Herbs are sun loving little wonders. Most herbs need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Before you venture into the unknown, get yourself set up with some quality soil (one that has good drainage), pots or large garden beds and seeds or already sprouted herbs (if seeds are too adventurous just yet). It sounds simple, but without the basics, you are setting yourself up for disaster, so take note to make sure you don’t make last year’s mistakes.

The next thing to do is to decide where to put them and what exactly to put them in, but don’t worry, we have you covered!

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

You don’t have to spend hours finding the ‘perfect’ pots for your little herb garden. Save time and money by using old glasses, mugs and teapots to give new life to your old drinkware. Using mismatched pots can give a unique effect to your herb shelf. Try gathering mugs with different patterns and colours to make them stand out, or stick to one colour scheme to give the garden a more structured look. The plus side to using mugs and bowls is that they can withstand the weather, so they are perfect for indoor or can be used to improve your outdoor design.

TIP! Herbs flourish best in smaller pots. Mugs and pots with a diameter of 10 inches is ideal.

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2. Send them up the wall!

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Vertical gardens remain on trend – being both functional and beautiful. Try using recycled curtain rods and hook planters onto them, or on a larger scale check out these showstopping walls from Vertical Gardens Australia. When hanging vertically, you can replace the traditional vase with just about anything, from plastic bottles to mason jars. Herb garden ideas include utilising old wooden palettes to transform them into a herb garden frame! For a cheap yet rustic and stylish option, create a pallet herb garden by hanging them up, enclosing the bottom edges to create a box to plant in. Mix it up by planting flowers and other small plants along side your herbs.

TIP! When hanging herbs vertically, it is best to hang them outside as herbs require drainage.

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3. Just hangin’

Tie in with a coastal theme by hoisting your herbs up in a macrame planter. You don’t have to dig deep into the pockets for this one, as you can easily create a personalised macrame planter yourself. All you need is some rope, a rod of some sort (timber or metal) and a small pot, then simply follow a step-by-step guide such as Likely by seas DIY guide. Also try incorporating different coloured rope to match the theme of your house or outside area. These hangers can also be directly hung from the roof, using a ring at the top instead of a rod. Hanging them inside by a window will ensure they get enough sunlight. If you need help with your outdoor theme and design, Designbx offers affordable packages to give you a head start.

TIP! Don’t over water your herbs. They will only need watering when the top of the soil is dry, otherwise you risk rotting of the soil underneath.

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4. One pot wonder

Whether it be a large ornate garden pot, old ceramic cauldon or box planter, keeping your herbs in one spot makes watering easier and adds different textures to the one look. Herbs such as Basil, Rosemary and Mint can become quite large when they are thriving in the right conditions, so when planting them together, consider the size of each plant when they are fully grown. If you are going to grow herbs, you are going to need something to put the herbs on, so why not start a small vegetable garden at the same time. Large timber planter boxes are on trend, meaning you can get the best of both worlds. Split the planter down the middle and make one half vegetables and the other half herbs. Dinner is all in one place!

TIP! If they grow out of control you can always replant the herbs by splitting the soil vertically down the middle.

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5. Say goodbye to watering

Are you a culprit of starving your herbs? If you are the type of person to forget to water your herbs regularly (let’s be honest we all do it), then planting roots straight into water may be ideal for you. Grab some mason jars and fill them with spring water. Then all you need is a 6 inch trimming (removing bottom leaves) and submerge the root into water and let them grow. Herbs can stay in the water all year round, without any maintenance. Herbs such as Peppermint, Spearmint, Oregano, Basil, Sage, Stevia, Lemon Balm and Thyme grow best in water.

TIP! Roots tend to grow away from sunlight, so make the bottom half of the jar darker, to avoid you herbs growing lop sided.

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6. Sunken garden

Bring out the power tools and try your hand at custom creating a centrepiece for your dining table. Bring life to the old family dinner table by laying in large, sturdy containers to give it a modern and enviable re-vamp. This allows dinner guests to add their own garnishes! You can also try this technique with outdoor tables so herbs get maximum sun.

TIP! Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the soil so water can drain through and does not rot the herb roots.

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7. Topsy turvy

Make a statement piece for your kitchen and dining area by investing in some Sky Planters. By adding other foliage and greenery, this creates a wow-factor to otherwise average pot plants. This design utilises a locking disk and reservoir system that preserves water and keeps the soil in place. On the flip side, it saves floor space and you can easily access your herbs whilst adding a twist to traditional home interior styles.

TIP! When pruning herbs, take an even amount of both fresh and mature leaves and take leaves from a variety of places, not just the top.

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8. Glass jars

Wash out glass jars and canisters to create a cute DIY flowerpot. These can be used to also store herbs once dried! Glass jars can be placed in baskets to create a mobile herb garden, so you can chase the sun around the house, to keep your herbs happy. If your glass jars are nothing special then spice them up with some ribbon, twine and/or lace.

TIP! Make sure to label your jars as it can become confusing when herbs are planted all the same way.

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9. Sittin’ pretty

Utilise old book shelves and ladders for the perfect pot holder. These can be used for small spaces on balconies, porches or even in the dining room next to a large window to maximise vertical space. Shelves can also be used for a variety of small succulents and flowers to add colour. Place the shelves in a sunny area or by a window inside. Here’s another place where timber palettes come in. Stand the palette on its side, build in a few shelves and throw on a fresh coat of paint.

TIP! Place a gauze or mesh behind the shelves so herbs that like to wonder, can grow up the mesh instead of tangling themselves around other plants.

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For affordable help with redesigning your outdoor area to incorporate herb garden ideas such as a pallet herb garden, try interior design online. It’s the best way to transform your area from drab to fab!

The post Nine happy herb garden ideas appeared first on Designbx.

It’s called Glamping (of course) and now that Aussies are being swept up by the interior design revolution, it’s time to extend that style to mobile homes. We’re about to make our campers so cool, the teenagers will be begging to hit the road this summer. They may even forget to bring their phones and game consoles (okay, maybe that’s a bit unrealistic).

Let’s check out some camper tips that will make grey-stubbled jaws drop when you roll into your favourite beachside trailer park this summer.

1. Cosy seating and lush Manchester

Let’s not get too literal about this whole ‘camping’ thing. Glamping requires a whole new mindset. First we’re laying down a tarp, so our ridiculously huge picnic rug won’t get wet. Our outdoor area will have all the comforts of home during its evening mode, thanks to beanbags and blow-up couches. Your trailer park neighbours will be sitting on their fold-up canvas chairs, green with envy as you inflate your luxurious plastic lounge.

When it comes time to bed down for the evening, we’re doing it in style. We’re basically bringing everything from the bedroom with us, except the furniture. Instead of sleeping bags, let’s cover our rug with throw blankets and cushions, and snuggle up in our favourite dooners. The great thing about our tarp and rug set-up is how easy they are to sweep and clean in the morning.

2. Find two trees and get into the swing of camping

We’re talking about hammocks. Hammocks are an intriguing invention because you might wonder what all the fuss is about…until you try it for the first time. Yes, it may be a little difficult to mount your first hammock, but it’s a lot harder to escape. That’s because they’re so relaxing, you never want to move again, except for the gentle swaying motion that makes you regress to early childhood.

For a cheaper option you can get a tarp from your local Bunnings, but hammocks aren’t expensive. And the great thing about this mobile form of furniture, which just happens to be the most relaxing thing on the planet, is that you simply unhook it and roll it up into the size of a yoga mat. Easy to store and hang up at your next location. If you’ve never hammocked before, nothing could possibly come more highly recommended.

3. Entertainment – Glamping-style

Glamping modernises the camping experience, so I’m afraid fans of eye-spy and Kumbaya singalongs around the camp fire may be disappointed. Just because we’re in the bush doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. We’re bringing speakers, a laptop, a white drop-sheet and a projector. It’s time to set up an outdoor cinema under the stars.

Surprisingly, Australia’s natural wildlife seldom gets to see Hollywood blockbusters, so think of it as giving a little back to nature. Just make sure your laptop is loaded with plenty of choices for the whole family, and don’t forget your charger or there will be tears.

4. Make it rain!

We Glampers like to be surrounded by nature but we have to draw the line somewhere. For instance, we don’t do insects. It’s simply unacceptable to be bitten by mosquitos. We also make sure we’re maintaining an urban level of hygiene, so those communal bathrooms? Na-uh. That’s not happening.

We’ll be investing in an ensuite tent and a cheap shower. Think of it as a slightly scaled-down version of your actual home. We’ll even be bringing solar-powered garden lights to make sure we can easily navigate between the tent and shower. Just because we’re outdoors doesn’t mean we’re ‘roughing it’.

5. Wine and dine, not whine and dine

We’re bringing most of the kitchen with us, including pre-cooked meals. That’s why a good camping fridge/freezer is essential. While our camping neighbours are staring disconsolately at a scorched marshmallow hanging from the end of a twig, or shovelling baked beans from metal bowl, we’ll be enjoying a fine roast, perhaps with a smooth, sweet Merlot. Wine-not?

There are a whole range of amazing portable ovens and of course, the trusty gas stove tops which give you the freedom to show off your culinary skills. There’s not much you can’t do with two hot plates, some veal, maybe a few truffles…okay we’ve gone too far.

When it comes to the dining setting, bring along a couple of citronella plants. Not only do they add a lovely homey feel, but it’s also the closest thing to kryptonite for mosquitos.

The key to effective Glamping

Glamping isn’t just about avoiding nature while being surrounded by it; it’s also about styling your camper van. This summer we expect to see a bit of creativity out there on the road. We’re looking forward to Scandi-vans, Art-deco-trailers, Boho RVs and Luxe tents. Bring a little flair and style to the highways and bushlands this summer. Join the Glamper revolution.

Inspiring van and caravan conversions:

1. Retro

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2. Scandi

3. Mountain wood

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4. Nautical

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5. Bohemian

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The post Top tips to get Glamping! appeared first on Designbx.

1. Kitchen designs

Bring your kitchen to life with pastel pink appliances. They make a subtle statement while sticking to a modern theme. Smeg coloured fridges are a popular trend and they come in a beautiful pastel pink. You can also complement this with a pink toaster or kettle or even utensils. As for the kitchen table, pink placemats go perfectly with white, timber or glass tables.

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2. Living room designs

Make a statement in your living room, with a pastel pink feature sofa. Pink seating may seem like something you would put in your 5 year old’s room, but you would be surprised by just how popular they are these days. They can be easily styled in a neutral coloured room and blend well with cool greys. Add little dabs of pink around the room such as a rug, cushions or rose gold accessories and you have yourself a grown up version of a princess wonderland. 

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3. Bedroom designs

If you really don’t know where to start adding pink into your bedroom design, the easiest place is the bed covers. A plain pastel pink will match just about any style, but if you’re feeling more adventurous check out Designbx’s pink bedhead. Match this with marble, grey, white or light timber coloured furniture and accessories. If you are looking for for master bedroom decorating ideas, armchairs are in vogue. Don’t forget the lighting! Try rose gold, white or pink lamps or shades and take a look at Designbx’s Copper and Blush lamp or Pink pendant shade. As for accessories, try pictures and wall hangings that incorporate pinks or add some life into the room with a vase of flowers.

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For interior decorating that’s a bit more quirky and personalised, try pink neon lights to hang on your wall. 

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4. Study designs

The study is a place where you want to feel comfortable, inspired and productive. Interior design can have a big impact on how we feel, but by adding pink furnishings into your study area, it helps to create a welcoming cosy environment. Pink wallpapers create a great backdrop for a desk and can be styled with black, marble and rose gold. Light timber desks are also trending and can be coupled with pink and marble accessories such as a real (or fake) vase of flowers.. For the more courageous designer, try pink curtain drapes around the window.

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To support Breast Cancer, Designbx are pledging to donate $50 per PINK item purchased from our Shop the Look range of products to Cancer Council during the month of October.  If you still want to make a difference, but don’t want to bring pink into your home, you can donate directly. Remember every bit counts!

The post Make your living space blush! Think Pink! appeared first on Designbx.

Renovating can quickly and easily become an extremely expensive task. Fittings, fixtures, sinks, vanities, stovetops, bathtubs, tradespeople and those sneaky unforeseen costs. It all adds up and before you know it your budget can be blown out of the water! But you needn’t worry if you don’t have the budget for a full kitchen or bathroom renovation with these 5 simple ways to refresh your space with the costly renovation bill.

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1. Update your bathroom taps and accessories. Cost effective and a quick fix, updating tired or old school tapware and accessories can instantly bring a bathroom into 21st century design. Going for simple on trend chrome, brushed nickel or black tapware will instantly give your bathroom new lease on life.
   

2. Lighting in your bathroom or kitchen should never be underestimated, both for practicality and keeping your space looking beautiful. Changing old fluorescent lighting or improving poorly lit spaces with downlights and well placed pendants can make your space feel new again.
   

3. Do you have a retro or dark glass shower screen? An instant giveaway of a bathroom’s age can often be the shower screen. A 70’s or 80’s bathroom shower screen with thick, coloured glass and door hardware can really close in a space. By simply replacing this with a cost effective semi-frameless shower screen, you will open up your space and a achieve a quick reno on a shoestring budget.
   

4. A new sink and tap in your kitchen is a quick and cost effective way to update the most used area in your home. Modern looking sinks and taps can instantly add value to your kitchen and make it feel loved and recently renovated.
   

5. Replacing your benchtop with modern laminate can instantly brighten up a kitchen, adding value for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. Modern laminate has comparable heat and scratch resistance to stone and many finishes mimic the natural textures of more expensive materials, making it the perfect choice. Depending on your current door hardware, updating your handles could also tie in quite nicely with a new benchtop, without the need to replace cabinets.

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If you are looking to fully renovate your wet space you can always talk to Designbx for a professional and high quality interior design solution!

The post 5 Ways to Update Your Kitchen and Bathroom Without Renovating appeared first on Designbx.

With an almost endless amount of options, renovating can be a daunting task. It can be especially tricky to know what you should be investing in and where you can save some dollars. To help you avoid some sleepless nights going over all the figures and options in your head, we’ve put together our top tips on where to save and where to splurge when renovating.

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• Laminate bench tops can be a third of the cost of a stone bench top and still boast heat and scratch resistance plus come in a range of beautiful finishes that often mimic a stone look. 

• You can save on benchtops by splurging on a wood or stone island to contrast the laminate bench in the rest of the kitchen.
  

• Invest in timeless, quality fittings, not just the cheapest available, as you want all your hard work to stand the test of time. Repairs and trade call-backs can get expensive.
  

• Look for energy efficient LED lighting options for your bathroom or kitchen as this will save you money long term.
  

• Don’t move existing plumbing or electrical fittings. Often it is changes to plumbing and electrical work behind walls that add complexity and cost to your renovation. On the flip side, a perfect layout adds value to your home, so if it absolutely needs to move, then move it!
  

• Opt for large format tiles. With large tiles there is less grout to keep clean making them the cleaner’s choice. They are also easier and cheaper to lay and can make your bathroom feel larger.

For cost effective, contemporary bathroom designs, check out our simple, fast and fun Shop The Look solutions!

The post Where to Save and Where to Splurge When Renovating appeared first on Designbx.

Part 3D brochure, part functional office and part playground, Airbnb’s new Sydney headquarters has just set a new standard in commercial interior design while remaining true to its brand. In fact, it’s hard to name a business address that better exemplifies an organisation’s values. But forget all the interior design theory and technical reasons why this incredible space is the right fit for Airbnb. We just want to find an excuse to go there!

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Imagine entering via a miniature AFL stadium, complete with oval and posts; or making a coffee in a space that looks and feels like the Coogee Pavilion? Each room is like visiting a new exotic location, local or international, that entices customers and clients to start planning their next trip. Then again, after a visit to Sydney’s coolest office, you may already feel like you’ve added a few stamps to your passport. “Simply having photos of listings and far off places is not enough,” says Airbnb Australia Country Manager, Sam McDonagh. “We want our employees and guests to experience the feeling you get when you travel.”

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Meeting rooms are themed on specific Airbnb listings, the lounge is a virtual Kangaroo Valley, the sitting room is set in Sweden and a meal in the dining room transports you to Havana. Even a trip to the bathroom is an adventure, with Hollywood Regency awaiting the ladies while a gentleman’s club and whiskey bar may mean the fellas never want to leave the Gents.

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The company aimed to create a space that represented their business values of ‘creativity, travel and thoughtful design’ but this innovative design goes further to inspire customers, clients and staff. It’s certainly received a unanimous round of applause from the team here at Designbx.

Designbx  |  “Airbnb Sydney Headquaters”  | designbx.com

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Pendant lights are an elegant way to achieve an enjoyable decorative experience. This lighting should be the focal point and fit properly into the space in terms of shape, size and style. Pendant lights come in a wide variety of designs, elegantly hanging above a kitchen table or taking center stage in the dining room. Check out our favourite samples and some useful tips for you.

Kitchen

Pendants in the kitchen area are mood-setters. Consider a pendant with a light diffuser, or use semi-opaque bulbs. Pendants should hang 12-20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches. For example, for a 9-foot ceiling, the pendant should hang 15-23 inches below. Pendants should be hung over work surfaces at a height that doesn’t block views across the kitchen.

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Dining Room

A dining room pendant lighting gives atmosphere. The light should flatter the décor and make the best of it. It will take center stage and it must be updated and beautiful. It’s the perfect opportunity be bold and dare with colour and shape.

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Living Room

Pendant lights can make a room feel cozy, romantic or energetic with the twist or hit of a switch. The main light, should be set in such a way as not to create too much shadow. Use more than one pendant to divide the light and enhance a pleasant atmosphere.

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Home office

With more and more people opting to work from home nowadays, there are a few integral things to consider when creating the layout – including your pendant lighting options. Hung from the ceiling, they can provide light just where you want it: on the desk and your paperwork, not on your screen.

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30th October 2015 | The Designbx Team | Interiors- Pendant Perfection

The post Home lighting: Pendant Perfection appeared first on Designbx.