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

The post Airbnb Hosts – Top tips to become the best Airbnb hosts 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.

Bright Bazaar

http://www.brightbazaarblog.com

Refreshing take on color from one of the world’s leading interiors bloggers, Will Taylor of Bright Bazaar. What began as a popular blog attracting over 400,000 readers a month is now a one of Pinterest’s top influencers with over 2.4 million followers. One of the best blogs to take note on how to decorate with colour.

Decor 8

http://decor8blog.com

Holly Becker launched decor8 in 2004 as a small interior design studio in Boston. Nearly a decade later, the blog has become extremely popular for it’s well chosen photos and the personal touch in every post about home decor.

Design Sponge

http://www.designsponge.com

Design*Sponge is a design blog run by Grace Bonney. Launched in 2004, the blog attracts 1 million devoted readers across the globe for Its fresh and authentic stories, and practical ideas anyone can apply in his home.

Young House Love

http://www.younghouselove.com

Sherry and John live in Richmond, Virginia spending their days doing projects, photographing them, writing posts, and raising their daughter Clara and son Teddy. Readers love their obsession with DIY and how fun it is for them making this blog. The lively ideas and the their loyalty for this blog sure worth the follow.

Brit&Co

http://www.brit.co

Founded in late 2011, Brit&Co is a leading destination for the DIY generation, currently reaching over 10 million creatively-minded people each month. The blog provides tools to teach, inspire, and enable creativity among women and girls.

Its Over Flowing

Founded in 2008 by Aimee Lane who shares her inspiration for creating a simply inspired home. On the blog you will find a collection of house tours, photography tutorials, organisation tips, DIY projects, fabulous shopping finds and room makeovers.

Apartment Therapy

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

In April 2004, Maxwell, with his brother Oliver Ryan, launched Apartment Therapy, reviewing stores, offering tips, posting photos, becoming the most successful blog in America and the world over.

The Jungalow

http://www.thejungalow.com

Justinas bohemian aesthetic emerged out of her multicultural upbringing in Berkeley, California. With partnerships with brands from One Kings Lane to Anthropologie and a social-media following of over 1,300,000 people, her bohemian style, approachable voice and novel ideas inspire millions to get free spirited with their home decor.

Remodelista

http://www.remodelista.com

Remodelista.com is the go-to, undisputed authority for home design enthusiasts, remodelers, architects, and designers. Remodelista decodes the secrets to achieving this aesthetic, with in-depth tours and lessons.

Sanni Apell

http://www.saniapell.com/blog

Sania Pell, a talented writer created a place to share her favourite interior styling and great design; fine art and contemporary craft; exciting new products and flea market finds; handmade and homemade. You can read her articles in famous magazines such as Elle Decor. The blog is well known for her excellent taste and inspirational photos.

The Design Files

http://www.thedesignfiles.net/section/homes

The Design Files was established by Lucy Feagins, a stylist and set dresser, who works alongside InsideOut and Domain publishing design related news and advice. Gaining a large following to become one of The Time’s UK’s Top 50 design blogs across the world, their home archives offer insight into style trends, beautiful homes around the world and industry news. Not only do their articles cover interior design, but offer extensive information for creatives, foodies, gardeners and architects. 

Now, go forth and explore! Each blog from around the world offers unique and practical advice as a go-to bible for designers and creatives. By following Interior Design trends and news it sparks newfound inspiration and creativity that you can apply in your own homes and practices.

The post Global design blogs worth knowing about 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.

1. Start with a wooden floor

First of all, start with a clean, fresh base. Wooden floorboards are the ultimate Scandi trademark. Opt for light tones to open up the space and to give as much lightness and airiness as possible. Think about your walls and ceiling colours as well. Your interior will look bigger and brighter instantly — the more white the better.

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2. Use a muted palette

Once you have your base mastered, move on to the big block pieces. For larger items, like your sofa, table, chairs or curtains, try using neutral colours. We especially love using a myriad of greys (avoid a white couch that you’ll be stressing about when the little ones get within a 10-metre radius of it). To master the look, add touches of wood here and there to incorporate warmth.

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3. Add colour by using splashes of pastels

Although a neutral-based style, Scandinavian interior design colour schemes are often infused with soft pastels. Our favourite is blush pink, as it is the perfect complementary colour to any wood. Mint green is also a fun way to add some colour into your Scandi kingdom.

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4. Create a complementary feature wall

So how best do we style our walls in a Scandi home? It can be hard to figure out how to add different pieces of wall art without making it clash with a neutral interior, but by adding pops of pastels you can creating a striking look.

Be creative! Use photos, prints, paintings, quotes or even drawings that your mini-me made! You can create a fun art project for the kids by encouraging them to create, using your colour palette.

By using similar frames throughout and some clever pre-planning, you can ensure your unique feature wall works harmoniously with the Scandi style.

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5. Layers, layers, layers!

The great thing about Scandinavian interior design is you can go wild with textures. As long as the colours are harmonious and neutral, you can mix as many as you like! This is what adds depth and character to Scandi spaces. Use leather, linen, jute, metal, fur, wood…you name it, you layer it!

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6. Get some Scandinavian furniture

The cleans lines, simplicity and beauty of these timeless pieces are undeniable. By adding even just one or two of these beauties, you can completely transform your space. There are so many affordable options to finding Scandinavian-style furniture without skimping on quality and practicality. Try Pop and Scott, MRD Home, Sokol, Eadie Lifestyle, or Mr & Mrs White.

Combinations that are paving the way into 2018 are:

• Woven pastel leathers, featuring in seating, wall hangings and rugs
• Tibetan fur, dyed in striking neutral  or jewel tones is a key trend for children’s bedrooms and playrooms
• Raw hand-crafted materials like pottery and rustic timbers, paired with the traditional curved and clean lines of Scandinavian design – this new style is being echoed as Japandi (a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese design movements).

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7. Be minimal with the little things (less is more)

The easiest way is to think about what you really need, and forget the rest. Marie Kondo wrote a best-selling book on how tidying up can be life-changing and not only declutter your home but your mind as well. To that we say, yes please! But keep the items you absolutely love. And no, you don’t need those 50 jumpers you haven’t worn since high school.

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8. Use greenery in the right places

Plants are a surefire way to bring texture and contrast to those neutral walls. In spaces that just need a little something, sculptural, oversized and grouped plants will work best. Your pot is as important as the species of your plant, so pick wisely.

A single or dual tone will last the test of time. Our favourite brands include Designtwins, Pop and Scott, Ivy muse, Urban Eden, and Milk and Sugar. To not overdo it, just add one large potted plant to each room. Make sure you use plants that can survive indoors and don’t need much light. If you’re not into big plants, or can’t keep one alive no matter how hard you try (we’ve all been there), then why not add a simple cactus? They’re always a nice, easy way to add some greenery.

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9. Install a fireplace

Living in Australia, we may not all need a fireplace, but if we were to embrace them, either for function or pure aesthetics, they would look a little like this. The Scandinavian ‘staple’ fireplace would be tall, thin and likely to be perched in a corner. We may not ever install one of these but we love these different styles to ooh and aah over. If the real thing is impractical, a faux fireplace creates a setting to do a vignette of artwork, greenery or personal items.

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10. Be meticulous and creative with lighting

Last, but certainly not least, lighting! It’s so important in any space, but the fun thing with Scandinavian interior design is that you can incorporate various sizes and shapes with great success. Try using cool bulbs, lampshades and garlands.

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Scandinavian interior design gets us so excited, and makes us spend way too much time on Pinterest, but we hope this has inspired you to redecorate.

Do you want to find out what your ideal style is? Check out our style quiz and get your dream home project started right away!

The post How to create Scandinavian interior design appeared first on Designbx.

But renovation can also be a very costly enterprise. The average cost of a full-home renovation project can run close to $200,000. Not everyone has that kind of cash to splash, particularly for a home you’re trying to sell.

The good news is that you can add serious value to your home without even picking up a hammer.

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If you want to boost your home’s value but don’t want to break the bank, there are some remarkably simple ways to get started.

1. Work on your kerb appeal

First impressions are incredibly important. A 2012 Texas Tech University study found that good kerb appeal could boost a home’s value by 17%.

Start by putting yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes. As you approach your home from the street, what are your impressions? Is the landscaping tidy and inviting, and does it showcase the front of your home or just serve to obscure it? Does the front of the home itself look appealing?

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Good kerb appeal can add measurable value to your home, while poor kerb appeal can scare potential buyers away before they even set foot inside. A fresh coat of paint, some new door hardware and a bit of landscaping won’t set you back much, but they’ll have a serious impact on your home’s saleability.

2. Tidy things up

No matter how nicely constructed your home may be, a dirty house will make a poor impression on potential buyers. Think back to your renting days and the dreaded end-of-lease inspections. That’s the standard of cleanliness you want to strive for.

Even the neatest amongst us can overlook a few nooks and crannies when we’re cleaning. If you’re hosting an open home, it’s worth paying the money to have your house cleaned professionally. You may not notice a few bits of grime, but a potential buyer might.

3. Get rid of the clutter

This may sound a little redundant after the previous tip, but de-cluttering is about more than general cleanliness. It’s about creating an open, flowing space for potential buyers.

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Have a look at the layout of your home and the way you have your furniture arranged. Is it hard to navigate through the rooms? Do they feel cramped and claustrophobic? You want buyers to be able to walk through your home with ease, and for the rooms to feel open and spacious. Getting rid of or rearranging some pieces of furniture can greatly improve the flow of your home, and a few well-placed mirrors can make rooms feel larger than they are.

4. Keep it light

Make sure your home looks bright and open. Open up the shades and shutters to let in as much natural light as you can. If you don’t get a lot of natural light, consider opting for some brighter bulbs in your fixtures to give the illusion of more natural light.

Keeping your home light goes beyond just your windows and fixtures, though. It also includes your design choices. The goal in showing your home is to create an environment that potential buyers can picture themselves in. Choosing more neutral colours will better allow buyers to imagine their own furniture and belongings in the home.

5. Make it cosy

Add the finishing touches with some accessories. These little details make your home warm and inviting. Small touches like coffee table books, artwork, flowers or candles can make your house feel like a home.

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This article is written by Adam Smith, Home Loans Editor at Finder.

The post 5 ways to add value without renovating appeared first on Designbx.

Well, you may love us or hate us for spilling the beans on this, but we’ve discovered some completely covetable tech gadgets that will have you questioning how you ever lived without them.

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Who could forget that hilarious scene from the classic 90s comedy, Clueless, when Cher invites her new (and unbeknownst to her, gay) crush over to her house for a romantic night in? She has the perfect makeup, “baked” bread, and a lighting plan to die for.

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More than 20 years later, most of us still have Cher-level lighting goals and fortunately for us, now they’re completely attainable. Enter the Phillips Hue bulbs. These things are amazing and, wait for it…completely controllable from your smart phone. No expensive dimmers or electricians required.

“Lighting is one of the most important parts of a well-designed home but it is not usually the first thing on a homeowner’s To-Do list,” says Designbx interior designer Elise Finnerty.

“I love that you can customise your lighting from your mobile or smart device. No
more installing dimmers and lighting controls because it can all be done wirelessly with these smart bulbs.

“You can set your lights to turn on and off from anywhere in the world. Play with tone, contrast, white light and a spectrum of colour to create your ideal lighting mood,” adds Finnerty.

There you have it. Go forth. Get your lighting game on.

That’s a TV?!
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Interior designers and binge watchers everywhere can rejoice. We finally have a solution to the age-old conundrum: how to prevent the television being the most dominant feature in a room (even if it is the real reason we spend so much time there. Shhh.)

Bless their hearts, other electronic companies have tried to solve the problem before but none have hit the mark the way Samsung has with The Frame. Instead of going black like traditional televisions, The Frame uses sensor technology to turn on art when someone is in the room and turns it off to save energy once it senses the room is empty.

“Samsung is releasing a real masterpiece,” says Designbx interior designer, Kylie Monteleone. “The Frame is unlike any other conventional television and offers exciting design and artful features alike.

“The ‘Invisible Connection’ and ‘No-Gap wall mount’ makes it a breeze to integrate the TV in most areas of the home. It also transforms into a customisable digital art display with over 100 art pieces to choose from, displaying the most suitable design and or colour for your space.”

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Does anyone else shudder at the memory of the old days when even the most basic devices couldn’t talk to each other? My computer’s incessant “problem communicating with the printer” back in 2006 still haunts me. But fret no more friends. Google Home is here and it…means… business…!

Powered by Google Assistant, you can ask it questions and get an immediate response (and not the Hey, Siri kind either). According to its website, Google Home connects seamlessly with smart devices like Chromecast, Nest and Philips Hue, so you can use your voice to set the perfect temperature or turn down the lights.

“You can Ask it questions and tell it to do things,” Finnerty explains. “And with support for multiple users, it can distinguish your voice from others in your home, making it easy for the device to switch between each family member for a truly personalised experience.”

“You can play music, control the TV, turn the lights on or off, set alarms and ask about the weather or your trip to work.”

“It’s a great addition to your home because it helps to simplify our busy lifestyles. It integrates all of your smart devices and you simply operate anything connected by saying “Hey, Google”. You can even personalise the colour of the speaker to suit your home. Less juggling and more time enjoying your life.”

Although Google Home is not currently available for purchase in Australia yet, it can be purchased and shipped from the US, and is fully functional here.

Which futuristic creature comfort will you choose?

Remember to always consider your lifestyle when selecting your mod cons. It’s easy to get excited about the technology and the obvious cool factor, but which one will be of lasting value? For the less organised among us, Google Home may be a godsend, while people who have mastered the art of scheduling may have time to appreciate The Frame. Either way, get used to this wonderful technological decadence. We predict every home will eventually feature these gadgets.
Now check out 5 gadgets to get you through the working week!

The post New Home Tech Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed Until Now – You’re Welcome! appeared first on Designbx.

Your bedroom should be a place of rest without the stress of work or the over stimulation of technology. With winter fast approaching, days will become shorter, light will fade to dark, and weather will become
unpredictable. This results in a shift from the outdoors to interiors and you begin to feel the urge to cuddle up under the covers with a cup of cocoa and a great book. Here are some easy master bedroom decorating ideas that will create a cozy, welcoming sanctuary that you won’t want to leave.

1. Master bedroom bedding

Look for quality bedding, thick textiles and soft natural fibers such as wool, down, linen or flannel. Wool can make the perfect quilt cover or throw, and down is very lightweight but warm. Linen has high air permeability and heat conductivity properties, meaning it’s a breathable fabric that makes you warm in the winter and keeps you cool in the summer, not to mention it’s great for people with allergies while also having the benefit of being eco friendly.

Flannel, while not as stylish as the others, is ideal to use as a bottom sheet. It helps trap your body warmth, which will keep you snug during those chilly mornings when you don’t want to get out of bed. Layer your sheets, quilt, throws, runners and cushions similar to the way you add jackets to jumpers. Dress your bed with a big, fluffy quilt and cushy pillows. By piling on the different textiles, your bed will look like something you could sink into. Layering can increase your physical comfort, please the eye, and change the ambience of your room.

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2. Window dressings

Window dressings will help keep the warmth in, and the cold out. They can be used both as a decorative element of the bedroom design while also being practical. ‘Hard’ window treatments such as plantation shutters and roller blinds can offer varying degrees of insulating protection for chilly drafts. ‘Soft’ window treatments made of fabrics such as floor to ceiling drapery panels, gently frame your window and absorb sound, softening and completing a room. Custom window treatments are an important design element. Bare windows can feel cold and uninviting.

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3. Rugs

If your home is covered with floorboards or tiles it may feel rather cold and bare during winter. A rug in your bedroom will create a welcoming feel, providing warmth and softness underfoot. The bigger the better! It will also help to anchor your room’s décor and colour scheme.

While we’re on the topic of rugs, why not add another? This is a great way to cover a large space without investing in a room-sized rug. It’s also an easy way to subtly but effectively break an open space into zones, adding extra depth and interest to your room. Choose contrasting textures or patterns for a unique look that’s truly you, or alternatively you could add sheepskin or faux fur rugs on top of an existing carpet, rug or floorboards to bring extra warmth and comfort for your feet in the morning.

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4. Lighting

Be sure to pick bulbs with warm tones for your bedroom. White globes are generally used to stimulate the brain in workplaces and this is certainly not the feel you want when you’re trying to settle down for the night. Your bedroom lighting could also benefit if controlled by dimmers, which will allow for various effects.

To add some more warmth to your room, consider some low, soft lighting such as a bedside lamp with a low-watt bulb (40 or lower) and a softly diffused shade. Candles are also one of my favourite winter warmers. They create a beautiful ambience, smell amazing and help add warmth on a cold winter’s night. If you’re feeling bold go neon artwork.

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5. Fresh Flowers and greenery

With our lifestyles moving indoors, we continue to want to feel connected with the outdoors to offset our busy lifestyles and ever-growing dependence on technology. This has encouraged the trend of letting the outdoors in. Spoil yourself with some fresh-cut stems or live greenery! Nothing brings a breath of life to a drab wintry day better than elements of nature. If you’re not a green thumb, why not opt for a framed print, cushion or realistic artificial plant?

Getting your bedroom ready for winter starts now. With these five master bedroom decorating ideas, not only will you have a little head start to get the look you want; it might give you a few extra cups of cocoa, if you’re lucky.

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Elise Finnerty is an interior decorator and stylist. She is passionate about beautiful spaces that are accessible and affordable for everyone. She has appeared in publications such as Yours magazine, Sunday style and more. You will find her working from her home Office or for Designbx “Australia’s online interior design solution”

The post 5 great master bedroom ideas for winter appeared first on Designbx.

It’s the time of year when the woman who suffered agony to bring you into this world becomes a selfless martyr and begs you not to spoil her on Mothers Day. She doesn’t want you to fork out loads of cash or go to too much trouble. She’ll be happy with a card and a call. We’ve been around long enough to see how this will play out, and let’s face it; unless she made you wear Crocs beyond the age of twelve or still tries to remove dirt from your face with tissues and saliva, she deserves the best!

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 When she begs us not to spend too much money, what she’s trying to say is she wants a Mothers Day Hamper from Bockers & Pony. You can safely put the violin away and get to the arduous task of choosing which hamper will pay for those hours of child labour. We all know it’s a debt that can’t be repaid but makeup, chocolates, luggage and Moet will definitely be a step in the right direction.

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Let’s not forget how many sleepless nights she spent while she was worried sick about you, especially during your troubling teenage years. Perhaps you’re still depriving the poor woman of winks. If so, at least let her burn the midnight oil in style. Masini & Chern have a beautiful range of robes and PJs that will make sure Mum is fashionably concerned.

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Flowers are always welcome but getting a single arrangement delivered is so five years ago. Besides, as the flowers wilt they become a reminder that you haven’t called her. Bloombox Co. offers nifty subscriptions that ensure your mother sees your relationship as loving, colourful and perennial.

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This is a particularly effective option for the problem child in the family. Amazingly, Designbx has gift vouchers that could buy your mum a complete online interior design solution for less than a subscription for flowers. She might express her personality by creating a bedroom boudoir, or next time you see her she could be wearing an exotic scarf and sipping Moroccan coffee in her Boho Chic living room. It’s probably the most fun present you’ll ever give her although you may find yourself sitting in her beautiful new kitchen wondering why you didn’t just buy a voucher for yourself. A Designbx voucher definitely wins the prize for the most unique Mothers Day gift.

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Do you have one of those modern mums who’s always on the go? You know the type: they know more about art, politics and technology than you. Don’t worry; you don’t have to slow her down by dropping a sedative in her Chardonnay while she’s focussed on her salad nicoise. A subscription to Collective Hub magazine via the MagShop may be a more ethical distraction, but of course there is the likelihood she’ll end up being even more knowledgeable.

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If you want mum to fawn over you, jewellery is a pretty safe option. In the mum world it wins status points. She’ll be at lunch with one of her mates and lean back so the necklace catches the sunlight, and then be forced to explain how you bought it for her as a Mothers Day gift. Her unfortunate friend, who only got a card due to overuse of tissues and saliva, will be green with envy. Dogeared has a great range of stunning and elegant necklaces hand-picked for mums. You can always think laterally thanks to Kikki-k’s happiness journal. It’s perfect for mums who like to keep track of events. It’s not just a blank journal. It features inspirational and organisational notes to help your mum live a more enriched life. Chances are, the first entry will be an account of receiving the journal from you as a gift. Great brownie points!

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For a mother with class, there’s The Daily Edited’s selection of Mothers Day gift packs. Personally monogrammed purses, wallets and cases come in a range of subtle colours, and packs come with make-up, flowers or sweets. If you’re waging war against your siblings to win Mum’s favour, you’ll be hard to beat. We don’t want to know too much about Mum’s love life, but if she’s going to strut her stuff, she may as well make us proud (oh wow, that already sounds wrong). It’ll be tough for her to escape the keen eyes of all those foxes out there (silver or otherwise) when she’s wearing something tantalising from the Shoes of Prey collection.

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Regardless of which choice you make, get online to make sure you order early enough, and chase up the gift with a call or visit on Sunday.Forgetting Mothers Day can result in the silent treatment, detailed stories of pregnancy and childbirth, or becoming the runt of the litter. But above all, make an effort on her special day because you love her.

Designbx  |  “Becoming the favourite child: Mothers Day gifts that will win mum’s heart”  | designbx.com

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