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via domain.com.au

There’s something about the flip of a calendar page that makes us want to reinvent ourselves – and our homes. And having spent more time indoors this past year, fittingly we’ve turned our attention inwards – to transform where we live. 

We asked the experts – interior designers, stylists, architects, real estate agents and more – how to make easy home upgrades to create a relaxing, connected and inviting space. 

1. Repaint your front door

“There’s nothing like arriving home to a little joy,” says Wendy Davey, principal of Cranberry Design. “Consider this year’s Pantone colours, sunshine yellow and gray.”

2. Declutter

For an immediate result “unpack everything, give it a good clean and then only put back what you really love and use”, says interior designer Meredith Lee. 

3. Frame and hang your art

“Well-framed art is essential,” says stylist and decorator Claudia Stephenson. “It doesn’t matter if the art is thrifted or painted yourself, professional framing makes it look a million bucks.” 

4. Mix contemporary and vintage

Match a family heirloom with a store find that catches your eye, says interior designer Danielle Brustman. “Contemporary and vintage furniture talk to each other and can reflect the rich tapestry and history of our lives and the way we live.” 

5. Be clever with storage spaces

Whether in the roof, under the floor or integrated into larger rooms, make storage a priority, says William Blake, of Blake Studios, especially if “the house needs to grow older with younger families”.

6. Refresh your paint

Painting both the interior and exterior can have a huge impact, says interior designer and decorator Jasmine McClelland. “Dulux’s website has some wonderful colour combinations, which give a visual before you take that first step. Or get a colour consultant out to give you even more confidence.”

7. Follow the rule of three

While on painting, “always try out at least three variations on the colour you think you want before you commit”, says Stephenson. 

8. Get in a fresh set of eyes

When you’ve lived in the same home for a while you stop seeing things, says Lee. “Get in a trusted friend, or design professional, and you might find some new solutions to old problems.”

9. Fix the small things

Keep works manageable by regularly updating those simple things you habitually overlook, says principal at Garwoods Estate Agents, James Garwood. “Painting skirting boards and door frames, balustrades and the insides of your balcony, offer the easiest uplift.”

10. Connect to the outdoors

“Using large doors and windows can effectively create an additional living area, especially when the sun aspect is considered,” says Blake.  

11. Refresh your outdoor space 

Add new cushions, a striped beach umbrella and an outdoor drinks trolley, says Davey, while for winter she suggests a fire pit, “so small groups can chat and feel connected”.

12. Invest in the best home accessories you can afford

“Gorgeous velvet pillows filled with duck down will last forever, while a Dinosaur Designs vase or bowl for the coffee table will add texture and pattern,” says Stephenson.

13. Add some bathroom curves 

They create a welcoming and nurturing effect, says Brustman. “Adding a few curved lines to your design will soften a bathroom in the subtlest of ways.”

14. Landscape your garden, rooftop or balcony

Hire a professional for a purpose-built design, says McClelland. Ask yourself: Do I want an outdoor kitchen/living space? Multiple sitting spaces for entertaining? A sanctuary to retreat to? “Get the landscape team to turn it into a reality, or with some hard labour, make it happen yourself,” she says. 

15. Think about lighting

Fix outdated fixtures, bulbs and switches, says Garwood. “Installing a dimmer can also create ambience especially for entertaining.” 

16. Re-do your bedroom

Create that holiday/hotel feeling at home with “a gorgeous new feature bedhead and bedlinen”, says Davey. 

17. Make colour updates

“Interior colours are like clothes, they regularly change, and rooms date when trends move on,” says Lee, who recommends smaller accessory switches for a fresh look. 

18. Add a ceiling fan

“A great way to cool the house and increase ventilation, that’s far more cost-effective than air-conditioning”, says Garwood.

19. Update textiles

Think throws, rugs, cushion covers, bedding, towels and more, says McClelland. “It never disappoints and gives a home a new energising lease on life.”  

20. Add colour to your timber joinery

Stain your timber with slightly muddy tones says Brustman, adding “character and mood to help create a warming and elegant atmosphere.” 

21. Install skylights around entries, stairs and voids

These areas can benefit from natural light throughout the day, says Blake. “Just refrain from using them in bedrooms and retreat spaces.” 

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23 July 2020
from reiwa.com.au

With the recent building grants announced by the State and Federal Government, you might be feeling inspired to build your dream home instead of buying an established property.  

If you are one of those people who took the plunge and bought a block of land, or maybe your bathroom just needs a facelift, then it’s time to start thinking about what the perfect bathroom means for you.  

We spoke with senior building designer for Summit Renovations, Ashley Tunley about the bathroom design trends that have gained momentum in 2020.  

“Bathrooms remain one of the most popular rooms in an Australian home to renovate. We spend so much time in them, so it’s important to make sure the design and layout works for everyone in the family,” Mr Tunley said. 

Top emerging bathroom trends 

Pop of colour  

Don’t be afraid to inject a little colour and fun into your bathroom.

The perfect addition to a neutral bathroom is an unexpected pop of colour which will create a focal point, either with your tiles, basins or hardware – the choice is yours! 

Tapware 

Brushed tapware seems to be increasing popular. Wall mixers and wall mounted tapware in this finish really stands out against the splashback.

One trend we’re seeing no signs of slowing down is the use of black tapware, which continues to gain momentum when it comes to bathroom renovations.   

Freestanding baths   

Freestanding baths instantly turn your bathroom into a resort-style sanctuary and are very popular amongst those renovating when adequate space is available.

With many different styles and sizes from oval or rectangle to D-shape and round, there’s plenty of options to choose from.   

Walk-in showers 

A walk-in shower provides a contemporary finish and with no door or minimal glass – it really is a showstopper when it comes to a bathroom renovation.  

Not only is a walk-in shower safer for children and the elderly, it’s also much easier to clean. With fewer nooks and crannies, that means less dirt and mould that can accumulate.   

It also allows for a shower with a floor-to-ceiling design which gives you more options for where you place the shower heads and tapware. 

What about materials and textures? 

Use quality, natural materials for surfaces such as stone benchtops which remain a popular choice in the bathroom due its durability.   

Textured wall tiles are a popular choice as not only do they add personality and life to a bathroom, but they also prevent condensation forming on your walls.   

When it comes to your bathroom vanity, a great way to add texture and warmth is by adding feature timber laminate. This continues to be a popular material due to its variation in colours and tones and it offers a timeless look.  

According to Mr Tunley, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all bathroom solution. 

“If the design of your bathroom is carefully considered, there’s nothing stopping you from having the bathroom of your dreams,” he said. 

Before you breathe life into your new bathroom, make sure you’ve read our ten tips for renovating your bathroom.