colour, although my own one is white!  But I can.. Read more

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How to design the perfect window seat

A window seat ticks the boxes for aesthetics, practicality and a great use of space.  They provide additional seating where space is at a premium, they can provide good storage solutions and are the perfect place to curl up with a good book. Let me show you what to consider.. Read more

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Australian Hamptons Style

From its origins on the East Coast of America, the Hamptons Style has swept the globe and has become firmly entrenched in Australian design.  As with any popular trend, the Australians, with our love of design, decorating and renovating, have put our own stamp on the look.  It’s really interesting.. Read more

How to Hygge in your home

You may have seen the recent hype about Hygge and wondered what on earth it was all about.  I thought the same last year and decided I needed to become informed and bought myself The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.  I sat down and read the book in.. Read more

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How to choose colours for a Nursery

The arrival of a new baby is a much anticipated event, particularly if it is the first one!  Planning and decorating a nursery therefore can be one of the happiest times for a family.  You want the room to be right for the newborn but also a place of refuge.. Read more

Coastal Boho Style – 7 steps to achieve this look

When I think of Coastal Boho Style, I think about people who are relaxed and interesting individuals with a story to tell.  People who take care of themselves, exercise each morning, care about nutrition and their environment.  They like pretty things, hence the gorgeous flowing dresses and tops that you.. Read more

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Hamptons Style – 7 steps to achieve this look

At home on the East Coast of America, the upmarket, but very understated Hamptons style has swept the globe.  It seems that every second house that I work on is based on this classic style.  Whether it is the delicate colour palette of soft blues, greens and greys or the.. Read more

18 Comments

Contemporary Autumn Colour Schemes

Grey and white is here to stay, at least for a while, but this doesn’t mean that your home colour scheme has to be developed around all crisp and cool colours.  Greys and whites can be warm and when partnered with some on-trend terracotta tones, with touches of sociable orange,.. Read more

How to choose the right showerscreen

Bathroom renovations are not straight forward for a number of reasons, one being the wide range of inclusions to decide upon.  Often overlooked, but integral to the design of the bathroom, is the choice of showerscreen.  I’m going to show you how to choose the right showerscreen for your new.. Read more

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How to upscale and improve your existing home

There is no doubt that we Australians love to renovate.  Rather than move, we prefer to upscale and improve our existing homes.  Growing up in England, for me the focus was more on decorating your home.  With so many older style houses and smaller blocks, the emphasis was just on.. Read more

Bathroom Styling – My 5 top tips

Renovating a bathroom is expensive and the old adage that bathrooms and kitchens sell houses is very true.  For these reasons I always recommend keeping a bathroom renovation simple.  Good quality, but classic and timeless, so that you don’t tire of it but it will last the distance. You may.. Read more

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Why you should be decorating with warm neutrals

Decorating a home can be a time consuming and expensive undertaking so I often recommend that clients turn to the classic warm neutrals when looking for a foundation to their scheme.  This creates a welcoming and timeless home that can be partnered with many other colours.  Decorating with warm neutrals.. Read more

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How to select the right rug

I think that one of my favourite accessories to complete an interior scheme is the humble floor rug.  I have been in too many houses with large expanses of flooring – timber, stone or tiles – that are crying out for this simple finishing touch.  Even the simplest of rugs.. Read more

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Designing a holiday home between the beach and bush

The appeal of Australian coastal towns is that they are usually set to a backdrop of lush hinterland thus offering their lucky residents the best of both worlds.  Designing a holiday home between the beach and the bush offers a particular set of challenges though. For Melissa Bonney, Director at.. Read more

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Which paint finish should I use?

Which paint finish should I use is a question I am regularly asked.  As part of specifying I always advise clients, but it isn’t always that straight forward and personal choice is important too. Firstly before I get into specifics or even think about styles, these are the main points.. Read more

21 Comments

Don’t design your curtains without this ONE thing

I love adding the finishing touches to a room.  All the big ticket items have been decided and it’s time to add your styling to complete the look.  Windows that are properly dressed make a room complete.  Elegant curtains finish a room perfectly and they are so practical too, keeping.. Read more

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Tropical Style – 7 steps to achieve this look

A new fresh contemporary Tropical Style is currently on trend.  Related to the more traditional British Colonial Style, this modern version is fresher and more akin to a breezy coastal look.  If you love open plan living, open windows to catch the breeze, fresh clean white with injections of some.. Read more

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Stylish White Bedroom Schemes

Stylish white bedroom schemes are always a classic.  The simplicity of the colour white makes this the perfect choice to use in this all important room. Calm and serene, white is a gentle colour to relax in and therefore perfect for this space.  Even if you have a neutral or.. Read more

2 Comments

What colour do I paint my ceiling?

Walk into a paint store and prominent at the front will be huge displays of discounted flat ceiling white paint, so you may be asking why would I need to consider what colour to paint my ceiling?  This is valid as there is nothing terribly wrong with ceiling white paint.. Read more

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What is Greige? Find out how to use it in your home

I am often asked, what is Greige and why all the fuss about it? Quite simply, Greige is a combination of beige and grey.  I love it and find it is one of the colours that I specify the most.  Find out why I like it and how to use.. Read more

18 Comments

How to choose cushions

If you love to decorate you will really appreciate how important finishing touches are.  The clutch bag and necklace for the little black dress or the ideal leather belt for your jeans – you couldn’t do without them.  Cushions on a chair or sofa are the fashion accessories that you.. Read more

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My Guide to French Provincial Style

Our recent love affair with the Hamptons has overshadowed some other styles that are also timeless classics.  The Hamptons look is absolutely gorgeous and a favourite of mine but it’s good to sometimes look around the world and remind ourselves of some of the other enduring decorating styles and consider.. Read more

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My Guide to Country Style

Country Style covers a wide range of looks and will vary greatly depending upon which country you are in so this guide is to show you how to get the general look and feel.  Later I will be writing in more detail about the different types of country style as.. Read more

5 Comments

Don’t design your kitchen without this ONE thing

There are so many things that are important when you design your kitchen but there is one item that will really save you space and keep you organised. It won’t give you the WOW factor nor the beauty of a gorgeous marble benchtop.  Your friends won’t be swooning over your.. Read more

2 Comments

Painting bricks white

Painting bricks white is one of the easiest and most effective ways to update an interior scheme.  Bricks are certainly back in fashion and you only need to look at a trendy TV show to see a wall of bricks somewhere in a gorgeous loft apartment or warehouse development.  However,.. Read more

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What colour do I paint my internal doors?

What colour do I paint my internal doors is a question that I am frequently asked.  I can’t give a definitive answer though as it will depend on a number of factors but I do have some ideas to show you here to help you make the right choice for.. Read more

63 Comments

How to decorate with pastels

Have you noticed that beautiful soft pastel tones are back on trend?  In fact, even though so many interiors and exteriors are white at the moment, colour in general is also getting more popular.  Which I must say I am very happy about.  People tend to be a bit frightened.. Read more

2 Comments

Classic Boho home accessories you can’t do without

Bohemian style in all its beautiful laid back hippie glory is sweeping the globe.  Whether you are in chic San Francisco, trendy London or on the coast of New South Wales, this gorgeous, patterned and exotic look is everywhere.  I have identified the classic Boho home accessories that you should.. Read more

2 Comments

Styling with Books

I love to read and central to my own home, and something that I try to include in a decorating scheme, are cosy nooks to curl up with a book and shady parts of the garden to lose yourself in.  The benefit of enjoying books of course is that unlike.. Read more

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Let me show you how to use a Natural colour palette

The modern day buzzwords of eco sustainability are now firmly entrenched in day to day living and designers are often asked to create designs which integrate well with the natural environment.  When considering the environment it is the colour green which you often turn to, however other neutrals which are completely.. Read more

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What should you paint on the inside of your front door?

I am regularly asked about how you should treat the inside of your front door.  I have talked a lot about making an entrance, exterior colours and fun front door colours which is all very grand and exciting but then people panic and feel that this impacts their interior scheme. .. Read more

80 Comments

Styling with Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus, native to our beautiful Australia, has to be my favourite indoor greenery.  The subtle silvery green/grey tones are so stylish and the crisp, fresh menthol smell is cleansing.  I have some inspiration to show you how you can introduce this into your home. Just one sprig of Eucalyptus in.. Read more

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Let me show you how to use Beautiful Duck Egg Blue

Look at a colour wheel and you will find teetering on the edge of blue and almost meeting green, the colour Duck Egg Blue, often also referred to as Robin’s Nest Blue.  Generally accepted to be in the blue family, when looked at closely, many will perceive this colour as.. Read more

150 Comments

5 key elements of Scandi Style

In the global world of interiors, the hot trend of the moment has to be Scandi Style.  Whether we are talking about country style Gustavian interiors from Sweden, the Scandinavian mid century classic designs of the Modernist movement or the Danish passion for Hygge, we can’t seem to get enough of it... Read more

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My Guide to Moroccan Style

Beautifully evocative, Moroccan style is simply stunning.  The richness of the colours, the classic lines of the architecture and the exotic furniture designs make this one of the most interesting of all the global decorating styles.  Difficult to replicate in its entirety, there are nonetheless many features from this look.. Read more

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Australian Coastal Style – 7 steps to achieve this look

There is something quintessentially wonderful about Australian Coastal Style that is difficult to replicate anywhere else in the world.  Perhaps it has something to do with the laid back persona of the Aussies or just the magnificence of the natural beauty of the coastal regions with their gorgeous sandy beaches.. Read more

73 Comments

How to choose table lamps

Table lamps are the perfect accessory tool when finishing a room as they are practical but can be very beautiful and a statement piece in the scheme.  The way that we feel when we walk into a room is often governed by how well it has been lit.  Lighting a.. Read more

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Have you considered using blue for your kitchen cabinetry?

For those of you who love classic style decorating, you should really consider incorporating blue kitchen cabinetry into your next kitchen scheme.  Whether you like a farmhouse look, an upmarket Hamptons style or a classic English scheme, using just white on its own, although lovely, can sometimes leave you wanting. .. Read more

74 Comments

How to choose the right black

Styles come and go, as do colour schemes, but simple and elegant black endures.  Chanel’s little black dress is the epitome of elegance and style, a look that has survived the years.  Most famously worn by Audrey Hepburn and emulated by women for decades.  This classic neutral is also a great colour for.. Read more

21 Comments

How to choose the right upholstery fabric

Investing in a sofa or occasional chair for your home can be a costly exercise so it pays to understand a little about upholstery fabric before you hit the shops.   A sofa, in particular, is a piece of furniture that you need to last for a long time and you.. Read more

26 Comments

5 Quick and Easy Ways to Update a Tired Bathroom

Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses but unfortunately they are also the most expensive areas to remodel.  Sometimes though a bathroom can be fundamentally OK.  The tiles may not be exactly as you would choose if you were starting from scratch, but everything works and is still pretty modern, or at.. Read more

5 Comments

5 tips to create a calm bedroom environment

I love my bedroom!  I find that if I have a good night’s sleep then I can achieve anything – well almost anything – the next day.  Sleep however can sometimes be elusive, for lots of reasons, but I believe it is a good idea to at least start with.. Read more

7 Comments

What’s on your bedside table?

If your house is anything like mine, then family members will always find something to put onto a clean surface! Most frustrating, but a fact of life, and this is where interior styling is not just about making things look pretty, in many cases a simple vignette actually provides a.. Read more

5 mistakes to avoid when selecting white

Do you want to know the mistakes to avoid when selecting white?  This is the question I am asked the most, either through this blog, or when I am working with clients – ‘which white should I use?’  Decorating with white colour palettes is very popular for all styles, whichever.. Read more

50 Comments

Let me show you how to use Terracotta

Trend setters in paint companies are starting to talk about Terracotta again.  A much maligned colour for years, people denounced terracotta for being related to the colour schemes of the 80s and 90s.  It has been seen to hold no place amongst the smart neutrals and cutting edge blacks, whites.. Read more

12 Comments

British Colonial Style – 7 steps to achieve this look

British Colonial Style is a favourite of mine as it is a reminder of a gentler age, without technology, where you are invited to sit in a comfy chair and while away the afternoon.  Read further to see how it is related to current decorating styles and find out my.. Read more

88 Comments

A coastal style vignette

Everyone is talking about vignettes and it is no wonder as they are a stylists dream.  A bare coffee table, once home to a couple of magazines, is now finished with beautiful vignettes to add interesting layers to the design.  A hallway console table that was a dumping ground for.. Read more

How to find the Right White

Almost daily, I am asked ‘How to choose the right white paint’.  In terms of paint selection it is definitely the current question of the moment and I know is one that you will be struggling with. Serene, calm and crisp are just some of the many adjectives that you.. Read more

614 Comments