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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We also partner with art curators across many of our projects to ensure we have another expert across the vision. Often clients are really unsure of what they like, or we find ourselves navigating multiple views when it comes to art – so having another professional opinion in the mix is really helpful for both us and our clients to make the right decision.
Designbx’s Refresh package gives you access to an expert Interior Designer reviewing your home, existing furniture and architecture to curate multiple options that will enhance your room.

We are passionate about art here at Designbx and what it brings to a space. As part of your Refresh Package we can provide:

• A personally curated collection.
• Access to trade savings.
• Access to an array of artist’s and brands.
• Design a custom brief for a specific artist
• A streamlined process which includes sourcing, coordination and installation

We love art and love helping add those treasured items into homes across Australia.
How are your walls looking? White, bare, nothing works together, struggling to find art that works for everyone in the home. Let us take the guesswork out of your art selection headaches. For $199 per room your Room could go from plain Jane to the talk of the town…

The post How to give your home “new life” with artwork appeared first on Designbx.

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”  

Image- Pattern Curator

Image- Pattern Curator

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

Image- Pattern Curator

Image- Globewest

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Image- Pattern Curator

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.

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.

It was a product of its generation – a time when western society was enjoying rapid technological development while the elite celebrated grandeur and excess that would rival any following generation.

Architecture bloomed wildly from city skylines, music was in full Swing, movie theatres were full, and the jet-set crowd created the first truly decadent nightclubs. By the time Art Deco’s influence hit American shores in the 30s, its influence had spread through every visual medium, from fashion to skyscrapers. You could even see its stark shapes and patterns influencing the design of motor vehicles. It seemed unstoppable, and there was no better example of its influence than interior design.

As if waking from a hundred year slumber, Art Deco is enjoying a much-deserved revival. While undoubtedly retro, its original brief – the celebration of modernism and futurism – makes the art deco style style a striking addition to any home. In a sense, it’s timeless. So let’s see how you can add the graceful charm, elegance and opulence of this interior design style to your home.

1. Bold patterns

While undoubtedly beautiful, the Deco style is far from subtle. It is stark, confident and bold. Its exuberant shapes and geometric line work beg for attention.

A key element is symmetry, perfectly illustrated by the architecture of its heyday – those magnificent towers that loomed like modern day, modernist  pyramids. In the home, the same bold effect can be created with Deco’s trademark chevrons. While furniture can be sparse, patterns are busy, creating hypnotic results.

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2. Velvet = opulence

What self-respecting socialite of the 1930s would have designed a home without plush, lavish furnishings? And when it comes to materials, velvet is by far the most sumptuous and tactile fabric. It goes without saying that there’s no use opting for bland colours when using such a rich finish. Art Deco demands confidence.

Search for furnishings designed by artists with an eye for detail. Think: panelling, buttoning and pleats. High-set legs on chairs and lounges add that extra touch of flair.  

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3. Stay golden

If you’ve got it, flaunt it – that’s the Art Deco mantra. It’s hardly coy or humble. Gold touches on furniture and accessories have always been an important signature of this lavish style. While the material of sofas and armchairs may be soft, the frame can most certainly be a high-gloss gold.

Pair these flourishes with glass, Lucite or crystal inlays, and remember to always keep those lines striking by choosing framework with sweeping curves or sharp angles.

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4. Bold shapes

Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of Deco’s most exciting feature – those sunbursts, fans, geometrical and angular shapes. The results of well-designed Deco are jaw-dropping – stunning and brave.

There’s no such thing as being over excessive when dressing your interiors in the Art Deco style, including shapes within shapes, like bone, shell and metal inlays. Possibly the most obviously courageous but visually stunning items are pieces of theatrical furniture, which marry wild innovation with true elegance.

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5. Art Deco wall art

As we mentioned, one of the things that makes Art deco so timeless is the way it permeated every modern medium. There’s no other style quite like it. Some of the designs and fine art of the time are breathtaking. If you don’t want to overcommit, perhaps start with one of these beautiful feature works of art.

Native to the style are oversized posters with undeniable wow factor, using simple line work, bold contrasting colours and trademark geometrical patterns. Popular themes were people, ships, architecture, flora and fauna. Some of the most spectacular advertisements in history come from the Art Deco era, and sported intricate fonts and bold sales pitches.

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6. Hanging lamps

Possibly the only subtle aspect of Art Deco is lighting. With so much vibrance in patterns and shapes, moody, soft ambience is a perfect accompaniment. Try frosted glass to add a little character to your lighting effects, or achieve the same result with geometrical designs.

Metallic surfaces on lamps create that extra pop and create yet another feature item for your luxurious interior.

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7. Shell or scallop patterns on walls

Wallpaper is a key design feature of this design style. Again, be brave by committing to metallic shiny surfaces or textured velvet finishes. Scalloped patterns were the order of the day while hues ranged from bold monochromatic colour-ways through to detailed pastel colour-ways. These shapes and finishes were often paired with gold or silver borders.

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8. Dome chairs

Designbx has already heralded the welcome return of the domed chair, which arrives just in time to help us achieve a truly rich Art Deco feel. There’s something about these large, rounded designs that marries perfectly with Deco.

When used with classic styles, it’s often wise to downplay these items by using colour in a subtle way, but with Deco, there’s no need to hold back. Be brave.

Ready for inspiration?

9. Buildings and architecture

It’s fair to say that Art Deco took the world of architecture by storm. These monuments to modernism are truly spectacular. They beg for attention, with their incredible detail, reflective surfaces and crown-like features.

Like the generation that created them, they were ambitious, reaching for the skies. It was a time when anything was possible. But always note the use of symmetry. There was an elegant type of order and restraint. Somehow this slightly tempered extravagance adds to the appeal of Deco items, large and small.

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10. Lifestyle and parties

Considering it was the same era as The Great Depression, we may have a slightly skewed perception of the 30s, but it was certainly portrayed by Hollywood as a swingin’ time. Big bands and big parties were the order of the day.

Men were dapper, and the feminine form was celebrated. Fashion and personal styles were starkly different and definitely a part of the Deco trend, including intricate detailing like jewels, pearls and sequins. Popular accents included feathers, shells, semi-precious stones and furs. It was a time of glamour – a time to shine.

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Here at Designbx we’re celebrating the return of Deco’s boldness and flamboyance. Let’s live a little, throw caution to the wind and let our interiors strut their stuff. Use our tips and interior design online service to combine courage and refinement to achieve a truly amazing art deco style for your home.

The post Art Deco style: Metropolis returns appeared first on Designbx.

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

1. Tile your own floor

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

2. Design a family mural

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

3. Oversee your own landscaping

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

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

The post DIY Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Designbx.

With an almost endless amount of options, renovating can be a daunting task. It can be especially tricky to know what you should be investing in and where you can save some dollars. To help you avoid some sleepless nights going over all the figures and options in your head, we’ve put together our top tips on where to save and where to splurge when renovating.

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• Laminate bench tops can be a third of the cost of a stone bench top and still boast heat and scratch resistance plus come in a range of beautiful finishes that often mimic a stone look. 

• You can save on benchtops by splurging on a wood or stone island to contrast the laminate bench in the rest of the kitchen.
  

• Invest in timeless, quality fittings, not just the cheapest available, as you want all your hard work to stand the test of time. Repairs and trade call-backs can get expensive.
  

• Look for energy efficient LED lighting options for your bathroom or kitchen as this will save you money long term.
  

• Don’t move existing plumbing or electrical fittings. Often it is changes to plumbing and electrical work behind walls that add complexity and cost to your renovation. On the flip side, a perfect layout adds value to your home, so if it absolutely needs to move, then move it!
  

• Opt for large format tiles. With large tiles there is less grout to keep clean making them the cleaner’s choice. They are also easier and cheaper to lay and can make your bathroom feel larger.

For cost effective, contemporary bathroom designs, check out our simple, fast and fun Shop The Look solutions!

The post Where to Save and Where to Splurge When Renovating appeared first on Designbx.

Now we look at some top tips to cosy up and create Winter interior decorating in preparation for the extra time we’re bound to spend indoors.

1. Winter interior decorating – velvet and jewels

Preparing for the cooler months can include changing bedding to heavier weights and darker colours, pulling out the cosy throws for beds and sofas, stocking the woodpile, swapping our light, and adding bright homewares for the dark textures.

With a quick look at Pinterest or Instagram you’ll find so much inspiration to achieve a warmer, cosier feel to your home interior styles. The trend this winter is to bring depth and tone to your home  with colours like petrol and teal along with jewel tones (ruby, sapphire and emerald, to name a few).

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Dark painted walls offer a dramatic backdrop to dusty nude furnishings, tan coloured leather and on-trend brass accessories and lighting. Bringing in jewel coloured velvets provides winter tones as well as much needed texture.

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These darker tones are found throughout the natural landscape and bringing them into the home over the cooler months provides a warm and welcoming space. It sure seems to be quite a change from the light, crisp neutral tones of the contemporary interior design styles. Scandi, has swept the globe in recent years, but don’t be afraid to embrace a change. Dark interiors express drama, warmth, cosiness and love.

2. Winter Blues

As well as being a great focal point for your new, darker interior, these warm colour tones can help ward off the winter blues. Find out which colours will work best for you, dress your room in your favourite hues and don’t let winter dull you, or your space.

So after a stark, Scandinavian summer, there’s no reason to resist slipping into a warm, blue-toned winter, accented with your favourite colours.

3. A touch of Lagom

Following the Scandinavian interior design craze, recently the Danish term ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hue-gah’) has become commonly used. Hygge is the Danish ritual of enjoying the simple pleasures in life – friends, family, graciousness. So as we farewell a marvellous summer and settle in for the cooler season, the Swedish term ‘lagom’ seems appropriate to share – not too little; not too much. Just right.

Not sure where to start? Why not get inspiration for creating winter master bedroom designs to keep you warm and cosy until Spring.

The post Winter trends 2017 appeared first on Designbx.

Japandi interior design orgins

Scandinavian interior design (Scandi) has been developed on the principles of simplicity, minimalism and functionality. It continues to be popular in Australia, aligning with our relaxed lifestyle, connection to nature and beautiful, diverse landscape. The main characteristics of Scandinavian interiors include clean lines and the use of natural materials such as oak, leather and hemp.

Japandi is a new trend that is taking the interior design world by storm. It draws on the Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ principle of finding beauty in the imperfect and incomplete, and it blends perfectly with the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

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1. Colour

To achieve a Scandinavian look, focus on featuring a muted, neutral colour palette throughout your home. White is commonly used on the walls to make a room appear bright and spacious. Inject life into your room and make your home reflect your personality by incorporating accent pieces. Try rugs, cushions and artworks in muted colours, such as pastel pink and grey.

To create a Japandi feel, incorporate accent colours with a cool undertone, such as green and navy. Dramatic contrast (a key element of Asian design) can also be created by using a black frame for your artworks or photographs. Next, hang them above the light oak furniture pieces.

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2. Texture

Scandinavian inspired interiors usually have light coloured wooden flooring as opposed to carpet, as wood is closer to nature. Pine, beech and ash wood are the most common, with light stain finishes, to preserve a feeling of spaciousness.

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3. Simple contrast

Ornate and excessive details in furniture are not common in Scandinavian interior design. The style favours clean lined, modern and solid pieces. In the new Japandi style, statement furniture in dark tones such as charcoal, black or dark oak stained tones are used with light Scandinavian furniture. To achieve this look in your home, you could use a light oak dining table with black wooden dining chairs. This creates the dramatic contrast that is the hallmark of the Japandi style.

Introducing simple contrast between key furniture pieces maintains simplicity, while still expressing your personal design style.

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To create visual interest and rhythm, layer different muted natural textures such as a small rectangle hemp cushion with a square, pale pink cushion. To add an eclectic Japandi feel, find a unique statement piece. We love an asymmetric plant or sculpture that embraces the idea of ‘beauty in the imperfect’. By using greenery and plants, the connection to nature is reinforced.

These tips will help you to create the basis of your Japandi interior design. Express your own style and personality throughout your home interior by adding your own unique, personal touches to the ever-popular Scandi look.

The post Interior Design Trends of 2017 – Japanese and Scandi = Japandi 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.

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