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

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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.

Herbs are sun loving little wonders. Most herbs need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Before you venture into the unknown, get yourself set up with some quality soil (one that has good drainage), pots or large garden beds and seeds or already sprouted herbs (if seeds are too adventurous just yet). It sounds simple, but without the basics, you are setting yourself up for disaster, so take note to make sure you don’t make last year’s mistakes.

The next thing to do is to decide where to put them and what exactly to put them in, but don’t worry, we have you covered!

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

You don’t have to spend hours finding the ‘perfect’ pots for your little herb garden. Save time and money by using old glasses, mugs and teapots to give new life to your old drinkware. Using mismatched pots can give a unique effect to your herb shelf. Try gathering mugs with different patterns and colours to make them stand out, or stick to one colour scheme to give the garden a more structured look. The plus side to using mugs and bowls is that they can withstand the weather, so they are perfect for indoor or can be used to improve your outdoor design.

TIP! Herbs flourish best in smaller pots. Mugs and pots with a diameter of 10 inches is ideal.

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2. Send them up the wall!

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Vertical gardens remain on trend – being both functional and beautiful. Try using recycled curtain rods and hook planters onto them, or on a larger scale check out these showstopping walls from Vertical Gardens Australia. When hanging vertically, you can replace the traditional vase with just about anything, from plastic bottles to mason jars. Herb garden ideas include utilising old wooden palettes to transform them into a herb garden frame! For a cheap yet rustic and stylish option, create a pallet herb garden by hanging them up, enclosing the bottom edges to create a box to plant in. Mix it up by planting flowers and other small plants along side your herbs.

TIP! When hanging herbs vertically, it is best to hang them outside as herbs require drainage.

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3. Just hangin’

Tie in with a coastal theme by hoisting your herbs up in a macrame planter. You don’t have to dig deep into the pockets for this one, as you can easily create a personalised macrame planter yourself. All you need is some rope, a rod of some sort (timber or metal) and a small pot, then simply follow a step-by-step guide such as Likely by seas DIY guide. Also try incorporating different coloured rope to match the theme of your house or outside area. These hangers can also be directly hung from the roof, using a ring at the top instead of a rod. Hanging them inside by a window will ensure they get enough sunlight. If you need help with your outdoor theme and design, Designbx offers affordable packages to give you a head start.

TIP! Don’t over water your herbs. They will only need watering when the top of the soil is dry, otherwise you risk rotting of the soil underneath.

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4. One pot wonder

Whether it be a large ornate garden pot, old ceramic cauldon or box planter, keeping your herbs in one spot makes watering easier and adds different textures to the one look. Herbs such as Basil, Rosemary and Mint can become quite large when they are thriving in the right conditions, so when planting them together, consider the size of each plant when they are fully grown. If you are going to grow herbs, you are going to need something to put the herbs on, so why not start a small vegetable garden at the same time. Large timber planter boxes are on trend, meaning you can get the best of both worlds. Split the planter down the middle and make one half vegetables and the other half herbs. Dinner is all in one place!

TIP! If they grow out of control you can always replant the herbs by splitting the soil vertically down the middle.

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5. Say goodbye to watering

Are you a culprit of starving your herbs? If you are the type of person to forget to water your herbs regularly (let’s be honest we all do it), then planting roots straight into water may be ideal for you. Grab some mason jars and fill them with spring water. Then all you need is a 6 inch trimming (removing bottom leaves) and submerge the root into water and let them grow. Herbs can stay in the water all year round, without any maintenance. Herbs such as Peppermint, Spearmint, Oregano, Basil, Sage, Stevia, Lemon Balm and Thyme grow best in water.

TIP! Roots tend to grow away from sunlight, so make the bottom half of the jar darker, to avoid you herbs growing lop sided.

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6. Sunken garden

Bring out the power tools and try your hand at custom creating a centrepiece for your dining table. Bring life to the old family dinner table by laying in large, sturdy containers to give it a modern and enviable re-vamp. This allows dinner guests to add their own garnishes! You can also try this technique with outdoor tables so herbs get maximum sun.

TIP! Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the soil so water can drain through and does not rot the herb roots.

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7. Topsy turvy

Make a statement piece for your kitchen and dining area by investing in some Sky Planters. By adding other foliage and greenery, this creates a wow-factor to otherwise average pot plants. This design utilises a locking disk and reservoir system that preserves water and keeps the soil in place. On the flip side, it saves floor space and you can easily access your herbs whilst adding a twist to traditional home interior styles.

TIP! When pruning herbs, take an even amount of both fresh and mature leaves and take leaves from a variety of places, not just the top.

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8. Glass jars

Wash out glass jars and canisters to create a cute DIY flowerpot. These can be used to also store herbs once dried! Glass jars can be placed in baskets to create a mobile herb garden, so you can chase the sun around the house, to keep your herbs happy. If your glass jars are nothing special then spice them up with some ribbon, twine and/or lace.

TIP! Make sure to label your jars as it can become confusing when herbs are planted all the same way.

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9. Sittin’ pretty

Utilise old book shelves and ladders for the perfect pot holder. These can be used for small spaces on balconies, porches or even in the dining room next to a large window to maximise vertical space. Shelves can also be used for a variety of small succulents and flowers to add colour. Place the shelves in a sunny area or by a window inside. Here’s another place where timber palettes come in. Stand the palette on its side, build in a few shelves and throw on a fresh coat of paint.

TIP! Place a gauze or mesh behind the shelves so herbs that like to wonder, can grow up the mesh instead of tangling themselves around other plants.

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For affordable help with redesigning your outdoor area to incorporate herb garden ideas such as a pallet herb garden, try interior design online. It’s the best way to transform your area from drab to fab!

The post Nine happy herb garden ideas appeared first on Designbx.

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.

The best styles to embrace the summer season are modern interior design, coastal interior design, Scandinavian interior design, and boho interior design. So how do you incorporate these themes into your home to give that summer vibe?

1. Neutral coastal

Gone are the days of blue and white stripes! Summer is about those neutral and bright shades that soak up the sun rays and reflect the beautiful weather. This style is long lasting and can be adjusted to every season. Think high gloss furniture, princess and verdant blue, smooth metals, cadmium yellow and minimum grain wood. This style is inspired by the natural outdoors, so earthy tones and natural materials are a must. A simple yet effective design would include smooth metal furniture, wood flooring or accessories and glass objects; whether it be a mirror or a glass vase full of flowers. Start by revamping those old wooden photo frames with a DIY bleached timber look or begin your hunt for natural material baskets, accessories and furniture. To save you time, start with our coastal living style board.

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2. Bohemian

Long live this summer design style! Nothing speaks summer nights more than a vibrant pattern flown straight from Morocco. The tip for this style is to create a purposely ‘messy’ look. It’s all about mixing textures and patterns but not matching them, to somehow create a harmonious look. For base colours think china blue, sea pine and baton rouge, then combine these with an abundance of patterns and textures. Layering floor rugs is the best place to start as it is often the largest object in the room. You can then decide on the fabric and colours that you want for your cushions and furniture. Try hand-dyeing fabrics or opt for Ikat patterns. The best way to incorporate different materials and textures is with wall hangings. Find a macrame hanging that includes feathers, canvas, lace, ribbons and patterns or you could try one yourself. Make sure to still include mirrors to reflect the natural light and plenty of greenery whether it be plants or fake pot plants (no one will know). Start with our bohemian collection.

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3. Leather accents

Even though leather isn’t your best friend during hot sweaty weather, details around the home are summery, fresh and long-lasting. Try neutral and light shaded leather to furnish your home and brighten up the living space. When using leather furnishings it’s a good idea to avoid browns in your floor colour, instead opt for creams or paler shades. If you’re worried about your leather furnishings standing out like a sore thumb, lighten up the room with large, green leafed plants. Also add patterns in your cushions and rugs to take the focus away from the leather.

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4. Geometric

Bright and busy patterns are a great way to throw colour into the mix. Try geometric tiles, cushions, wall prints and pendants to revamp your abode into a place too cool for the heat. Become a pro at mixing patterns with the 60/30/10 approach. Stick to 60% of your favourite pattern, 30% of the secondary pattern and 10% of the third, as an accent. Try mixing up the scale of the patterns such as narrow stripes, bold geometric and floral prints, you shouldn’t mix the same scaled patterns in one room. Another top tip is to repeat patterns as a motif, for example an X pattern in the rug can be seen again in an X-base coffee table. Check out our boho sanctuary for more ideas.

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5. Tropic thunder

Lush greenery, rattan and tropical prints is all you need to give your home a summer vibe and keep it coming into the cooler months.  Leafy wallpaper patterns are on trend right now and look great spread across a large wall, whether it’s behind a bed head or across the living room wall. Complement the pattern with real (or fake) plants and natural baskets such as wicker, rattan and seagrass. If using a bold pattern in a large quantity, avoid making the room too busy, by sticking to neutral colours and minimal ornamentation.

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What are you waiting for? Summer is here and now you have all the tools you need to bring some summer vibes into your home.   

The post Styles that embrace Summer appeared first on Designbx.

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.

Why not start by celebrating the Spring season at Floriade Tulip Festival. The festival runs from Saturday 16th of September till Sunday 15th of October at Commonwealth Park, Canberra, so get in while it lasts.  

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Florals are a must this season. There are so many simple yet effective ways to incorporate beautiful, fresh floral patterns into your home.

1. Tulips made for the indoors

Many Tulips thrive outside in the Spring air but there are some that are perfect to liven up your indoors. For shorter indoor Tulips try ‘Stresa’ and for taller Tulips try ‘Apricot Beauty’. You can even grow your own Tulips in a vase inside, simply follow the steps on Home Life. They are the perfect way to add colour and bring Spring indoors. Tulips blend perfectly with neutral colours and bold coloured accessories. For more inspiration on indoor plants, head to The House Shop.

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2. Big, bold and beautiful floral interior designs

Be brave and go bold. When thinking of brightly coloured floral patterns, most people imagine an overbearing room that is a mix between disaster and a headache. Use bold floral interior designs sparingly  and complement florals with neutral colours such as whites and cool greys. Whether it be floral wallpaper, cushions, rugs, pictures or bed linen, your house will keep it’s modern style and fit the season. For a beautiful bold picture, try Designbx’s Tropical Lady Print.

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3. Vintage florals in a modern home

Bring back the good old days with some vintage style floral patterns. If you want to give your home a retro feel, try vintage floral wallpapers, accompanied by timber or coloured furniture. You could also try floral tiles in your bathroom or kitchen.

Match your florals with this Blue Ottoman, that fits perfectly with the retro/vintage theme. For more inspiration and tips on wallpaper patterns, check out Wallpaper Wonders.

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4. Luscious leaves

If florals aren’t your thing, then perhaps you would prefer non flowering plants to incorporate into your home. Monstera plants are rising in popularity. You may have never heard of them but there’s a good chance you have seen the pattern somewhere.

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These lush green leaves are featured on cushions, rugs, paintings and wallpapers. They create a modern yet fresh Spring look in the home, as they can be styled with neutral coloured furniture. There are also many other leaf patterns that look great on walls and accessories alike. Check out Designbx’s Palm Cushion.

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For more inspiration for your Spring decorating, check out Designbx’s Boho Sanctuary or Luxe Parent Retreat.

The post Top 4 floral interior designs to bring into your home this season appeared first on Designbx.

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

1. A colour refresh

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

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

2. A second set of soft furnishings

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

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

3. Bring nature into the home

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

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

4. Pack away the rugs

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

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5. A Spring clean and reshuffle

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

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

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

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