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My Style Quiz Result:

Coast

Your style quiz result is a bit of fun and should be used only as a guide.  Your designer will work closely with you to explore your own personal style in much greater detail!

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My Style Quiz Result:

Luxe

Your style quiz result is a bit of fun and should be used only as a guide.  Your designer will work closely with you to explore your own personal style in much greater detail!

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My Style Quiz Result:

Modern

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My Style Quiz Result:

Scandi

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My Style Quiz Result:

Traditional

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What is your favourite room at home?  So here’s the truth – we couldn’t provide the amazing range of furniture and homewares, (not to mention the pricing) in the designs for our clients without our creative, genius, friendly, generous and beautiful supply partners! 

To continue the theme of our recent blog post: Made in Australia, we sat down for a cocktail (virtual of course) with some of these creative and talented teams to chat about their fave rooms at home and what design means to them.  They have also been kind enough to tell us how they created their looks, so you can go about recreating these in your own home OR, call on the Designbx experts to do it for you!

Confession: Kerena and Kylie with a Ginger Citrus Spice Margie on a Saturday afternoon chatting with these talents = heaven!

Image Source: The Margarita Mum 

Designer Boys Collections

A long way from the first series of The Block, Gavin Atkins (Gav) and Warren Sonin (Waz) are the Founders of Designer Boys – a wholesale art business that collaborates with new and established artists from across the globe. 

With an emphasis on artwork inspired by nature, Designer Boys artworks are not mass-produced and are all beautifully hand-framed here in Australia.  Think rich colours, exquisite textures and beautiful finishes – Designer Boys are a Designbx fave!

What is your favourite room at home?

Our stunning 12 metre hallway which connected the front door to the main living with sweeping views over the Byron Bay hinterland. The house was a derelict 120 year old farmhouse on 60 acres that we transformed into a stunning country home.

What design style is this room/space?

Luxe Farmhouse with a touch of Potts Point opulence (where we use to live before we moved to the country).

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s the first impression of what to expect from the rest of the house. We wanted the hallway to feel warm and welcoming with a beautiful ambience. It’s the room we decorated first as it would set the decorating style for the entire house.

“It was a labour of love and it’s important to stick to your innate style to make it truly your home. And don’t follow trends… Go for a layered, eclectic look to create a vibe of comfort and style. And when we sold the house several years ago, the new owners loved the look and feel so much they bought everything!”               

GAV AND WAZ – FOUNDERS OF DESIGNER BOYS

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Absolutely nothing. It was perfect and showcased our personal style.

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

We loved the 12 metre hall rug custom made for the length of the hallway. We adored the strong geometric pattern and the masculine tones.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The 1.2 metre high Buddha. This has been part of every property we have lived in and it always prominent feature. It always brings us good fortune and energy. Back on the first series of the Block, we could take one thing from our home and we transported our Buddha in to our ‘Block’ apartment to bring us good fortune.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

The Rug Establishment for the rug, Andrew Martin fabric for the lights and Bloomingdales custom made the lights.  Mirrors and safari wall decoration from Mezai.

Gav and Waz’s 12 meter Hallway in the Byron Bay Hinterland

Eadie Lifestyle

“Beautifying your life with affordable luxury”  This is something Founder of Eadie Lifestyle Trudie Cox also sticks to in her own home.

Eadie Lifestyle creates timeless, quality home furnishings and easy to wear lounge wear. All textiles are developed in-house exclusively, and design, manufacture and wholesale of the range to the best retailers across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & the USA.

Eadie creates styles that are beautiful, functional and made only from natural fibres – they are passionate about making your house your haven.

What is your favourite room at home?

My open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room. It’s warm, friendly, cosy and perfect for casual living and entertaining. If the walls could talk, they would reveal many fun times.

What design style is this room/space?

A combination of industrial/urban, mixed with boho eclectic. I love mixing different design styles together. I think it makes the space interesting and not too uniformed.

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

The bones of my house are unique as it’s a 100 year old warehouse conversion in an industrial suburb that is starting to gain popularity as a residential area. It’s interesting, unpretentious, welcoming and oozes character. Originally, the building was home to a motor mechanic and car showroom. There are lots of little treasures including the hardwood beams, gorgeous chunky rusty bolts and imperfection everywhere, which makes it perfect for me.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

The (lack of) heating and cooling. I am in the middle of developing it further and can’t wait to install AC!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Well in terms of my space, it’s the very industrial bones, teamed with my bits and pieces I’ve collected from various parts of my life and travels. It’s a combination of hard and soft, cool and warm, commercial and very homely. I guess the combination takes people by surprise when they walk in, as the exterior of the property is a very old, weathered warehouse frontage. I love the discreetness and unexpectedness of it. I like surprises and individuality in interior schemes. You can tell when someone has put their heart and soul into an interior, it stands out in an authentic way and I think that is interesting.

“Style tells a story about who you are and your individual journey. I don’t follow trends or rules. I enjoy mixing sophisticated with rustic. I love pieces that remind me of my travels or have sentimental value”.

TRUDIE COX – FOUNDER EADIE LIFESTYLE

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

Ah, that’s easy. It would be my very treasured bust sculpture of Brett Whitely. I have had it for years and I adore it. It gives the space beautiful energy. When I saw it in a shop on the North Coast, it literally stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t for sale at the time, but I asked the store owner to contact the local artist and ask her if she would contemplate selling it to me. It was love at first sight and the love affair still prevails many years after. It was. a labour of love for the artist, and I promised her I would look after it forever.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

The Sofas in my living area are from Curious Grace and Maison Est. They are comfy, not precious and great for high traffic areas. I have a partner,  3 teenage daughters, and 2 dogs. It’s a busy household that always has people dropping in, wine in the fridge and music playing. I want everyone that is here to feel comfortable and at home, and these are perfect. Of course, Eadie Lifestyle cushions are everywhere! A fair bit of my artwork is original and commissioned by local up-and-coming artists. Some of my favourite pieces are by Sydney based artist Aaron Kinane, who is now incredibly successful. I bought these pieces from him before he was well known. It’s been exciting to see his career flourish. I also love my round dining table. I cherish loved ones sitting around a round table, sharing great food and conversation. Everyone is included. It is super heavy, made from oak and takes about 4 men to move. Again, it’s not precious, we don’t use tablecloths or placemats, and it doesn’t;t matter if a splash of red wine or two hits the surface. I also love my long concrete kitchen benchtop. It was hand-poured by a local tradesman (and friend), and we didn’t over polish it. The finish has texture and a bit of grit, which compliments the industrial feel of the space. I have simple backless stools underneath and it has become the heart of the house. We spend a lot of time around our kitchen bench.

Darcy & Duke

Darcy & Duke is that touch of elegance and luxury you didn’t know you NEEDED in your life.  Think plush furniture and homewares with a touch of velvet and gold, stylish and functional armchairs and ottomans with a hint of opulence.

Designbx recently chatted with Founder of Darcy & Duke Rachel Han to find out what is your favourite room at home?  Located in Melbourne, Rachel and her team curate and design collections which aim to inspire, and provide a point difference to what’s currently in the market.

What is your favourite room at home?

My bedroom

What design style is this room/space?

Modern

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

The high ceilings and natural light create calm….and the view of course.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

I would definitely upgrade from a Queen bed to a King!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

The heart of the room is in the structure and finishes.  We moved in 18 months ago and haven’t purchased any furniture for this room yet. We moved our existing furniture in and made the best of it.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

 The chairs by the window, it is a calm and serene area to escape and relax.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

That’s easy – all items were sourced from Darcy and Duke!

Are you looking to Refresh or Transform your space at home and not sure where to start?  Designbx offers a FREE no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation and a convenient online booking system – link below.  We hope you enjoyed part one of our “behind the scenes” tour – keep an eye out for part two coming soon!

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If you’re planning a complete makeover or tweaking your current home, we have the top interior design trends for achieving a South European influenced style.

1. Tiles are a must!

The easiest way to incorporate Mediterranean house decor into your home is using tiles of all colours, patterns, shapes and sizes. Tiles can be for flooring, kitchen splash backs or fireplaces – so get creative!
For a sun-baked Moroccan look, focus on using terracotta tiles in shades of dusty orange.  Incorporating patterned mosaic tiles is a large component of this particular style, and are great for bordering floors and walls.

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2. On the walls

A natural, rustic texture is commonly seen on the interiors and exterior of buildings in Greece and Italy. A textured look in the home is achieved by layering paint and glaze on plaster or alternatively creating sand textured walls for visual depth. Remember that you’re creating a naturally textured wall, so don’t be too particular when throwing around paint and glaze.
Using tinted dry wall compound can simulate a plaster wall without the cost and effort. When redesigning walls and choosing a colour palette think of sky blues, bright yellows and aqua.

3. Inspired accessories

Mediterranean house decor traditionally incorporates materials such as burnished bronze and wrought iron into accessories. A wrought iron fireplace goes well with Moroccan-inspired rugs in shades of red and blue. By using blue floral patterned vases as flower vases or cooking utensil holders, it’s a key subtle way to incorporate the style. Complement vases with colourful patterned cushions and neutral throws.

For a more elegant, Luxe inspired look, use gold as the main accent colour.

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4. Italian highlights

Italian inspired interiors often incorporate dark wooden floorboards, over sized furniture and red and orange in colour schemes. Colours that mimic a Tuscan sunset such as warm reds and terracotta orange will embrace a European summer all year round.

Encapsulate Italian design in the living room by pairing red cushions with an orange patterned rug, and create a bold statement in the bedroom with Italian bed linen.

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5. Greek inspired

For a Greek twist on your style, think deep blues matched with bright turquoise in your furniture and statement pieces. Using whitewashed wood flooring throughout the house and covered with Moroccan style rugs in the bedrooms pays beautiful homage to the Greeks. A common design feature in Greek homes that are perched on the side of the sea are statement pillars and rustic exposed beams, so consider using these tastefully. In the bedroom, opt for large statement bedheads and bed frames.

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To make re-decorating easy, meet Grace Garrett, a designer and textile designer who embraces the Mediterranean style. Grace has been in the design industry for over 20 years and is one of the interior design online experts at Designbx.

The post Mediterranean house decor: Set sail to Europe appeared first on Designbx.

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1. New colours for an old look

Let’s start with the colour scheme. Just about anything can be used for your antique style. Some suggestions are: aqua blues, sunshine yellows, creamy whites and leather browns. Also incorporate floral prints as this was the trending design of the time. To save money, instead of buying new furniture just because the colours don’t match, simply give your cupboards, tables and cabinets a coat of fresh but old looking paint.

1. Roughly coat chalk paint onto the furniture, creating an uneven surface.
2. Use graphite and water to darken edges and legs, where wear and tare would have occurred
3. Use coarse sandpaper and paint scrapers to distress the furniture for a worn look
4. Use clear chalk paint wax to finish

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2. Fancy fabrics for less

Many antique styles incorporate expensive fabrics such as large velvet couches and silk curtains, but often there is a cheaper alternative that looks just as effective. Instead of using velvet, opt for felt which has a similar texture and no one will be able to tell from afar. As for those luscious silk curtains, synthetic satins shimmer just as well and your bank account will thank you for it. When choosing furniture in these materials, a blend of yellow and blue will give a vintage look and can also be styled with just about anything. You could also go traditional brown leather but make sure it is a weathered look and not a ‘straight-out-of-the-shop’ appearance as it will stick out like a sore thumb.

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3. The traditional home library

It wouldn’t be an antique theme without a home library. Grab the oldest looking bookshelf you can find and fill it with the oldest books you can find. Books with a little ware and tare are ideal as it gives the impression that they were actually read once-upon-a-time. This is where the op-shop actually does come in handy. Many outlets sell books for next to nothing and they are generally used books which is perfect for the look you’re going for. Place a velvet couch in the room and you have yourself a traditional antique library.

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4. In the kitchen

The kitchen is by far the easiest room to transform into a antique masterpiece. Vintage inspired kitchens are on trend and it’s relatively cheap and easy to transform a modern kitchen into an antique one. Start by removing cupboard doors. Yes you heard right, there was no place for cupboard doors back in the day. Everything on shelves and in cupboards were celebrated as part of the design of the room. Open shelving or glass cabinet doors are the perfect addition to a antique kitchen. If this move is a bit too bold, simply replace doors with vintage curtains in cute floral or stripe patterns. Another antique addition to the kitchen can include replacing cabinet knobs. These days, knobs are often shiny and simplistic but the antique style calls for something with pattern and elegance. Try brass or iron handles that can often be found at the local hardware shop.

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5. Time to decorate

Vintage interior design is all about having functional decorating items such as those decorative plates hanging on the wall, that may come in handy when people are over for dinner (even though they are rarely used, the thought is there). First let’s turn your lighting into an artwork. Paint your old lamp shades with floral patterns for a unique touch. Don’t stress if you don’t have an artistic side, simply grab leaves and paint them in various colours, to then press into the shade. Rugs are the next big necessity. Colourful Chinese art deco rugs are perfect for a vintage touch. The more pattern and colour the better. Rugs can be a big investment, so instead grab a few metres of fabric, such as Ikea’s ikat fabric, and head to a dressmaker to sew the seams. Although this may not be the centre piece of the room, it’s a perfect base for furniture. As for the walls, create an eclectic mix of various frames. Grab old wooden frames from and op-shop or repaint frames in gold and brass colours.

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6. Storage

When thinking about storage, think of all the possible uses for one item. Such as a small bowl can be used for jewelry storage, to hold a candle or to hold keys. Vintage silver, brass or copper bowls, vases and plates are ideal for storage in every room. Expensive looking pieces can be found at op-shops for inexpensive prices, or you could raid your grandmother’s house for timeless pieces. Bowls can be used for plants such as succulents, or hanging plants. Antique vases can be used for makeup brushes and toothbrushes. Vintage plates can be used for wall decoration or can be made into a multitiered jewelry holder.

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7. Hang your memories

Hanging photos doesn’t have to be done in the traditional framed way. This idea lends itself more to the country vintage look but is also perfectly suited for a home in the city. Use wire or an old fence gate to peg photos onto. Painted wire is often worn and this means it will fit in perfectly with your worn painted furniture.

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As you can see, vintage interior design does not have to send you bank into the negatives. By getting creative, you can bring your antique inspired designs to life for less.

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