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.

Though we’re both passionate about providing custom solutions, we also know that half the fun is doing the work yourself! DIY home renovations can create a lifetime of memories, as you work alongside the ones you love to create something that will be special to you for decades. That’s why today, we’re teaming up with Australian Heritage Homes to share fun projects that you can cross off the list yourself!

1. Tile your own floor

It’s easier than you think. Thanks to modern technology, like that of our site, it’s easier than ever to bring your vision to life. But do us a favour—explore the product. Head to your local hardware or home improvement store and get your hands on the different styles of tiles and flooring options. New and enhanced choices come out every season—each more sustainable, durable and easily cleanable than the last. Finally, you can take comfort in choosing the exact look and feel you want, and rest easily knowing that there are no trade-offs.

2. Design a family mural

One of the biggest rumours that we’d like to dispel is that you have to have a tonne of creative talent in order to contribute to anything painted. Not so, say both the AHH team and the Designbx interior design team. In fact, a mural will have much more sentimental value if you know that everyone in the family or your group of friends added their own flavour. This is a great way to spruce up a wall, or multiple walls, that are peeling or have seen better days.

3. Oversee your own landscaping

We recommend keeping this project weather friendly, but who says you need to hire an expert to oversee your weed-whacking and flower planting? Again, use the digital tools at your disposal to draw up your dream garden, and then let’s bring it to life! There are so many projects that only take a couple of hours or a half-day and can quickly equate to a backyard fit for any soiree. Projects to consider include laying a patio, planting flowers, seeding grass, or even watering existing plants.

There’s a common theme with the above—and it’s the people that you surround yourself with. Obviously there are larger-scale projects that we recommend bringing in the experts for. Not sure of the scale of the work ahead? Give Designbx a shout! And be sure to check out the Australian Heritage Homes site and our blog for more interior and exterior inspiration.

The post DIY Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Designbx.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner we can’t help but be reminded of how our own mums are nothing short of super heroes. Mums deserve the world and it’s great that we have one special Sunday dedicated to all of their amazingness. With so many wonderful gift guides out there, like this one, we thought why not focus on a gift guide that supports Mums who might need a little extra love and support this year.

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Fortunately, there are so many wonderful organisations working hard to give kids and mums a safe space to grow and thrive, and they can always use financial contributions and volunteers to continue the awesome work they do. Here are three of our favourites.

Kids Xpress

Raising children is the most important and rewarding endeavor most of us will ever embark upon, but it is difficult even under the best of circumstances. Add in difficulties like caring for a child with special needs, trauma or even homelessness, the challenges with child rearing can grow to a whole new level of hopelessness.

That’s where the work of KidsXpress comes in. By offering 10 week programs, coinciding with the school calendar, KidsXpress gives children the opportunity to be immersed in programs like Group, Co-led and Expressive therapy.

Combining each of these therapies together ensures a well-rounded approach to success. Expressive therapy is unique but incredibly beneficial to children who have been subjected to trauma or deal with issues related to social function, like those symptoms associated with Autism and Aspergers. Expressive therapy enables sensory engagement when traditional verbal and cognitive therapies are less effective or not an option.

The work of KidsXpress ensures that these challenges are not insurmountable and even helps to build bridges within the community that prevents parents from being in constant “panic mode” while actually helping them and their children to thrive in a network of folks who find themselves in similar circumstances searching for similar solutions.

How you can give: Because their services are in such high demand, there is a long list of families eager to join. Donate to KidsXpress here. Every little bit helps bring those struggling most closer to the support they need, and your contribution is tax deductible!

Habitat for Humanity Australia

Here at Designbx the old adage, “Think global, act local” rings true. That’s why we love Habitat for Humanity Australia. We all know how important it is to be able to dwell with dignity, and their work does exactly that for those most in need.

Single mums make up 84-88% of lone parent homes in Australia, and up to 23% of lone-parents are living below the poverty line. This is a crucial problem that is only growing as housing affordability reaches crisis level across the country.  

Habitat for Humanity Australia puts homeownership within reach for those struggling to put a roof over their family’s heads. It is a long-term solution to the quicksand of poverty, a problem that impacts each and every one of us, whether we know it or not.

So how does it work? Here is an excerpt from the Habitat for Humanity Australia website:

“Families partner with Habitat for Humanity in the construction of their home. Each partner family receives an interest free, 20 year loan based on 95 percent of the market value of the completed home.

Partner families contribute 500 hours of their own time in the planning and construction phases – this is called ‘sweat equity’ and is recognised in the 5 percent discount on market value that we return to them. For example, if a home is valued at $300,000, the partner family will have accumulated effectively $15,000 in equity, from their own efforts, on the day they move in.”

Whether it’s building homes right here in Australia, helping those in developing countries or areas devastated by a natural disaster, you know that your financial and on-the-ground volunteering contributions are going to great use.

If you love the idea of building something with your bare hands, then Habitat for Humanity is an excellent way to give back. Additionally, you can help by making a financial contribution, or by potentially organising a team building effort with your work colleagues. There are so many great ways to get engaged!

Here in Australia, the program is run differently state-by-state. So please check the website to see how to best participate in your community.

One Girl

What a difference an education can make. Everything about One Girl is empowering and hopeful, which is no small feat given the problems they tackle are oh-so-big. This organisation is in the business of educating 1 million girls in some of the most impoverished parts of Africa. One Girl’s work is helping to decrease rates of everything from child brides to infant mortality and the payoffs have been far reaching.

For instance, did you know that the rate of infant mortality REDUCES a staggering 5-10% for every year a girl stays in school? Additionally, educated mothers are much more likely to pass on their education to their children, and are more than twice as likely to send their children to school.  

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It’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed by the devastating problems the One Girl organisation handles, that we sometimes end up giving up before we even begin. Thankfully for us, One Girl has broken down the solutions to an achievable level and it’s easy for all of us to make a difference.

Whether you decide to make a monthly $25 contribution to send a girl to school, or do a fundraiser yourself, your ROI will bolster not just mums, but children, families and entire communities. That’s something to celebrate this Mother’s Day and all year long.

Do you support a great organisation and want to share it with us? Add it to the comments section to keep the conversation going.

Other fantastic Mum blogs to check out this Mother’s Day. If at heart you’re a gift giver, then here are some ones close to our heart- Great Mother’s Day gifts. 

The post An Alternative Guide to Gift Giving this Mother’s Day 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

The post Santa sacks and stockings with sass! appeared first on Designbx.