Firstly, I have to say I think it’s absolutely crazy when homeowners don’t give their interiors a bit of design love. We all work hard, and at the end of the day, you need a relaxing, inspiring, and functional getaway. Can you imagine the stress I’m under at this time of year? There are 1.9 billion children in the world, and I’ve not only got to make a list of who’s naughty and nice, but I have to check it twice! Thankfully I’ve expanded my factory of little helpers. And before you accuse me of running a sweatshop, let’s make it clear that they’re all on minimum wage and working no more than 14 hours a day. I’m kidding!

Anyway, here are my special Santa decorating tips for Christmas. After four hundred years of silly seasons, I’ve learnt a thing of two…

1. Kick my feet up

For a jolly man like me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of kicking the boots off and putting my feet up at the end of the night on an all-important comfy couch.

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2. Workshop Wonderland  

Mrs Claus helps me with my organisational skills and gave me some great space-saving storage alternatives for our workshop. Try these organisational ideas to create more space in your craft workshop or office!

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3. Eggnog Station

Sneaking down people’s chimneys and directing the reindeer all night makes me pine for a drink when I get home. I ensure I have an impressive bar setup filled with the finest eggnog, mulled wine and spirits to share with my best elves and Mrs Claus after a long day’s work.

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4. Mrs Claus’ Corner

Mrs Claus spends long nights reading and knitting away whilst Santa is out to work. I ensure she’s in absolute comfort with a living room setting suited to all her needs. Bookshelves, a creative side table and a great armchair keeps her satisfied with everything at her fingertips. Mrs Claus has revamped our humble abode to match with latest trends, using neutral and metallic tones, greenery and minimalist decorations to keep it Christmassy all year round.

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5. Light the night

Working long, late hours and arriving home in the dark of the night calls for a well-lit exterior to guide my way home. Try these outdoor lighting solutions that add the all-important Christmas charm. Incorporating different types of lanterns adds a charming and warm vibe to your home.

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6. Claus’ cooking

Mrs Claus needs a space to bake all her delicious treats and cook a hot meal to make sure I don’t fill up on milk and cookies on the job! Being here in Lapland, there are so many beautiful Scandi-style kitchens she has visited so she needed one of her own! Last Christmas I put my elves to work to give her this beauty:

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Check out our Christmas interior decorating article for decorating your Christmas table, decorating you Chistmas tree and sorting out your stockings!
Have a Merry Xmas, ho ho ho!       

The post Interior design, North Pole-style, with Saint Nick appeared first on Designbx.

Then comes Christmas decorating… You want it to be perfect and special and create a warm, cozy feeling but where do you start? Most people neglect the Christmas table. It is an easy way to make a statement on Christmas day and it will distract your relatives from all that mess the kids have left around.

With these 5 easy decorating ideas, you are set to have a stylish Christmas table that is sure to delight.

1. Scandi Santa

Go for a Scandinavian interior design look with wintry icy colours and natural materials. Scandi-style ornaments and icy blues work well within a coastal home and celebrate the true origins of Christmas from up North. Try using garlands, ribbon, hanging lights, dainty ornaments and frosted glass in your table settings.To save space on your table, combine the decorations together to make a statement piece. Try placing ornaments, candles and decorations on a wooden platter. As for the table, white washed wood will give a wintery feel and create a great base colour for colourful decorations.

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2. Natural Noel

A more traditional look for the Christmas table can include deep greens, pinecones and natural fibres. Keep the colours neutral to complement the beautiful natural materials.

Centrepieces can be fragrant florals, greenery and pine-scented candles. Try using natural wood logs for candle holders, which is on trend this season. Use hessian for a table runner and beautiful natural cotton napkins for that natural touch.

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3. Glam greetings

The alternate to the traditional Christmas table design, is a modernised mix of metallics – gold, silver, rose gold or copper. These statement decorating colours will make your guests think they are eating at a 5 star restaurant. Cutlery, drinkware, candle holders and ornaments can be easily found in copper, silver and rose gold. Add some gold baubles around the place and you have yourself a stylish and modern Christmas house.

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4. White Christmas

Wishing you were in New York ice skating and enjoying a snow filled Christmas day?

You can bring that wintery feel into your Christmas by going monochromatic, or even better- white! Make it snow and embrace the crisp, bright white on the dinner table which works well with the Australian summer. Snow covered pine cones, pearly white plates and a white Christmas tree will make your home feel like a winter wonderland.

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5. In the night

Who says Christmas needs to be colourful and bright? Dare to be different using bold dark hues such as burgundy and black, then mix them up with a splash of white or metallic. Suits more mature homes and suave Christmas parties. This ultra modern take on Christmas decorating is perfect for a Christmas lunch away from the kids (give them their own table in another room). Black plates and gold cutlery creates a  nice twist on the traditional table settings. Accompany this table setting with a red Christmas bush and some red wine.

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For more help with your Christmas styling, check out Santa’s Christmas interior decorating how to create a majestic Christmas tree, oto get you ready for the festive season.

The post Mix it up with these 5 top Christmas table ideas appeared first on Designbx.

If you’re aiming for the traditional green, gold and red colour scheme, modernise the look by adding some luxurious ornaments in burnt copper, gold and sage green colours. For a more coastal, white, blue and silver theme, try bleached timber ornaments, complemented with grey and pastel colours.

Now we have the basics down pat, let’s begin!

1. Lighting

To start with, most shops sell Christmas tree lights with either green or white wiring, so be sure to get the correct lights that will match your tree. Plain white sparkling lights go well with any colour scheme and matches easily with all kinds of ornaments. Alternatively, you can layer your lights, from small white lights to larger coloured bulbs. Make sure you always start at the top of the tree and work your way down and around, so the power pack lays nicely on the floor, and not dangling from the top of the tree!

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2. Garlands

Garlands are placed on the tree after the lights because you want to hide an electrical wire with pretty decorations. A little prior preparation for this stage can help stop a disaster later down the track. Split up your ornaments into three piles, large, medium and small. Start with the large ornaments and sprinkle them evenly around the tree, in the most visible areas (don’t forget the bottom). Continue on to the medium sized ornaments and then lastly, small sized. If you have timber ornaments that don’t match your theme, you can apply a thin coat of paint to give them a washed look. After the ornaments are placed, you can go crazy with the tinsel, beads and other goodies. Get crafty this Christmas and try make your own macrame that can be hung on your tree.

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3. Filling in the gaps

Even after layering lights, tinsel, beads and ornaments onto the tree, we can still be left with bare areas that really stand out. Luckily they are an easy fix with ribbon. Find ribbon that matches your theme and tie bows around bare tree stems to fill in the blanks. You can also fill the gap by hanging up lollies and chocolates for a Christmas day delight.

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Now all that’s left to do is stand back and be amazed by your creation. For more Xmas tips check out our stocking guide and Christmas colours!

The post Three fail-proof steps to a majestic Christmas tree appeared first on Designbx.

Christmas can bring financial stress, with all the presents, food and home renovations you need to get done before your relatives take over your home. Perhaps your home only needs a few tweaks or maybe you need a completely new interior and exterior design, if Christmas is held at your place this year. The good news is, you can get a free interior design consultation with Designbx and also chose packages that don’t cost you the earth (leaving room for you to splurge on that Christmas ham).

Bessie Hassan is a money expert at Finder.com.au, and is here to help keep your budget in good shape, over this chaotic time.

“Whether it’s setting yourself a project timeline and budget, researching costs of materials and labor, or exploring your finance options, there are many ways you can ensure you’re financially prepared for your next renovation.” Bessie Hassan.

“If you’re looking for cost-effective jobs that will add value to your home, consider jobs that will improve your kerb appeal. This could mean installing a new fence, sprucing up your outdoor landscaping, or installing new lighting” says Bessie.

1.Ring fencing your kerb appeal

Cheap fences can be easily obtained from your local Bunnings and can be painted to match your exterior design. When choosing a fence, consider the look you want and the lifetime of the material. Timber fences create a great natural look but may root if not treated properly, whereas Vinyl fences last 10+ years without fading, but comes in limited colours.

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2. Build square garden beds

Landscaping may seem like it will cost an arm and leg, but there are affordable ways to achieve great results. Instead of filling large garden beds with soil and a variety of plants, limit the size of your gardens by building square garden beds. Again, Bunnings is your best friend, as you can get cheap timber to make a garden box or buy an already assembled garden bed. This way you don’t have to spend as much on plants and your outdoor area remains tidy. You can even make one into a vegetable or herb garden so you’re saving money on plants and food over the Christmas break.

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3. Add some garden twinkle

Bring a mystical feel to your outdoor area by adding fairy lights. These are cheap alternatives to those large outdoor lights that chew up electricity like it’s going out of style. Drape a string of fairy lights over the fences or pin them up on the roof and fence so they dangle above you in the air. For an even cheaper alternative, you can place tealight candle in glass jars and hang them from the fence, pergola or off the walls of the house. Another option is to place led strip lights along seat edges, fences, around door ways and along patio floors to give an illuminating look.

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4. Get your flooring up to scratch

When there is going to be a stampede of relatives arriving for Christmas, you will want to make sure your flooring can withstand the wear and tear. Squeaky floorboards and torn carpet, may not pass the relative test, and chances are you will get an earful of how to fix up your home! Carpet is not the best option as high traffic can cause flattening in some areas. If you want to stick to carpet, try modular carpet which comes in tile pieces, which makes replacing sections easy. Timber flooring is by far the most popular option at the moment and is super easy to clean. If you don’t have the money to spend on real timber floorboards, try vinyl flooring or floating timber floors, which give the illusion of a real wood floor but are half the price.

A helpful tip from Bessie, “Although you can be meticulous with your budgeting, it’s likely that there will be delays or issues outside your control. To mitigate this, have a contingency buffer of funds in place to cope with any unforeseen costs. Generally, you should set aside 5-10% of your renovation budget to allow for a contingency.”

5. Prepare your bathrooms for the stampede

When you have 20 or 30 people at your house, your bathroom is going to get a workout. If it’s not in top shape, then prepare yourself for a whole lot of mess. The first thing to ask yourself is, do you have enough toilet paper? And the next question is, where to put it all? If you don’t have enough cupboard space then buy a cheap laundry basket and place it in the corner of the bathroom.

The next thing to consider is where are all the bath towels going to hang? It’s easy to put together a few timber shelves in the bathroom to keep clean towels on, or drill in some hooks either behind the door in the bathroom or spare bedroom.

The last thing is where are they going to put their soap and toothbrush? If you don’t want your relatives using all your stuff, then get them their own rack for in the shower. Get shelves that can be simply hooked over the shower door.

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6. Make the small things count

You don’t have to renovate your whole home to give it that WOW look. Small things like giving rooms a fresh coat of paint, a new Manchester, hanging up some family photos, and placing some nice smelling candles around the place, will delight your guests.
Bessie says, “Replacing cupboard handles is another smart (and easy) way to create a modern look in your kitchen or bathroom for minimal cost.”

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7. Bessie’s other helpful tips for budgeting this Christmas

Be savvy with your finances: “Other ways to budget for Christmas festivities include consolidating personal debt to save on interest costs and considering alternate payment methods like Zip Money, Afterpay or in-store finance when shopping.”
Be creative with your family activities: “Finding ways to entertain the kids for free is another good way to cut back on costs. From going on a bike ride to visiting the pool to checking out a local museum or art gallery, there are many activities that will entertain the kids without breaking the bank.”

For an affordable way to design or style your home for Xmas, look no further! Chat to our professional commercial interior design team at Designbx with our free styling consultation.

The post 7 Affordable home renovation ideas: Getting ready for Xmas appeared first on Designbx.

Santa is checking his list of naughty and nice, rounding up the reindeers and preparing the sleigh.  All the children busily writing their Christmas wish lists ready for the big day!

Families are getting in the festive spirit, putting up trees, decorating houses, and laying out the treasured sacks and stockings for the jolly man in red ready to fill.

Christmas sacks and stockings are as fun and trendy as ever, there is a design and style just for you are your little person’s personality.  

Here are some of our faves!

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Let’s get fun and jolly with Sack Me and their brilliantly bright and fun collection… a truly coastal vibe From $79.90 a set.

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Giant pom poms and luscious velvet…a luxe Christmas Kip & Co Santa sacks ($59).

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Sweet and simple, a more traditional chic approach Cabin & Co gold tree santa sacks ($49) A timeless piece!

These beautiful heirloom-quality Santa sacks by Down to the Woods ($69.95) are designed to be family keepsakes for many years to come.

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Go Scandi this year with these bold stripe and geometric designs from Cotton On Kids santa sacks.

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Black and white…why not!  monochrome stockings by Liewood ($59.95) are for those cool cats!  

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Pretty and pastel these thoughtful designs by Scandi brand Fabelab ($55) come in a range of earthy colours and critters.

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Designbx | Santa stockings and socks with sass! | designbx.com

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Hosting Christmas this year? Let’s ensure not only a delicious family feast, but a beautiful and colourful one as well! When thinking of Christmas palettes, we typically think of traditional colours like reds and greens, but with Australians embracing their own personal style and reflecting that in their home, why not sing to the same tune for your Christmas theme. Here are five of our favourite colour schemes that will be sure to strike a cord with your own personal style.

All in Grey

 A muted yet fresh feel for Christmas.  Grey has become very popular as it forms a neutral backdrop for any interior style. The tone can range from a soft pale grey to a dark warm charcoal. This would work within an industrial, coastal, scandi and even traditional interior. Stand out elements include; oversized linen ribbon bows on the tree (be bold and opt for a white tree over the traditional green), dark grey linen tablecloths overlaid with hessian table runners, eclectic tableware, bowls and glasses paired with wooden chopping boards as serving plates.  Be sure to play with texture and tone.

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Pastels

A pop of pastel…fresh, fun and stylish.  Pairing soft pinks, corals and creams with a touch of gold gives a feminine and modern feel.  Think modern shapes – diamonds, hexagons or layer square and circles to create contrast.  Play with your finishes using paper pom poms, glittery gold balls, and fine delicate cotton ribbons on the tree.  Pastels also pair beautifully with intricate glass finishes like glass cut decorations, chandeliers as the table centerpiece, Diamante encrusted candle  and napkin holders –  whitewash timber and concrete surface could be perfect to complete this look.  Be adventurous with wrapping paper.  Use hessian fabrics and knot like a sack. Use old book pages and accent with a big pastel bow, or buy plain boxes and cover in glitter for some wow factor!

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What a great way to bring the table to life.  Focus on the ceiling, more space for food!

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Black, White and Gold

Give the table a dose of holiday glam by pairing black and gold together. This is a wow colour combination but equally elegant and festive. Introduce black and white combinations through patterns – stripes, tartan,and polka dots. Mix your shades of gold –  champagne through to rich gold. Black, especially high gloss Christmas ornaments are a fantastic choice for a white Christmas tree.  Introduce natural twine around your wrapping paper to give a more scandi rather than luxe feel. Gold spray painted leaves make a stunning runner down the centre of the table.  For evening ambience add a piece of mirror on top and adorn with tea light candles.

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Dress to impress…

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Burgundy, Green and Gold

Tradition still has its place, and what  better way to bring it to life than with this rich opulent palette. Opt to replace reds with a rich burgundy this season. Burgundy has swooped the design industry this year it’s warm, inviting and intriguing.  This sensual colour will work best with generous amounts of natural foliage or sitting amongst silks, velvets and lace with warm lighting.

A rich burgundy cotton tablecloth layered with the same toned lace cloth will add immediate warmth and texture.  Use an abundance of pine greenery down the centre littered with intimate little gold touches  and candles. Gold cutlery and dark green dinnerware equals perfection! Gifts are all about repetition of these colours.  Wrap in butcher paper and then burgundy cellophane for a wet look wrap.  Layer a thick burgundy silk ribbon around and complete with a sprig of rosemary inside your bow

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The perfect outfit for the day…dapper!

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Let the flowers do the talking

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And for the ladies…

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Mint and Red

This colour combination puts a new spin on the classic red by using a cool shade of mint. Mint and red are contrasting colours that work well together to give a summer feel.  Maintain traditional patterns and motifs like reindeers, gingham, spots and stripes. Pair with white wash or bleached timbers, drift wood and raw linens to give that Scandi look.  Opt for the revival of the metal dinnerware to give the table a more relaxed feel.  Fill a tin red bucket with nude branches from the garden or a local walk.  Tie little cotton mint ribbons on all the branches for a simple yet striking table centerpiece.  

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The post Colour Crush “Christmas colours that sing to your style” appeared first on Designbx.