Easy dinner party ideas and home entertainment - Designbx https://designbx.com/blog/category/guides/entertaining/ Online interior design Tue, 02 May 2023 07:03:28 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://designbx.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Designbx-Logo-512px-1-32x32.png Easy dinner party ideas and home entertainment - Designbx https://designbx.com/blog/category/guides/entertaining/ 32 32 Airbnb Hosts – Top tips to become the best Airbnb hosts https://designbx.com/blog/top-interior-design-tips-for-airbnb-hosts/ https://designbx.com/blog/top-interior-design-tips-for-airbnb-hosts/#respond Sun, 30 Apr 2023 19:05:02 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=1440   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…

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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. 

Holiday Rentals, Homes, Apartments & Accommodation - Airbnb Australia-7

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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.

The Old School House - Hunter Valley in Paynes Crossing

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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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Interior design, North Pole-style, with Saint Nick https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-interior-decorating-north-pole/ https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-interior-decorating-north-pole/#respond Tue, 12 Dec 2017 11:39:17 +0000 https://designbx.com/?p=6451 When Designbx asked me to write a guest blog, I thought: finally, someone recognises my aesthetic flair! Most of you would associate me with the delivery industry but let me tell you, when it comes to Christmas interior decorating, I’m a natural. It’s Mrs Claus who maintains the sleigh and works with the reindeer. There…

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When Designbx asked me to write a guest blog, I thought: finally, someone recognises my aesthetic flair! Most of you would associate me with the delivery industry but let me tell you, when it comes to Christmas interior decorating, I’m a natural. It’s Mrs Claus who maintains the sleigh and works with the reindeer. There are no gender stereotypes in this house!

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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Christmas interior decorating organisation

 

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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Christmas interior decorating bar cart

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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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Christmas interior decorating porch

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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!       

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Mix it up with these 5 top Christmas table ideas https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-table-ideas/ https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-table-ideas/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2017 22:21:38 +0000 https://designbx.com/?p=6413 You don’t need an expert to tell you that the build up to Christmas can be both exciting and a little stressful! Is that Christmas ham going to feed everyone? Will the fruit cake be a disaster? Is the house up to scratch for the visiting relatives? Then comes Christmas decorating… You want it to…

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You don’t need an expert to tell you that the build up to Christmas can be both exciting and a little stressful! Is that Christmas ham going to feed everyone? Will the fruit cake be a disaster? Is the house up to scratch for the visiting relatives?

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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Scandinavian interior design white Christmas table setting

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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.

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So chic it’s scary! Styling the home for Halloween https://designbx.com/blog/halloween-rustic-interior-design/ https://designbx.com/blog/halloween-rustic-interior-design/#respond Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:24:56 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=4384 October is the scariest month of the year. Maybe it’s because it’s frightening to think how fast the year has gone. Nevertheless, it’s time to pull out the tacky old witches hats and ghost costumes made from old sheets…or you can easily transform your home into a delightfully scary castle with these simple yet effective…

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October is the scariest month of the year. Maybe it’s because it’s frightening to think how fast the year has gone. Nevertheless, it’s time to pull out the tacky old witches hats and ghost costumes made from old sheets…or you can easily transform your home into a delightfully scary castle with these simple yet effective interior decorating ideas.

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1. Scarily fresh foliage

Not many people think fresh foliage and Halloween go together but gothic floral arrangements are the perfect addition to any bench or table. Try scattering red or white roses, camellia branches or orange sunflowers around the home. Even floral prints can add character to the walls.

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2. Go monochromatic

Limiting your interior design colours will ensure your Halloween decorating flows perfectly, from one room to the next. Instead of painting pumpkins with scary faces, spray paint them with a solid colour such as black, orange, or red.

You can even glam up your pumpkins with jewels and patterns (who said Halloween wasn’t elegant?). Black is the easiest colour to stick to as you can decorate with black pumpkins, bats, candle holders, witches outfits and even black cupcakes. For a wall accessory that lasts longer than just Halloween, take a look at our black wall hanging.

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3. Set an eerie mood

You don’t want to scare your kids away with a dark haunted house, so add some fun into Halloween decorating with DIY lanterns. Gather together old glass jars and wrap them up in bandages with two googly eyes. Place a tea light candle inside and you have yourself a ghostly yet cute light. Lanterns and pumpkins also make good kid’s lights in small bedroom designs.  

For the adults, black candle holders are great for tables and definitely set the right mood. Designbx offers black candle stick holders, perfect for a haunted feast. Copper is also a great decorating colour to create a gothic yet modern Halloween look. Try copper lamps or cushions or go all out with this bold pendant to create a rustic interior design look. Also turn those empty wine bottles into candle stick holders for a cool effect.

4. Spooky snacks table and an adult-only grazing bench

After a long day of Halloween for kids and adults alike, it’s time to sit down to a feast made for a king (or should we say vampire?). Keep the kids quiet with their very own spooky candy land. Fill jars and copper vases with orange, black and white candy.

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Make a batch of Halloween themed cupcakes and give the kids a variety of spooky toppings like green M&Ms, edible eyes, and bat candy, to decorate their own cupcake with. Then quickly sneak away to your own adult wonderland. You might like to have red velvet cupcakes, cheese, red grapes and green pasta.

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5. Don’t forget the naughty potions and poisons

Mix up some devilish cocktails, using your favourite spirit blended with green or red coloured cordial. Add blood cherries, liquorice and poisoned green apples for decoration.

For the kids, give them a jug of red cordial with floating teeth lollies on top. You can even try glow-in-the-dark drinks using lemonade served in glass potion bottles.

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For more inspiration on designing your haunted house check out the Designbx blog! And remember to keep calm this Halloween.

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7 Affordable home renovation ideas: Getting ready for Xmas https://designbx.com/blog/affordable-home-renovation-ideas-getting-ready-xmas/ https://designbx.com/blog/affordable-home-renovation-ideas-getting-ready-xmas/#respond Sat, 30 Sep 2017 00:48:22 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=4346 Can you believe we are just 6 weeks out from the festive season? It seems like only yesterday we were packing down the Christmas tree and cleaning up from celebrations. 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.…

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Can you believe we are just 6 weeks out from the festive season? It seems like only yesterday we were packing down the Christmas tree and cleaning up from celebrations.

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.

home renovation ideas square garden bed

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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.

home renovation ideas backyard fairy lights

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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.”

home renovation ideas lounge with rug and wooden flooring

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.

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A party fit for a Queen https://designbx.com/blog/party-fit-queen/ https://designbx.com/blog/party-fit-queen/#respond Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:38:04 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=3638 With Queen Elizabeth’s 91st birthday just around the corner, at Designbx we thought what better time to throw together a party in her honour. If you have little ones, you know that any excuse for a party is excuse enough. Image Reference To pull together a tea party, you need the essentials: scones, tiny sandwiches…

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With Queen Elizabeth’s 91st birthday just around the corner, at Designbx we thought what better time to throw together a party in her honour. If you have little ones, you know that any excuse for a party is excuse enough.

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To pull together a tea party, you need the essentials: scones, tiny sandwiches and of course, tea. But why stop there? The Queen only turns 91 once, right? You can always bring in some macaroons and a beautiful naked cake. And what’s a celebration without a cheeky glass of bubbly (or two).

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When it comes to keeping the kiddies entertained, set up a Queen Card making station. They can let their creative side go wild making birthday cards for Her Majesty. You can even download and print custom colouring pages here. And nothing will make her day like receiving birthday well-wishes from her subjects Down Under.

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High tea has traditionally been known to be quite a stuffy affair, but all that is changing. Use this event as an opportunity to channel your inner Kate Middleton by bringing out your most fabulous hats and ask your guests to do the same.


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If you really want to nail the look, pull together any and all tufted furniture pieces. Mix and match with different coloured and textured chairs. A timber table paired with a dainty white lace or even a floral table runner will help to create the perfect balance of rustic elegant charm. Don’t be afraid to mix metals or even flatware.

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Queen's birthday - pink bow tea party

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Are you planning a party for the Queen’s Birthday? Share your ideas in the comment section below. 

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Five gorgeous tablescapes to have your guests swooning this Easter https://designbx.com/blog/five-gorgeous-tablescapes-guests-swooning-easter/ https://designbx.com/blog/five-gorgeous-tablescapes-guests-swooning-easter/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2017 03:01:23 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=3213 Easter is a time for family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, vibrant colours, and of course delicious food. But if you’re anything like us, then you know the old saying “first we eat with our eyes” rings oh-so-true. The five tablescapes showcased below provide a visual feast that more than satisfies our appetite for festive table-top…

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Easter is a time for family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, vibrant colours, and of course delicious food. But if you’re anything like us, then you know the old saying “first we eat with our eyes” rings oh-so-true. The five tablescapes showcased below provide a visual feast that more than satisfies our appetite for festive table-top decor and is sure to have your guests drooling well before the lamb roast even hits the table.

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 Brass and Marble and Peonies…Oh My!

We might have died and gone to tablescape heaven with this spread. Everything about it is luxe. But what we love best is that designer Emily Henderson hasn’t restricted the beautiful pastel colours associated with Easter celebrations to just flowers and linens. Don’t be afraid to incorporate coloured tapered candles and even chicly dyed Easter eggs into the mix. Bonus points for a golden egg. 

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Eye contact, please!

If avoiding hot topics like politics is one surefire way to guarantee your gathering goes off without a hitch, then the other is keeping overbearing plant life at bay. It’s important to remember to keep your flowers below eye level to ensure the conversation continues to flow throughout the meal. Sugar and Cloth nailed the look with their hanging upside down flower basket concept. You can read their tips for creating your own here.  

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Sometimes less is more

For something sophisticated and chic, just a single leafy branch accompanied by a few scattered candles can be a simple and affordable solution to a table runner. Just add some very #ontrend timber place settings and a muted tablecloth and you have an Easter brunch fit for Scandinavian royalty.   

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Paper Flower, Staying Power

We all love fresh flowers but every once in a while a good imposter can give the real thing a run for its money. These paper flowers scattered in eclectic vases are a great example. This look, created by The Cobra Lily and creative director Brynn of Dandy & Fine Parties for 100 Layer Cake strikes an incredible balance of simple elegance mixed with bohemian refinement.

But if making paper flowers isn’t your thing, or you’re just too time-poor for that kind of craftiness, then you can always leave it to the experts at Pink Cherry Mama to make some for you. After all, when your flowers last years rather than weeks, we’d say these little guys might just beat the real thing. 

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Natural whimsy

It’s not every day we see a timber table with so much natural beauty, but if you’re lucky enough to own one, by all means, show it off! A simple runner punctuated by gorgeous flowers allows the character of the wood to shine through, and the organic plates flanked by charming flatware makes us feel like we could spend hours drinking Rosé at this table.

This look lends itself to mixing and matching with glorious perfection. We could see mis-matched chairs and multi-patterned china and even pastel coloured glassware feeling right at home here. So if you’ve got it, definitely flaunt it.

Read more on this Easters hero colour Ruby Red

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Colour Crush “Christmas colours that sing to your style” https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-colours/ https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-colours/#respond Mon, 07 Dec 2015 23:36:02 +0000 http://designbx.com/blog/?p=1184   Hosting Christmas this year? Let’s ensure not only a delicious family feast, but a beautiful and colourful one as well! When thinking of Christmas palettes, we typically think of traditional colours like reds and greens, but with Australians embracing their own personal style and reflecting that in their home, why not sing to the same…

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

All in Grey


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

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Grey Sofa Wooden Coffee Table Cool Christmas Decorating Ideas
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Pastels


 

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

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What a great way to bring the table to life.  Focus on the ceiling, more space for food! x10

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Black, White and Gold


 

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

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Dress to impress…

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Burgundy, Green and Gold


 

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

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

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The perfect outfit for the day…dapper!

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Let the flowers do the talking

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And for the ladies…

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Mint and Red


 

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

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How to do the bart cart… https://designbx.com/blog/how-to-do-the-bar-cart/ https://designbx.com/blog/how-to-do-the-bar-cart/#respond Sat, 24 Oct 2015 04:19:41 +0000 http://designbx.com/blog/?p=944 How to do the bart cart…   Bar cart? Yes! that bar trolley you see in luxurious restaurants. Those with the wheels or without, which some may call a tableside cocktail or simply a bar cart. This iconic furniture item makes a comeback and the good news is that you can make it work for…

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How to do the bart cart…

 

Bar cart? Yes! that bar trolley you see in luxurious restaurants. Those with the wheels or without, which some may call a tableside cocktail or simply a bar cart. This iconic furniture item makes a comeback and the good news is that you can make it work for your own home. You can choose one that compliments your style and your decor and accessorise it as you wish. Here are our tips for styling a bar cart to give you a few ideas.

Divide by Trays


Use trays to divide the areas of your bar cart into sections for bottles, glassware and accessories.

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Act Like a Pro


Buy an ice bucket, bottle opener, cork screw, shaker, jigger, and strainer. Search for designer’s items that have the gadget look or go for the traditional classy style.

(3) bar cart | Home Decor | Pinterest | Bar Carts, Bar and Gold Bar Cart

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Add Books


Bar carts also make for greatstorage place for extra books you dont have room for. Old books or design books add lots of flair to a bar cart.

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(4) Drink cart | House Idea_s | Pinterest | Bar Cart and Bar

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Insist on well Branded Bottles


Bacardi, Smirnoff, Bailys etc.’ these are the brands that make your bar cart worth attention. Expensive whisky bottles always look attractive.

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(4) DIY Happy Hour Sign from A Beautiful Mess + Parker Mid-Century Bar Cart from west elm | -spaces- | Pinterest | Happy Hour, Bar Carts and Happy

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Choose Elegant Glassware


A night for champagne or whiskey? Elegant glassware will look attractive even if you’re not the “drinker”. When hosting a party make sure you have the right glasses for wine, champagne and cocktails.

(4) bar cart | Bar cart | Pinterest | Bar Carts, Bar and Drinks Trolley

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Adding greenery to your trolley creates a more fresh and fun feel. Paired with metallic finishes like these gorgeous copper trimmed glasses is very now!

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Use your top tier as your functional surface. Bottom shelf for a striking sculpture.

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Add a Personal Touch with Flowers


 

Find an interesting vase to place at the corner for those refreshing flowers.

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25th of October | Team Designbx | How to do the bar cart

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