28 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
reiwa.com.au
One of the most widely misunderstood elements of real estate is what condition a property should be in at settlement or possession.
What does ‘buying as inspected’ really mean?
In short, a property is sold “as inspected”. If there was dust on a ceiling fan when you first inspected before contracting to buy then the fan can be dusty at settlement. The same goes for a dirty oven, a blown light globe or a squeaky laundry door. If it was dirty, blown or squeaky at inspection before purchase then so it should be at settlement.
Buyers will typically expect that the property is handed over to them spick n’ span and thankfully most house-proud sellers leave their homes in an appropriate condition when moving out, however legally there is no obligation for them to do so.
What should you expect at settlement?
If you’re buying a home, it’s smart to have a realistic expectation of what to expect at settlement.
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the seller is under no obligation to have the property professionally cleaned for settlement and it is surprising how few buyers ask that such a condition be included.
The seller’s only obligation under the contract (Clause 6.1(b) 2 of the General Conditions) is to “…remove from the Property, before possession, all vehicles, rubbish and chattels, other than the Property Chattels.”
Many modern contracts to purchase include provision for essential plumbing, gas and electrical components to be working at settlement. Hence, if at settlement the toilet cistern leaks then the seller ought to make good because the contract says so.
It is trickier when, for example, a telephone jack doesn’t work at settlement. It is not strictly electrical but it is probably reasonable for a buyer to assume that it was functioning at inspection. This is partly because, caveat emptor (buyer beware) has all but disappeared according to some legal practitioners. The onus is probably on the seller to disclose (in this case) that the telephone jack didn’t work.
How to ensure you’re happy with the property at settlement
My view is that buyers need to take reasonable steps to ensure the property they have bought will be presented to them in a condition they are satisfied with.
This can be achieved by either contracting with the seller to guarantee it and/or being more thorough when inspecting the property in the first instance. Ask the agent if it’s ok to turn on taps, flush loos, flick switches, open and close doors, open the oven, turn on the dishwasher and so on before making an offer to purchase.
Buyers ought to have a realistic expectation of what to expect at settlement when buying an established home and acknowledge that opinions of presentation are subjective.
Speak to our market experts on 9475 9622 to discuss about your property concerns
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21 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
An old home with a lack of square metres might feel limiting to some, but the 83-square-metre, 1900s-era Sunset Smart Cottage proves any space can be transformed with strategic decorating and innovative home gadgets. Even the interior design concept for the cottage involved an emerging tech trend: virtual interior design services. Sunset tapped designers Jessica McCarthy and Emily Gaydon from Decorist, a virtual decorating service that offers a fresh approach to the design and remodelling process. “Online services such as Decorist are often budget friendly and more accessible to the masses. We liked the idea that users can get matched up with designers based on their personal style and goals and can work through the process over email, FaceTime, and even texts,” says Sunset home editor Chantal Lamers.
So what exactly was the design strategy behind this tiny tech oasis? POPSUGAR caught up with Decorist designer Jessica McCarthy to get her insights on the smartest solutions for living large in a small home. Read on to discover the optical illusions and space-planning secrets she used in every room!
- A Bold First Impression
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Even the tiniest cottage can have major curb appeal. Jessica suggests painting your front door in a bold hue and replacing the exterior hardware. The cost-effective upgrades are details guests will definitely notice. Keep landscaping affordable and low-maintenance by planting drought-friendly shrubs and perennials from the Sunset Western Garden Collection. Top off the look by adding a few potted plants to the porch for an extra touch of greenery.
- Layered Textures
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
To combat the claustrophobic feel of a narrow living room, Jessica suggests opting for a neutral colour palette and avoiding bold patterns to make the room feel large and airy. Since colour and pattern take a backseat, you can go wild with texture. Grasscloth wallpaper, leather seating, linen curtains, and a variety of throw pillows give the space a rich, layered feel. To complete the look, add a semi-flushmount instead of a hanging pendant or chandelier to make the ceilings feel even taller and hang curtains as high as possible.
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A Discreet Media Station
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Take advantage of precious wall space by creating a media station that is discreet and beautiful. Jessica suggests thinking outside of the gallery wall box by incorporating gorgeous baskets instead of framed art to distract from the floating TV screen. Keeping baskets in the same colour family is Jessica’s trick for achieving a clean and uncluttered vibe.
- Stylish Storage
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
While Jessica wanted to keep the colour minimal, she used an accent colour throughout the house for fluidity. In this case, a custom-built cabinet in navy ties in with the sofa pillows and kitchen, but it also conceals clutter behind cabinets and displays beautiful objects on shelves.
- A Mini Breakfast Nook
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Just because you have a small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t eat in it. Jessica loves the idea of pushing a narrow console against a wall and adding bar stools for a makeshift dining nook.
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Open Shelves
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Eliminating upper cabinets can visually expand a small kitchen. Jessica leveraged the brightening power of counter-to-ceiling white subway tiles paired with white floating shelves for an airy and undeniably stylish effect. If a remodel isn’t in the works, Jessica suggests painting cabinets and installing new hardware for a customised look.
- Plug-In Sconces
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
If spacious nightstands aren’t in the cards, swap in petite side tables and free up table space by installing plug-in sconces that don’t require expensive or permanent electrical work.
- A Calm Colour Palette
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Like the living room, the bedroom also follows suit with a calming colour palette. Jessica chose a single tone and explored a range of shades on the walls, bedding, rug, and accent decor.
- Statement Art
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Small bedrooms don’t necessarily require diminutive art. In fact, Jessica recommends doing the exact opposite by hanging large baskets, textural pieces, vintage finds from travels, and oversize prints to really make a statement.
- Well-Utilised Corners
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
To make a big design impact in a corner of the room, mix pieces with varying textures. Jessica especially likes the way the leather wall object, wicker chair, and fur throw create a cosy effect that feels curated.
- A Modern Murphy Bed
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
A murphy bed can be the perfect solution for children’s rooms that require space to play or a guest room that can double as an office. Jessica likes the idea of hanging something dramatic but soft above the bed, like the woven wall art. The texture adds interest but won’t break or budge when the bed is closed.
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Customised Closets
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Katy Milton of California Closets designed the built-in cabinetry to make the most out of a tiny closet. Jessica recommends adding baskets and bins to cleverly conceal clutter while keeping things in order.
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Multitasking Work Space
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Multifunctional pieces like a small desk, which can be used as an extra table surface for displaying decor, doing homework, and being creative, are one of Jessica’s favourite small-room staples. If you have multiple pieces of children’s art or a group of family photos without the space to hang them, consider investing in the Meural. It’s a digital canvas that gives you instant access to over 30,000 works of art, but which also allows you to upload your child’s drawings and rotate between images.
- Wall Storage
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Jessica believes shelving can double as eye candy when you mix in your favorite artwork and accessories.
- Minimal Accessories
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
Create the illusion of more square footage by selecting the right colour palette and working in some cosmetic details. Jessica likes to use large mirrors and extra layers of lighting with sconces to make the space appear larger. Keeping the space clutter-free and minimally accessorised is another tricks she recommends for small bathrooms.
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Small-Scale Patio Furniture
Image Source: Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing Corp
If you don’t have room for an outdoor sofa or settee, consider using an Adirondack chair with a foot stool that can be moved. Pair it with a small table and you have the basic comforts needed for lounging
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21 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via reiwa.com.au
First home buyers are active in Perth’s property market, with data for the March 2018 quarter revealing an increase in sales for properties priced $500,000 and below.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said after observing subdued first home buyer activity during the December 2017 quarter, it was pleasing to see the lower end of the market strengthen early in 2018.
“The final quarter of 2017 saw the composition of the Perth market shift. Last quarter there were significantly more sales in the higher priced end of the market and less in the first home buyer price range. It’s been a different story this quarter, with the balance of sales shifting back to the lower end of the market,” Mr Groves said.
Median house and unit price
Perth’s preliminary median house price is $510,000 for the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said once all sales settle, this figure was expected to increase to $517,000, which would put the March 2018 quarter median marginally lower (by 0.6 per cent) than the December 2017 quarter.
“Although Perth’s median house price experienced a minor adjustment during the March 2018 quarter, the median house price is up 0.4 per cent when compared to the same time last year, which shows prices are stable,” Mr Groves said.
Perth’s preliminary median unit price is $401,000 for the March 2018 quarter.
“This is expected to lift to $410,000 once all sales settle, which would put it equal with the December quarter median.
“These results are in line with REIWA’s 2018 forecast, which expects stable conditions throughout the remainder of this year, with moderate price growth during the next 12 months,” Mr Groves said.
Sales activity
Preliminary Landgate data shows there were 5,865 dwelling sales during the March 2018 quarter.
“We expect around 6,603 sales for the quarter overall, which is marginally lower than volumes recorded during the December quarter,” Mr Groves said.
There was a 5.7 per cent increase in house sales in the sub-$500,000 price range during the March 2018 quarter.
“Increased activity in the lower end of the market is usually a sign first home buyers are active. We are fortunate the dream of home ownership is more attainable for West Australians than it is on the east coast. After seeing activity drop off last quarter, it’s good to see first home buyers are increasing their presence in the market,” Mr Groves said.
Listings for sale
There were 14,413 properties for sale in Perth at the end of the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said listings had increased 10.2 per cent over the quarter, but were down 2.9 per cent when compared to the March 2017 quarter.
“While it is pleasing listings have declined on an annual basis, the increase over the quarter is not cause for alarm. With overall sentiment in WA improving and all signs indicating the market has begun to turn, sellers are feeling more confident than they have been and therefore more inclined to put their property up for sale.
“We’ve also seen a sharp decline in rental listings over the past year which has had a flow-on effect to the established market. With some investors choosing to sell their rental property instead of lease it, this has contributed to the rise in the number of properties for sale in Perth,” Mr Groves said.
Average selling days
It took 67 days on average to sell a house in Perth during the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said although average selling days increased over the quarter, it was still two days quicker to sell than it was during the March 2017 quarter.
“With more listings on the market, buyers now have more choice, which has had an impact on the time it takes to sell. It’s very encouraging though, that on an annual basis, we’re seeing average selling days decrease,” Mr Groves said.
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18 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
Have you ever come home from a long day of work, stepped through your door, and noticed that your home smells a little musty? Between lingering food smells from the kitchen, damp towels in the bathroom, and other day-to-day activities, there are lots of things that contribute to your home smelling a little less than fresh. It happens to the best of us, but luckily it’s an easy fix! DIY air fresheners, houseplants aplenty, and some essential cleaning tips are some of our favourite ways to get a fresh home that smells amazing.
Burn a Candle
Image Source: Francois et Moi
Scented candles add a whole lot of cosiness to your room and can make your entire home smell fresh or festive, depending on the scent you choose! Try this DIY soy candle to get a fresh scent while skipping the harsh chemicals.
DIY an Essential Oil Diffuser
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
Candles should never be left unattended, so if you want something that you don’t have to pay much attention to, DIY an essential oil diffuser instead. They can make your home smell great for months and you can choose your own scents.
Deep-Clean Your Bathroom
Image Source: Studio McGee
How often do you actually deep-clean your bathroom? You should really try to get behind all those nooks and crannies that you don’t always pay attention to once a week. Without a good, regular deep clean, your bathroom will eventually start to smell.
Get an Air Purifier
Image Source: Love Grows Wild
There are lots of things to love about air purifiers, from getting rid of harmful pollutants in your home to making your home less dusty. They also help contribute to a crisp, fresh smell in your home.
Make a DIY Air Freshener
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
When it’s not really possible to crack a window for fresh air, try a DIY air freshener instead. You can also use them to freshen up fabrics and get rid of musty smells.
Bake Some Bread
Image Source: Damn Delicious
What can make your home smell better than baking a fresh loaf of bread? There are plenty of simple bread recipes out there, like this no-knead rosemary bread recipe that will instantly make your home smell amazing.
Rid Your Kitchen of Grease
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
If you cook often, grease can really start to build up, even in places you never expected. Citrus-based cleaners work wonders for cleaning up grease on your counters, range hood, microwave, and more, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
Create Lavender Sachets
Image Source: House*Tweaking
These DIY lavender sachets are a great option if you have specific rooms or areas in your home that need freshening up. Just hang one wherever you want your home to smell good!
Simmer Your Favourite Scents
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
One of the best air fresheners you can make is one on your stove. Combine your favourite scents, like citrus, cinnamon, cloves, or anything else you like, and simmer it on the stove in some water for as long as you like.
Use Houseplants
Image Source: Sarah Hearts
It’s no secret that houseplants are one of the best natural air purifiers on the market! Many houseplants help to produce more oxygen in your home while ridding the air of toxic chemicals and carbon monoxide, giving your home a fresher scent.
Make Dryer Balls
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography
DIY dryer balls are a great, less toxic alternative to dryer sheets, but you can use them in similar ways. Put them strategically around your home, like in your linen closet or in your drawers, to keep things smelling super fresh!
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14 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via reiwa.com.au
With steady rents, declining listings, improved leasing figures and faster leasing times, data for the March 2018 quarter reveals Perth’s rental market is leading the charge in Perth’s property market recovery.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said the first quarter of 2018 showed Perth’s rental market had strengthened, with improvements recorded across all key indicators.
“Perth’s rental market appears to be building on the momentum of the latter half of 2017, which is very encouraging – not just for the rental market, but also for the overall property market. Historically, the sales market follows the rental market during a recovery,” Mr Groves said.
Median rent prices
Perth’s overall median rent price is $350 per week for the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said this was the twelfth straight month of stable rent prices, with no changes recorded since April 2017.
“All sub-regions experienced stable median prices except for the South West sub-region, which saw its overall median rent price increase $10 to $330 per week during the quarter,” Mr Groves said.
reiwa.com data shows there was a $5 per week increase to both the median house and median unit rent during the March 2018 quarter.
“The median house rent increased to $360 per week, while the median unit rent increased to $325 per week,” Mr Groves said.
“It bodes well for landlords that the house and unit median rents are improving simultaneously.”
Leasing activity
There were 14,112 rental properties leased in Perth during the March 2018 quarter.
“Leasing volumes for the March 2018 quarter are up 4.2 per cent compared to the December 2017 quarter,” Mr Groves said.
“Four out of the five sub-regions saw an improvement in leasing volumes, with the Central sub-region (up 7.7 per cent) and North East sub-region (up 6.1 per cent) the stand-outs.”
At a suburb level, reiwa.com data shows East Cannington, St James, North Fremantle, Ellenbrook and Booragoon saw the biggest growth in leasing activity levels over the quarter.
Listings for rent
Rental listings declined 4.5 per cent during the quarter, with 8,508 listings recorded at the end of March 2018.
Mr Groves said there had been a substantial reduction in the number of rental properties available in Perth over the last 12 months.
“Compared to the March 2017 quarter, listings for rent are now 18.6 per cent lower than they were at the same time last year. This can be attributed to an increase in population growth to the state and fewer new dwelling commencements occurring in the metro area,” Mr Groves said.
Average leasing time
It was two days faster to lease a property during the March 2018 quarter than it was during the December 2017 quarter.
“It took 47 days on average for landlords to find a tenant during the March quarter, which is two days faster than the December quarter and three days faster than the March 2017 quarter,” Mr Groves said.
“With stock levels declining and leasing activity increasing, the Perth rental market is finally starting to re-balance. For tenants, now is a good time to secure a longer-term lease before rents rise.”
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07 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via therealestateconversation.com.au
In an ideal world, property developers should have a graceful exit from each project, whether they are selling or holding the properties.
Of course, life is rarely graceful, and many newbies fail to even consider the end at the start. This is important as there are a number of exit strategies that you must consider long before you begin any development.
Exits plans aplenty
The first exit is when you transition out of a construction loan, which is when you’re moving from a high interest loan to a more affordable one. Clearly you must be financial enough to still qualify for the new loan – even though it’s cheaper. The thing is the goalposts could have changed dramatically in the length of time it has taken for the project to complete and many a novice has come unstuck because their numbers no longer stacked up in the bank’s eyes. Another exit strategy is out of a joint venture, which I’ll explain in more detail below.
The next strategy, which is also the easiest but not necessarily the best, is selling up and moving on. In my experience, joint ventures (JVs) are a great way to develop property but everyone must agree on what happens at the end. My preference with JVs is to both sell or hold instead of buying the other party out. The reason for that is that you don’t want any recriminations in the future, say, if the property you buy off your JV partner increases in value spectacularly, especially where family or friends are involved. Soon, the green-eyed monster will rear its ugly head, and your former JV partner might even accuse you of short changing them.
I had a situation once where I had the opportunity to buy my JV partner’s property but it made me feel uneasy because I knew that it would likely increase in value significantly in the years ahead and I didn’t want any bad blood between us. We ended up selling & splitting the profits. It’s not all about money.
Even though that waterfront property is now worth about $1 million, I believe I made the right decision because we mix in the same circles so there was never any finger pointing later down the track. So with joint ventures, my recommendation is that both parties agree to either hold or sell to keep everything simple.
The biggest mistakes
The biggest mistake with exit strategies is not having one at all!
The next one is selling prematurely or holding for too long thinking the market will shift, without taking into consideration holding costs.
The best exit strategy is the one that suits your own unique situation, but sometimes making a smaller profit by selling and moving on is better because of the reduced holding costs as well as opportunity costs, too. My exit strategies have been a mix of selling and holding and even though I’m not afraid to sell I usually regret it when the values go up!
One I don’t regret, however, is the property I sold to pay for my father-in-law’s medical bills because he got very sick here and he was here only on a tourist visa. He had no insurance so each day in intensive care was $4,500 plus myriad other medical costs. I sold that property for $340,000 but today it’s worth about $650,000.
Financially and personally it was the best and easiest thing for me to do to fund his medical treatment and it also an important point. At the end of the day, property investment and property development is all about improving your financial position and being in a better situation when the chips are down.
Too much too soon
Another major mistake is newbie developers using the profits from their first projects leasing flashy cars to show off their newfound “wealth”. While that’s just silly if you ask me, that lease also kills their borrowing capacity which impacts them financially for any future developments. I have 20 years of investing and developing experience under my belt, but I have never undertaken a large multi-unit development or housing subdivision.
I could if I wanted to but I’d rather be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond. That’s because if things go wrong, there are more potential buyers for the project. If you’re a small fish in a big pond and things go wrong, you’ll likely be eaten by the top-end of town and there’s nothing graceful about that!
One of the most common stumbling blocks for new developers is their egos get in the way. As soon as they start supposedly making “big money”, they splash it out on fast cars and various other things that aren’t overly helpful to their future success. Often these cars are on leases, which, of course dramatically reduces their borrowing capacity. And that’s because they’re not mentally ready for the money.
If I look back at many of the mistakes in my life, I can drill it down to three simple things: greed, ego, or plain old stupidity. Some of those you can do something about but you have to be honest with yourself to do so.
Property development can be a vehicle to vastly improve your wealth, but you have to take your time to learn the ropes – and be prepared to learn plenty about yourself along the road, too.
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04 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via houzz.com.au
Which trends from the eighties are worth a second chance, and which ones should you forget about?
Thought 1980s interior trends were destined to stay in the past forever? You might be surprised to see how many of the interior fashions of that decade are popping up again in our homes now – albeit in very different ways.
Ditch frills for refined florals
Pattern went to town in the 1980s, and in turn took city dwellers away to the countryside. No bed was complete without a pillow and bedspread adorned with florals – and of course a frilly edge and valance in an accent colour. Alas, the twee pastoral look was sadly chucked out with the chintz in the 1990s to make way for a plainer aesthetic.
But florals are back, and this time the look is more sophisticated. Take this gorgeous sleep space, for example. The pattern has been used sparingly on the bedhead and cushion, and tones with the plain surfaces elsewhere. The effect is pared back, elegant and a far cry from the Little House on the Prairie look of the ’80s.
Play with pastels
Nothing sums up the ’80s love of pastels more than the dapper outfits adorned by the stars of Miami Vice. Who can forget the lilac and pink t-shirts that Crocket and Tubbs wore under their laid-back cotton suits? And our homes were resplendent in pastel shades too – pale pinks, mauves, aquas, blues and yellows all vied for centre stage in 1980s interiors.
We’re loving pastels again, however, with aqua, peach and dusty pink seeing a recent revival. Contemporary pastels are muted and look great with soft shades of grey, while peach works well with copper accessories. The key is to choose just one pastel shade and tone it with more neutral hues, rather than going for an ’80s-style pastel extravaganza.
Go for a country kitchen – just not in orange
While 1980s florals aimed for a rustic ambience, so too did many of the decade’s kitchens. The farmhouse kitchen was a big look in the ’80s. Cook spaces packed out with wall-to-wall pine cabinets might look cosy, but the orange shade of wood could also put you off your microwave dinner.
We still love our country kitchens, but the look is completely different, mainly because of the paler, more stylish oak we opt for in favour of varnished pine. We can also experiment with other surfaces, mixing and matching for a more interesting look. The kitchen here has all the elements of a rustic design, but it has been given a twist. Wood is teamed with painted surfaces, while a concrete work surface adds an industrial edge.
Go for glass tables
In the decade that saw yuppies bustling around looking busy with their Filofaxes, there’s no wonder interiors often resembled a conference room. Glass tables were a perfect addition to this slick city look, but were ditched in favour of softer alternatives in the following decades.
They’re back though, but in more elegant, less business-like guise. The popularity of black-edged Crittall-style doors has inspired some dark-framed design elsewhere, like this gorgeous glass-topped coffee table. The look is industrial yet laid-back, and the glass adds a light, airy feel to the space.
Shape up with geometrics
If you wanted a cool, trendy bedroom in the ’80s a geometric design on your doona would do the trick. The bold creations of the Memphis Design movement, with its vivid colour palette and strong forms, prompted many copycat creations. Zigzags, triangles, stripes and hexagons were everywhere, and looked fab in both bold primary colours or bright pastels.
Geometrics are popping up all over the place right now, with accessories and textiles embracing the trend for bold shapes. But some of the most interesting ways to play with shapes at the moment are on walls and floors. The hexagonal tiles on this floor have a white corner, which creates an interesting, stunning pattern.
Colour up your bathroom suites
Not only did ’80s homeowners have to pick the colour of their bathroom walls and floors, they also had to worry about the shade of their bathroom suites. Baths, sinks and loos came in a range of delightful shades, including a high-tech two tone – yes, this really was a thing. If you’d decorated in the 1970s, your avocado suite was probably still going strong in the ’80s, but all traces of green were ripped out of bathrooms in the years that followed.
We’re not suggesting a revival of the all-over avocado bathroom suite (yet), but there has been a leaning toward green wash spaces lately. The shade usually appears on tiles and wall paint, but this beautiful bathroom shows how a lick of avocado on the underside of period-style baths and sinks can look simply delicious.
Get creative with cork
Cork made it big in 1970s interiors, and continued its glory days right into the 1980s. Kitchen floors and walls were covered with this tactile material, and kids’ bedroom walls were lined with cork tiles that worked as vast pinboards for homework and Duran Duran posters.
This brilliantly versatile material has made a welcome comeback and is being used for all sorts of interior surfaces, from tabletops to pot lids. The cork flooring in this kitchen is a great choice as it’s soft underfoot, great for insulation and easy to maintain.
See green with indoor plants
In an era where more was more, house plants were a great way to add that extra touch. Greenery was everywhere, popping up in bathrooms, jazzing up living room window sills and bringing the outdoors into glass conservatories.
House plants are breathing fresh air into our homes once again, which can only be good news. They not only warm up the space, but they make the air healthier, too – a win-win.
Frame your walls
A 1980s wall was never really complete without a wallpaper border. Wall coverings came with a matching frieze, so it was easy to add a complementary edging to your wallpaper design. Things have changed and now walls are more likely to fade into the edge, with some designers even choosing the same shade for ceilings, walls and joinery to merge the whole thing together.
Frames aren’t lost forever, however, as designers are getting creative with skirting boards. Paint them in a contrasting colour to the walls, or even choose one of the new patterned boards on the market, to give your room a sharp, defined border.
Leave it in the ’80s: bathroom carpets
Take a look at this beautiful bathroom space. Would you put a carpet on that floor? In the ’80s they would have, and maybe a fluffy floor mat around the loo as well.
With the vast array of floor surfaces available now, there’s no need to put fabric underfoot in your bathroom. The rustic look on the floor of this room has been created with wood-effect tiles, which give the same warm look as wood, but are much more resistant to water.
Tell us
Which of these 1980s looks are you happy to revive? Share in the Comments section. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, save it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
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04 May 2018
By portermathewsblog
via popsugar.com.au
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
When it comes to astrology, let’s admit it: who doesn’t love reading their monthly horoscope? Gaining insight into your future relating to your career, relationships, health, and beyond is not only intriguing and exciting, but often, it can be extremely accurate. So, when we heard about a mashup that existed between astrology, design, and colour theory, we had to know more.
This hybrid idealism, coined “colourstrology” by astrologist and numerologist Michele Bernhardt, is thoroughly mapped out in her book Colourstrology: What Your Birthday Colour Says About You. Michele has created a comprehensive chart of Pantone colours that are assigned to every single day of the year as well as one colour for each month. Using ruling planets, sun signs, and the influence of numbers and other important dates, Michele has determined which colour creates the highest benefit for each.
So locate your birthday month ahead, and read on as we break down your most beneficial colour as well as exciting ways you can incorporate it into your home space for an extra boost of positive energy.
January: Caramel
Image Source: Anthropologie
Hues of caramel can connect you back to the earth and keep you centered and focused. If you are a January baby, try investing in some terra cotta planters and arrange them on your patio or near your windowsill for the ultimate energy boost. Plus, the dark brown colour of the plant soil will also add to the effect.
February: Sheer Lilac
Image Source: West Elm
Sheer lilac can improve friendships and cast a vibe of kindness across you and any of your home visitors. Using lilac-coloured mugs and tableware can be the perfect way to receive the benefits of this colour while you enjoy tea or a meal among pals.
March: Fair Aqua
Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
Fair aqua can increase relaxation and encourage meditation, so it is just the right colour to include in your bedroom design scheme. Choose a bedding set with bursts of aqua, or try to find a solid aqua blanket that can come in handy both at bedtime or for any lazy Sunday naps out on the couch.
April: Cayenne
Image Source: Williams-Sonoma
Cayenne is a bright and intense colour, so be sure to implement it in a space that definitely requires a burst of vitality. If you have a home gym, try painting one wall this bold colour, or add a vibrant table runner to your kitchen nook for an extra pick-me-up in the mornings while you eat breakfast.
May: Bud Green
Image Source: Anthropologie
The colour bud green is closely linked to prosperity and success, so if this is your birth colour, be sure to incorporate it into your home office or desk space. Try including a green upholstered side chair to maximise this colour’s benefits or, if you’re cramped with space, a sleek green laptop cover or mouse pad will do just fine.
June: Aspen Gold
Image Source: Designer Living
Aspen gold can promote successful communication, so think about which room in your home receives the most conversational activity. Painting the walls of your dining room a nice golden colour could be a good touch, or hanging art with bold yellow features is another way to get the most of June’s assigned colour.
July: Coral Blush
Image Source: Wayfair
July’s coral blush colour is extremely calming and promotes love and sensitivity, so adding this colour into areas of your home that you closely share with a partner is key. An area rug in a gorgeous blush hue placed in either your living room or bedroom is a genius way to infuse this colour into your space.
August: Sun Orange
Image Source: Wayfair
A happy, bright sun orange is the best way to promote playfulness and fun, so recreational areas in your home are the best place to feature this colour. Placing a bold orange umbrella out on your patio will not only liven up your space, but it will definitely encourage lots and lots of outdoor Summer fun.
September: Baja Blue
Image Source: Grandin Road
The distinct baja blue is synonymous with both beauty and attractiveness and is an amazing color to feature right in your entryway. Grab a welcome mat in this hue, or hang a framed print duo near the door to gracefully (and charmingly) welcome your guests.
October: Cerulean
Image Source: PB Teen
Cerulean is another colour heavily linked to relaxation and tranquility, so it is an ideal choice for your master bathroom. Whether you decide to paint the walls in this shade or find a towel set in a similar hue, you are sure to enjoy the calming benefits.
November: Claret Red
Image Source: Wisteria
This deep claret red is strongly linked to the libido and nurtures physical connection, so incorporating it into your bedroom space can do wonders for you and your partner. And since this colour is quite bold, focus on finding some smaller claret red accents, like a ring tray or small sculpture, to place on top of your nightstand or nearby dresser.
December: Pagoda Blue
Image Source: Anthropologie
Pagodea blue symbolises vision, wisdom, and travels, so it is the perfect colour to feature in a bookcase display or wall collage to promote interest and vision. Try locating blue bookends or decorative coffee table books with bold blue accents or even a hanging picture frame with blue rims for an extra dose of imagination in these spaces.
Loving colourstrology? If you are interested in finding out today’s specific colour, just click here!
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