The shade and cool of winter days are passing for another year as we get ready to bask in the warmth. Hooray! Spring brings a feel like no other season, with fresh breezes, vibrant gardens and lighter days. Let’s embrace the change and take advantage of how spring can lift the spirit of your space indoors. These five quick tips are simple and affordable ways to prepare your space for spring and look forward to summer.

1. A colour refresh

Colour is a really direct way to change the mood of any space. Packing away the warm reds, oranges and darker blues / greens will make way for the lightness of spring. Replace these colours with neutrals like blush, baby blue or sage greens. Colour change can be as dramatic as painting an entire room, or as simple as a new piece of wall art or a few scattered cushions. As long as the balance is weighted to the lighter tones, you will feel the lightness of spring in the air.

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Shop the look https://designbx.com/shop-the-look/coastal-office

2. A second set of soft furnishings

Cushions, throws, bedding and window dressings tend to get heavy in not only colour, but also texture, over winter. Having a second set of soft furnishings for the warmer months allows you to rotate with the change of season. Linens, cottons and sheers are all soft in texture and mood. The colours they absorb embrace the elements of spring and summer. Store the heavy weaves and knits into space bags after a good wash and they will be ready to bring out next autumn.

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Shop the look https://designbx.com/shop-the-look/hamptons-hangout-coastal-interior-design/

3. Bring nature into the home

One of the best parts of spring is the rejuvenated garden. Bring the outdoors in with fresh cut foliage and flowers in a collection of simple vessels to showcase on your dining table or sideboard. This is a fresh and stylish way to bring some colour and nature to your interior space.

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Shop the look https://designbx.com/shop-the-look/boho-sanctuary/

4. Pack away the rugs

Depending on your flooring, we tend to cover the floors with rugs during the cooler months. Use these warmer days as an opportunity to release the dust and enjoy the open floor. The aesthetic of a rug-free space visually opens the area, makes it feel lighter and changes the look without having to spend a cent.

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5. A Spring clean and reshuffle

During hibernation, we spend much more time indoors, and who hasn’t pondered a reconfiguration of furniture that you just haven’t been bothered to really explore? Use the spring clean as a chance to move the furniture out of its comfort zone, get to the dust underneath and move it  to a new spot. You will be amazed at how much difference a bit of a mix up can make, just rotating existing pieces of furniture. Swap the sofas to opposite sides of the room, maybe bring in a piece of art from another room or swap around some side tables for a new look. It’s like extreme musical chairs, where trial and error is the name of the game.

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So this season, literally take the indoors out and reconsider how and where everything goes back. It doesn’t have to be permanent, and now is the perfect time of year to freshen things up.

If you have a design related question or quandary, jump onto our Facebook page to ask one of our professional designers or find out more tips on interior design.

The post Top 5 ways to transform your home from winter to spring appeared first on Designbx.

Now we look at some top tips to cosy up and create Winter interior decorating in preparation for the extra time we’re bound to spend indoors.

1. Winter interior decorating – velvet and jewels

Preparing for the cooler months can include changing bedding to heavier weights and darker colours, pulling out the cosy throws for beds and sofas, stocking the woodpile, swapping our light, and adding bright homewares for the dark textures.

With a quick look at Pinterest or Instagram you’ll find so much inspiration to achieve a warmer, cosier feel to your home interior styles. The trend this winter is to bring depth and tone to your home  with colours like petrol and teal along with jewel tones (ruby, sapphire and emerald, to name a few).

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Dark painted walls offer a dramatic backdrop to dusty nude furnishings, tan coloured leather and on-trend brass accessories and lighting. Bringing in jewel coloured velvets provides winter tones as well as much needed texture.

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These darker tones are found throughout the natural landscape and bringing them into the home over the cooler months provides a warm and welcoming space. It sure seems to be quite a change from the light, crisp neutral tones of the contemporary interior design styles. Scandi, has swept the globe in recent years, but don’t be afraid to embrace a change. Dark interiors express drama, warmth, cosiness and love.

2. Winter Blues

As well as being a great focal point for your new, darker interior, these warm colour tones can help ward off the winter blues. Find out which colours will work best for you, dress your room in your favourite hues and don’t let winter dull you, or your space.

So after a stark, Scandinavian summer, there’s no reason to resist slipping into a warm, blue-toned winter, accented with your favourite colours.

3. A touch of Lagom

Following the Scandinavian interior design craze, recently the Danish term ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hue-gah’) has become commonly used. Hygge is the Danish ritual of enjoying the simple pleasures in life – friends, family, graciousness. So as we farewell a marvellous summer and settle in for the cooler season, the Swedish term ‘lagom’ seems appropriate to share – not too little; not too much. Just right.

Not sure where to start? Why not get inspiration for creating winter master bedroom designs to keep you warm and cosy until Spring.

The post Winter trends 2017 appeared first on Designbx.

Japandi interior design orgins

Scandinavian interior design (Scandi) has been developed on the principles of simplicity, minimalism and functionality. It continues to be popular in Australia, aligning with our relaxed lifestyle, connection to nature and beautiful, diverse landscape. The main characteristics of Scandinavian interiors include clean lines and the use of natural materials such as oak, leather and hemp.

Japandi is a new trend that is taking the interior design world by storm. It draws on the Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ principle of finding beauty in the imperfect and incomplete, and it blends perfectly with the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

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1. Colour

To achieve a Scandinavian look, focus on featuring a muted, neutral colour palette throughout your home. White is commonly used on the walls to make a room appear bright and spacious. Inject life into your room and make your home reflect your personality by incorporating accent pieces. Try rugs, cushions and artworks in muted colours, such as pastel pink and grey.

To create a Japandi feel, incorporate accent colours with a cool undertone, such as green and navy. Dramatic contrast (a key element of Asian design) can also be created by using a black frame for your artworks or photographs. Next, hang them above the light oak furniture pieces.

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2. Texture

Scandinavian inspired interiors usually have light coloured wooden flooring as opposed to carpet, as wood is closer to nature. Pine, beech and ash wood are the most common, with light stain finishes, to preserve a feeling of spaciousness.

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3. Simple contrast

Ornate and excessive details in furniture are not common in Scandinavian interior design. The style favours clean lined, modern and solid pieces. In the new Japandi style, statement furniture in dark tones such as charcoal, black or dark oak stained tones are used with light Scandinavian furniture. To achieve this look in your home, you could use a light oak dining table with black wooden dining chairs. This creates the dramatic contrast that is the hallmark of the Japandi style.

Introducing simple contrast between key furniture pieces maintains simplicity, while still expressing your personal design style.

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To create visual interest and rhythm, layer different muted natural textures such as a small rectangle hemp cushion with a square, pale pink cushion. To add an eclectic Japandi feel, find a unique statement piece. We love an asymmetric plant or sculpture that embraces the idea of ‘beauty in the imperfect’. By using greenery and plants, the connection to nature is reinforced.

These tips will help you to create the basis of your Japandi interior design. Express your own style and personality throughout your home interior by adding your own unique, personal touches to the ever-popular Scandi look.

The post Interior Design Trends of 2017 – Japanese and Scandi = Japandi appeared first on Designbx.

1. Start with a wooden floor

First of all, start with a clean, fresh base. Wooden floorboards are the ultimate Scandi trademark. Opt for light tones to open up the space and to give as much lightness and airiness as possible. Think about your walls and ceiling colours as well. Your interior will look bigger and brighter instantly — the more white the better.

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2. Use a muted palette

Once you have your base mastered, move on to the big block pieces. For larger items, like your sofa, table, chairs or curtains, try using neutral colours. We especially love using a myriad of greys (avoid a white couch that you’ll be stressing about when the little ones get within a 10-metre radius of it). To master the look, add touches of wood here and there to incorporate warmth.

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3. Add colour by using splashes of pastels

Although a neutral-based style, Scandinavian interior design colour schemes are often infused with soft pastels. Our favourite is blush pink, as it is the perfect complementary colour to any wood. Mint green is also a fun way to add some colour into your Scandi kingdom.

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4. Create a complementary feature wall

So how best do we style our walls in a Scandi home? It can be hard to figure out how to add different pieces of wall art without making it clash with a neutral interior, but by adding pops of pastels you can creating a striking look.

Be creative! Use photos, prints, paintings, quotes or even drawings that your mini-me made! You can create a fun art project for the kids by encouraging them to create, using your colour palette.

By using similar frames throughout and some clever pre-planning, you can ensure your unique feature wall works harmoniously with the Scandi style.

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5. Layers, layers, layers!

The great thing about Scandinavian interior design is you can go wild with textures. As long as the colours are harmonious and neutral, you can mix as many as you like! This is what adds depth and character to Scandi spaces. Use leather, linen, jute, metal, fur, wood…you name it, you layer it!

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6. Get some Scandinavian furniture

The cleans lines, simplicity and beauty of these timeless pieces are undeniable. By adding even just one or two of these beauties, you can completely transform your space. There are so many affordable options to finding Scandinavian-style furniture without skimping on quality and practicality. Try Pop and Scott, MRD Home, Sokol, Eadie Lifestyle, or Mr & Mrs White.

Combinations that are paving the way into 2018 are:

• Woven pastel leathers, featuring in seating, wall hangings and rugs
• Tibetan fur, dyed in striking neutral  or jewel tones is a key trend for children’s bedrooms and playrooms
• Raw hand-crafted materials like pottery and rustic timbers, paired with the traditional curved and clean lines of Scandinavian design – this new style is being echoed as Japandi (a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese design movements).

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7. Be minimal with the little things (less is more)

The easiest way is to think about what you really need, and forget the rest. Marie Kondo wrote a best-selling book on how tidying up can be life-changing and not only declutter your home but your mind as well. To that we say, yes please! But keep the items you absolutely love. And no, you don’t need those 50 jumpers you haven’t worn since high school.

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8. Use greenery in the right places

Plants are a surefire way to bring texture and contrast to those neutral walls. In spaces that just need a little something, sculptural, oversized and grouped plants will work best. Your pot is as important as the species of your plant, so pick wisely.

A single or dual tone will last the test of time. Our favourite brands include Designtwins, Pop and Scott, Ivy muse, Urban Eden, and Milk and Sugar. To not overdo it, just add one large potted plant to each room. Make sure you use plants that can survive indoors and don’t need much light. If you’re not into big plants, or can’t keep one alive no matter how hard you try (we’ve all been there), then why not add a simple cactus? They’re always a nice, easy way to add some greenery.

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9. Install a fireplace

Living in Australia, we may not all need a fireplace, but if we were to embrace them, either for function or pure aesthetics, they would look a little like this. The Scandinavian ‘staple’ fireplace would be tall, thin and likely to be perched in a corner. We may not ever install one of these but we love these different styles to ooh and aah over. If the real thing is impractical, a faux fireplace creates a setting to do a vignette of artwork, greenery or personal items.

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10. Be meticulous and creative with lighting

Last, but certainly not least, lighting! It’s so important in any space, but the fun thing with Scandinavian interior design is that you can incorporate various sizes and shapes with great success. Try using cool bulbs, lampshades and garlands.

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Scandinavian interior design gets us so excited, and makes us spend way too much time on Pinterest, but we hope this has inspired you to redecorate.

Do you want to find out what your ideal style is? Check out our style quiz and get your dream home project started right away!

The post How to create Scandinavian interior design appeared first on Designbx.

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1… Planning and zoning.

 Decorating an amazing room that grows with your child calls for creativity and clever planning. When you begin designing your child’s bedroom, it’s important to balance function, safety and style.
Consider all the activities that are likely to happen in the room. Will it also serve as a playroom or study? Is there a chance it may eventually become a room for two? Let the activities, items and colours your child loves the most be your guide when you choose furnishings and accessories. After all, it is a room for your little princess and you want them to really enjoy and utilise the space.
Will they need a chair for reading? Plenty of open floor space for blocks and games? Factor in how their interests may change and grow as they get older. Toddlers often need a play table for arts and crafts while a school-age kid may require a desk.

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Make sure your plan allows for plenty of room to grow, change and evolve. For example, using a full-sized desk can work for a young child while supervised but they will also be able to use it at an older age; or you could use a shelf and adjust the height as they grow up.
I like to use timeless pieces for the functional parts of the room, and then add personality with decorative elements so you can easily switch the old for new and change the overall theme of the room to suit your child.
Plan and divide the room into activity based zones for easy flow and function.

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2… Storage.

Planning adequate storage for the room is so important, not just for aesthetics but for functionality as well. You want the room to be used as efficiently as possible so let’s make it easy for your child to put things away and ensure the room is inviting, for them and you. Using appropriate storage for each zone also makes it easy for your child to find things and put them all away. Shelves, bins and baskets should be easy to access. Choose storage boxes with a lid to hide any clutter or mess. This will also eliminate distractions  when your child is using the room for homework.

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Wall hooks are also a great addition for storage as they won’t take up much space. And they also offer a massive bonus by assisting your child if they like to play dress-ups.
A storage box or ottoman is great for cushions and blankets as well as toys, and it doubles as a seat too!

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3… Texture, pattern and personalisation.

Whether it be a bedhead, cushion, wallpaper or bedspread, using different textures and patterns will make your little girl’s room ultra-personal and fun. Also, by keeping other décor items simple, the patterns will not only shine, they’ll also last your daughter from childhood through to her teens.

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Self-expression is a part of your little one’s life, so why hide important personal items that you really like? Display a few items for further personalisation on shelving, bedsides or desks.
Try adding some fluffy and flowy elements like curtains, throws, faux hides, rugs and even canopies, to soften the room and create a luxurious ambience for your princess.  

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Be sure to refer to the SIDS guidelines when planning your child’s rooms, and remember: safety first.

If you are looking for help with small bedroom decorating ideas our design team are ready and waiting to create the perfect hideaway!

The post Small bedroom decorating ideas fit for a Princess! appeared first on Designbx.

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But since launching Designbx, we’ve been seeing the gap between fashion and interior design trends close. The lag between runway and retail stores is diminishing, and more recently we’re seeing the clothing and interior design industries running side by side.

Has social media been a player in this? It’s hard to deny the influence of its reach and immediacy. As soon as a fashion launch takes place, images and videos are shared across social media and exposed to the masses (designers and customers alike) to review, share, and comment on. It’s not only Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat. The traditional heavyweights like Facebook and Twitter are rapidly improving our ability to publish multimedia. This has created a fast-track for trends.

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According to Gretchen Aubuchon-founder of fashion & Decor, “The brands in fashion and home decor are now hearing the same things, at the same time and therefore not really influencing each other.”

Never before have these worlds been more in tune with each other. They’re neck and neck in the race to generate fashions. As an example, interiors catapulted ikats back into the design world and the fashion industry soon followed, deconstructing this trend and making the technique its own. The fashion industry returned the favour by forging the modern use of watercolour applications, bleeding colours and tones to create motion and fluidity.

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More than ever, customers are influencing designers. Increasingly educated, enthusiastic and actively involved in this space through social media, the customer’s feedback on posts, reaction to cross-testing and personal style, fuel the imaginations of designers. There are people out there, just being who they and unknowingly influencing the industry’s mindset.

The cookie-cutter approach has no place in anymore and people are confidently expressing their personal style.

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It’s great to see people stepping away from the beige coloured interior catalogues that shaped their interiors for many years, and embracing their own style. I feel it’s as simple as customers starting to dress their homes with the same personality they dress themselves. It’s here that fashion and interiors are becoming joined at the hip.

Rather than being force-fed styles, people are embracing the shapes, colours and textures that make them happy. With happiness comes individuality and change.

In the evolution of this encouraging development, the colour-blocking trend was a great stepping stone for many. This lead to the opposite style: a pattern wonderland that presented an array of choices, from florals to polka dots, stripes, and botanicals.

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As the expression of consumers ended the established dictatorship of designers and created a more inclusive environment, traditional roles and stigmas disappeared. Now designers are happy to seek inspiration from any source, as long as it leads to stunning, creative results.

This cross pollination of ideas isn’t limited to fashion and interior design. Ombre (a resurgence of traditional techniques) not only hit these industries by storm, but was lead by the hair styling industry.

While Scandi influences, with bleached and pastel colour-ways and geometric overtones, still have a place in the design world, it’s an interior design style that is slowly being deconstructed to build new combinations. It’s the detail that counts, as fabric construction, colour and style is relayed to surface finishes in the interior space with great success. What came first, and who did it first? The origins of this new interpretation are as blurred as they’ve ever been, but hey, it’s working.

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Interior mags are using fashion and models within their lifestyle shots, fashion houses are curating homewares ranges, and designers from both industries are joining their design superpowers to try and break through with something completely new!

Society at large is as educated and powerful as it’s ever been. In this melding pot of design, the playing field has changed, and I love it!

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Now check out our latest interior design trends

The post Vision Collision – fashion and interior design styles collide appeared first on Designbx.

Each fruit usually offers more than one colour that we can incorporate in interior design. Thanks to mother nature (the design O.G.), we can take our cues from the colour combinations of a fruit’s protective outer skin and the juicy flesh. Let’s not forget the many shades of green that accompany or nourish these fruits in the wild.

For those that are excited about a more literal take on a fruit salad theme, there are breathtaking selections of fruit salad inspired  furnishings that are fun additions to any space.

1. Wallpaper

Not only limited to a kid’s room, fruit-inspired wallpaper is suitable to adding that pop of colour to a neutral-toned room. Following the colour trends seen in Miami-style and retro interior design, this pineapple wallpaper is tangy and stylish to suit everyone’s tastes. Bright, pastel colours work brilliantly when championed with a neutral backdrop.

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2. Linen

It’s hard to say that many kid’s don’t enjoy fruit. Including fruit prints in your kid’s linen will create a timeless look they’ll take a while to outgrow. Feminine looks include strawberry and cherry designs, where as masculine looks can be anything from bananas to oranges. Fruit prints are a great way to complement colour schemes and add a quirky spin on bedroom interior design. 

3. Soft furnishings

Whether you’re styling a themed party or kid’s play room, fruit by design furnishings are a sure fire hit. Multicolours that are beautifully balanced together are fun and vibrant, perfect for a child’s bedroom. Matched with deep and dark greens, fruity coloured tones pair perfectly with the outdoors and darker settings. If you’re seeking a fun twist to an outdoor design, fruit cushions are proof that our love of fruit-inspired palettes doesn’t wane after our childhoods are over. 

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4. Wall Prints

Even though most fruits are bright and bold, when the colours are toned down, they can still be just as beautiful. Mature colours of the fruit rainbow, such as berry reds, apple greens and tangerines, can complement a space perfectly and even add a sense of sophistication!  Try using lemon yellows for that adventurous and energetic burst of colour into a room. 

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As far as we’re concerned, if it’s good enough for nature, it’s good enough for us. If you want a space that feels fresh and vibrant, look no further than the sweetest things growing on our planet. Keep your interiors healthy this season with some lively, fruity patterns and colour trends found on inspirational fruit by design style boards.

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The post Fruit by design – Fruit salad (yummy yummy!) appeared first on Designbx.

As proprietor of luxury boutique hotels around the world, British designer Kit Kemp is an expert on bedroom design. Her signature style is an explosion of colour and a mix match of fabrics, yet the rooms remain elegant and refined by balancing strong colours with gentle. Beds are king-sized, with upholstered headboards that reach the ceiling.  Large bedside tables at the side of the bed are paired with ottomans at the foot. Extra seating is provided, complete with large diameter tables.  Heavy drapes on windows work as privacy and block out blinds, but also made from meters of sumptuous fabric for a luxe feel.

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As you would expect from an interior designer to Hollywood stars; Kelly Wearstler’s interiors are dramatic.  Furniture is big and bold, as are the sculptures and artwork.  Her materials palette includes a mixture of onyx, marble, polished stone, mixed metals, leather, silk and fur.  Mirrors behind lamps are used to reflect light around the space and create interest.  Carpet works well in master bedrooms, creating softness underfoot as well as softening acoustics.  Whereas some designers might be included to go with subdued carpeting, Wearstler specifies carpets and rugs that can be strong in colour and pattern.

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In the quieter scheme of things is another British designer, Ilse Crawford.  Human needs and desires are top consideration when designing spaces for clients.  This is evident in the tactile nature of her materials that include cane, timber, leather and velvet.  Lighting levels are kept low, save for large pendants installed from the ceiling, creating interest when viewed from all angles of the room.  With a mantra of appealing to the human senses, often a fireplace is included in the design.  Providing warmth, light, comfort, the fireplace is the ultimate luxury in a master bedroom.

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Whatever your style, you can use these techniques to create a master sanctuary of your own. 

Never far from a measuring tape, Donna Vercoe- Designbx designer is a Vancouver transplant who now calls Sydney home. When making the leap to Australia, she changed gears from working as a pool designer in the construction industry to studying colour and design. She now works as an interior designer, collaborating with clients to ensure their design fits their style, as well as fitting into their space. When not taking measurements, she can be found with a camera in hand, eyeing up details to share on Instagram.

The post Designer Profiles – Interior designers and their master bedrooms appeared first on Designbx.

From the moment we picked up our crayons as toddlers and began to imitate nature, our connection to colour has been enduring. The feelings each hue evokes are permanently etched on our subconscious minds, and whether wittingly or automatically, we use these preferences in any environment we control.

In our home or office space, colour is crucial, whether we require motivation, inspiration or calm, so let’s focus on the use of hues in interior design to boost mood and atmosphere.

White

Representing clarity, peacefulness and cleanliness, white is usually the primary palette in bathrooms. As a blank canvas, white can also promote creativity and inspiration for children.

However when used in excess, white can be stale and remove vivacity from a room. Using white as a base with pops of contrasting colours and natural textures is a great way to change the mood of a room.

Natural materials like wood, marble and plants will bring warmth and comfort to a white space while maintaining a neutral palette.

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Blue

Evoking calmness and tranquillity, blue is often the top choice for workspaces. It stimulates focus and productivity. It may be a blue wall, touches of blue in interior furnishings like chairs, carpet, tiles or light fixtures, or used within branding elements logos and marketing media.

Representing the sea and the sky, blue also brings us to the solitude of the coastline, inspiring relaxation and reflection, so can also work well in a light hue within a bathroom space.

Dark blue on mass can be cold so is best mixed with a range of blue hues or as a focus colour amongst a lighter colour scheme.

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Green

Usually associated with health and well being, green can be a good colour to use in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. It’s considered the easiest colour for the human eye to process and therefore not overly stimulating. For this reason, using a light green hue in a nursery is a great gender-neutral palette to work with.

Dark green is also associated with wealth and prosperity, a strong and confident choice. When paired with blue it remains striking but with a calm overtone. Introducing green colours into a space using plants is an excellent way to bring the outdoors in, and freshen the air of your interiors.

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Yellow

Bright and sunny, yellow is fun and uplifting. Using highlights of yellow in spaces like the kitchen, dining room and living areas promotes positive energy and a social atmosphere.

For a more subtle approach, opt for a muted or deeper yellow. This is commonly used in a bedroom space to enhance warmth, comfort and security.

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Orange

As a colour of fire, orange makes us feel warm and alive. These sensations stimulate our brains with a boost of oxygen and can result in sociability and increased appetite. Orange is therefore a great colour to use in spaces where entertaining happens like dining areas or outdoor settings.

As a block colour, orange can become quite overwhelming so is best used sparingly and alongside contrasting colours like green, or complimentary colours like yellow or red.

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Red

Most commonly known as the dynamic colour of passion, red excites and stimulates the eye. It’s a powerful colour that is associated with love and sensuality.

As a pure hue, it can create anxiety and stress so it’s important that it’s knocked back and earthy in tone when used in bedroom spaces or areas meant for relaxing and socialising.

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Purple

Often used in realms of spirituality, purple is the colour of calmness and reflection. Purple also has been affiliated with nobility and royalty and can give the impression of abundance and luxury. As purple is a secondary colour, combining blue and red (depending on the hue of purple used) can dramatically change the feel of a space.

Light purples (blue based) can be calming and intimate, most effectively used in bedrooms and nurseries. Dark purples (red based) are much more intense, evoking prosperity and the illusion of expensive taste and luxury. However when used in excess, dark purple can create a heavy and negative vibe, so balance of hue and tone is crucial to maintain a positive sensation.

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Black

Often used best as an accent colour, black represents sophistication and power. Having a strong association to status, it can be effective in office spaces. When used in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens or bathrooms, it does emit luxury but can be off-putting and mournful if used in heavy proportions.

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 As you can see, some colours are more adaptable, easily applied to a number spaces and safer to use as base or block colours. Others have a potency that can bring a space to life when used with subtlety, but can be dangerous when overused.

When it comes to deciding on a suitable colour scheme for your space, use your instinct and go for colours that you love to ensure that the space represents you and your personality. But use our guide to make sure your choices don’t result in interiors that contradict the intended mood.

Every hue on the colour wheel evokes mood and emotion, so never underestimate the positive and negative impacts of colour in interior design.  

Kerena Berry is co-founder and Head of Interior Design at Designbx.com, Australia’s first complete online interior design solution, home to over 12,000 home décor products, and a personal shopper service that coordinates the supply and delivery of furniture and
homewares.

The post Using Colour to Boost your Mood appeared first on Designbx.

Without lowering ourselves to the use of terms like nudge nudge, wink wink (oh dear, too late), it’s obvious the master bedroom is the setting for decadence whether it be intimate moments, post party lock-ins (drawn curtains and movie marathons) or pure unadulterated laziness (mmm, laziness). As long as the kids don’t invade your lair, you can enjoy some deserved self-indulgence.

After completing your hectic schedule, the bedroom is your ultimate escape. It only needs to be relevant to you and your partner, which gives you the freedom to express who you are and reflect the room’s primary use. We won’t speculate as to goings on in your room (we don’t judge here at Designbx) but we suggest you select colours, pattern and textures that appeal to your senses.

With that in mind, here are some of our fave brands. What tickles your fancy?

Hunting for George is an adaptable choice that suits most styles, with throws and accessories completing the look. Brand Director Lucy Glade-Wright believes the key to the perfect choice of linen is a style that has longevity. “Choose something that you love and will continue to love years later,” Lucy suggests.

The other key factor is colour selection, which is a key consideration for the company’s designers. “Colour is like music. It can trigger an emotional response that prompts memories and ideas. Colour is often the first thing we look towards for inspiration,” says Lucy.

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As for the kids, getting linen selection right can create a captivating world that is comfortable yet stimulating. Be daring, have fun and tap into your child’s imagination. You’re not the only one who should have a haven that expresses your personality.

Top kids’ linen brand, Little Ones, recognises the fact that children are developing their own styles from a young age. The designers specialise in Retro and Modern Eclectic styles with explosive colours and energetic patterns. The wonder of a fair can be enjoyed in the safety of a kid’s hideaway.

Cleverly relevant to both genders, Little Ones delivers escapism while optimistic colours create a reassuring environment. A key to the brand’s success is meticulous attention to the most important details, ensuring materials are of the highest standards of quality and safety, including being Oeko-Tex certified.

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Looking to cut down on shopping time? Kip & Co.’s Boho, Modern Eclectic and Coast styles are designed for everyone in the family. Their bright boutique bedding offers dazzling choices for folks with their eyes on bold choices, and the brand’s styles encourage customers to layer and mix patterns.

“The Stardust collection has something a bit fantastical and magical about it,” says Hayley Pannekoecke, of Kip & Co. “It’s also got a very feminine soft colour palette that works with the season’s stone fruit, soft rose, burnt brandy, grape and silver.”

They even do bassinet sheets, pyjamas and overnight bags, so Kip & Co. can be on the go with you! For adults and kids alike, it’s comforting to connect bedroom styles and adventures in the wide world, especially with beautiful leather or canvas bags. According to Hayley, “They’re the perfect accessory for the memory-making wanderer.”

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Probably the most exciting new arrival to the Kip & Co. range is velvet. Hearing Hayley explain the sensation of sleeping on velvet makes it an easy sell. “Velvet pillows have basically changed my life!” she insists. “There’s something about the depth of colour and texture of velvet. As we move into winter, it’s the ultimate friend to keep you snug at night.”

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A ‘forward-looking approach’ gives the designers an edge, and while they are capable of extravagance and daring colours, customers can also enjoy subtle, muted textures. Experienced globetrotters but proud of their hometown, Aura insists ‘yes, it’s little bit Scandinavian, a little bit Indian, but it’s also a whole lot of Melbourne.’

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Specialising in Coast and Industrial styles, Sheets on the Line probably wins the prize for best brand name. The idea for the business was hatched over a cup of coffee in Steve & Deb Clifford-Ames’ favourite café. Remarkably, by the end of the day, the light bulb moment had expanded to become a grand scale and vision.
Filling a void left by traditional manufacturers’ failure to deliver daring, affordable products, the couple not only provided a vibrant array of alternatives but also provided a more environmentally friendly option.

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Like Designbx, these brave businesses are part of the design revolution that gives every Australian an opportunity to express their personality through design. Whether you’re creating a stylish boudoir or creating a fun world for the kids, there’s no shortage of quality bed linen.

Designbx  |  Between the sheets- choosing the right bed linen  |  designbx.com

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