As a key speaker at an annual global Airbnb Open Festival, interior designer and Designbx co-founder Kerena Berry presented to over 300 Airbnb hosts, to help hosts increase occupancy, guest ratings and daily rates. We share some of the best tips in our blog below, plus a link to ‘The Designbx Airbnb host guide’.

There was a time when Australians denied having a distinct culture, but our popularity as a tourist destination is solid proof that foreign visitors believe we’re a unique and beautiful part of the world. As Airbnb hosts, it’s our job to reinforce our unique culture and provide the setting for our customers’ travel fantasies. 

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Travelling is one of the best things that you can do for your health. It helps your physical and mental health, and can be excellent for the soul according to Positive Health Wellness. So what type of experience does an Airbnb customer expect? At Designbx, we can help by providing a few design tips to make your home attract five star reviews.

Firstly, imagine your target demographic. What interiors do they expect from a seaside getaway, a few days in our unique inner city suburbs, or a tranquil stay in the Hunter Valley? Put yourself in the shoes of your potential customer as you complete the free Designbx Style Quiz, which will provide a visual style board.

Once you have a clear vision, let’s get to work on the foundations: walls and floors. A fresh lick of silk or satin paint, or a sugar soap scrub will provide the most common basic necessity: a visually clean and hygienic space. Choose flooring that’s easy to clean and works with your style.

Next, make sure there’s enough furniture for your guests in each area, and always assume they’ll move as an entire group between rooms. Ensure they have a wonderful sleep by using latex covers, which have memory for extra comfort.

Designbx Airbnb Project in Curl Curl, NSW

Temperature is critical, and don’t just assume air-conditioning is the one solution; think about your floor coverings, window treatments, materials and props. Feel free to overcompensate with extra blankets, feather doonas, rugs, heated towel racks, blinds & curtains. Don’t forget fly screens!

Tantalise the senses. Have soft, relaxed music playing on arrival. Spotify is a very cheap option, and you can set up playlists to enhance the atmosphere. Timer lights and heating are always appreciated. Ensure the house smells fresh and homely on arrival by using vaporisers.

Plush slippers by the door spoil guests and encourage them to take their shoes off. We even put gumboots on the veranda of a rural getaway and provided baskets labelled with the name of each chicken so guests could start their day with a little egg-hunting adventure.

Add a guestbook with tips and quirks you may be used to but could become frustrations for people in a new environment. How does every appliance operate, where do they find supplies, what are the cultural attractions? Again, imagine you are the guest.

A little guest basket champions local produce and shows pride in the community; or in situations where the house is isolated, it could provide goods impossible to find locally. These little touches remind people that you are welcoming them into your home.

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Let’s have a little fun with aesthetics. Refer to your Style Board when making any purchases. Enhancing architectural features is a good place to start. High ceilings scream for oversized artwork, and feature pendant lights look great on large kitchen island benches.

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Ensure your styling stays similar from one room to the next. Use a harmonised colour scheme, and experiment with texture to add character. Layout is crucial. Interior designers use spatial planning to place items in a room. This ensures you have a fluid path from one space to another. At Designbx we use Floor Plans to help designers and clients collaborate on layout decisions, which saves time and money.

Designbx Airbnb Project in Hunter Valley, NSW

Double the amount of dinner and kitchenware, pillows and towels you expect will be required. Make sure you provide ways to block out the sun. Use durable finishes, aged timbers, non absorbent bench tops, commercial fabrics on sofas or ever-reliable leather. Opt for poly blend or natural fibre rugs, which are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

For more organic touches, indoor plants purify the air and add aroma while flowers use visuals and unique perfumes for a sense of wellbeing. While a bedside table is a prime position for a vase, make sure you choose a flower that doesn’t have a powerful fragrance that might inhibit the ability to sleep.

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Don’t forget to entertain your guests. In any home you would expect to find books, music, games, DVDs or a hard drive with movies, and even musical instruments. There are times when we simply want to relax and have a quiet night in. 

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Never ignore safety. Even the most minor injury to a child will infuriate your adult guests. Place everyday items in easily accessible spots: don’t store heavy ceramic bowls on high shelves, and place linen in heavy lidded chests.

Underlay under rugs not only present better but also won’t curl up on the ends and create trip hazards. Place slip treads on all your stairs, especially in wet areas. Blind cords must have winding hooks (especially in children’s rooms). Also ensure you keep up to date with pool, spa and fire rules & regulations.

Add a touch of luxe. Ikea offers feather inserts for cushions that start at $5, so why risk looking cheap? Feather or duck duvets might cost more but feel beautiful and encourage guests to turn off heating, saving you money in the long-term.

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Feature toiletries in every wet room. The feel and smell of quality toiletries are lasting in the mind. Tea and coffee are common vices, so have a tea box (T2) and a POD coffee machine. With linen, opt for quality 300-plus thread count (no polyester), which wash well and last longer.

Designbx Airbnb Project in Twin Waters, QLD

Once you’ve created the perfect Airbnb home, capture your beautiful spaces on camera. Go professional, preferably with an interior or real estate specialist. Select a hero shot that captures your key feature. If the feature is exterior, like ocean views, remind browsers that it’s a home by taking the shot from inside. Soft lighting like a cloudy day is perfect, and avoid filters so people can see the real space and finishes.

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We’ve given you a few DIY tips but forecast the positive effect a professionally designed and decorated space may have on price and occupancy, and spend accordingly. From commercial interior design to personally designing your home, Designbx is an online interior design solution that is both affordable and collaborative. Unlike most freelancers out there, we offer set priced packages and access to a wider network of designers.

If you don’t know where to start you can always reach out to the expert Designbx Team for a FREE Interiors Design consultation.

 “Designbx   |   “Top interior design tips for Airbnb hosts”    |  designbx.com

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Our in-house Interior Design expert Kerena Berry– Designbx shares her insight into the emerging Trends for 2020.  This year will see a pull toward more dynamic and stimulating interiors.  Iterations of each of the below trends will transpire across various styles; Boho, Luxe, Coastal, the rules are being pushed, and more than ever styles are being bled together in an individually creative manner. It’s time to release those creative juices!   

GEO UNION

In a constantly changing and dynamic world we are trending towards paying closer attention to the earth’s surface- the changes, causes and effects. We will continue to evolve and take a finer look at how we influence the environment and the results of our lifestyles.  In this heightened awareness we will start the blend with our surroundings, drawing on integrating textures of clay, concrete, minerals, foliage and rock sediments through pattern and prints. The palette is a meridian of neutral earth tones. “Fabric and wallpaper applications will be the hero elements for this trend’ Berry– Designbx

Image- Pattern Curator

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FINE OPTIMISM

This season sees a yearning for something comforting and pleasing.  A celebration of the past and evolving it with the new. Antique aesthetics, french textiles and unobtrusive print and patterns.  Colours are delicate sun faded and organic tones. This is a bright happy space.

Berry says “Layering is key here. A fan of colours and patterns can comfortably share a single space, however, a similar tonal range will be the key element to ensure a refined design”  

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sources:  thecoolhour.com, refinery29.com, ebay.com, nicolevalentinedon.com, somegram.com, instagram (@bohemiandecor), amapofdreams.com, vsco.com (vscovibess), attirepin.com

COUTURE BOHEMIAN

Inspired by the desire for expression and creativity, pulling from the free spirited lifestyle of artists, philosophers and writers.  “ This is one style we have seen a huge influx in our projects over the last 6 months. Australian’s are welcoming richer tones and heavier fabrics into the home and commercial spaces”- Berry.

We look to focus on an eclectic style of gilded neutrals, deep saturated jewel tones overlayed with considerate and detailed bohemian patterns. “Embracing the idea that “More is more”, colour, texture and pattern clash adding a daring twist with theatrical drama” Globewest

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2020 sees us taking everything up to the next level. Colour, texture, prints and patterns being pushed to surprise. A little piece of the past, future and present all colliding to create familiar yet challenging new designs – almost anything goes!

“It is refreshing to foremost see variety. A beautiful layering of modern techniques, with old era soul, and consideration and pull to nature’s forms and tones.” Kerena Berry Designbx

-Kerena Berry is a Senior Interior Designer and co-founder of Designbx, Australia’s online interior design solution.  

The post Design Trends 2020 appeared first on Designbx.

Image reference: Bohemian Modern by Emily Henson

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Pairing back to a monochromatic palette brings a contemporary take to this look.

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Keep true to the bolder colour palette

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The materials that make the Tribal Touch look possible are rustic timbers, hand woven baskets used for both storage and wall features, batik and block printed fabrics, Pottery, feather detailing and stone ware. To achieve the look, check out our  tribal style guide.

The post The Tribal Touch appeared first on Designbx.

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Eco green design

As climate disruption continues, consumers are also becoming much more conscious of their contribution to the problem. Actively engaging with our politicians by demanding policy reforms that curb our carbon footprint is as important as ever. Importantly, becoming environmentally efficient in our own homes now, also makes a major difference in turning back the clock on climate change.

Gone are the days of installing energy efficient light bulbs as the only option to go green. Many felt as if they were being forced to sacrifice style for sustainability.  Eco-friendly engineering has exploded over the last decade and our options for small footprint homes ranges from composting to eco green design in the home. We are now able make everything in our homes more efficient and eco-friendly, at a more affordable price tag.

1. Efficient energy- Solar panels

Even the most enthusiastic supporters of solar power have been shocked about how fast the cost of solar is falling. In the last five years alone, the price of large scale solar has fallen by 58% in Australia. Unless you’re a fossil fuel company, that’s really great news. Even Royal Dutch Shell has been forced to admit that the energy sector will be dominated by solar this century.

From a design perspective, Tesla has changed that game too. Solar panels have shed their dark and bulky appearance for a sleek aesthetic that blends seamlessly with all types of roofing, including terracotta tiles. Pundits may make the argument that the solar market is getting overcrowded, with IKEA now looking to bring rooftop solar panels and installation services to its Australian stores. As long the solar power is regulated, the more the merrier!

2. Bamboo

No longer the “Poor Man’s Timber”, Bamboo is becoming one of the best building materials. Its abundance and steady growth rate make it the number one eco-friendly and durable choice. Designers and engineers are getting hip to its versatility and are continuously exploring new ways to incorporate the material. Everything from common floorboards and cabinets are now available in eco-friendly bamboo. Times are changing with full buildings entirely crafted from bamboo, taking notes from ancient Chinese architecture. Designers and architects are even going so far as to showcase its uniqueness instead of hiding it.

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Bamboo’s reputation as a fast grower is pretty common knowledge. You need something that will grow quickly enough to block out the neighbour’s weekly barbecues? Bamboo is there for you. But what might surprise you is that  bamboo can grow up to a metre in a single day and be harvested in half the time of even soft woods. As a bonus, it neutralises four times the amount of carbon as many other trees, making it perfect for eco green design. 

In China, bamboo is a low carbon alternative to plastic, yet engineers find difficulty in making it a viable option. Recent advancements in heating and bending the plant have taken off. New products are coming into the market, with everything from speakers to hairdryers. Developed from mixing resins with bamboo fibres, the creation is one that is stronger than reinforced concrete with the benefit of being biodegradable.

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3. Sustainable timbers

When it comes to timbers for eco green design, bamboo isn’t the only game in town. In fact, there are over 70 timber varieties grown in Australia that boasts the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp of approval. FSC is rigorous in its sustainability standards, and is the largest and most well respected eco-certifying program of its kind. Its website offers information on everything from sustainable Australian timbers available to a list of retailers for purchase.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly hardwood timber flooring, Australian Solar Timbers (AST), located in New South Wales is a great place to go. AST was started by two ANZAC soldiers in 1919 and has been offering sustainable timber ever since. They are the largest users of solar kiln technology- a practice that harnesses the sun’s power to quickly and efficiently dry out timber- and the company prides itself on being pioneers in local Forestry Stewardship.

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3. Beefing up on energy efficiency

From a dollar and cents standpoint, it’s cheaper to go green. You are more likely to receive better quality construction, and lower utility bills with green energy. Not only will adding these features make your neighbours envious, it will stand out to potential buyers if you choose to sell your home.

Most buyers are searching for a turn-key property, and they will pay more for a property that includes smart-home technology. In fact, when asked in a 2016 study byColdwell Banker, 54% of home buyers said that if they were given the choice between two identical homes and one had “smart technology” upgrades, they would pay more for the smart home. Those numbers increase for parents with children in the home and millennial buyers to 59% and 61% respectively.

Real estate brokers are following these trends and are highlighting these benefits in their marketing efforts. Appraisers believe that high costs justify taking smart upgrades into account, which result in higher valuations for smart homes.

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Investing in things like efficient appliances and timers for your lights are all great options to smarten up your home. Invest in energy saving technology like Nest, which allows you to adjust your air conditioning and other features from your smartphone. These investments could save money now, make money in the future and make you a better steward of the environment.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be offering useful and practical tips on how you can be environmentally savvy in the home.  

Krista Collard is the founder and principle of Sustainable Staging and is a writer and designer for Designbx. She has worked in media and communications for environmental advocacy groups 350.org Australia and the Sierra Club in the US and continues to advocate for all things sustainable.  

The post Eco green design in the home appeared first on Designbx.

Luckily, we’re here to help you out! Here are our tips for finding the right flooring without breaking the bank.  Just remember to learn the little things, such as how to clean wooden floors, and what cleaners you can use before making your decision!

1. Budget Materials for Durable Flooring

In areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, you need durable flooring that’s moisture resistant and still looks the part. We’ve fallen head-over-heels for ceramic tiles, which fit all those requirements and can look totally gorgeous- if you pick wisely! There are tonnes of colours, patterns and shapes to choose from.

Whilst it may not necessarily spring to mind as your best flooring option, concrete is also a material we’ve been envying. It’s super cheap, incredibly durable and so easy to clean that using it is a no-brainer. You can also paint over it to jazz it up, so let your creative juices run wild!

Vinyl is also a retro material many people won’t consider at first, but it’s actually a great choice. In recent years, the manufacture of vinyl floorings upped its game, so now yours can be quality made and there’s a tonne of choice for style.

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2. Renovation Considerations

When it comes to picking your flooring, there are a number of things you need to consider, including how it functions and how it looks – it can be way too easy to get absorbed in the latter! Here are some things you should be thinking about:

• Foundations – The foundations you’re laying your flooring on may restrict your options.
• Lifestyle and function – Consider how your flooring needs to work and what it’ll have to deal with. For example, pets and children mean easy-to-clean floors are definitely your best choice.
• Colour – Light colours can open up small spaces which can be a blessing for little homes. If you’re renovating to sell, go for a safe, neutral tone that’ll appeal to everyone.
• Single floor – Picking one floor to use throughout your home can really open up your home and improve the flow, making it seem larger

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3. Things to Think About with Timber

Timber flooring is a very popular choice due to the wide range available and its organic and timeless appeal. The material and style you choose can be a relief or strain on your budget. Floating floors in veneer, bamboo and laminate are going to be kinder to your bank account and create the lasting look of timber without the hassle and cost.

If you opt for timber, make sure you know how to clean hardwood floors to keep yours looking smarter for longer!

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4. Statement Flooring

While grey timber appear to be the best flooring choice at the moment, sometimes it’s nice to go against the trends and pick something that’s a bit more unique. If you’re on a budget, something simple like a marble effect or tiling can change things up a bit and create a more bespoke look. By shaping timber flooring, you can fit tiles in different patterns and shapes, and brass can be inlaid in concrete floors to create gorgeous contrasting patterns.

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Flooring doesn’t have to be expensive to look great and last a lifetime, as long as you know what you should be looking for! Take the time to research and find something that’s going to suit your home before investing and you should be fine.

The post 4 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Flooring on a Budget appeared first on Designbx.

Cerused dressed timber dates back to the 15th Century, a skill that enriches the grain details in porous timbers, most commonly oaks. The style is predominantly created by using a pigmented grain filler to accent the pores of a timber or applying a pigmented wash.

Cerused dressing can be achieved with white pigments in oil or other clear bases against dark surfaces. You can also tint your pore filler paste with white to achieve this look and to mask unwanted tones.

A modern take on the material trend is adding a rich colour to the white medium to produce colour infused pieces. The key areas we are seeing this revival is in flooring, cabinetry and doors. However there are no rules to where and how to use this technique but here are some trend timbers that have taken us aback with their beauty. 

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The cerused detailing on the door heightens this highly textured and pattern focused space. In lighter tones it creates a marble effect and a charming subtle, touch to bright and neutral surfaces. 

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Darker and cooler tones in trend woods showcase the beauty and versatility of using coursed  dressed timber. Commonly used in contemporary and luxe styles, the neutral and cooling hues are easily paired with bright colour, metallics and slate greys. 

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The ceruse style in darker tones is a real statement piece and can match any style from Art-Deco, rustic and contemporary. Matching perfectly with bold patterns and bright colours, it adds a whimsical appeal to any space.

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The more traditional light tones in dressed timber are used in coastal style furniture, commonly known as ‘white-washed’. A beautiful way to up-cycle furniture is to add this decorative technique to hide imperfections and unwanted colourings as it breathes new life into pre-loved wooden surfaces.

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Try to incorporate trend timbers in unconventional spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. By applying the cerused technique to wood, it removes the orange stained hue from conventional cabinetry and bench surfaces and adds a modern touch. 

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If you’re looking for the perfect rug to match your floor, check our our guide on how to style rugs. 

The post Materials trend: cerused dressed timber appeared first on Designbx.

The current electric trend in interior design is adding brass, copper or gold accessories around the home to give a bold personality. These metals may give an exciting look to your interior but the style can fade out as quickly as summer does. Chrome on the other hand is more hard wearing for homewares and fittings and can match with any interior decor, whether it be Scandinavian, contemporary, vintage or a mix.

Chrome can be incorporated by accessories, fixtures, furniture, mirrors or even on the wall. The concept of a chrome wall may make you gasp, however it can match perfectly with a modern living room…we promise!

1. Fixate on your fixtures

Chrome tap fixtures are durable, stylish and go perfectly in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. The sleek, shining silver creates a neat and tidy look even when covered in clothes or dirty dishes! Stone such as marble, slate and limestone match perfectly with chrome. Don’t be afraid to add chrome light fixtures as these can create a masterpiece in  the room, or complement more subtle chrome tap fixtures and accessories. Opt for one large statement piece or a fixture that has multiple smaller hanging lights.

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2. Fabulous furniture

When we talk about chrome furniture we don’t mean a completely chrome chair that will blind you every time you look at it! It’s usually part of the base structure of the furniture. Chrome furniture is becoming increasingly popular and adds a touch of elegance and bold statement to ordinary objects such as tables and chairs. There are even bed frames that use chrome as a dominant material and these blend well with a modern style bedroom. Chrome can have many different finishes, so if shiny silver isn’t your cup of tea, then opt for a matte finish. The general rule is cool metals (such as chrome), mix well with cool colours such as blue and green.

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3. Make your walls shine

Before you skip this section because it seems too bold for you, this photo may just change your mind!

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Chrome walls aren’t all that scary and they can make a small room feel ten times bigger. Also an ideal option for kitchens as they hide dirt well. Using a patterned chrome wall, creates a more subtle look, instead of having one big block of shiny chrome. As this will be your statement piece there’s no need to go over the top with colourful accessories and bright materials. Keep it natural with wood, stone and minimal decorating to avoid creating a busy room.

4. Accent accessories

If you’re using chrome fixtures, as a wall or as the main statement for the room, then you don’t need to go over the top with chrome accessories. Small bedroom decorating ideas can include a few chrome candles, vases, lamps or clocks. A few accessories help guide the eye from the statement piece, around the rest of the room. Mirrors or photo frames with chrome frames are also a great way to fill in gaps on your wall, while creating an elegant look.

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The French accent style style has come along way since it’s roots in the 1770’s. While still incorporating elements of antique furniture and over-the-top furnishings, nowadays we don’t have to be so extravagant to create a French accent style.

Whether you want to create a simple and modern French look or you are opting for the traditional, all-out style, these are our top 10 tipsL

1. French walls

The colours of your wall will determine the decorations and upholstery for the rest of the room. Try spilt coloured walls, such as: the upper half painted grey or white and the lower half (chair rail height) painted a darker red or blue. When choosing whites, stick to warmer tones such as cream, ivory and stone. As for blues, use aqua, cornflower or midnight blue. Choose a dominant colour such as red, that can be used to highlight aspects of the room. The style is inspired by the rolling French hills, so sunshine yellow is also an option for an accent colour. For a more traditional French style, incorporate timber work into the upper half of the wall.

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2. Passionate patterns

When choosing patterns for your French inspired home, think to the outdoors. Floral upholstery is a large part of the style, and this can be incorporated into anything, from couches to curtains to rugs. Red and blue stripes are a recognisable French feature and can be used in curtains and upholstery. In the kitchen, emphasise visual depth through your tiles and cupboards.

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3. Simple but effective floors

The flooring is the base to your room, so there’s no need to go over the top with pattern and colour. Stick to natural materials such as stone, slate, natural wood and limestone. If you aren’t a fan of hard flooring, choose neutral, warm tone carpet or you could place coloured rugs on top of your stone floors. In the kitchen you have a free pass to go all out. Match the colour of your floor with the cupboards and go to town with the pattern.

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4. The French and their furniture

Don’t rush out the door to buy brand new couches and tables with clean white shining finishes. These items will stick out like a sore thumb. French style homes prefer a weathered look. A look that represents ware and tare from past generations. This doesn’t mean you have to have an antique leather couch that has been passed down from generation to generation, it just means you have to shop for the right materials. Search for wrought iron, bronze and brown leather couches, tables and chairs. Also consider natural materials like timber and stone, but make sure they match the warm colour scheme.

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This may sound strange, but avoid matching furniture. Create a collected look with different shapes, sizes and colours of furniture and accessories. Mix a variety of finishes from natural woods to metals.

5. 2 in 1 Decorations

While French accent is often known for an abundance of decorations, each decorative piece often has a functional use. The large clocks are for reading the time, the open kitchen shelving for easy access and the hanging pots and plates are for use in dinner parties. Extravagant candle holders once functioned as the only source of lighting but today they are more functional for nice smelling candles. Use gold as a main accessory colour, to reflect light around the room. Beautifully patterned plates can be hung in place of artwork. If using artwork, choose one large antique piece as opposed to smaller pieces and don’t forget to add mirrors where possible. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, this is the perfect spot for decorative gold mirrors or large artworks.

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6. Flowers, flowers and more flowers

It wouldn’t be a French room without flowers of some kind. The French style celebrates life outdoors, so ensure you have either floral prints or a bunch of flowers potted in a pottery vase. Use roses, poppies, iris and tulips to give life to your room.

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7. Modern meets traditional

For those of you who don’t want to go full antique, you can still incorporate subtle French elements and colours into your home to create a modern twist. Use light blues, warm whites or pastel yellows for your walls and combine this with gold accessories and large mirrors. Incorporate wood furniture which is modern yet still fits with the French accent style. Less is more, so choose one piece of artwork or one feature piece in the room such as a decorated fireplace.

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8. Glam it up

Instead of an antique, traditional room, mix it up with some chic elements. Start with a large chandelier for the feature piece of the room. These go perfectly in the middle of a living room or over a dining table. Next, add gilded mirrors, metallic coffee tables and gold accessories to provide that wow factor.

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9. Never too much curtain

You can never have too much or too many curtains in French style homes. Don’t stop your curtains at the floor, the more the merrier. Long drapes in red velvet or subtle blues and stone colours are perfect for window dressings. It’s all about emphasising the structure of the building, even if it’s a plain square room, curtains can dress up anything.

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10. Inspiration to get you started

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For a head start on ideas for French accent style or other popular styles, check out our style boards and gold products.

The post French style homes – top 10 tips appeared first on Designbx.

Curatorial+Co is essentially an online art gallery that sources paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and ceramic works, along with multimedia and textile art pieces, from around the globe. Designbx and Curatorial+Co were both conceived from the same philosophy – allowing design and art to be available to everyone, no matter how time rich or poor, and no matter their budget.

As well as making art affordable, Curatorial+Co aims to increase the profile of emerging and existing artists in a cultural exchange between Australia and the rest of the world. Their carefully curated offering is vast, and customers are buying from a collection that is exclusive to Curatorial+Co. While predominantly an online service, Curatorial+Co also hold pop-up exhibitions to allow customers to experience art in person and to meet the artists.

Sophie Vander is the founder and director of Curatorial+Co. Sophie is a UNSW College of Fine Arts graduate with a relentless passion for art and design. After 10 years working overseas gaining experience in curating, interior design and journalism, Sophie now lives in Sydney where she brings her insight and enthusiasm to Curatorial+Co. Sophie consults with clients on art commissions, hosts pop-up exhibitions and fosters creative talent.

Designbx recently chatted to Sophie Vander about the Curatorial+Co concept:

What gave you the idea to start Curatorial+Co?

I saw a shift in the way people viewed art but not a way in which people could buy art. There was a big gap between places to buy ubiquitous art prints and the high-end white-box art galleries. Curatorial+Co. came from a desire to show that original artworks by emerging artists from all over the world are a great way to move on from the art print and develop your knowledge about art and your own personal taste.

What makes Curatorial+Co unique?

Before us, there wasn’t really somewhere in between for the person ready to start an original art collection to view and buy accessible, curated works. The majority of our buyers come back again and again because they trust our aesthetic and art quality. They also generally don’t have the time to do the research that is sometimes required, so Curatorial+Co make it very easy to find beautiful pieces at accessible prices, all in one place online.

Tell us about the artists you represent:

We are still a young gallery so currently have 18 artists in our online stable. Every day I go in search of new artists who are creating innovative and interesting work to add to our online collection. We would love to double that number, but it’s more about quality than quantity, so we’ll see how that goes!

We also have a multitude of artists who produce commissioned works for our art consultancy clients, depending on a client’s budget and preference for a particular space. These artists range from emerging, all the way up to established – we have a huge talent pool to draw from.

Do your artists have anything in common with each other?

Generally our artists are emerging or mid-career so we can keep the price of works online accessible. Emerging doesn’t always mean young either! Many of our artists are creators who have started later in life and found their ‘thing’. The work they produce is some of my favourite as there is confidence, surety and a true sense of self that very young artists don’t always have.

What do you look for in an artist?

I like to work with artists who a take a traditional medium and turn it on its head. There must be a level of innovation or individuality; they should have their own style. You should know their work the minute you see it, but you should also see them developing and pushing and moving forward in their practice, but really it comes down to the work itself.

How do you find new artists you would like to partner with?

Initially it’s a gut instinct when I come across their work – it generally grabs me instantly and takes my breath away for a moment (I love it when our buyers have the same reaction!). Instagram is my best friend when it comes to discovering new talent as it’s a wonderful tool to find new artists who are not yet on anyone’s radar.

How did you come to partner with Designbx, and what excites you about this relationship?

I read a newspaper article about what Kerena, Emily and Kylie were doing to turn the interior design world around and make it more accessible. It really gelled with what I am trying to do with the art world so it was a natural fit. Everyone is so time-poor these days, yet we still want our environments to be gorgeous, meaningful and personal. We crave beauty and calm in our spaces to offset the stresses that surround us, and we need ways to make this happen without adding more stress to the equation.

I am so excited about how Designbx and Curatorial+Co can work together to help make that happen for everyone who craves more art and design in their lives.

We are super excited to offer our customers the first Curatorial+Co artist – Australian photographer Anita Beaney. In her current works Anita focuses on the mesmerising power of the sea and the sky.

Our professional interior design team can help you to select and incorporate a beautiful art piece that complements your room, design style and looks fabulous! Either select an online interior design package or get in touch for more information.

Shop the Look 

The post Affordable, unique artwork for home interior styles 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.