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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Boho is wild abandonment! Global influences are paired with an overall casual feel because the key is to carefully create a purposely “messy” look.

The term Bohemian came from the French word for ‘gypsy’, which works perfectly for describing the spirit and theme of Boho style.  Embrace the local market and pair 1950’s Hollywood with rustic timbers, lace, Navajo and Moroccan patterns.  Layering textiles is essential because it ensures the styling isn’t ‘flat’.

Designbx Co-Founder and Head of Interior Design Kerena Berry shares her 6 top tips. Achieve the Boho style in your home with Designbx and RealEstate.com

1. Top tip

Look like you’ve travelled the world, even if you are yet to do so. If you have spent your life collecting things, the boho style calls for you to show them off. As opposed to minimalist interior designs, bohemian embraces mess and knick-knacks. 

Image Source: Bisque Traders

2. Boho style traits

Relaxed seating (feather, soft filled), corrected leathers, layers, vintage chandeliers, lace, wallpaper, rustic timbers, Moroccan details, hand-dyeing, Ikats patterns, cushions and Persian rugs. Indoor plants are another key staple to bohemian interior design because it creates another layer of colour. It’s also common to see more indoor plants than furniture pieces with this style. 

Image Source: Collective Hub

3. Designers/Artists

Shannon Fricke, Sibella Court, Kit Kemp, Abigail Ahern, Justine Blakeney…to name a few

Image Source: Barefoot Gypsy via Interiors Addict

4. Pantone colours

5. Brands that fit

Tree of life, Uniqwa Furniture Collections, Bisque Traders, Yak and Yeti Trader, Barefoot Gypsy, Nouvelle Nomad, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Anthropolgie, Ruby Star Traders, The Society Inc., Sage x Clare, Quercos & Co, A Rum Fellow, The Dharma Door.

Image Source: Barefoot Gypsy via Interiors Addict

6. A perfect day for boho

In the afternoon sun on your oversized feather-filled armchair, bare feet propped on your warn Moroccan ottoman and an oversized mug of brewed tea and pecan toasted bread.

Image source: Designbx

7. Fragrance or tune

Sandalwood and patchouli, warm aromas that increase feelings of well-being.

Image Source: Nouvelle Nomad via RealEstate.com.au

Boho is a style that is somewhat contradictory yet perfectly harmonious.  A home interior design style that embraces the feeling of Summer and warmth, whatever the season.   

The post Boho style guide appeared first on Designbx.

The Scandi style in 3 words: Organised, connected and calm.  The Scandi look is an offshoot from the mid-century movement that brought a populist minimal look.  Known for its simplicity, functionality and beauty, the appeal of the Scandi style has spread all over the world.  The use of light is extremely important, and many Scandinavian-styled homes are characterised by the use of earthy muted tones, natural materials, clean lines and minimal ornamentation. These key traits ensure you don’t build up clutter and promote a simple living space and lifestyle. 

Designbx Co-Founder and Head of Interior Design Kerena Berry, shares some basic tips for how you can achieve the Scandi style in your home with Designbx and RealEstate.com

Top tips for the Scandi style

1. Wooden Flooring

The Scandi style features wooden flooring-anywhere from a washed oak, aged dove grey, through to a clean painted white finish.

Image Source: Home Beautiful

2. Scandi style traits

Scandi features flat and soft textures and a strong geometric pattern.  The colours start with a white foundation and often have  muted pastels.  Some other key style traits include: vaporous blues, soft greys, milky whites, soft durable fabrics, resin homewares, craftsmanship, bleached timbers, concealed function, scarcity.

The Scandi style really showcases the beauty of simple objects. 

Image Source: Home Design Lover

3. Designers/Artists

To name just a few….Hans J. Wegner, Eric Buch, Niels Jorgen Haugensen.

Image Source: Interiors Addict

4. Pantone colours

Don’t forget that playing with textures can add that extra simple touch.

5. Brands that fit

Steal the Limelight, Muuto, Koskela, Ikea, Great Dane, Beck Urban Furniture, Morosso (hub furniture),  Nordic Fusion, Satara, RJ Living, Sheets on the Line, Kikki K, Nordik Living Icon by Design, Miss Amara Rugs, Norsu Interiors

Image Source: Norsu Interiors via Realhomes.com

6. A perfect day

Good coffee in bed, a leisurely rise to start the day, shower and dress for the local produce market. Meet friends, chat to the growers and buy two huge sacks of food. Head home to make a minestrone soup and cheese scones, then consume in front of a roaring fire with knitted blankets pulled high.

Image Source: Cox & Cox via Realhomes.com

7. Fragrance or tune

Pigeon & Weasel Candle-lassic Vanilla. Purity.

Image Source: My Scandinavian Home via Airtasker Blog

With its minimalism theme and simple beauty, it is easy to understand why the Scandi style has become one of the trendiest interior design styles in the modern world. Try an Asian-fusion approach with Japandi interior design – a trend that combines Japanese interior design with Scandinavian interior design.   

The Scandi style also peers seamlessly with both Boho Style and Coastal Style.

The post Scandi style guide appeared first on Designbx.

There’s a lot of advice going around at the moment given this topic is so relevant – so this week we want to share some of the more personal lessons and tips we’ve learnt as seasoned ‘work-from-home/digital nomads’ for the past 5 years.

We’ll continue to provide bite-size pieces of information you can action over the next few weeks without feeling too overwhelmed, especially if you’re on a budget to setup.

Working from home: Tips from those in the know

Tips from Kylie:

1. Employ some furry friends

If you have pets, invite them into your workspace at home.   It’s been proven that pets have physiological benefits and can fulfil emotional needs in the workplace, so take full advantage of this when you’re working from home.  Designbx regularly features my 2 fur babies – Humphrey the Chocolate Lab and Sophie the Black Lab.  I often have them in my office with me – they keep my feet warm, they’re great listeners and they don’t talk back.  Humphrey is well behaved, but Sophie is a regular bin-chicken and always going through my rubbish….just as well I love her.

2. Step away from the kitchen table

Speaking from experience, I think this is the biggest mistake I made and a trap lots of people fall into. I worked from the kitchen table for 18 months too long – out of convenience but also because the thought of cleaning out my office (aka – the junk room) was too overwhelming.

The problem with working from my kitchen/dining living space, apart from the fact I annoyed everyone else who wanted to use it, is that I never really felt like I left work.   I couldn’t shut off.  It was always in sight, that computer monitor at the end of the table staring me down.  With my home office setup, I can shut the door and I’m done for the day.  Most importantly, it also meant I could style my office with some great home décor online purchases.

Tips from Kerena:

1. A picture is worth 1000 words

It can be easy to start feeling isolated or lonely as a result of working from home.  A trick I use to keep me in good company all day as well as keeping the creative juices flowing, is an inspiration wall at my desk.  There are no ends to what I put on my wall – photos of friends and family, inspirational quotes, cards and messages, inspiring design images, style and home décor.  Basically, anything that brings light to my day consequently making me feel a lot lighter.

2. Music to my ears

I’m not a fan of the sound of silence – an absolute must for my happy workplace is music.  I have Spotify running all day long.  Depending on what I have my head into will depend on the genre.  Some of my favourite playlists are:

Morning Motivation – A great way to get the brain ticking in the morning. https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXc5e2bJhV6pu?si=L_ZUrn_1SQWWo_JEIdZlYw

Acoustic Chill – I use this when I’m working on design projects and need to be creative. https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWYGZAMYFDM8S?si=e1EygI1PSfulv8x_2h9bYw

Kingswood – a band I recently saw.  It evokes happy memories so I stay positive throughout. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zOw0E0NA7B4lIYyc3XNt5?si=oXMlYdOWSBeZizeC7dQgqQ

Feel-Good Indie Rock – more towards the end of my day when I need a boost in productivity https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX2sUQwD7tbmL?si=7KW_Y_muRm6Njg6sqFF_XQ

We’ll be back soon with some more of our work hacks. Be kind to yourself and get some sun where you can.

Kylie and Kerena x

The post Avoid feeling lonely when working from home – part one appeared first on Designbx.

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.

Cue Designbx! Just because you’re feeling rushed to get your sleeping arrangements sorted, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on quality, function or the aesthetic of your space to squeeze everyone in.
One of the key items we are always asked about is sofa beds. Because they range so vastly in price, size and quality, cleverly integrating them into your homes layout is the key in choosing the right one.

With Designbx’s Refresh package at $199 per room, we can help you plan for those extra guests by taking the pain out of some of the guessing work. Or, if you decide you want to finally finish off any of those “too hard basket” rooms that might just need some minor TLC, like artworks or soft furnishings, this package has you covered!
We know most of our clients are run off their feet at this time of year and in the lead up to Christmas, so why not take advantage of our exclusive trade discounts just in time for the holiday season with our complimentary Personal Shopper as a part of your package.

Below are 7 of our faves under $2,000, and why we think they’re winners:

The Civic Ottoman from Oz Design

A versatile Ottoman is the perfect seating addition for almost any room. The Civic Ottoman will also transform into a comfy double bed and is available in a range of different colour and fabric options.

The Agnes Ottoman Sofabed from Oz Design
We all forget about the popular trundle bed for the kids room – but this fun Ottoman which also converts to a single bed will double as practical seating in the reading nook when not being used as a bed.

The Vermont Sofa bed from Matt Blatt
This retro fold-down sofa bed can be set up in under a minute! Less clunkier than the traditional sofa bed, the arms act as a great pillow rest and style isn’t compromised with this funky every-day sofa.

The Rovia Sofa bed from Matt Blatt

An armless sofa is a great option if you are space-poor. It’s also a great design solution for awkward nooks or under a window bay as a window seat. The lush velvet fabric is also durable – this great piece can go anywhere!

The Reisel Sofabed from Matt Blatt
This brings back a few memories of the futon era! Still such a great design for a more casual or low ceiling rooms. A playful design that’s also great in TV rooms.

The Bayview Chaise sofa bed from Zanui

With this brilliantly designed Sofa, you can actually gain three beds from one sofa! Great for the kids lounge or play area with a durable synthetic fabric.

The Kent sofa bed from Oz Design

Luxury, comfort and a queen size mattress!! This is for one of those special guests. An array of colours and fabrics available to match your homes style, the Kent provides a beautiful everyday sofa option converting to a beautiful bed.

The post Top 7 Sofa beds – Time to get ready for those extra guests! appeared first on Designbx.

What makes Kylie feel at home

1. Jewellery. The bigger, the bolder, the better. I always lose expensive jewellery so this using more affordable ‘on trend’ accessories really helps my wallet! I love that I can change a whole outfit or look simply by adding some beautiful vibrant touches by way of jewellery. And while I may not have the ‘body shape’ for designer fashion, I can so easily add my unique touch with some big leopard earrings!
2. Shoes. High heels always make me feel great, and fit! The right shoes can make or break an outfit for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for comfortable flats as much as the next gal, but a pair of power heels can give you an instant shot of confidence.
3. Eyebrows and hair. You just can’t have a good day with one and not the other. I was born in the 80s with a mop of curly strawberry blonde hair, and had I been in my prime partying years I would have been living the dream. Instead I’m happy if I can just get a brush through my locks most days – that is a good hair day for me!
4. Furnishings. I absolutely love natural raw textures like linen, leather and timber. They are home to me. Growing up in New Zealand I really do appreciate the natural textures that are reminiscent of the beautiful scenery I was surrounded by growing up. It’s nostalgic for me, and creating a sense of nostalgia is such a powerful design tool.
5. TV and movies. Laughing out loud is my style. My husband and I formed our relationship on the basis of our love for TV and films from the often cringe-worthy era of the 80s. Anyone reading this who knows us well will be having a laugh-out-loud moment. We are a couple of dags who were made for each other!
6. Music. My go to is anything that has a story and makes me feel something. I’m pretty eclectic with my music taste pre-2000, but something about the stories told through music from the earlier generations – where people had to write letters and express their love in different ways – just gets me. I’m a hopeless romantic at heart and mostly end up crying to songs in the car.
7. Holiday destinations. I’m more of a “do it less often, but do it right” kind of girl. Boutique locations with lots of character and unique things to look at. It’s nice to dream! The memories made on holidays with loved ones – you just can’t buy that feeling.
8. Having a tidy desk. I’m really not sure if this is a style thing, but organisation is key to getting sh*t done for me. If I feel surrounded by mess and chaos, that’s how my day will end up.
9. Showing up on time. This is definitely a work in progress, but being on time is super stylish in my eyes. I am renowned for being late, which I’m working on – my tardiness goes against every other personality trait I have, so people are always surprised!
10. Friends and family. Authentic, true to themselves and down-to-earth… that’s my style and why I adore my friends and family. It does sound a bit cliché, but it’s so important to surround yourself with people you love to spend time with and who make you feel empowered and positive. We’re all so time poor that we need to be super conscious about who we spend our spare time with, and I choose to spend mine with positive and loving people.

How Kerena adds some personality and pizazz to her everyday

1. Photographs. I have them absolutely everywhere because they remind me of all the special moments and priceless people in my life.
2. Handbags and shoes. These are a huge weakness of mine. They are those finishing touches that just ooze personal style. My absolute favourite bag is the glorious Valentino I splurged on during a trip to New York to celebrate a dear friend’s 40th birthday. Every time I pick it up I’m reminded of the amazing time we had together – some possessions just have a way of bringing back precious memories. Similarly, but at the other end of the spectrum, is the $5 vintage leather bag I uncovered at Vinnies about 15 years ago. I cost me next-to-nothing but has accompanied me on so many adventures. My favourite shoes for comfort are my Superga platform joggers; for a bit of style punch I always reach for my suede orange tassel heels; and for an in-between occasion it’s always the Valentino rockstudded flats. I could go on….
3. Vaporisors. I have two in the house and I always have essential oils steaming away. My favourite scents at the moment are from Anjali – “Lady Indira” & “Lemon Myrtle”. Familiar and beautiful aromas are such an underrated element of design – they inspire memories, emotions and in my case create a sense of calm in the home.
4. Fashion. I have a very eclectic fashion sense – forever torn between my inner Cairns hippie heart; my unrequited rockstar dreams; the Northern Beaches casual surf chick; and a bit of a show-pony glitter fetish! Some of my favourite brands are Chasing Unicorns, Stevie May, Ministry of Style, Sass & Bide, Deus Ex Machina, Bali Trader (I love their custom design boots), Bec and Bridge… again, I could go on!
5. Flowers and plants. I always need one or both of these elements in and around my space; home, office, even my car (I place a fresh lavender sprig from the garden every morning in the air vents to help calm us all during the whirlwind of school drop offs). I have many plants in our family home and succulents at the office, as they’re hardy enough to survive when we’re out on shoots and working with clients.
6. Artwork. Studying art originally, I have a real appreciation for people who delve into such raw self-expression. I’ve collected art for as long as I can remember; street art as I backpacked around the world, and slowly building a collection of artists that I have admired for years. I call them my ‘Retirement Fund’… Let’s be honest, it’s never really going to fund my latter years, but it helps ease my conscience! I’m especially partial to photographic art.
7. Music. From the moment my head leaves the pillow to the moment it hits it again, I have music around me. I stopped TV with the children when they were young so it has filled a very big gap. It can turn any of our moods around in second and we all have a favourite tune, style and song that pulls us out of a funk and has us giggling in seconds. I couldn’t possibly make a top list of my favourite tunes, because again, my choices are eclectic – from Dolly Parton (Jolene), to Morcheeba (World Looking In), to Kings of Leon (Sex on Fire).
8. Food and drink. I just LOVE eating, drinking and entertaining! I’m a total foodie and am also partial to a marrying vino. I’m as white, freckled and stereotypically Aussie as they come, but my taste buds are very European.
9. Friends and family. I have lived away from my family since I was 16. And although they have often been far away, they hold such a precious piece of my heart. Having this distance from my relatives has in many ways meant my friends have become my family, and boy do I have a fabulous bunch around me! I have been so blessed to meet and build such gorgeous and inspiring friendships over my life, and I am forever grateful and will do anything to show love and support to those around me.
10. Babies. Mine and everyone else’s! I always wanted to be a mum – I was a total baby snatcher from as early as I can remember, and still am. By 10 years of age I was the local babysitter and could have four or more children in my care on any one night. I was in heaven! I am now a mum to two gorgeous little humans, and despite all the confronting moments it brings it is truly the most rewarding part of my life and every day. Amelia is eight and Hugo is five. There isn’t a day goes by when we don’t laugh, sing, banter and try each others’ patience. But mostly we just love each other with such depth that becoming a mum has been a soul-changing chapter of my life.

The post These are a few of our favourite things appeared first on Designbx.

Here we get the crystal ball out and make some predictions about how the interior design world will shake itself up in the coming years, in response to market factors and changing customer needs.

With the housing market set for one of it’s biggest changes ever as our needs and wants continue to shift, what does this mean for design? House and land prices continue to rise; daily commutes in our cities are an ongoing problem; the environment is on everyone’s radar; people continue to desire better work/life balance; and there is a real ‘back to the land’ movement gaining momentum as people leave the big cities in search of a different life.

And underpinning these market factors are personal desires, such as seeking out the unique and a want to create homes and spaces that represent us as people and welcome us home – wherever that may be.

For the Designbx business, these shifting factors provide much opportunity to reach new audiences – but in order to serve clients effectively we must not only respond to trends and demographic changes, but be able to accurately predict what’s on the horizon. Determining upcoming needs and wants is key to delivering beautiful, functional and practical design solutions for our clients.

Here we identify our top predictions for interior design in the next five years, that will help you stay ahead of the curve.

No matter the size, we need smarter design
We will see homes take very new shapes and sizes over the next five years. Small and tiny houses are slowly creeping into the real estate vernacular in Australia – and with the trend booming across most of the world it’s only a matter of time before it becomes mainstream here. With this change brings a need for smarter designs that maximise space, utilise practical storage solutions and walk the fine and delicate line between function and form. But there are always two sides to the coin. In contrast, large homes will still exist, but we will see clever designs and planning that will allow multiple generations to live together under one roof. Driven largely by affordability, this trend will also feed into our second prediction…

Image reference

…The return of community
The desire for support and community has been gaining momentum for some time, and we believe this will be reflected in the way people design and live in their homes. With an ageing population, families having fewer children than at any other time in history, and the financial and ethical issues surrounding aged care in Australia, it is only a matter of time before this impacts the way we design our family homes. Granny flats have long been part of the Australian real estate landscape, however in recent times they have become less about families co-existing and more about generating additional income to help make ends meet. We see the next five years adding a level of maturity to this model, with small houses being built as communities, and larger houses being cleverly designed to cater for multiple generations under the one roof. We are personally incredibly excited about this prediction as it not only lends itself to out of-the-box design, but it will encourage a revival of community – something we wholeheartedly believe everyone is craving.

The environment will take centre stage
The environment is increasingly on the agenda, and as business owners and global citizens we have a responsibility to respond with smart and ethical solutions for our clients. Eco building is on the rise as the environmental movement gains more and more traction and people become conscious of the footprint they are leaving on the earth. Be it working closely with architects to ensure spaces are designed to maximise natural light and cooling; locally sourcing products to reduce our transport footprint; or simple shifts like using using recycled and repurposed furniture. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be an exciting and colourful space in the next five years, and we look forward to growing and collaborating with our clients to become more sustainable in all that we do.

Image reference

Transportable design
Australians are an incredibly house-proud nation. And while the great Australian dream of owning your own home may be harder than ever to achieve, more and more people are choosing to make the spaces they occupy feel like home. More people are renting than ever before, so when it comes to design we have to provide smart and transportable solutions that enable our clients to recreate their dream space, no matter the location of their lease. That means designs that do not alter the structure of a building; solutions that are mindful of bond and owner lease requirements; as well as selecting furniture and homewares that are unique yet versatile enough to work in multiple settings. It’s a new challenge facing the industry as we lift the lid and make interior design accessible to more people – and it’s a challenge we’re excited to tackle.

All in all, we don’t see our side of the industry slowing down at all with the housing market recovering and new trends on the way. But only time will tell. We foresee much innovation in the interior design space, including how we as designers provide concepts to our clients; how clients can view and receive products in their homes; and also how we communicate during the design phase. And we are confident e-decorating will continue to gain momentum thanks to the convenience and affordability upside. But we also don’t see this taking away from traditional designers – we feel we are opening up interior design to a whole new audience, and this can only be beneficial to everyone in our industry, and ultimately, our clients.

The post Interior design predictions: The next 5 years appeared first on Designbx.

Home is where the heart is. It may be cliche, but nothing could be more accurate about the Designbx journey – the online interior design business founded by Kerena Berry and Kylie Pratt to give every Australian the chance to create a home they can be proud of. 

It’s been three years since Designbx disrupted the interior design industry by introducing the concept of ‘e-decorating’. The business was founded on the wholehearted belief that everyone deserves a beautiful home that reflects their own unique sense of style. The women who founded Designbx could never have imagined – all those days, weeks and months ago – the impact such an offering would have on the lives of their clients. Or themselves for that matter.

“I found myself part of an industry that had the ability to have a real impact on peoples’ well being and sense of self, yet was still very much unattainable, expensive and intimidating to many. And unlike most industries, interior design had not yet found a way online. We didn’t anticipate how empowered and excited our clients would feel, and how the transformation of their homes would positively impact the rest of their lives and ours,” Kerena says.

Designbx was a collision of two booming trends – ecommerce and interior design. Long considered an indulgence of the affluent, interior design was not something accessible, nor affordable, for the average consumer. But spurred on by the Australian house-proud mentality; buoyed by the enormous popularity of home renovation shows; and fired up with the passion to merge everyday living with beautifully designed homes, Designbx was born. Early on, Kerena and Kylie knew they were onto something special.

  “I wanted to be part of something that changed the way people live their lives. From a business sense, Designbx just made sense. I knew so many people interested in design who were renovating, relocating or just wanting a nice place to call home. But they were also too time poor to engage a professional to meet with constantly at home or spend their weekends traipsing around furniture stores, or evenings trawling Pinterest for inspiration,” Kylie says.

Today both women get personal and reflect on the last three years of blood, sweat, tears and textiles on their journey to reimagine interior design for every Australian. And all the while they consider, where to next?

Having an idea is one thing, but bringing it to life is something else altogether. How did you get started?

Kerena: I recall feeling extremely overwhelmed at where to begin. Being first to market with a concept comes with many challenges, and trail-blazing is riddled with more lows than highs. Grasping how to learn quickly from your mistakes and keep the ball rolling is key. There is no room for pride when in start-up mode, and we were very much novices in many areas. But we believed wholeheartedly in what we were doing, and there was a real sense of purpose that we could make a change. I personally had to learn to ask for help, which is something I’ve never been good at. But I saw that people genuinely wanted to back us up and see us succeed.   

Kylie: There were a lot of days when I asked myself, “What are we doing?” Starting a business from just an idea is hard. Going in we were a little like a deer in the headlights; especially coming from corporate backgrounds where support,  systems and budget were readily available to manage the day-to-day practicalities of business, like

“Who will process these receipts?” “Who will update that data sheet?” “Who will make that sales call?” The answer to everything early on is, “Me”.  But looking back, that environment breeds a deep understanding and appreciation for every part of your business, what your customers really want, what they need and how to respond quickly when things shift. Being at the coal face is a good thing, but it’s also dirty work!

What has challenged you the most along the way?

Kerena: It’s a fine line between the wind and the weeds, and we’ve learnt that to be successful business owners we need to do both at times. Maintaining a wide view of the industry, trends and what’s on the horizon is key. But at the same time, we have to keep a finger on the customer pulse. That often means working closely with designers on each project to ensure we’re meeting the client brief, but also pushing boundaries and delivering truly creative solutions that are true to our name: Out of the box. We’ve learnt that having a team of people working on each project leads to better design outcomes and happier clients – which at the end of the day is what we’re all about. 

It has been a challenge educating the market on what ‘online interior design’ is, and at the same time breaking down the long-held belief that it’s expensive, intimidating and only accessible to the wealthy or incredibly stylish. Personally, achieving that nirvana of work/ life balance is still a work in progress. When you absolutely love what you do it’s very hard to switch off; but Designbx came with the long-term dream of having more time with my babies. So it’s an ongoing juggle and one I’m so lucky and grateful to have. 

Kylie: With a new-to-market concept there was a lot of guessing at the start. Despite both mine and Kerena’s backgrounds – knowing how the industry worked and how people generally want to engage in such services – bringing this reality to the online world was a challenge. Being online removes the human element of the offering, and this provided a steep learning curve, and resulted in us rethinking a few elements to reintroduce more of the human touch back into the business. The home is a personal and safe space – a haven – and it’s important for people to feel the humanity behind what we do so that we can deliver the best experience and results possible. 

We never lose sight of how lucky we are to have people invite us into their homes and allow us to help create incredible spaces that tell their story and truly merge their life with design. 

Much like Kerena, the work/life balance piece is still very challenging, but I have learnt a few key things along the way. That balance looks and feels completely different to every single person, so it was really important to figure out what that landscape looked like for me – and to commit to living it the best way possible. For me, that’s a career and business that gives me the opportunity to explore my passion for travel, people, culture and philanthropy, while working with my two fur-babies at my feet!

I’m also about to become a mum for the first time this year. So having a career I love and a business I’ve invested my heart and soul into, that also allows me to me to embrace and enjoy motherhood in a way the corporate world does not always allow, was a big part of the Designbx plan. 

Kerena, Amelia and Hugo 

What are your most memorable and proudest moments from the last three years?

Kerena: I’m so proud that we truly understand our clients and have created a platform that helps every Australian access world-class interior design. Attending the Telstra Business Awards as nominees was a real highlight – the businesses in the room that night warmed my heart to no end. I realised then, more than ever, that you truly need to be filled with passion and purpose to be successful, and we have that in droves. I love what I do every day and I truly believe we are making a positive change in people’s lives through design.

Kylie: Rarely do we just stop and reflect on our achievements. Leaving my full time career to run this business is a real highlight for me. For anyone who has left a secure paying job to start a new business will know it’s one of the scariest things you will ever do.  But, if you are passionate, you have the idea and the drive – and the ability to silence that little voice in your head! – you might just change your life. 

Reading what our customers say about us gives me a real buzz. I personally speak with every client at some stage throughout the process, and I adore hearing how Designbx has helped them overcome their challenges. Seeing them go through the full design process and loving the end result, and then seeing a beautiful review at the end, blows my mind every time. We genuinely love our clients so much and we’re so grateful they give us a glimpse into their homes and lives, and allow us to make a difference. 

Kerena & Kylie at the Telstra Business Awards

There are so many industry and economic factors that can affect a business – especially small business. How has the market evolved since you began and how you have responded to remain relevant?

Kerena: There are now a number of new outfits exploring online interior design, which is brilliant. More noise in the market is a huge gain for us. Educating the market on what and how to ‘do’ digital interior design continues to be a hurdle for us, so we love so-called ‘competitors’ and welcome them as they strengthen the conversation. There are millions of homes in need of design help, so the more the merrier. 

The Australian supplier chain has seen some lows over the last few years, with many companies doing it tough and closing up – some online, but predominantly bricks and mortar. This has taken some navigation and created some challenges. However, we are grateful to have extremely long-standing relationships with a number of core suppliers, and have the passion, contacts and zest behind us to be forever on the hunt for new and up and coming designers and companies to ensure we have everything at our fingertips to create the perfect designs for our clients. Business after all, is all about people and relationships. 

Customers have a lot of power now; they are educated on suppliers and price and have the ability to shop around.  Customers are incredibly savvy. But we don’t fear this, as through our relationships we’re able to drive competitive trade discounts with our suppliers, which we pass onto our clients. We pride ourselves on being competitive on price but stand by our 100 percent happiness guarantee.

If we’ve learned anything in our time in the industry it’s that a positive, fun, and trusted design experience superseeds saving every single time – that’s just a bonus!

Kylie: The market landscape has changed significantly since we launched, but we’re dedicated to keeping our finger on the pulse. As Kerena said, we view competition as positive – with any new idea, a collective effort to educate the market is important. We can all learn a lot from each other and have even reached out to a number of our competitors to discuss industry challenges. A positive change to the industry has been new freight and delivery startups giving Australians more delivery options at better prices. That’s certainly an area that’s needed a shake up for some time, so fingers crossed it continues to improve.

Designbx is such a unique concept. How do you ensure you continue to push the envelope and shape the industry as a whole?

Kerena: I feel we are continuing to create and refine a solution that people feel ‘at home’ with. It fits in with their life.  Being online means clients can view designs, collaborate with their designers and sign off products all through their devices – any time of day or night. Being able to design on the go keeps the process achievable, and ultimately enjoyable, as it doesn’t become just another job to get done. We’re creating a real-world way to design, and making sure we keep the love alive.

Our clientele are diverse – in age, style and living arrangements. And we see this as a truly unique attribute of our business. With spaces ever-evolving and the housing market morphing – more people are renting than ever before – we are incredibly conscious of creating designs that are flexible and transportable. I like to think we’re creating a fluid approach to interior design.

Now, more than ever, people need their homes to be their sanctuary – a safe and tranquil place that allows them to reflect and decompress. Life is busy and people are feeling the pinch and I don’t see that changing in the immediate future. We’re so proud and honoured to be able to help create these havens for our clients.

Kylie: We’re educating the market in a way neither of us predicted, or intended, at the start. Apart from the obvious stuff like trends and guidance on how to place a rug or hang artwork,

we are showing the industry that a home needs to wholely represent the people living in it – not the person who designed it. There’s no room for ego at Designbx: We design for the client, not ourselves.

We empower our clients with this belief the whole way through the process, and really encourage them to speak up – which can be a lot easier for them online versus face-to-face.

We have also found a big misunderstanding in the market around what an interior designer actually does, when to engage one and what value they can add to a project. For example, one of the custom services we offer is to review architectural plans at the start of a project. Architects and designers wear very different hats.  On several projects we have made suggestions to our clients to change the architectural layout of the plans prior to any building starting, to allow for function and the style they want to achieve with the interiors once they reach that phase. Engaging a designer early in the process can be hugely beneficial for clients, and ultimately end up saving them a lot of money.

In a small business it’s all hands on deck. So what do you love about your roles?

Kerena: I predominantly oversee the design arm of the business and support with the creative and marketing strategy and implementation. I’m what we call the ‘crayon department’! I love doing our shoots – whether its inhouse or at a client’s home – and I’ll be there with all my props buzzing around like a chook with its head cut off, squeezing as many shots into a session as possible. I just love getting ‘on the tools’, and it’s the most enjoyable part of my role. 

But most importantly it’s the working relationship I have with Kylie that cements that love for what we’re doing. We’re equally committed to being across everything Designbx, and yet we have total trust in each other – our individual roles, unique skills (and weaknesses!) – to get in and get it done. As in life, in business it’s healthy and helpful to share, ask for help and get a different point of view. For me, I love feeling supported when I throw out new ideas, knowing there is no judgement – just a safe space to explore new things. We both are equally invested and it’s our partnership that means we stay ahead of the game and get to feel absolutely fulfilled at the same time.

Kylie: I’m always heard and trusted by my business partner. As owners, we are both continually coming up with new hare-brained schemes; some of which are solid, and some that don’t bear repeating! But to have a safe environment to voice our ideas is absolutely imperative to a successful business and a harmonious working relationship. I know how lucky I am to have such a passionate, clever and talented partner who always drives me and the business towards success. Knowing you have someone that is always giving 200 percent makes it easy to do the same. 

Out of pure curiosity, take us through an average day for the Designbx team.

Kerena: An average day? Well, no two days are the same! And that’s one of the reasons I love it so much. Our project list is so varied; we always have a mixed basket of styles, house sizes and budgets on the books; and we are constantly positively challenged by our diverse projects, which keeps the creative juices flowing. My day generally starts around 6am – I sit with a cup of tea and clear the inbox and draw up my to do list for the day. It could then be briefing for a residential or commercial client, meeting with potential partners to explore collaborations, photo shoots, marketing strategy sessions, product designing and sourcing, website development and sneaky coffee breaks. Being online not only brings ease and comfort to our clients but allows the team to work on the go, respond swiftly to questions, design changes and general support. We can weave our work around personal commitments and know that we are still always there for our clients.  

Kylie: Every day is different, but the focus is always the same for me. Anything that is going to affect a client outcome or experience with Designbx is my number one priority and takes precedence over 99 percent of other things. Usually I’m up at 6am and do an hour of emails and planning for the day. If I need to do any writing this is the best time for me. Then I really love to go for a walk with one of my dogs Sophie in the morning – it gets the blood flowing and gets me amped for the day. Then I have breakfast and I’m straight into anything project and product related, talking to clients and suppliers, investigating business development opportunities and the operational side of the business. Mix that all in with some business finances and a daily catch up with Kerena and that’s pretty much the day. I must confess that I’m a serial offender for having 20 or more tabs open on my computer towards the end of the day, which can be quite counter-productive… but I’m deeply curious and I love absorbing knowledge from all the interesting business stories that come through my inbox during the day. 

Kylie and the family (one on the way!)

In the face of industry challenges and changes; incoming and up-and-coming competitors; a shifting real estate landscape; and balancing that ever-difficult collision of work and life, one thing is for certain… Designbx is no longer a start-up. The two women at the helm of this e-decorating offering are making waves in an industry that has long been plagued by a lack of access for ordinary people. And if it’s even possible, they remain more passionate and driven today than when the journey began three years ago. Fuelled by a vision and desire to give every Australian the means to create a home they can be proud of, and a space they want to come home to, Designbx is set for big things – watch this space.

“Great design is a brilliant collection of beautiful ideas”

– M. Cobanli

The post Lifting the lid on Designbx appeared first on Designbx.

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Make a game out of it

It doesn’t matter how old you are, cleaning is never fun for anyone.  Turn cleaning into a game of musical chairs, with each person assigned to a different space or room in the house and given five minutes to clean and tidy as much as they can. Before you know it, within 15-20 minutes the whole house can be cleaned and tidied depending on the level of mess. Try playing it with your untidy partner, pump their favourite tunes and set a timer as you sweep through the apartment on a rainy day or lazy afternoon. Not only does it keep the house clean, but it encourages everyone to maintain the place, as 5 minute rooms can get quite competitive!

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Less is more

The trick with untidy people is to eliminate the amount they can make a mess with. Think about hoarders who create piles of clutter. Those with minimalist interior design styles have little to no opportunity to create havoc and clutter in a space. As new items are added and reach the point you’d consider ‘clutter’, force the house into spring cleaning mode. Rid your interiors of any unnecessary items and clear out spaces like the living room, chest of drawers, bathroom cabinets and kitchen bench. Clutter gives the illusion of a fuller space, and mess makers see this as a perfect excuse to add to it. Forcing people to cull their belongings should hopefully create less temptation in the future.

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Have a place for everything

If there isn’t an established position for each belonging, how can people be expected to put things back in place? Items that float around are usually the ones that are left on tables and benches. Buying storage baskets, cabinets and drawer organisers will encourage the mess makers to put it back where they found it. Negotiate with the untidy person to find a solution that works for them. Labelling and colour coding works brilliantly for little kids, as well as adults who need some extra direction. Try adding little coloured dots to items such as personal products, and assign them to a matching coloured basket in the bathroom. If the situation is particularly challenging, create a ‘last warning basket’ and add anything that hasn’t been put back. After two days, if it’s not claimed, it goes in the bin – no exceptions!

Designbx client Corinna uses these tables which are also storage tubs – the perfect storage solution for any playroom in Corinna’s Coastal Transformation!

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Chore charts

Everyone needs a bit of guidance, and those who love to organise love charts! If you live in a share house or with a large family, combating mess requires military precision. As a team, figure out essential chores that need to be done daily, weekly and fortnightly to keep the palace fit for royalty. On a whiteboard, draw up a simple chart that lists duties to be completed, and assign people in turn to complete them. House meetings can be called if things are going pear-shaped, and use the power to name and shame! For the untidy folk there’s nowhere to hide, as they can only be responsible for the task they have been assigned to.

With these space saving ideas your home will enjoy a Cinderella-style transformation in no time. With a light push (or a heavier shove!) your housemates and family can assist you to keep the castle clean. Experiment with each option and embrace the ones that get the most cooperation while keeping the atmosphere in your home light and fun.

If you need help with styling or designing an organised home, we are here to help!  

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