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.

Right on time

Always a trusty go-to when in need of a gift, and one of Kylie and Kerena’s personal faves. The Horse has you covered for watches and leather goods.  Classy and timeless designs that will have Dad looking schmick, without breaking the bank!

Image Source: The Horse

Getting summer ready

Quintessentially Aussie, Budgy Smugglers are part of  the Australian culture.  With the warmer months just around the corner, these fun and colourful men’s swimmers will be sure to brighten Dad’s day.

Image Source: Budgy Smuggler

Not just for the surfers

You don’t need to be a surfer to love this brand.! Keel Surf & Supply also have some great gift ideas ranging from blokes candles and fragrance diffusers to leather goods, cool Artwork, books and sunglasses.  Check out their accessories range.

Image Source: Keels Surf & Supply

Bringing the outdoors in 

With a focus on organic, natural, and sustainable products, Pony Rider is a great option for anyone who loves quality products that align with a beautiful brand story and ethos.  Be sure to check out their cushions – great for more manly spaces.

Image Source: Pony Rider

Skincare – for men with faces…

If the man in your life is like some that we know, it can be hard to get them into a skincare regime.  It has to be quick, easy and almost thoughtless!  Cue skincare genius Zoe Foster-Blake and her Go-To Skincare range for men: Bro-To! Clean, uncomplicated and it works! 

Image Source: GoTo Skincare

A Gift that keeps on Giving

It’s what’s on the inside that counts!   Whether it’s a home office, man cave or just a space to call his own – why not spoil Dad, Poppy or Hubby this year with something truly unique and everlasting.  A Designbx Package will be memorable for years to come!

The post Fathers Day gift ideas Dad will love! appeared first on Designbx.

Saturday sessions……we don’t like to break tradition, so this Saturday whilst we are chatting to these amazingly talented female superstars, Kerena and Kylie are sipping on a Grenadine Margarita, because – why not!  And, they are super pretty!  Thanks for the recipe The Margarita Mum!

Image Source: The Margarita Mum 

Curatorial + Co

Sophie Vander is as passionate about art as they come.  She started Curatorial + Co with the purpose to make art accessible to all Australians – a curated collection of exclusive one-of-a-kind and limited edition works by artists and designers from across the globe.

With art from both established and emerging artists, Curatorial + Co has created a necessary connection between artists , collectors, designers and their potential clients.  Presenting painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramic works as well as multimedia and textile art pieces, the scope of the Curatorial+Co. collection is vast and inspiring, and all works are exclusive to Curatorial+Co.

What is your favourite room at home?

My entry.

What design style is this room/space?

It’s in the original half of our 1930’s art deco home. The beautiful curve of the banister is in its original condition, and we’ve added art and lighting elements to make it more contemporary.

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s such a grand welcome into our home but its simplicity of form is what draws you in. Letting the architecture speak for itself is what gives it a quiet confidence. Sometimes all you need is the architecture, and art.

“Art can change a room completely. It can elevate it, it can change the mood, it can tell a story”               

SOPHIE VANDER – FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Maybe the slight orange tone of the banister varnish! But I really don’t want to touch it as it’s important to the history of the home.

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Art, of course! Art can change a room completely. It can elevate it, it can change the mood, it can tell a story. I don’t understand rooms without art. For me there is something missing, a coldness. It’s not a home until that important personal element is there.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The addition of our huge Isabelle de Kleine work on paper brings what could have been a stuffy 90-year-old space into the now. If we’d put a traditional art deco hall table there, or tried to match the era, it wouldn’t work. Isabelle’s painting has such incredible soul that it feels very much at home. I love walking in every day and seeing it.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

Curatorial+Co. represents Isabelle de Kleine and you can find her work on our website. The art deco chair was sourced from a local auction house for $35! We stripped the orange varnish, stained it black and recovered in teal velvet. The chandelier is from Douglas and Bec.

Sophie’s Entry – It’s divine! 

Malawi Cane + Coastal Drift

Born from a desire for authentic and classic furniture, Malawi Cane has been trading in South Africa since 2012, and in Australia since 2017. 

The Australian operation is headed up by Monique, who was born in Malawi; and loves nothing more than seeing genuine Malawi product in homes around the world. Sharing the beautiful stories behind the craftspeople who skillfully weave each piece, preserving centuries-old traditional weaving methods, and ensuring the artisans and their communities are supported fairly through their trade of Malawi Cane furniture.

Image Source: Realestate.com

What is your favourite room at home?

It’s a tough contender….the laundry room (it’s frickin’ amazing), or this one….our in-built balcony off the master bedroom, over-looking the Tasman Sea…the latter wins due to the family time it brings us (the laundry room just remains a personal fave!)

What design style is this room/space?

Rustic-luxe beach house

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

Due to it’s location (only accessible from the master bedroom), it’s a space that’s only ever truly experienced by the family….generally between 5-7am….an east-facing house will do that for you!  We spend our first hour of the day here….enjoying coffees, warm milks, cuddles, bird-watching, whale watching, and all things that happen around sunrise.  It’s a moment in our days that non one else can interrupt.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Allow us to spend more time here!  Or install a coffee machine!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

It’s about having one unique stand-out piece (of art or furniture…but don’t do both – they will fight) And then ensuring there are personal elements that tell a personal story to your life.

“When styling your home, be sure to think of a style that fits your personal life and history, you need to connect with the aesthetics in your home, as well as being able to add those personal touches that tell a story to your life.  It will enable you to genuinely feel “at home” and to guests, your home will feel more relaxed.  My husband and I have always inter-twinned our lifelong heritages of Africa, Europe and Australia in all of our homes, and our daughter understands her heritages.  And don’t forget to have a few hints of fun spotted around your home…there should be a few locations where  you walk around a corner and something winks at you“.

MONIQUE RYAN-MUSACCHIO – FOUNDER + DIRECTOR MALAWI CANE 

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The Malawi Traditional Hanging Loveseat – it’s the prototype of my original design for my business, Malawi Cane….so much emotional connection with the artisans who hand-weave these pieces from my country of birth.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

Malawi Cane!

Grace Garrett

Homewares Queen Grace Garrett has worked in the design industry over twenty years.  Grace has a style that is dynamic, modern and bold. Her collections are inspired by her travels, and the journey of life experience. The first collection Beauty of Asia was created whilst living in Asia. Grace now has a number of collections under her belt.

Featured in Australian House & Garden magazine’s Top Women in Design, her textiles are regularly seen in a number of other major interior design publications.  Grace’s collections include wallpaper, cushions, beach towels, beach bags, rugs, candles, dog beds….the list goes on, there is nothing this women can’t do!

What is your favourite room at home?

My bedroom

What design style is this room/space?

Mix of Modern / Tribal inspired design.

“Your decorating doesn’t need to be matchy-matchy but there needs to be an underlying theme/colour scheme to tie each space together”

GRACE GARRETT – FOUNDER 

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s MY space to relax and unwind. I love the cocooning vibe, the mix of textures, Metal, Timber, Linen, fur – the cultivar linen sheets, the beaded chandelier over the black 4 poster bed and the dark moody artwork. Its the one room in the house that I don’t have to share.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Have it on the other side of the hallway. It’s currently on the street side – which can get noisy – and maybe double it in size

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Your decorating doesn’t need to be matchy-matchy but there needs to be an underlying theme/colour scheme to tie each space together. Mixing textures is also key to creating an interesting space so it doesn’t feel cold or sterile.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

My Bed – We all spend a lot of time in bed – so beautiful linen and comfort are key – I also love the grand statement the 4 Poster bed makes. It adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the room along with creating a focal point.

Are you looking to Refresh or Transform your space at home and not sure where to start?  Designbx offers a FREE no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation and a convenient online booking system – link below.  We hope you enjoyed part one of our “behind the scenes” tour – keep an eye out for part two coming soon!

The post Australian designers favourite room at home – part 2 appeared first on Designbx.

What is your favourite room at home?  So here’s the truth – we couldn’t provide the amazing range of furniture and homewares, (not to mention the pricing) in the designs for our clients without our creative, genius, friendly, generous and beautiful supply partners! 

To continue the theme of our recent blog post: Made in Australia, we sat down for a cocktail (virtual of course) with some of these creative and talented teams to chat about their fave rooms at home and what design means to them.  They have also been kind enough to tell us how they created their looks, so you can go about recreating these in your own home OR, call on the Designbx experts to do it for you!

Confession: Kerena and Kylie with a Ginger Citrus Spice Margie on a Saturday afternoon chatting with these talents = heaven!

Image Source: The Margarita Mum 

Designer Boys Collections

A long way from the first series of The Block, Gavin Atkins (Gav) and Warren Sonin (Waz) are the Founders of Designer Boys – a wholesale art business that collaborates with new and established artists from across the globe. 

With an emphasis on artwork inspired by nature, Designer Boys artworks are not mass-produced and are all beautifully hand-framed here in Australia.  Think rich colours, exquisite textures and beautiful finishes – Designer Boys are a Designbx fave!

What is your favourite room at home?

Our stunning 12 metre hallway which connected the front door to the main living with sweeping views over the Byron Bay hinterland. The house was a derelict 120 year old farmhouse on 60 acres that we transformed into a stunning country home.

What design style is this room/space?

Luxe Farmhouse with a touch of Potts Point opulence (where we use to live before we moved to the country).

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s the first impression of what to expect from the rest of the house. We wanted the hallway to feel warm and welcoming with a beautiful ambience. It’s the room we decorated first as it would set the decorating style for the entire house.

“It was a labour of love and it’s important to stick to your innate style to make it truly your home. And don’t follow trends… Go for a layered, eclectic look to create a vibe of comfort and style. And when we sold the house several years ago, the new owners loved the look and feel so much they bought everything!”               

GAV AND WAZ – FOUNDERS OF DESIGNER BOYS

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Absolutely nothing. It was perfect and showcased our personal style.

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

We loved the 12 metre hall rug custom made for the length of the hallway. We adored the strong geometric pattern and the masculine tones.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The 1.2 metre high Buddha. This has been part of every property we have lived in and it always prominent feature. It always brings us good fortune and energy. Back on the first series of the Block, we could take one thing from our home and we transported our Buddha in to our ‘Block’ apartment to bring us good fortune.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

The Rug Establishment for the rug, Andrew Martin fabric for the lights and Bloomingdales custom made the lights.  Mirrors and safari wall decoration from Mezai.

Gav and Waz’s 12 meter Hallway in the Byron Bay Hinterland

Eadie Lifestyle

“Beautifying your life with affordable luxury”  This is something Founder of Eadie Lifestyle Trudie Cox also sticks to in her own home.

Eadie Lifestyle creates timeless, quality home furnishings and easy to wear lounge wear. All textiles are developed in-house exclusively, and design, manufacture and wholesale of the range to the best retailers across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & the USA.

Eadie creates styles that are beautiful, functional and made only from natural fibres – they are passionate about making your house your haven.

What is your favourite room at home?

My open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room. It’s warm, friendly, cosy and perfect for casual living and entertaining. If the walls could talk, they would reveal many fun times.

What design style is this room/space?

A combination of industrial/urban, mixed with boho eclectic. I love mixing different design styles together. I think it makes the space interesting and not too uniformed.

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

The bones of my house are unique as it’s a 100 year old warehouse conversion in an industrial suburb that is starting to gain popularity as a residential area. It’s interesting, unpretentious, welcoming and oozes character. Originally, the building was home to a motor mechanic and car showroom. There are lots of little treasures including the hardwood beams, gorgeous chunky rusty bolts and imperfection everywhere, which makes it perfect for me.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

The (lack of) heating and cooling. I am in the middle of developing it further and can’t wait to install AC!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Well in terms of my space, it’s the very industrial bones, teamed with my bits and pieces I’ve collected from various parts of my life and travels. It’s a combination of hard and soft, cool and warm, commercial and very homely. I guess the combination takes people by surprise when they walk in, as the exterior of the property is a very old, weathered warehouse frontage. I love the discreetness and unexpectedness of it. I like surprises and individuality in interior schemes. You can tell when someone has put their heart and soul into an interior, it stands out in an authentic way and I think that is interesting.

“Style tells a story about who you are and your individual journey. I don’t follow trends or rules. I enjoy mixing sophisticated with rustic. I love pieces that remind me of my travels or have sentimental value”.

TRUDIE COX – FOUNDER EADIE LIFESTYLE

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

Ah, that’s easy. It would be my very treasured bust sculpture of Brett Whitely. I have had it for years and I adore it. It gives the space beautiful energy. When I saw it in a shop on the North Coast, it literally stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t for sale at the time, but I asked the store owner to contact the local artist and ask her if she would contemplate selling it to me. It was love at first sight and the love affair still prevails many years after. It was. a labour of love for the artist, and I promised her I would look after it forever.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

The Sofas in my living area are from Curious Grace and Maison Est. They are comfy, not precious and great for high traffic areas. I have a partner,  3 teenage daughters, and 2 dogs. It’s a busy household that always has people dropping in, wine in the fridge and music playing. I want everyone that is here to feel comfortable and at home, and these are perfect. Of course, Eadie Lifestyle cushions are everywhere! A fair bit of my artwork is original and commissioned by local up-and-coming artists. Some of my favourite pieces are by Sydney based artist Aaron Kinane, who is now incredibly successful. I bought these pieces from him before he was well known. It’s been exciting to see his career flourish. I also love my round dining table. I cherish loved ones sitting around a round table, sharing great food and conversation. Everyone is included. It is super heavy, made from oak and takes about 4 men to move. Again, it’s not precious, we don’t use tablecloths or placemats, and it doesn’t;t matter if a splash of red wine or two hits the surface. I also love my long concrete kitchen benchtop. It was hand-poured by a local tradesman (and friend), and we didn’t over polish it. The finish has texture and a bit of grit, which compliments the industrial feel of the space. I have simple backless stools underneath and it has become the heart of the house. We spend a lot of time around our kitchen bench.

Darcy & Duke

Darcy & Duke is that touch of elegance and luxury you didn’t know you NEEDED in your life.  Think plush furniture and homewares with a touch of velvet and gold, stylish and functional armchairs and ottomans with a hint of opulence.

Designbx recently chatted with Founder of Darcy & Duke Rachel Han to find out what is your favourite room at home?  Located in Melbourne, Rachel and her team curate and design collections which aim to inspire, and provide a point difference to what’s currently in the market.

What is your favourite room at home?

My bedroom

What design style is this room/space?

Modern

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

The high ceilings and natural light create calm….and the view of course.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

I would definitely upgrade from a Queen bed to a King!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

The heart of the room is in the structure and finishes.  We moved in 18 months ago and haven’t purchased any furniture for this room yet. We moved our existing furniture in and made the best of it.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

 The chairs by the window, it is a calm and serene area to escape and relax.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

That’s easy – all items were sourced from Darcy and Duke!

Are you looking to Refresh or Transform your space at home and not sure where to start?  Designbx offers a FREE no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation and a convenient online booking system – link below.  We hope you enjoyed part one of our “behind the scenes” tour – keep an eye out for part two coming soon!

The post Australian designers favourite room at home – part 1 appeared first on Designbx.

Image Source: Better Homes and Gardens

‘Every man and his dog’ are currently self-isolating thanks to COVID-19. In fact, levels of pet ownership and adoption have skyrocketed thanks to people spending extended periods of time at home. This means a sudden need to ensure our homes are set up to accommodate ourselves and the pets we love.

Many clients ask us to consider their pets when we compose our designs. And this is set to become more and more common. In fact, there are some amazing techniques, products and solutions that can help you create a beautiful space for you and your fur babies where everyone can comfortably coexist.

Space and Scale

Planning your space is key to seamless interior design with pets in mind. Think about what access you want your furry friends to have around the house. Are you a “no pets on the couch/bed” kind of home? Or more relaxed about who you cosy up with on a cold winter night? These kinds of boundaries will help you design your space accordingly. For example, will your pet’s bed be part of the bedroom, hidden away in the laundry, or do you need to integrate it into a living area so it’s safe and cosy for them, and not disruptive to you – either in terms of location or style. 

Thankfully there are a lot of super stylish pet beds and design ideas you can use to repurpose existing spaces in the home. If you have a staircase, a great option is transforming the area under the stairs into a pet-friendly zone. These spaces are often small, warm and dark, which is the perfect combination for some serious snuggling. We’ve seen and created some great solutions for clients, including under-the-stairs bed boudoirs, and even transforming laundry cupboards into cute kitty hideaways.

Image Source: Tail and Fur

Image Source: Airtasker

It’s also important to ensure any pet additions to your home are in line with the scale of your living arrangements. For example, if you have a small apartment we wouldn’t recommend a multi-storey scratching pole. It will look out of place and dwarf your other furniture, as opposed to complementing, or even disappearing into, the surroundings.

Materials are Key

Stain-resistant and hard-wearing materials are key when it comes to interior design with pets in mind. The last thing you want is Fido making a doo-doo on your new Oriental rug. Materials that are easy to wipe clean, scratch and odour resistant and stain-proof will be your saving grace if and when an accident happens. (This is especially important if you’re trying to toilet train a puppy or kitten!)

In terms of natural fibres, think leather, quality linens and wool. The key is fibre construction – the tighter the fibres, the more resistant it will be to stains and odours. If you prefer to opt for synthetic materials, Nylon, Olefin, and Acrylic are also good choices. But our best tip is to make sure you invest in protective measures like scotch guarding and using semi-gloss wall paint to extend the life of your soft furnishings and to ensure any dirty marks are easily removed – Selleys Sugar Soap Wipes from Bunnings are great for this! It’s also a good idea to opt for hard surface floors (like tiles or floorboards). But when it comes to carpet and rugs, choose a shade similar to that of your furry friend so that shedding isn’t so obvious between vacuums. 

Material choices are also key when you think about storage – as pet accessories often come with a range of odours. Natural fibres are always best – they breathe and won’t build up as many nasty smells or bacteria as synthetic fibres. You should also consider items that are easy to clean to help keep the bugs and smells at bay.

Designbx Co-Founder Kylie has two fur babies at home

“A great tip if you are allowing your furry friends to be sofa enthusiasts with you and don’t want to have to move around soft furnishings (such as cushions and throws)  due to dog fur, use quality linen as the fur doesn’t stick”.  Try Eadie Lifestyle for soft furnishings.

Image Source: Pet House Superstore

Storage Solutions

Like us, pets can come with a lot of “stuff”. Toys, food, leashes, grooming supplies, those adorable little jackets they wear in the winter – check out this funky range that Country Road have just launched… between the necessary items you need for your pet and the extras we tend to accumulate, storage is key when designing with pets in mind. 

When organising your space you need to think about two factors above all else: Function and style. Simple solutions are often the best. Think hooks inside your cupboards to store small items like leashes, or small baskets for those random bits and pieces. You could even have a designated pet drawer in the kitchen or hallway where everything is stowed neatly away. For items your companion requires more often – like toys – a good solution is a stylish basket or bin that will blend with your surrounding furniture.

Image Source: Digs Digs

Feeding and Playtime

Feeding and watering solutions are as diverse as our furry friends. From dry to wet food, messy bird seed, having a constant supply of fresh drinking water. But having messy pet bowls in the middle of the kitchen is anything but sleek and stylish. Using items that are the same colours and textures as your home style is key to ensure they blend into the space.

Thankfully there are a number of stylish solutions on the market that will match to your colour scheme and requirements. Head to your local pet shop, or even seek out some cool and unique designs at your local craft markets. If your design style is more eclectic and vintage than sleek and minimalist, op shops are also a great option. Who knows, you might even find some pre-loved china to really give your furry friend the royal treatment. 

When it comes to toys, again, blend is your friend. Choose colours and textures that match or complement your style. If you have a cat and you prefer your furniture clawmark-free (hello everyone), a scratching post is an absolute must. But never fear, these items have come a long way in terms of design, so you can offer kitty a scratching solution while still maintaining your sense of style.

Image Source: Houzz

Toilet Time

Litter trays… It’s the first rule of real estate here: Location, location, location. No one wants to see and smell the contents of a kitty litter tray as soon as they enter a home. So short of popping the tray in the laundry or a bathroom not frequented by guests, there are actually some very clever ‘hidden litter boxes’ on the market. And by giving kitty some privacy you can also hide away the mess and odour. 

As for dogs, a doggy door is a good idea so your canine companion can relieve themselves whenever required (and away from your newly mopped floorboards). Dog doors have also come a long way from the plastic flaps of the past. Today there are stylish options you can easily incorporate into any home design or style aesthetic.

Image Source: Hey DJ Angles

The key with any interior design with pets in mind is to blend function with style. You want the item to blend in with your existing colour palette and layout, without taking away from its core purpose – making your pet comfortable and happy.

We hope our tips prove helpful and that you continue to enjoy quality time with your pets at home. We’d love to see some pictures of your pet-friendly designs and styling solutions. Follow us on social and tag us in your posts #designbx

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Go Floral

Give the gift of Mother Nature with some signature or bespoke blooms from the lovely team at Wild Forager.  I’ve bought so many flowers from here, and there’s nothing cliche about gifting flowers that have been curated in such a thoughtful and unique way.  Or for something a bit different and longer lasting, check out their floral wreaths.

Luxury Textiles

Our girl Grace Garrett is the go-to here.  I was introduced to Grace through Designbx and have several of her cushions in my home, along with a couple of her luscious candles.  We often use her products in our designs – her style is like nothing else.  Designed in Australia, using beautiful and quality fabrics. 

A Lush Gift Hamper

Holly and the team at The Good Gift Co do the mother of all gift hampers.  I’m not talking about one of THOSE hampers you get full of crappy stuff you won’t use (or eat).  It’s full of lush, great quality products – things you would actually want yourself.  When you buy from The Good Gift Co, you also support #buyfromthebush

Mother Earth

Conscious gifting is such a beautiful way to share the love with both your Mum and Mother Earth at the same time.  Seed and Sprout have everything you could possibly need to start the plastic-free journey at home, like I did when I had my daughter late last year.   Mum’s veggies will taste so much better naked – aka, plastic free!

Baking From the Heart

If your Mum’s a bit of a sweet tooth, it’s time to mix it up from the boring old box of chocolates.  I’ve been fortunate enough to try some of these delightful treats from LoveLaurenxx – home baker extraordinaire.  How adorable are these Spa Girl Cookies!  Feet up, cuppa and one of these cuties – yes please!

Dress Ups

It can be a bit risky buying clothes for anyone, but you can’t go wrong with luxury linen clothing from the beautiful Eadie Lifestyle collection.  It’s so versatile and can be worn all year round.  Quality linen is a great investment and can be dressed up or down.  These pieces make you feel a million bucks!

A Gift that keeps on Giving

Ok, so I can’t finish our gift-guide without a little plug for Designbx, but honestly one of our packages is perfect for the Mum who has everything.  Completing a design package with us will give her hours of fun and excitement.  Everyone has a room in their home that bugs them and needs design help – even if it’s a new set of linen and some cushions to refresh!

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Here we take a look at what Australian designers and craftspeople are doing, and list our favourite Australian materials and designers. We’ll show you how you can bring a touch of the local into your own home.  And we showcase those products and designers 100% made in Australia. 

Our co-founder Kerena Berry articulates it perfectly

“Australians have a refined and fairly minimal approach to structural design but tend to shower the home with personality through finishing touches. We crave connection with the landscape around us and build to blend with the environment wherever possible. Oversized windows and clever design promotes the passion we have for bright and light spaces. As a whole, we are drawn to open plan living and social-focused spaces, regardless of the size of the home. As a community, we’re also becoming more environmentally conscious, which is informing our architectural and design choices. For example, many are installing water tanks and solar panels as common practice in new buildings and restorations.”

Here at Designbx we always make an effort to support local and Australian designers and products. Given the current state of the design and style economy, this is more important than ever. And supporting Australian suppliers also has unique benefits for our customers. It enables us to keep quality control high and we’re able to work with far shorter lead times than is standard in the industry. Plus it means we can create custom designs at affordable prices to fit client needs, style profiles and personalities.

Our top picks for Australian design and designers

• • Pony Rider:  Sustainable, authentic and limited edition textiles and homewares. Local to the stunning Northern Beaches of Sydney.
  • Crafted Furniture: Quality Australian-made furniture that won’t break the bank. Australian-owned and operated, this business focuses on supporting Australian designers and delivering quality products in short lead times, which is rare in the industry.
  • Kara Rosenlund: Acclaimed photographer, “stylista” and designer. Kara’s work has been her become a lifestyle brand in her own right.
  • Curatorial+Co: Sophie Vander is an art curator and her business supports up-and-coming artists, ensuring their original art is both affordable and accessible – something we’re passionate about at Designbx.
  • Antonia Mrljak: An outstanding artist who is contemporary pointing. We adore her work and our founder Kerena personally owns a few pieces that are proudly on display in her own home.
  • Armadillo & Co: Co-founders Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst have a long history of giving back to the community. They built Armadillo & Co on the principles of sustainability, Fair Trade and social responsibility.
  • MRD Home: Craig Miller-Randle is the owner and creative director of wholesale homewares business MRD Home. He has the rare ability to be able to design for various categories around the home, cleverly weaving trends into his design while still ensuring they suit everyday purposes.  He’s also a plant guru and lover and his Instagram is seriously swoon-worthy.
  • There are too many to do them justice here, so we’ve also listed some of our other favourite local designers here.

Our favourite made in Australia materials

Australian designers and designs are very much dominated by natural products. Australians love hard timbers with durable strong finishes – some of the most popular include:

• Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)
• Spotted gum (Corymbia maculata)
• Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis)
• Brush box (Lophostemon confertus)
• Grey ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra)
• Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon)
• Tasmanian oak (Eucalyptus regnans)
• Victorian ash (Eucalyptus Delegantensis)

We also love natural stone to feature in our buildings and design elements.  The expansion of Sydney and the protection of sandstone habitats in national parks means this iconic Australian product is becoming rarer and more expensive than ever. In fact, it sometimes demands prices of up to $10,000 per square metre. But other popular Australian stone means there are still more affordable options available, including Granite from the Bathurst region in New South Wales, Marble from Angaston in South Australia and Black Gabbro from Black Hill, north-east of Adelaide, South Australia.

Why Australian designers and designs are so well regarded around the world

Australian designers are highly regarded globally for being innovative, environmentally conscious, and forward-thinking.  The environments that we build in are second-to-none – we are truly spoilt by our surroundings. The views and locations we have to design with often make design easy. When you’re considerate of your environment and work with the flow of nature to amplify – as opposed to distracting from what’s around you – the designs can be truly astounding.

Top design styles popular in Australia 

Australians love to be a little unique, and locally we’re seeing more and more homes blending two to three design styles. Top design styles in Australia are scandi, coastal and industrial. Australians generally like a more personalised, eclectic style, but they also seek harmony in the designs and furnishing of their homes.  So our role as interior designers is becoming more and more valued, as it’s often hard to successfully blend styles without a keen design eye.  

In addition, lighting is extremely important to Australian design. As a general rule, we crave natural and warm light in our homes., and colour palettes and material selections play a huge part in creating this ambience.  

The impact of reality TV on Australian design

Reality shows like The Block and Grand Designs have done a lot in terms of showing people what is possible with design. They’ve also done a great job at educating Australia about the kind of budgets required for great design. 

People now know that budget is key, and that’s where clients see value in our service at Designbx.  They give us a budget and we can create a full solution within that. Previously we’ve seen people buy individual items without a “vision” for what they want. They would then run out of money before they’d completed the job. We would see piecemeal rooms, never quite completed, and clients coming to us in frustration. We’re proud to be able to blend accessibility and affordability to create the sort of homes Australians love living in.

As part of the Designbx design process, we put our money where our mouth is when using Australian made designers and products.  During the project briefing phase, we give our clients the opportunity to choose Australian-made and sustainable products. Often these items will come at a premium cost, however, our designers are always working hard to source local products within the leanest lead times and at competitive prices.

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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.

But why is it the most boring space in the house? Does it need to be ‘the space style forgot’? Here at Designbx we’ve decided to think about the humble laundry more laterally. Given the time we spend in that small room, shouldn’t we be making it as visually pleasing and functional as possible? Maybe all this time we’ve been torturing ourselves unnecessarily. Is it possible to actually want to spend time in the laundry? This was a challenge we had to accept!

Firstly, laundry fittings, plumbing and appliances have come a long way. Pull-down mixer taps, deep laundry sink bowls, mould-resistant wall finishes, and custom storage solutions are a few of the modern laundry items that are becoming the norm rather than the exceptions. Combine them with a fresh take on aesthetics, and suddenly you’ve got some unexpected bling that might make chores a little less challenging.

1. Modern laundry

Rather than distracting the eye from equipment, it’s the more functional items in this striking design that provide the pop and dazzle. The quality of curved chrome tapware, especially the pull-down tap, draw the eye and make a real impression while adding convenience. Custom cabinetry provides concealed storage, and the monochromatic colour scheme becomes a canvas where you can add your own bling courtesy of a floating shelf dressed with ornaments or plants.

Shop the look 

2. Scandi laundry

Everyone’s mad about Scandi this year and the interior design style’s love of minimalism is perfect for the laundry. The brushed rose tapware contrasts beautifully with matte black and chrome while the oak timber mirror, floating shelves and tough bench tops deliver the raw finishes that are a trademark element of the Scandi look. Last but not least, how about those geometric splashback tiles? Stone, timber and ceramic finishes, brought to life by a natural palette – that’s why we love Scandi.

Shop the look

3. Traditional Chic laundry

You may not associate a laundry with elegance but this design is about to change your opinion. In fact, this space is about to become a real show-off and start demanding attention. Classic European décor and well-detailed pops of luxe combine to add an air of refinement. The sophisticated tapware goes beyond function to become a chic feature. Brushed rose, the patterned floor tiles and curved tapware become the focus. But it’s hard not to fall in love with that free-standing bath.

Shop the look

4. Shop the Look Laundries – from bland to grand

Using the three styles above, it’s possible to take a room that begs you to close the door, and make it a dazzling space that you’ll gladly include in the tour when friends visit. From ugly duckling to beautiful swan, it’s time to stop hiding the laundry and give it the same design love applied to the rest of your home.
Visit Shop the Look for more ideas on pre-fabulous interior designs!

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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”

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