Category Archives: Styleboard

Our styleboard is home to dozens of tips and tricks from our interior stylist at Nunawading Homemaker HQ to find the right pieces and transform your space.

rustic home decor

Creating a Nostalgic and Nature-Inspired Interior Space

The Apothecary design trend embraces a blend of natural materials, vintage accents, and a nostalgic charm to create a cosy and inviting interior space. Inspired by nature and rustic aesthetics, this trend features on earthy colour palettes with deep greens and browns. We’ll show you how to infuse this nostalgic trend into your home by incorporating elements such as natural materials, vintage accents, earthy colours, and wooden furniture.

1. Natural Materials and Rustic Charm Apothecary design emphasises the use of natural materials to create a connection with nature. Incorporate elements such as reclaimed wood, and stone accents to add a rustic touch and enhance the earthy ambiance. A table from Provincial Home Living features a wooden rustic charm that is perfect for any space. These materials evoke a sense of warmth and bring a cosy and inviting atmosphere to your space.

Consider incorporating natural fibres like jute, rattan, or sisal in rugs, baskets, or lampshades. DecoRug has a great selection of jute rugs in different sizes to suit all spaces. These elements add texture and enhance the overall natural aesthetic of the room.

2. Vintage Accents and Nostalgic Touch Vintage accents play a key role in this trend, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm. Look for antique or vintage-inspired furniture pieces, such as a distressed wooden chest or a vintage apothecary cabinet with multiple drawers, which you can find at Koala Living. These pieces not only provide ample storage but also serve as focal points, adding character and charm to the space.

Display vintage glass bottles, apothecary jars, or old medicine containers on shelves or as decorative pieces. These items not only contribute to the aesthetic but also offer storage for smaller items such as spices or dried herbs.

3. Earthy Colour Palette To enhance the natural and rustic feel of the Apothecary design trend, opt for an earthy colour palette. Deep greens and browns are prominent colours that reflect the beauty of nature. Consider painting accent walls or incorporating these colours through furniture upholstery, cushions, or rugs. You can start with a statement armchair from Urban Rhythm encapsulates the trend perfectly, and serves as a great starting point.

Additionally, muted tones such as warm beiges, and creamy whites can be used as a backdrop to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. These colours provide a neutral foundation for the other elements to stand out.

4. Wooden Furniture and Storage Solutions Wooden furniture is a cornerstone of this interior design trend, adding warmth and a sense of nature to the space. Invest in sturdy wooden pieces such as a farmhouse-style dining table, that you can find at Focus on Furniture, a rustic wooden desk, or a wooden coffee table. These furniture items not only offer functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Emphasise storage and organisation by incorporating furniture with built-in storage options. Look for sideboards, buffets, or shelving units with drawers and compartments, allowing you to keep your space tidy and clutter-free.

5. Elements of Nature Bringing elements of nature into your space helps create a soothing and serene environment. Decorate your space with potted plants, dried flowers, or botanical prints, like our favourites found at Adairs. These natural accents add freshness, colour, and life to the room.

Consider incorporating soft lighting with warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy ambiance. Hang vintage-inspired pendant lights or use table lamps with fabric shades to add a gentle glow that complements the earthy colour palette.

The Apothecary interior design trend blends natural materials, vintage accents, and a sense of nostalgia to create a cosy and inviting interior space. By incorporating these elements, you can transform your home into a warm and rustic haven. Embrace the charm and storage-focused approach of Apothecary design to achieve a space that is both functional and visually appealing, allowing you to relax and connect with the beauty of nature within your own home.

communal space furniture

Creating a Communal Space with Furniture and Décor

In today’s fast-paced world, creating a sense of community within our homes has become increasingly important. By thoughtfully incorporating furniture and decor, we can transform our living spaces into inviting communal areas that foster connection, conversation, and togetherness. Let this seasonal trend show you how specific furniture pieces, natural colour palettes, and clever design choices can contribute to making a space more communal.

1. Choosing Communal Furniture To encourage interaction and conversation, select furniture that promotes face-to-face engagement. Consider incorporating a large dining table, like one from Harbour Lane that features with comfortable seating where family and friends can gather for meals and engaging conversations. A farmhouse-style table, for example, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere conducive to communal dining experiences.

Additionally, modular or sectional sofas offer flexibility and versatility, allowing individuals to sit together comfortably while facilitating group interactions. Focus on Furniture has a wide selection in a range of colours and fabrics to suit all spaces. Arrange the seating in a circular or semi-circular formation to create an inclusive and communal seating arrangement.

2. Embracing Natural Colour Palettes Natural colour palettes play a crucial role in creating a calming and welcoming environment that encourages people to gather and connect. Opt for earthy tones such as warm beige, soft browns, soothing greens, and serene blues. These colours evoke a sense of harmony with nature and provide a relaxed backdrop that enhances social interactions. You can incorporate these colours through soft furnishings like cushions, throws and rugs, which Bed Bath N’ Table has in abundance.

Integrate natural elements like wood, stone, and plants into your furniture and decor choices. Wood furniture pieces, for instance, can add warmth and a touch of nature to communal areas, while plants bring life and freshness to the space.

3. Open Concept Design An open concept design encourages fluidity within your home and allows everyone to be connected. Creating a seamless flow between different areas of the home, enables people to move around and connect effortlessly, especially when having guests over.

Utilise furniture strategically to define spaces within the open concept layout. For instance, a low bookshelf or a console table, that you can find at Urban Rhythm can act as a subtle divider between the living area and the dining space, maintaining an open feel while creating a visual distinction between areas.

4. Functional and Multipurpose Furniture To maximise the communal nature of your space, invest in functional and multipurpose furniture. Consider pieces like storage ottomans, coffee tables with built-in storage, or bookshelves that double as room dividers. These furniture items not only serve their primary purpose but also provide additional functionality, such as hidden storage, which helps maintain an organised and clutter-free environment, adding to the open layout and allowing for movement to flow.

5. Thoughtful Arrangements and Focal Points Arranging furniture with intention can enhance the communal atmosphere. Create conversation zones by arranging seating around a central focal point, such as a fireplace, a cosy rug, or a large coffee table that you can find at Provincial Home Living. This arrangement encourages interaction and makes the space feel more inviting and inclusive.

Incorporating furniture and decor strategically can transform any home into a communal space that nurtures connections and fosters a sense of togetherness. By selecting the right furniture pieces, embracing natural colour palettes, adopting an open concept design, investing in functional furniture, and arranging the space thoughtfully, you can create an environment that encourages social interaction and strengthens the bonds among family members and friends. Remember, a communal home is a space where cherished memories are made, and relationships are nourished.

home office decor

Designing a Productive and Comfortable Home Office

In the era of remote work and digital connectivity, creating a home office that combines comfort, functionality, and productivity has become essential. The Modern Academia interior decor trend draws inspiration from modern aesthetics while incorporating warm wooden furniture, cosy soft furnishings, ample lighting, and inspiring decor elements. This article will guide you through the key elements of the Modern Academia trend to help you design a home office that promotes a productive workflow in a comfortable and stylish environment.

1. Incorporating warm wooden furniture Central to the trend is the use of deep, rich wooden pieces which exudes a sense of sophistication and natural beauty. Opt for a sturdy wooden desk, like one from Provincial Home Living that has ample workspace and storage options, such as built-in drawers or shelves. A solid wood desk not only adds visual appeal but also provides durability and a connection to nature.

Complement the desk with wooden bookshelves or a storage cabinet, like one from Koala Living for organising books, reference materials, and office supplies. The combination of wooden furniture pieces creates a cohesive and timeless aesthetic in your home office.

2. Cosy Soft Furnishings To create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in your home office, incorporate soft furnishings that invite relaxation and provide support. Invest in a comfortable and ergonomic office chair that promotes good posture and prevents fatigue during long working hours.

Add plush cushions and throws to your seating area to infuse a cosy ambiance. Consider incorporating a comfortable reading chair or a small sofa, like ones found at Focus on Furniture for moments of relaxation or contemplation, further enhancing the academia-inspired atmosphere.

3. Adequate Lighting Proper lighting is crucial for a productive workspace. Embrace natural light by positioning your desk near a window to benefit from daylight and a connection to the outside world. If natural light is limited, complement it with ambient lighting options, such as a stylish desk lamp or pendant lighting, which you can find plenty of stylish options at Adairs. Consider a focused desk lamp or adjustable spotlights to illuminate your work surface effectively. Layering different types of lighting creates a well-lit and visually appealing home office environment.

4. Inspiring Decor Elements Incorporate inspiring decor elements that reflect you and stimulate creativity and productivity. You can make this a DIY project and find prints that you like to hang on the wall including motivational quotes, inspirational artwork, or framed prints of literary works on the walls. You can even incorporate interesting pieces from Bed Bath N’ Table to add flair to your space. These decorative pieces help to infuse your workspace with individuality.

Integrate a chalkboard or a whiteboard for jotting down ideas, reminders, or creating to-do lists. Additionally, display a collection of books, either as a backdrop for your workspace or on open shelves, to showcase add visual interest.

5. Minimalist and Functional Organisation Maintaining a clutter-free and well-organised workspace is vital for productivity. Embrace minimalist storage solutions such as sleek desk organisers, file cabinets, or wall-mounted shelves to keep your essentials within reach and maintain a clean aesthetic. Be sure to visit Howards Storage World for even more storage solutions.

Invest in functional storage options like boxes, baskets, or magazine holders to neatly store papers, notebooks, and stationery. A clutter-free environment helps reduce distractions and allows for a more focused and efficient workflow.

The Modern Academia interior decor trend combines modern aesthetics with warmth, comfort, and functionality to create a home office conducive to productivity. By incorporating warm wooden furniture, cosy soft furnishings, adequate lighting, and inspiring decor elements, you can design a workspace that reflects sophistication, supporting your work needs, and inspiring a productive workflow. Remember, a well-designed and comfortable home office enhances your focus, creativity, and overall well-being.

Rugs Nunawading

Rugs 101

You step into a room, and it instantly feels homely and inviting. How? Well, chances are that the answer lies beneath your feet – a show-stopping rug, of course! Somehow rugs have this amazing ability to transform any room into one that’s filled with style, artistry, and warmth. But how do you chooser the right one for your home or needs? If you’re eager to check out the array of great rugs in Nunawading, but have no idea what to choose, you’re in luck. We’ve asked interior stylist, Kylie Tyrrell, to fill us in on all things rugs.

Why We Love Rugs

Rugs are a great way to create cohesion between furniture and homewares. They can protect flooring, and add a touch of sophistication to even a sparsely decorated space.

Rugs are even fantastic insulators that are going to keep your home nice and warm, especially in the colder months. And, if you’re an allergy sufferer, you’ll love this one – they’re great at trapping allergens, preventing them from floating through the air. What’s not to love?

And while there is a plethora of great rugs in Nunawading, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve called on an expert: with over 12 years of experience in the interior industry, Kylie is the master of making rooms look and feel great. She’s here to let you in on everything worth knowing about rugs. Let’s take a look at what she recommends:

Rugs Nunawading

Rugs Nunawading

Kylie’s Rug Tips

“Ok, I’m going to let you all in on a little secret, DecoRug Nunawading has an amazing range of on-trend rugs in various sizes and absolutely great prices. I’ve worked with lots of rug retailers and these guys are truly doing great things. If you are on the hunt for rugs in Nunawading, they are the place to go!

Surprisingly, a rug can transform a room – but you need to get the basics right first. Here are a few of my tips:

1. Make sure the rug is big enough for the space. The most common size is 2m x 3m, I use this size in almost all living spaces. I like to sit the furniture on the rug. That means couch legs on the rug. So, take the time to measure your space.

2. Contrast is key, if you have a dark sofa, it’s best to go for a lighter rug and vice versa. This helps define the space.

3. I love to use cow hides, especially in small spaces or living spaces that are irregular in size. They help define the space and can look pretty groovy. Consider a cowhide when space is at a premium and you don’t have the traditional rectangular or square-shaped living space.”

Ready To Find The Perfect Rugs in Nunawading?

So, you’ve done your rug research and you’re equipped with tips and tricks from a pro stylist. But what’s next? The first thing you need to do is measure your space like Kylie recommends, think about the aesthetic you’re after, and consider the colour palette of the room your decorating is. Once you have a rough idea of what you’re working with be sure to take your search for rugs into Homemaker Nunawading. With over 25 stores you’re bound to leave with a rug you love (and maybe a few extra goodies too).

Looking for more inspiration just like this? Be sure to check out our what’s on page. It’s filled with all sorts of inspirational content from makeover tips and family-friendly storage solutions to home office styling and mood-boarding.

organising and decluttering

Storage Solutions for Organising and Decluttering Your Home

Dreaming of an orderly home? Let Homemaker Nunawading help you achieve it with storage solutions for everything from spice racks to linen cupboards. We know that organising and decluttering your home can feel like a big task, especially in spaces like the kitchen and bedroom. But if you follow our tips and approach the task one step at a time, you’ll see major results.

Home organisation is all about creating lasting change by implementing storage that’s easy to maintain and keep clean. So, once you’ve put in all the hard work by following our tips and tricks, you needn’t worry about revisiting another major spring clean anytime soon. Below we share our favourite storage solution ideas, where to purchase them, and bonus hacks for gaining more storage in your home!

Pantry organisation

The pantry is one of the most important spaces in the home that needs specific attention. Creating an effective storage system in your pantry will ensure everything has a home, is put back where it belongs, and will avoid the dreaded build-up. Luckily, there’re a variety of pantry organisation solutions on the market! We recommend starting with a trip to Howards Storage World. Check out their selection of sleek, clear containers – they stack neatly on top of each other allowing you to make use of your whole pantry. You can also add a variety of baskets to group specific categories – think children’s snacks, bulk-food items, pet food, and anything else that doesn’t require the packing to be removed.

Drawer storage

Drawer storage is often overlooked (out of sight, out of mind, as they say) but there’s a plethora of benefits to having neatly organised drawers. Whether it be in your bathroom, home office, kitchen, or bedroom, having clutter-free drawers is essential to creating an organised home and will be so worth it for the long term! Luckily, Howards Storage World has all the products you’ll need. Check out their array of drawer dividers and clear containers ideal for wardrobes, cabinets, and drawers.

organising and decluttering

organising and decluttering

Double-duty furniture

When working with small spaces, having furniture that doubles as storage is super helpful and not to mention incredibly practical. We recommend opting for sofas and beds that have built-in storage underneath them. This space is ideal for storing bulky items such as seasonal clothes, blankets, and cushions. When looking for furniture like bedside tables, coffee tables, and entertainment units be sure to choose pieces that have at least one drawer or cupboard – functional, practical, and if it’s from Homemaker Nunawading it’s bound to be super stylish as well.

Utilise vertical space

Vertical space is often overlooked when thinking of organising and decluttering storage solutions, instead, we always turn our focus on furniture and cupboard space. Why not step out of your comfort zone and consider using your walls as storage and display areas? We recommend adding floating shelves to your kitchen, study, bedroom, or hallway. These will create an additional decorative feature to the space, whilst allowing you to store books and baskets of items amongst home décor pieces for a stunning (and practical) styled look.

If you’re after more inspiration to get you started on your organising and decluttering journey, simply head into Homemaker Nunawading, and browse all the storage products on offer.

how to style a bed

4 Steps to a Pinterest-worthy Bedroom

Interior-designed spaces, there’s a reason we love them! There’s no denying that interior stylists have an uncanny ability to make any space look luxe, inviting, and comfortable (especially when it comes to bedding and bed styling). They certainly know all the tricks of the trade from the latest trend interiors right down to choosing the perfect pillow. But have you ever tried to recreate a perfectly styled bed in your bedroom without the help of a stylist? The outcome is never quite the same. So, here at Homemaker Nunawading HQ, we set out on a mission to uncover the best ways to achieve that effortlessly styled, yet totally Pinterest-worthy bed. The best part? All you have to do is follow the four steps below and your room will look like it’s straight out of a magazine or in your Pinterest board in no time.

Step one: what lies beneath matters

A luxurious bedroom starts with a comfortable mattress. We’re talking about the type that with just one glance you’re already subconsciously sinking into. But if you’re not quite ready to replace your mattress then opt for a mattress topper instead. Mattress toppers are a great (and affordable) solution to add the comfort you need for a good night’s sleep whilst also helping contribute to the overall plush look synonymous with a Pinterest-worthy bedroom.

Secondly, mattress and pillow protectors are a must all year round, particularly as our weather warms up. We recommend opting for a bamboo material because it’s naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and thermal regulating. You can find a variety of options from Bed Bath N’ Table.

how to style a bed

trend interiors

Step two: invest in quality sheets

Quality sheets are the hug you didn’t know you needed! Sheets not only feel great but when you purchase the right set, they’re bound to last throughout the seasons. We recommend steering clear from plain white sheets and going for a fun colour and pattern instead. Pair your bold sheets with a plain coverlet for a playful contrast that will suit any room. For those who are not a fan of ironing, we hear you! Try linen sheets from Adairs to achieve that unmade bed look that interior stylists always master.

Step three: choose the right bed cover

It’s time to roll away the heavy feather duvet and embrace a lightweight coverlet. This lighter counterpart to a duvet is cooler in the warmer weather but is still heavy enough for those who love being snuggled under a blanket. For neutral lovers, embrace a textured coverlet or quilt cover, this will add a subtle touch of luxury to your bedding. If you really want to lean into that luxury look, buy a size up in your coverlet or quilt – allowing the edge of your bedding to touch the floor.

Step four: layers and textures are a must

Finally, the ultimate way to achieve that Pinterest-worthy bedroom is with layers and textures! What better way to add more texture to your room than with throws and cushions? They’re always making an appearance on trend interiors lists. So, here’s how you can use them:

Throws

  1. Enhance your bedding by casually draping a lightweight throw at the foot of your bed.
  2. Avoid being too meticulous in its arrangement to achieve a more relaxed and inviting look.
  3. Add visual intrigue to a plain knit throw by opting for one with tassels.
  4. For a laid-back luxurious appearance consider a 100% cotton throw with raw edging

Throw cushions

You either love them or hate them, but cushions are here to stay – having become a staple in trend interiors! To create a luxurious and comfortable look be sure to mix and match cushions in similar tones and various textures. Whether you choose velvets or linens, a mix of both is sure to create a visually pleasing vignette. We recommend cushions with feather fillings to provide a plush and inviting feel.

Voila, you now have your own bedroom that looks like it came straight from a Pinterest board! No need to search “interior stylist near me,” instead follow our guide and head to Homemaker Nunawading for all your necessities! Once you’ve stocked up at all the furniture stores in Nunawading, be sure to share your new bedroom with us on Instagram – we’d love to reshare it! Don’t forget to tag us @nunawading_homemaker_hq.

6 Tips For Adding Texture To Your Living Room

For those of you who have downloaded and browsed through our Autumn Trends Report you will have noted that a huge trend for this season is ‘Texture on Texture’. This is a trend we are super excited about as it evokes a variety of senses through the use of touch and creating visual interest. Today we are sharing with you how to incorporate texture into your living room and create a cosy and welcoming space. We believe there are six key areas for where you can introduce texture in the living room, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

 

Cushions And Throws

This is the most obvious one, so we thought we would kick it off with an aspect you may already be familiar with. The easiest and arguably the most effective way to add texture in the living room is to opt for cushions and throw rugs in a variety of different materials. For autumn we are seeing fabrics such as thick linen, plush faux fur, and boucle in stores such as Adairs and Bed Bath N Table. We recommend choosing a mixture of textures and finishes to create a layered and cosy look. When it comes to autumn and winter decorating, the more the merrier is usually advised for cushions and throw blankets to create a comfortable and snuggly living room.

Statement Furniture

Furniture is an unexpected aspect of your living room where you can play with different textures and be adventurous. If you want to embrace the ‘texture on texture’ trend we love the look of a statement armchair in a boucle or linen fabric that creates the ultimate wow factor. A key trend for autumn is using these fabrics in muted tones such as soft blush, muddy green, or a creamy ivory. If you can’t commit to a furniture piece of this size, then we recommend dipping your toes in by opting for a textured ottoman or pouffe. Head into Adairs and Koala Living to see their gorgeous range of boucle armchairs and ottomans today!

 

Rugs

Rugs can be one of the simplest ways to add texture to a living room as they are just one piece, that makes a huge impact. When selecting a rug, we recommend choosing a large size that allows most furniture items to sit comfortably on top of the rug. For a coastal or Scandinavian style interior we love using jute or flatweave rugs to incorporate texture and add a natural touch. For a contemporary or Hamptons interior design style, we suggest choosing a luxurious fabric that feels soft underfoot such as a wool or silk blend. Our friendly staff at Decorug are here to assist you in finding the perfect rug for your living room, be sure to check them out on your next visit.

 

 

 

Coffee Table Styling

Texture can be created visually by using sculptural and natural elements and styled in an eye-catching way. Create visual interest on your coffee table by grouping a selection of home décor pieces in a beautiful rattan or wicker tray. Add in a vase filled with textural stems and blooms and finish by adding natural stone coasters and an autumn scented candle. If you are looking for some inspiration when it comes to creating a textured coffee table vignette, we recommend popping into some of our furniture and home décor retailers to spark your creativity.

 

 

Artwork

Artwork is another clever way to incorporate texture and visual interest in a living room. Not only does a beautiful artwork create wow factor and add depth to a room, but it also allows you to blend the pieces of the room together through the use of colour and texture. We love choosing artworks in muted and soft tones to ensure the textures of the painting shine through. Think soft washes of nude tones blended with mauve or taupe when creating a cosy space for autumn. Use timber frames to add another textural element and avoid any high gloss glass or metallic finishes for a more natural look.

 

Timber And Rattan

Timber and rattan furniture and home décor pieces have been growing in popularity the past few years and we are seeing new styles being released each and every season. Timber is a classic material that works with every interior design style to bring warmth and texture to a space. We love natural timber coffee tables and side tables when designing a living room to offset against the soft fabrics in the space. Rattan is the perfect textural material and is popular in furniture and home decorating pieces such as armchairs, coffee tables, lamp shades and trays. Head into Adairs to see their beautiful range of rattan pieces or pop into Focus On Furniture or Koala Living to view their gorgeous timber pieces.

 

 

5 Ways To Design For A Calming Home

Here at Nunawading Homemaker HQ, we believe that the home should be a calming and restful oasis that provides you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. When decorating your home, there are certain ways you can create a calming environment that encourages rest and rejuvenation. Today we are sharing with you our top tips for creating a calming home and how focusing on natural textures and the colours of nature promote this.

 

Use A Natural Colour Palette

To create a calming and relaxing flow throughout your home it is essential to choose colours that encourage this. Avoid using too many bright and bold colours and instead opt for neutral tones that are pleasing on the eye. We love using a variety of neutral tones throughout our furniture and homewares pieces in tones of soft beige, warm grey and a clean white, whilst bringing colour in through a pale sage, olive green or terracotta. Selecting colours that are found in nature will create a sense of calm, so we recommend sticking to tones found in plants, trees, and the colours of the earth. Head into stores such as Adairs and Provincial Home Living to see their beautiful homewares and decorative accessories in these colour tones.

Carefully Select Your Scents

Scent can make a huge difference in your home and can evoke different emotions and moods. We love using natural scents that create a calm atmosphere and leave the house smelling beautiful at all times. Try using fresh scents such as jasmine and rose or opt for a more natural scent of sandalwood or sweet basil. Place diffusers and candles in rooms that you relax in such as the living room and bedroom to ensure they are always smelling fresh. We love using room sprays in lavender or peppermint to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere too. Bed Bath N Table have a great range of home scents, so be sure to check them out next time you are at the centre!

Soft and Natural Textures

Textures have the ability to change the look and feel of a space not only in soft furnishings and linen, but furniture too. To create calming spaces, we recommend choosing furniture in natural timbers and linen-look fabrics that are soft to touch and have a textural element. For soft furnishings we love using natural linen throw rugs in the living room and bedroom paired with soft cotton cushions in a neutral colour palette. For a calming space, we recommend avoiding textures that are too shiny or embellished and instead choose soft and relaxed fabrics and finishes. Be sure to head to into Adairs and Bed Bath N Table to view their great range of bed linen and soft furnishings to touch and feel them for yourself!

 

Add Foliage & Plants

Bringing the outside in and reverting back to nature will always create a calm and relaxing environment in your home. To achieve this look we recommend adding plants or foliage to most rooms in the house. This could be in the form of a large vase of greenery on an entryway table or dining table, trailing plants on open shelves, large floor plants in the corner of a living room or a beautiful potted plant on a bedside table. Greenery not only adds a pop of colour to the space and brings life in, but creates a calming and tranquil environment for you to relax and unwind.

Encourage Wind Down Time

When decorating a home to inspire a calm and relaxing space, it is essential that you allow for ways to encourage ‘wind down time’. Of an evening, we love creating a peaceful space by dimming the lights and preparing the body for sleep. This is the time to switch off your electronics, grab a good book and curl up under a cosy blanket. We can’t get enough of Adairs beautiful range of plush blankets for Winter that are perfect for snuggling down under after a busy day at work. Don’t forget to spritz your pillow with a lavender sleep spray and turn on the diffuser to create the ultimate oasis to relax and unwind in.

We can’t wait to see you soon at Nunawading Homemaker HQ and help you find everything you need to create a cosy and calming winter oasis ready for the cooler months. If you are struggling to decorate your space, be sure to book in for your free virtual design session with our stylist Eliza Grace, simply click on the ‘Style Board’ tab on our website.

8 Autumn makeover tips

Shorter days and cooler weather – Autumn has arrived and it is the ideal season to give your home’s interior a bit of TLC. This Autumn we’re coming back home and inviting the outside in. We’re looking to nature for inspiration in our interiors, adding layers of depth to our spaces and finding ways to allow movement to flow through each room. Given you’re likely to spend more time indoors, freshening up your interior will make the cooler days in, all the more enjoyable.

Here we share our top trending 8 Autumn makeover tips to reconnect and breathe new life into your space this season.

1. Cosy up your abode this Autumn – Texture on texture

Layering is key this season, so that you can combine and pare back where needed. Create warmth through colour and tactile patterns that can be draped and layered over furnishings. A cohesive mix between layers of texture that exude warmth and depth will make a living room feel cosier whilst also adding an eccentric touch. For example, consider styling your sofa with a wool throw and opulent velvet cushions. Heavy curtains and faux furs will also help channel an extra dimension to your interior. Visit our Trend Report for more inspiration.

2. Dress your floor – An easy, subtle touch

Whether you have timber flooring, carpet or tiles, you can always add warmth and depth to your living room through the use of rugs. Choose a rug of a size that will help ground your furniture that will unify your design, like those on display at DecoRug.

3. Overhaul your lighting – An easy switch

With the shorter days and lack of natural light, enhance the atmosphere of your living room by overhauling your lighting. Rather than rely on your overhead lights, warm up the mood with floor or table lights. You’ll find a wide collection of modern lights to choose from at Koala & Tree.

4. Play with Muted Tones – Inspired by nature

Muted tones are trending this Autumn and suit almost every design style. We’re talking natural and soft swatches inspired by fibres such as linen and wool. Use pastels in a varied tonal range and strengths to add depth to the room, bringing it to life. Visit our Trend Report for more inspiration.

5. Reconsider your heating – Feel warmth

If you are prepared for a more significant makeover, you may want heating to be up the top of your priority list. Nothing beats a wood fire during the cooler months heading into Winter, but if you want to look at a more energy-efficient solution such as reverse-cycle air conditioning. For a quick solution to keep you warm this season, portable panel heaters can give you the warmth you need and be discrete for your modern design style.

6. Find tranquillity – Immerse yourself

Seek inspiration from nature this Autumn and introduce a sense of calm, returning to nature. This season, consider pairing with linens, natural textures and emanating a softness that relaxes the space, switching off from the stress of everyday life. You can achieve this natural cohesion and depth by layering different tones and shades of green in varying degrees injecting the outside in with texture and richness. Visit our Trend Report for more inspiration.

7. Reconfigure your furniture layout – New season, new purpose

How do you use your living room during Autumn? Do you like to snuggle up with a book, play family board games or binge on Netflix? Think about how your behaviour changes as you spend cold days and nights inside and rearrange your furniture layout to accommodate these activities.

8. Introduce Harmony – Flowing and graceful pieces

Contrast round and organic shapes by incorporating different patterns and textures in a space. This allows movement to carry through the room and appear more welcoming and inviting. It disrupts yet compliments the geometric furnishings we’ve become accustomed to. Visit our Trend Report for more inspiration.

Fun kids’ bedroom design tips

School holidays have arrived, so why not tackle a project as a team and refresh their bedrooms together! The perfect place to unleash yours and their creativity whilst having some fun. The best bedrooms are the ones that captivate a child’s imagination and encourage them to play, whilst still being a comfortable place to sleep.

Here, we share our top design tips and ideas to achieve a fun kid’s bedroom that will impress and delight your child.

1. Get the layout right

As with any room, start by working your layout around the largest pieces such as the bed and wardrobes.

If your space is restrictive, consider a bunk or fun loft bed that does double duty; you’ll find different styles at leading bedroom stores like Focus On Furniture or Bevmarks. Avoid the urge to overfill the bedroom by mapping out the pieces to ensure there is enough space to move around and play.

2. Go bold with colour

A kid’s room is one space where you can relax a little and be bold with colour. Paint is one decorating move that can be relatively easy to change as your child grows, but sticking with timeless colours such as deep blues, earthy greens, and pastel pinks may help your effort last. If you’re not feeling too brave, an accent wall or painting halfway up the wall may be enough of a visual impact for your child’s space.

3. Frame up art

Gone are the days of bedroom walls and ceilings lined posters stuck up by Blu Tac. Today’s children are much more sophisticated! Framed artwork, posters and photos can make an affordable designer statement.

4. Go vintage

Mix and match your new furniture pieces with vintage items for an aged feel. Style with an old-school lamp, a classic designed occasional chair or a vintage-inspired bookshelf. Rustic timbers and brushed metal can help enhance that authentic aged feel.

5. Be unique with wallpaper

Wallpaper can create a fun visual backdrop for your child’s bed or a bold feature wall. Keep it mature with a simple texture, go girly with a floral print or be worldly with an expansive map. If wallpaper is out of the question try exploring the many decals and removable wallpaper options for something more temporary. You’ll find plenty of designs suitable for young ones at Adairs.

6. Add a sense of play

If you don’t have a playroom or a large backyard, why not create an indoor playground? Items like swings, hanging egg chairs and rope ladders can be woven into a bedroom design. Indoor basketball rings, soccer goals and comfy bean bags can ensure the games just continue and are perfect for kids who can’t sit still!