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via homebeautiful.com.au

We ask a cleaning expert to share her secrets for a thoughtful and thorough clean – by Rosanne Peach

The time is nigh to dust off the winter layers in your home and prepare to throw open the doors for entertaining and enjoying the warmer months. We ask Angie Kelso from Platinum Housekeeping in Sydney how it’s done.Sue Stubbs

1. Spray the cloth, not the surface, so you don’t have to spend time wiping off any excess.

2. Work the room and you won’t miss anything. Start at the door and move clockwise around the room, cleaning everything on and against the wall, then clean furniture in the middle of the room.

4. Put a little essential oil on the light globe in a lamp. When it warms up, the scent will spread through the room.

5. Use a lint remover to remove dust on your lampshades and curtains.

6. Vacuum everything – the inside of the fridge, the oven, the toaster and the cutlery drawer.

7. A hair dryer can remove dust from a computer keyboard, the bottom of a handbag and the corner of a cupboard.

When you finish cleaning a room, close the door. Then, when you’ve finished cleaning every room, go back and inspect each one, leaving the door open when you’re happy with the result.

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Get ahead of the curve by dipping your brush into 2020’s most coveted colours Photo: Annie Sloan

Vibrant yellow and mustard

Why: “Yellow is so uplifting,” says Brown. “I love dirty mustard tones with pale timbers and concrete.”

Where: Yellow works anywhere and suits all furniture, artwork, and decor. It even works in kids’ bedrooms for a space they won’t outgrow. “It’s fabulous with tarnished brass bathroom fittings,” says Brown. “Or layer with blues, pinks and whites in the bedroom.”

We love: Dulux Dandelion Yellow, British Paints Yellow Mania, Porters Paints Amber.

Expert tip:  “Mustard takes neutrals one step further in terms of depth,” says Brown. “It’s the perfect addition if your palette is looking bland.”

When the correct tones are applied, this is a palette that can be applied inside and out with ease. Photo: Felix Forest

Greige

Why:  With grey on the wane, the combination of grey and beige provides fresh sophistication. “Greige evokes calm and stillness,” says designer Madeleine Blanchfield. “It’s subtle but gives the impression a space has been thoughtfully decorated. It’s warm without being overwhelming.”

Where: Greige looks beautiful with classic white trims or applied from top-to-bottom for real luxury. “It’s the perfect neutral and foil to add colour to,” says Sloan. “It works in most rooms and looks brilliant with reds, pinks and greens. It sits elegantly in the background, allowing colours to pop out from it.”

We love: Porters Paint in Grey Pepper, Chalk Paint in Country Grey

Expert Tip: “Taking photos of the beach and gardens allows us to pick colours within the greige spectrum,” says Blanchfield. “We use these natural tones to find a closer match in different paint ranges.”

A wash of mauve, rose, blush or mint adds colour and whimsy. Photo: Robert Walsh

Earthy tones

Why: Rich and moody, this palette provide an effortless connection between interiors and outdoors.

“Orange, red, tan and brown feel grounding,” says designer Nickolas Gurtler. “They feel good to live with because they are characteristic of nature which is always constant in our lives,”

Where: When the correct tones are applied, this is a palette that can be applied inside and out with ease.

“For opulence, choose dark unsaturated tones,” Gurtler says. “You can manipulate these colours to do almost anything.”

Expert Tip: Choose different shades and fine-tune the mood of your room. “Select one hue and use its multiple tones in different textures,” says Gurtler. “Be sparing or go bold. Both work.”

We love: Taubmans Barrel O Rum, Delta Clay 

From grassy shades to desert hues, green delivers impact whilst feeling soothing to live with. Photo: Felix Forest

Back to nature green

From grassy shades to desert hues, green delivers impact while feeling soothing to live with.

Why: “Green is soothing and honest, or opulent and luxurious,” says Gurtler. “It depends on how it is used.”

Where: Apply everywhere, from walls and doors to pots and cabinetry. “I like green in the bedroom, bathroom and living spaces,” he says.

Expert Tip: High-gloss finishes provide luxury and impart a soft glow by bouncing light around a space.

“Combine deep hues with black, white and brass for opulence,” suggests Gurtler. “Unsaturated greens, like eucalyptus, pair well with greys, whites and blonde timbers.”

We love: Porters Paints Cosmos and Nori, Dulux Dinosaur

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The summer break is a perfect time to tackle those neglected DIY tasks. Photo: iStock

 

Re-tiling kitchen splashback

Make sure to weigh up your experience here. Nobody wants to end up with an uneven, less than perfect splashback in their kitchen.

Another thing to pay attention to is the type of tiles you are going to use before you dive straight in. Some tiles are harder to both lay and align.

If you’re unsure but keen to give it a go yourself, YouTube is a great place to gather info, get tips and watch how the professionals do it.

Before you start, make sure you consider the knock-on effect, so it doesn’t turn into a mountain of a job. For example, if your tiles sit behind your benchtops, it will become a much more complicated task. If the colour is quite polarising, will it mean eventually replacing all the tiles throughout the home?

Curtains are an easy way to transform a room. Photo: Stocksy

Updating the blinds

Blinds have the power to transform the whole room, adding colour, light or texture with minimal effort or costs involved.  If you’ve already got tracks in place, then it’s just a case of replacing the curtains, which can be done in half a day.

When it comes to choosing your curtains and the hooks, make sure to seek advice from staff in-store. The different styles of hooks can be confusing, but with the right advice, you’ll be set for an easy DIY task.

Lighting changes

Just like curtains, lighting also has the power to change a room entirely. Lighting can be a statement piece, add ambience and is an economical way of sprucing up the home. Be sure to call on a licensed electrician for any installation that needs to be done.

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Passionate about technology? A home-automation system is likely to be on your wish list – here’s what you need to know

In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. A premium home-automation system – also known as a smart-home system – allows you to control multiple functions in the home, such as lighting, heating and cooling, audio, security, door locks and even kitchen appliances – from a single device, be it a touch-screen remote control or an app on your phone or tablet, from wherever you are in the world.

Tempted? Here, Trevor Rooney, director of residential markets at Crestron, reveals everything you need to know about setting up a home-automation system in your own abode.

Home automation is all about convenience. Having the ability to control core elements in your home remotely, such as lighting, heating, entertainment and front-door access, can save time and make life run more smoothly.

Image: Crestron

What sort of things can a home-automation system do? 

• Give you remote access to door locks so you can control who has access to your home when you’re not there.
• Switch lights on and off remotely or connect them to a timer or sensors, so they go on automatically (also great for security when you’re not home).
• Control heating or cooling so you can come home to a warm interior in winter or a cool one in summer.
• Give you remote access to alarms and surveillance systems; you will be notified if anyone approaches your home and can see who is at your front door. You can also switch surveillance on and off remotely.
• Change the television channel or switch the set on or off via voice command.
• Set your coffee machine to turn on automatically in the morning (it will even brew you a cup before you get out of bed).
• Automate your pool and pond cleaning, with the ability to adjust settings from your smart device while you’re not at home.

 

For even greater convenience, you can pre-determine the settings on your automated system for lighting, heating and entertainment to suit different situations. For example, you could set the system to control various elements simultaneously, so that when you go to bed it turns off all the inside lights, switches on the security camera at the front door, adjusts the kids’ night lights, and switches off the heater – all with one swipe of your smart-screen remote or an app on your phone.

Can automation cut my energy bills? 
Absolutely. Here’s how:

• Accidentally left your lights on when you left the house? With home automation, you can switch lights off from wherever you are.
• Connecting blinds to a sensor-controlled system means they’ll close automatically when the temperature reaches a certain point, keeping your home cooler and reducing air-conditioning costs. You can also keep your home naturally cooler by setting up an automated shading system for overhead or exterior window shades.
• No more overheating your home unnecessarily; by installing a smart thermostat, your heating will switch off automatically when the temperature reaches a certain level.

How is a home-automation system different to a smart-home assistant?
Devices such as Google Home and Amazon Echo are great for convenience. They can perform simple tasks by using voice recognition, such as checking the weather, reading out the day’s headlines or performing Google searches.

A premium home-automation system is far more sophisticated. It allows you to automate several different devices through one simple-to-use interface or an app on your phone. So, instead of having five different remote controls to manage your various devices, you just have the one platform, which can be controlled by voice or touch.

Image: Crestron

How does voice control work? 
Systems such as those at Crestron can be connected to Amazon Echo’s Alexa Voice Service to enable voice control. This allows you to give voice commands, such as ‘Alexa, turn off the kitchen lights’ or ‘Alexa, raise the temperature in the family room by five degrees.’

You can also control multiple systems simultaneously through a number of preset scenes. For example, in the morning you could say ‘Alexa, tell Crestron to activate Morning Theme,’ and the blinds will slowly open, the lights will switch on and a warm shower will start running in the bathroom. Or, if you want to set the mood for an intimate dinner party, simply say, ‘Alexa, tell Crestron to activate Intimate Dinner.’ The dining room lights will dim, the window coverings will adjust and soothing music will play from your speakers.

What should I expect to pay?
This depends on the level of automation you want. Crestron’s new PYNG 2.0 platform (available later this year), which controls audio/visual functions, such as the television, Foxtel, Apple TV and Sonos, starts from around $3,500. This would include the processor and a touch-screen remote control. Incorporating lighting and shading solutions into a home-automation system would see this cost rise to around $10,000, depending on the size of the space.

A fully connected smart-home system starts from around $25,000, depending on the size of the property.

Can I retrofit an automated system? 
It’s best incorporated during the building phase. However, it’s certainly possible to install after the build.

 

 

 

 

 

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Image Source: A House in the Hills

If there are rules that you as a renter must follow, make it these 10 commandments. Because, while paying your rent on time is important, so too is making sure your place is personalised and stylish. Working within the boundaries of your landlord, it’s little things like a new light fixture that will make an impact without costing a lot of time or money. And, the best part about this entire list is that you’ll leave with your security deposit intact once it’s time to move up and on.

1. Thou Shalt Add Storage

   Image Source: Love Grows Wild

    

   Let’s get real, custom cabinetry is not an option if you don’t own the place. Since rentals usually lack storage, add your own with affordable Ikea bookcases, simple shelves, or these organising solutions.

2. Thou Shalt Change the Hardware
   Image Source: A Beautiful Mess
   

   Rental hardware is basic . . . your style, not so much. Switching out cabinet pulls and bathroom hardware will make a huge difference. Just remember to keep the original pieces to swap back in before moving out.

3. Thou Shalt Ditch Vertical Blinds

   Image Source: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

   They are the ultimate decorating sin! To prevent your space from looking like a hospital room, take them down or hide them under curtains. Again, don’t toss — they’re essential if you want your security deposit back.

4. Thou Shalt Line Cabinets

   Image Source: Sarah Hearts

    

   This might seem trivial and a bit annoying, but lining your cabinets is a must. Not only will it make your kitchen look clean, but also it will mask worn and grungy cabinets without having to paint. Adhesive liner works, but a softer grip liner is better because it’s easy to install; it will also prevent glassware from chipping.

5. Thou Shalt Accessorise Like Crazy

   Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

    

   It’s true, and that’s the only way you’re going to get a truly personal space. Go to town with throws, pillows, and accents that reflect your style.

6. Thou Shalt Avoid Wallpaper

   Image Source: Hello Lidy

    

   Well, in most cases. Sure it’s stylish, but in all honestly, wallpaper is really inconvenient to remove, especially if you won’t be in your place for long. If you love the patterned look, consider the removable wallpaper seen in this studio or these alternative wallpaper ideas.

7. Thou Shalt Hang Art

   Image Source: Love Grows Wild

   No excuses — get your art on the walls! Patching up a tiny hole come move-out day is nothing compared to the impact it will make on your space. No need to create a full-blown gallery wall either. Try hanging one statement piece and resting photos on a mantel or shelf, similar to this home.

8. Thou Shalt Invest in Rugs

   Image Source: Love Grows Wild

    

   Especially if your place has carpet! Rugs are an easy way to cover up that not-so-cute carpet and can be packed up with you come your next move. Rugs are also a necessity to keep noise down, especially in older apartments with wood floors.

9. Thou Shalt Emphasise Lighting

   Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography

   This is another trick that many renters often overlook. Take it from HGTV stars Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri who suggest you use lighting to set the tone and make an impact in a rental. Get creative with floor and table lamps that can easily be moved from place to place.

10. Thou Shalt Make the Most of Plants

    Image Source: The Makerista

     

    No yard? No problem. Pots are a great way to achieve the bohemian jungalow look or even have your own urban garden. The best part is you won’t have to fret about leaving any of them behind.

 

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via houzz.com.au

An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior.

Have you ever walked into a room and it just felt right, but you couldn’t put your finger on exactly why? Chances are that proportion was a key factor – whoever designed the room would have paid careful attention to getting the size and scale of the furniture and accessories just right for the space.

We talked to Rohan Smith, senior interior designer at Coco Republic Interior Design, to find out how you can create beautifully proportioned rooms in your own home.

 Why does proportion matter? 
Because furnishing a room is more involved than simply placing a few pieces of furniture in a space – some fundamental rules of design need to be considered, one of the most important being proportion. You need to consider not only the proportional relationship between the pieces themselves, but to the space that contains them.

A room looks and feels right when the proportions are good, and there’s neither too little nor too much furniture. If furniture is too big, the flow of the room can feel awkward. If it’s too small, the space won’t feel cosy or inviting.

What are the most common mistakes people make? 
Having all the furniture and furnishings in a room the same height, colour and style. The room ends up looking dull and static. This is easily rectified. A tall floor lamp, for example, can add some height to a corner, while providing a lovely ambient light source. A tall cabinet or bookcase can add visual interest as well as handy storage.

 

 

 

 

How do you assess proportion? 
One of the easiest ways to assess whether a sofa, dining table or bed will suit the size of your room is to map it out with newspaper and lay it on the floor. This will give you a sense of how much floor space the piece will take up. Living with this template for a few days will give you a definite feel for how it will be to live with the piece.

A more technical method would be to use the Houzz Sketch tool or an app such as Magicplan. You simply take photos on your smartphone, which the app then translates into a plan of the space. You can then add objects, annotations and attributes to create a complete plan of your room.

What proportions do you need to consider for a living room?
Living rooms can be tricky to get right, especially in open-plan spaces.

If the room is your main television viewing space, then you’ll need to factor in technology as well as furniture. Is the TV too big for the room? Is the entertainment unit balanced with the size of the TV, and the room as a whole? A common mistake is to have a small entertainment unit with a large TV – it should be the other way around. Also, consider whether the sofa is the correct distance from the TV for viewing comfort. It should be about 2.5 times the screen width in distance away, and no more than 5 metres. The centre of the TV should be about 1 to 1.1 metres from the floor.

A large sofa and a small rug also look unbalanced.

For living rooms, the furniture arrangement should be conducive to conversation. Two sofas facing each other or a U-shaped arrangement are ideal. The coffee table should also be the right height for the sofa. You should be easily able reach the coffee table from a seated position so you can rest a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

What about a bedroom? 
One of the main considerations in the bedroom is the size of the bedside table in proportion to the bed. For a king-size bed, go for a large-scale beside table of about 70-90 centimetres in width, depending on the size of your bedroom. For a queen-size bed, a bedside table of around 50-60 centimetres is ideal.

Bedside lamps should also sit proportionally with the bedside table and bedhead. Again, for a king-size bed, a larger lamp will work best.

 

Are there any golden rules for hanging pendant lamps? 
When pendant lamps are hung too high or low, they can look completely out of place in a room. You need to consider the size and style of the pendant, the ceiling height, and the space in which they will be hung.

Despite these variables, there are still a few hard-and-fast rules that can help when hanging pendants. For kitchen benches, hang lights around 70-80 centimetres above benchtops. This height allows the pendants to provide a useful light source for working, without intruding on the line of sight from the kitchen to the adjoining living or dining room.

For your dining table, sit pendants at 75 centimetres above table height to create an intimate and cosy dining space. For entries and hallways where people will be walking beneath the pendant lights, space allowing, the ideal hanging height is 240 centimetres from floor level.

What about hanging art?
Choosing artwork that is the wrong scale for a room is a common mistake, with most people erring on the small size. Checking to see whether a gallery will allow you to bring a piece home on approval is the best way around this. If you fall in a love with a piece that is too small for your room, have it re-framed with a larger mount.

Another common mistake is to hang artwork too high on the wall. If a piece is hung too high it will have no connection to the furniture below it, and if it’s above eye level it can ruin the look of a room.

Ideally, artwork should be hung so that the centre of the piece is at average eye level or about 150 centimetres from the ground. In a dining room you might want to hang the pieces slightly lower to factor in the seated viewing height.

Also remember that having some negative space is important. Leaving some walls bare not only puts more significance on the pieces you’ve hung, but creates a calmer feel in the room.

And rugs? 
Rugs are a great way to bring a furniture grouping together. They provide a border for furniture to sit on and can help you create individual dining and living zones in an open-plan room where furniture has a tendency to ‘float’. Ideally rugs should sit under the front legs of the sofa and occasional chairs – this helps visually link the pieces together.

 

 

 

 

 

What about the proportions for colour in a room? 
When making your selection, consider the 60-30-10 rule, which is a timeless decorating principle that can help you create a balanced colour scheme. Your 60 per cent is the main colour for a room, which anchors a space and provides a backdrop for the other colours. In a living room this would be walls, sofas and rugs.

Your 30 per cent is the secondary colour, which would encompass occasional chairs, bedlinen, window furnishings and occasional furniture. It should support the main colour, while being different enough to set it apart and give the room interest.

The final 10 per cent is your accent colour. For a living room, this would include scatter cushions, decorative accessories and artwork. For a bedroom, think throw pillows and artwork.

Do the rules of proportion apply to the little details too? 
Keeping an eye on the proportion of decorative accessories is another important consideration. One large bowl on a dining table might be all you need in that space to create drama. Conversely, combining small objects with other similar objects can create just as much impact. A collection of ceramic pots makes one big statement, whereas a few pots scattered about will look disconnected and out of proportion.

Lamps should not overshadow the table on which they are placed. A large lamp on a slender table, for example, would appear top heavy. Too much variety of scale can cause visual chaos in a focused area, such as a bookshelf. Instead, group items of similar type and scale together, and line up like-sized books for a balanced look.

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If searching for your keys is a part of your morning ritual, it’s time to break the cycle. Being organised is more than just a personality trait, it’s a lifestyle decision that’s easier to achieve if you stock your home with the right tools. These 15 clutter-busting essentials will make your days feel longer and less stressful. Cheers to that!

• Key CatchallImage Source: A Beautiful Mess

Idea: If you don’t want to hang a key hook, do yourself a favour and get a key catchall. Having a designated place to place your keys when you walk through the door will save you from the “running late” syndrome. Don’t be that person.

Get it: Making your own leather catchall is easier than you’d think. Follow this tutorial on A Beautiful Mess to DIY your own

• Shelf Dividers

Image Source: Bahar Yurukoglu for Domino

 

• Glass Jars

  Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

• Pegboards

  Image Source: Sugar & Cloth

 

• Drawer Organisers

Image Source: Paul Costello for Domino

 

• A Magnetic Knife Strip

  Image Source: Lesley Unruh via One Kings Lane

 

• Well-Stocked Trays

  Image Source: Lucas Allen for Domino

 

• Labelled Boxes

Image Source: Cahan Eric For Domino

 

• Tension Rod Dividers

  Image Source: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living. Copyright © 2015

 

• Wall-Mounted Drawers

Image Source: Lesley A. Unruh for Domino

 

• Makeup Brush Cups

  

 

• Spices at the Ready

  Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

 

• Clever Toilet Paper Storage

Idea: Running out of it when you need it is the worst, but stacking it in plain sight can cramp your bathroom’s style. Kill two birds with one stone by turning a basket into a toilet paper organiser and dispenser.

• Stainless Steel Shelving

Image Source: Monica Wang for The Everygirl

 

• Ceramic Egg Racks

  Idea: While they’re intended for eggs, that doesn’t mean they can’t work for another use. Use the shallow cups to organize rings and earrings.

  Get it: This ceramic egg crate is a solid buy.

  Source: Kelsey Foster via Style Me Pretty Living

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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

 

DIY an Essential Oil Diffuser

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

 

Deep-Clean Your Bathroom

Image Source: Studio McGee

 

Get an Air Purifier

Image Source: Love Grows Wild

 

Make a DIY Air Freshener

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

 

Bake Some Bread

Image Source: Damn Delicious

 

Rid Your Kitchen of Grease

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

 

Create Lavender Sachets

Image Source: House*Tweaking

 

Simmer Your Favourite Scents

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts

 

Use Houseplants

Image Source: Sarah Hearts

 

Make Dryer Balls

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography

 

 

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When was the last time you ventured to the very back of your bathroom cupboards? Here are some tips to declutter and organise this area to save you time (and money).

Photo by Dulux Paint

Whether you’ve been living in your home for 15 years or 15 weeks, a bathroom declutter will save you time getting ready in the morning. Plus, you’ll be surprised by how much accumulated clutter you can easily let go of, giving you much more open space.

1. Empty out

First, grab a rubbish bag for anything that needs to go directly into the bin. Ensure some wipes are nearby to clean the cupboards and drawers down once everything is out. Then create space on the floor or benchtop where you can sort things. I usually use the floor, as you can empty every single item out of the bathroom cupboards, drawers, shelves and off the vanity top and lay them out so you can see what you have.

While the cupboards are empty, take the opportunity to give them a wipe out, as bathroom cupboards often end up covered in product, dust and hair. No doubt you’ll find some lonely hair clips living at the back of the bathroom cupboard too.

Photo by Zeitgeist Photography

2. Dump expired products

Once you have everything on the floor, the next step is to throw out any expired products. In almost every bathroom there are products that have expired (sometimes ones that are decades old) that need to be thrown away. Grab your rubbish bag and you’ll be surprised how many items end up in it.

Remember that you put these products on your skin, hair and nails, and you don’t want to absorb out-of-date chemicals into your body. If you can’t remember when you purchased it, the chances are it’s time to discard.

This is also a good time to dispose of products that you keep thinking you’re going to use, but probably never will. Orange nail polish? Out. Purple eye shadow? Out. Self-waxing kits? Unless you’ve used them in the last six months, say bye bye.

Photo by Capital Closets

3. Categories and containers

My key organisational advice for bathroom cupboards is to use storage baskets inside the cupboards or drawers, so that you both contain categories and are able to access items quickly and easily. The following categories are common to almost every bathroom I’ve ever helped declutter and organise:

• Make-up
• Hair products
• Sunscreen
• Tanning sprays and lotions
• Moisturiser
• Basic first aid
• Sanitary products
• Shaving
• Nail polish
• Eye care
• Medications
• Perfumes

I suggest using baskets with handles to make accessing things at the back of the cupboard easier. This way you don’t have dead space at the back where products fall out of sight and out of mind. Use either a black marker or label maker to label the containers, so you can quickly and easily see what is there. You can then put things away quickly, without having to pull each basket out first.

One added advantage of having products stored like-with-like is that when you want to paint your nails, for example, instead of rummaging through a drawer trying to find the polish, file and top coat you can quickly and easily grab the basket where everything is kept.

Photo by MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.

If you have a large make-up collection, it’s even more helpful to further categorise the contents into different types of products. You might like to have smaller containers, keeping lip colours, eye products, foundations and blushes separate. This will also help you know what products you have, and will save you money. When you run out of one eye liner, you can quickly and easily find another one that you already own instead of buying a replacement.

Photo by Dettling-Architekten

4. Use it

Now that you know what you have, a useful tip is to use the products you already own rather than buying new products. Use the sunscreen you have before you buy any extra. Finish the hand cream you have before you trying a new product. Rediscover lipstick colours you forgot you owned. Your wallet will thank you for it.

You may also rediscover forgotten products that inspire you; think massage oil, a pedicure set, bubble bath or hair treatments. Take some time out one night to pamper yourself a little bit… it can be your reward for doing a great job of decluttering your bathroom cupboards.

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Image Source: Woods & Warner

Sleep is important. Like, really important. It contributes to your physical and mental health, happiness and all-round well-being. Step one of getting it right, is creating a space that relaxes and lulls you to sleep, rather than triggering or reminding you of all your to-dos and stresses.

Before you figure out what should be in your snooze palace (yep, that’s what we’re calling it now), it’s good to know what should definitely not be making an appearance behind the palace doors. So we asked interior designers, a lighting scientist and a sleep brand founder (who knows a thing of two about getting a good night’s sleep) to lend their expertise. Heed their advice and nights of perfect rest are all yours. And yes, you will totally feel like a princess. Princess Snooze.

1. Pets

Research shows that 30 percent of pet owners who share their beds report waking up at least once a night because of their furry loved ones. If you want a night of wondrous, uninterrupted sleep, the pooch has to sleep in his own room.

2. Food

“Avoid eating in your bedroom as it sends the wrong signals to your brain,” says Shea Morrison, co-founder of The Goodnight Co.

3. Any work

“Leave your work out of the bedroom, lying in bed processing your work will more likely make you nervous or agitated, or fill your mind with things you’ll need to do in the morning rather than letting you wind down,” says Shea, and interior designer Melita Mayvn of Mayvn Interiors agrees. “Don’t have your office in your bedroom,” she says, “Your bedroom is your sanctuary, not a working space.”

4. Phones and all other electronic devices

After significant research, we now know that staring at the blue and white light emitted from digital screens prevents your brain from releasing the melatonin, which is exactly what you need to for your body to feel sleepy. Without it it’s hard to fall, and stay, asleep. Plus, receiving notifications can be disruptive (especially if you don’t keep your phone on silent).

5. Blue and white light

Other than the sleep-zapping blue and white light that comes from our screens, eliminate all cool white and blue light. “Shades of white light have different impacts on our circadian rhythms,” says Dr Luc Schlangen, scientist and Philips lighting research expert. “Exposure to cool, blue white light suppresses melatonin, and hence makes us feel more alert and awake. That’s why offices, gyms and operating theatres use this shade of white light, whereas exposure to warm yellowish white light increases melatonin levels, and is used in places of relaxation like our living rooms and bedrooms, and also bars, restaurants, and hotels.” Ensure the light bulbs in your bedroom are warm, soft and ideally, adjustable. Try out a Smart Bulb like Philips Hue, $29.88.

6. Bold feature walls

Interior designers Sonia Warner and Jacinta Woods of Woods & Warner say the single painted feature wall is a thing of the past (that they hope never comes back). “Be brave and paint or wallpaper the whole room . . . it will feel more connected and sophisticated.” Not to mention more relaxing, which is exactly why Melita says to steer clear of red, orange or hot pink in the bedroom, “Your bedroom should be soothing and relaxing rather than vibrant and busy.”

7. Oversized furniture

Over crowding your sleep space is a sure way to make yourself restless. Melita warns against furniture that’s too big for your space, “This will make your bedroom feel smaller and cramped.” While Sarah Cichy, director of Piccolo PR says over accessorising or mixing too many patterns will also make things feel cramped. “It’s hard to relax with too much clutter, so keep things open. Select a signature piece and then use a mix of quieter neutrals for the remaining furniture so that the space feels light and open.”

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via popsugar.com.au

Image Source: Inspired by Charm

This past weekend, my husband and I moved from the 94-year-old home we’ve been renting in the Berkeley Hills to a 58-year-old home around the corner. I have always had a soft spot for old homes — the architecture, the charm, the doorknobs! — but they definitely come with their quirks. Love ’em or hate ’em — if you’re living in an old house, you know there are some issues to contend with. Read on to find a list of 15 (relatively) quick fixes to make your old home feel new again.

Paint the Cabinets

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

Paint a Tile Backsplash

Image Source: One Kings Lane

Give Your Pantry a Makeover

Image Source: Polished Habitat

Paint a Brick Fireplace

Image Source: Inspired by Charm

Cover a Popcorn Ceiling With Wood Planks

Image Source: Domino

Is this a major project? Yes. But then everything related to the ubiquitous popcorn ceiling seems to be. This is a doable DIY if you plan ahead. And the outcome is gorgeous!

Replace Ugly Doorknobs With Vintage Versions

Image Source: House Tweaking

Paint Kitchen and Bath Hardware

Image Source: Brittany Makes

Paint the Floor

Image Source: Little Green Notebook

Paint a Wood Fireplace

Image Source: The Makerista

Dress Up a Cinder Block Wall With Chalk Paint

Image Source: Sarah Hearts

Paint Your Trim

Image Source: The Makerista

Old homes often have intricate architectural details — show them off by painting them a dramatic contrasting colour.

Container Garden in Place of Landscaping

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

If your landscaping looks as old as your house but new landscaping is not in the budget, try a container garden instead. Add a few at a time (just remember to water them from time to time), and soon your garden will be looking cheerful.

Spray-Paint ’80s Brass Light Fixtures

Image Source: Brittany Ambridge for Domino

Sometimes a can of spray paint and an afternoon is all it takes to update an old light fixture.

Tile Over Your Countertop

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

Dated tile? Yucky grout? Tile over it! Click here for the DIY.

Paint Your Stone Patio Tiles With Pops of Colour

Image Source: A Beautiful Mess

 

 

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via domain.com.au

Melissa Cowan on Houzz

The weather is seriously heating up, it’s light until 8pm and everyone is in the mood to socialise and drink sangria (rather than stay home and watch movies). Summer usually means an abundance of parties – from Christmas catch-ups to New Year’s celebrations, to “just because” gatherings of family and friends.

If you find yourself hosting a summer party, here are some ideas to have on hand that will make it a soiree to remember.

Photo by Elizabeth Home Decor & Design, Inc

Set up a self-serve drinks trolley
Setting up a drinks trolley to allow your guests to serve themselves will save you a lot of time during the event. Whether you’re planning for your summer party a long time in advance or throwing it together at the last minute, putting together a drinks trolley is an excellent idea. And being on wheels means you can easily cart it outside.

Tip: Pack your trolley full of everything you may possibly need, from liquor to cocktail shakers, straws and citrus. Keep a back-up supply nearby for when anything runs out.

Failing being able to have a drinks trolley, making sangria or punch before the party is delicious and easy. The great thing is that the mixed drinks will only get better as they continue to infuse with the added ingredients (like orange). Just make sure to keep it in the fridge until the guests arrive, and then periodically fill it with ice.

Offer your guests citrus-, mint-, strawberry- or cucumber-infused water to keep them cool on hot days; no one wants to get dehydrated. Also, keep a few ice buckets on hand to fill with ice and hold your water bottles. Try combinations of a few ingredients for variation, like strawberry, lemon and basil, or watermelon and mint.

Tip: Use thin slices and cubes so the flavour can infuse more quickly.

Photo by Dreamy Whites

Use mason jars for … everything
What can’t you do with a mason jar? They make fabulous cocktail containers and beautiful makeshift vases. Plus it’s much quicker to make a big batch of cocktails in the blender and then pour it into the jars, rather than trying to mix them in each jar.

Jars also make for lovely candle holders. Add pebbles or shells at the bottom of the jar to create a beachy vibe (and to help prevent them from tipping over).

Tip: When using jars as vases, make sure they are filled with enough water to weigh them down, and that the flowers or branches put in them aren’t so heavy that they’ll topple over.

Display your garden cuttings
Plant cuttings are a surefire way to add vibrancy to your party. Use mismatched vessels for floating them in with water, and mix up the types of plants you feature. Succulents look particularly beautiful, but flowers are also a great option.

Give the foliage a home among the food to create a rustic and relaxed tone to the party. You could even intersperse herbs in pots for your guests to pick and sprinkle on their food.

String up some fairy lights

Who doesn’t love fairy lights? Lighting is one of the quickest ways to add ambience to a space. Stick to warm light to prevent the lighting from sticking out too much from its surroundings.

Tip: Before starting, measure the area where you want to use the fairy lights – and then add on a few more metres for slack.

Photo by Terri Clark Interiors

Paper lanterns are a great way to add a colour injection into your party. You have the option of having purely decorative lanterns, or ones containing small lamps or lightbulbs. As an added bonus, a “grazing centrepiece” of fruit and vegetables is a stunning and unique way of presenting your offerings.

If you don’t want to go to the effort of stringing up lights, or your party will only be during the day, consider putting up some pretty bunting instead. If your soiree will be continuing into the evening, put out a few light blankets for your guests to drape over themselves. You might be surprised how much the temperature can drop once night falls.

Prep your music situation
In my opinion, music can make or break a party. When choosing your sound system (unless you have a pre-existing one), bluetooth speakers are great because they can be easily moved from room to room. Tailor your music playlist to your guests – are they into the classics or the latest hits? A combination of the two will likely be a crowd pleaser. Try and estimate the amount of time your guests will stay (and take into account that there’s always one or two that stay well into the night!) and then make your playlist long enough. Five or six hours will usually cover it.

Tip: Rather than having one huge, really loud speaker, have a few smaller ones and put them in different spots around your house. Place them above ear level to stop your guests from getting blasted with noise.

Get out the fancy stuff
When people think of summer parties, they usually think of disposable plates and cups and paper serviettes. If you want to break the mould, and trust your friends not to break your teacups, go all out with your special crockery. Don’t worry about them being perfectly matching – mismatched crockery will be totally “boho chic”.

Prepare easy finger food
Light finger food is much easier to handle than a giant meal, especially when the weather is sweltering. Buy your ingredients seasonally to ensure freshness and cost-effectiveness. Dips, crackers and cheese always go down a treat. So that your guests don’t have to line up for their snacks, place a couple of food stations in different locations so they’re more spread out.

Tip: Be sure to include a few vegetarian options if guests have advised they don’t eat meat – or even if you’re not sure of their eating preferences.

Make sure there are shady spots available
Getting burnt and overheated is the quickest way to turn any guest into a sweaty grump. If your guests will be by the pool, put out some outdoor umbrellas. If they’re going to be on the grass, pop up a tent.

Get the pool ready
Having a pool party? As well as the obvious chores like making sure it’s clean and leaf-free, chuck in some inflatable pool toys for your guests to lounge on. Nothing says summer party more than an inflatable flamingo.

Photo by decor8, LLC

Have fun!
Remember that your highest priority for the party is for you and your guests to have fun. If you’re worried about your guests not knowing each other, or if you get a little uncomfortable in social situations, have a few conversation starters on hand. I particularly like “What’s the most annoying thing your mum does?” or the more conservative “What’s your favourite book of all time?” Relax, most guests will be more than happy to pour their own drinks and serve their own food.

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via popsugar.com.au

If lavish roof gardens and expansive backyards are only a reality on your Pinterest boards, that doesn’t mean your chance at outdoor living is crushed. If you have a balcony, a front porch, or a little patch of grass to call your own (if only on a “renting” basis), then you’ve got potential.

We’ve rounded up outdoor decor ideas for tiny spaces. From the dual purpose, to the fold-up, to the mini, there’s even something for those balconies that have a one-person-at-a-time limit.

Wheel it out, and wheel it back in.

VINDALSÖ Trolley

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Image Source: Flickr user Emma Story

Letting go of clutter is hard to do. Anyone who has encountered the teachings of Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo knows that minimalism is currently all the rage; her housekeeping manual, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has inspired legions of readers to throw away their unneeded belongings. We love all things related to organisation and have to admit to clearing out our drawers and closets in a fit of aspirational tidying ourselves.

Not everyone, though, is on board with KonMari, the nickname Kondo gave her techniques. As with any good trend, there’s a corresponding backlash. In The New York Times this month, a contributing writer extolled the virtues of living a life surrounded by things in an article called “Let’s Celebrate the Art of Clutter.”

Whether you’re pro- or anti-clutter, you must admit there’s a certain calmness to be found in a well-organised drawer. And that’s why we’re big fans of KonMari, even if her work is becoming a tad controversial. Read through to see 25 examples of Marie’s method at work, and see if you aren’t a little inspired to take a turn at organising your own home.

1. Reduce the Number of Clothes You Have

Image Source: Instagram user edenlighthipe

 

Image Source: Instagram user 21sunshineave

 

Image Source: Instagram user AfterGravity

 

Image Source: Instagram user justagirl_abby

There should be enough room in a closet for two people’s belongings, and more.

Image Source: Instagram user gammonje

A well-tidied closet will soon be able to store other belongings besides clothes.

2. Get Rid of Papers in the Office

Image Source: Instagram user marijneline

 

Image Source: Instagram user naominevitt

3. Store Belongings Vertically

Image Source: Instagram user GoingZeroWaste

 

Image Source: Instagram user Beck_Morgan

 

Image Source: Instagram user janerichmond

 

Image Source: Instagram user susanneschipper2

 

Image Source: Instagram user tresarandanos

 

4. Rethink How to Store Small Items

Image Source: Instagram user StacyWalkerMyers

 

Image Source: Instagram user pinkandbling

 

5. Use Small Containers

Image Source: Instagram user clarkie.chick

 

Image Source: Instagram user LuckyMaya

6. Say Bye to Your Books

Image Source: Instagram user stacywalkermyers

 

Image Source: Instagram user dani.catastrophe

 

Image Source: Instagram user madebyfeixi

 

7. Attack the Bathroom Too

Image Source: Instagram user mikedickson

 

Image Source: Instagram user konmari_lifeproject

 

8. The Kitchen Should Be Orderly

Image Source: Instagram user noz__ie

 

Image Source: Instagram user wijeisenijs

 

9. Make Your Entryway Tidy

Image Source: Instagram user sarahfought

 

Image Source: Instagram user midwestwannabe

 

 

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Samantha Jones via reiwa.com.au

It’s no secret that the Perth rental market currently favours tenants, so if you’re looking to purchase an investment property it’s important to select a rental that appeals to your target market.

Unlike purchasing your own home to live in, buying an investment property needs to be approached with your head – not your heart. Features you may value in your own home, may not necessarily appeal to prospective tenants.

You need to think like a tenant and buy a property that meets their needs. Here are five tips for purchasing a rental that appeals to tenants:

1. Location is paramount

As with any property purchase, location is paramount. This is especially the case when buying an investment property.

A common tenant requirement is proximity to amenities. Be sure to buy in areas that are close to key amenities like shops, transport and schools. It’s also a smart idea to seek locations that offer a good lifestyle, for example younger tenants generally value living close to thriving hubs, while families with young children will value being close to parks and kid friendly facilities.

2. Consider the home’s internal layout

Give consideration to the internal layout of the property you choose to invest in. Many tenants choose to share accommodation, so it’s a good idea to look at properties that have features that appeal to this style of living.

Things to consider when assessing the home include:

• Is there good separation between living areas and bedrooms?
• How many bedrooms does the home have? Are they spacious?
• Is there more than one bathroom?
• Are there plenty of storage options?

 

3. Outdoor areas are important

We’re lucky in Western Australia that our climate is warm and favours outdoor living. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to factor in some kind of outdoor area into the rental home you purchase. Whether it’s a balcony, a courtyard or an enclosed alfresco – outdoor living options are attractive.

While many tenants value outdoor living space, it’s worthwhile choosing a home that is low maintenance. Gardens may look beautiful, but they require a lot of upkeep so it’s best to invest in properties with low maintenance outdoor areas as prospective tenants may be put off by the work required to keep a garden looking good.

4. Parking options are highly regarded

Being able to offer tenants a designated parking space is very attractive. While in WA most homes come equipped with a garage or carport, units or apartments – particularly those in the city – often require tenants to park off-street. A lack of parking options is an inconvenience to tenants, so it’s beneficial to look for investment properties that provide tenants with a secure space to park their car.

5. Extra features will help your rental stand out

As an investor, you need to be competitive in the current market to secure a tenant. In order to make your home stand out, it’s worth ensuring the property has some attractive extras like:

• • Airconditioning – WA’s long hot summers can be uncomfortable without airconditioning. Tenants want to be able to escape the heat when inside, so airconditioning is often a key requirement.
  • Quality appliances – modern appliances like ovens, dishwashers and cooktops can go a long way in helping your home stand out.

 

• • Digital connections – we live in a technological age, so features like good cable connections for internet and wifi and strong mobile signals are increasingly important factors for tenants.

 

• Pet friendly – rental properties that accommodate pets will appeal to a wider selection of applicants.

If you have any questions about renting out your property in Perth, speak to Ron Padua on 0404 428 843 or email bdm@pmmetro.com.au

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Rachel Preston-Bidwell via reiwa.com.au

Do you currently own an investment property in Perth or are looking to purchase one? We have four tips for how to be a good landlord, from understanding your rights and responsibilities and those of your tenant, to finding the right assistance to help you safeguard your investment.

1. Understand the law

Renting in WA is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989. As a landlord, it’s good to have a basic knowledge of these laws and regulations as there are specific provisions covering issues, including but not limited to:

• Security bonds
• Rates and taxes
• Damages and repairs
• Notice periods

More information about the relevant laws and regulations can be found on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.

Brush up on your rights and responsibilities and if you have any queries, speak to one of our friendly officers in the REIWA Information Service.

2. Take note of your safety responsibilities

Ensuring your investment property is in working order prior to renting it out is a must to keep your tenants, property manager and yourself safe.

As the landlord, you have a responsibility to ensure your property meets certain safety standards and if issues arise during the tenancy, you must address them in due course.

Three main safety issues to be aware of include:

• Blinds and curtains
• Pool and spa fences
• RCDs and smoke alarms

Read our article about your safety responsibilities as a landlord for more information.

3. Know the costs involved

An investment property is just that, an investment. Landlords should expect to invest some money in their property in order to reap the rewards later in life, whether it be for a retirement fund or to purchase another property.

Be sure to consider the costs involved in renting out your property, including:

• Insurance
• Property taxes
• Strata fees and/or rates
• Maintenance and repair costs

Some costs are tax deductible, so speak to your property manager or accountant for more advice on making a claim come tax time.

4. Engage with a property manager

Not only will a property manager act as a liaison between you and your tenant, they can assist you with the following:

• Evaluate the market – a property manager can conduct an evaluation of your property in comparison to other rentals on the market. This can help you determine a competitive rent price and marketing campaign to secure a tenant.
• Help with tricky questions – property managers undertake extensive and continual learning to stay up-to-date on rental laws and regulations. They can help you to understand both yours and your tenants’ rights, and further assist you with tricky situations such as break leases.
• Find your perfect tenant – your property manager will hold home opens and assess applications to help you find a tenant. Further, REIWA agents have access to a National Tenancy Database, which allows them to review a tenant’s rental history.
• Maintain your investment – through regular property inspections, a property manager can ensure your investment remains in tip top condition. Further, they can assist by organising repairs and maintenance calls.

If you have any questions about renting out your property in Perth, speak to Ron Padua on 0404 428 843 or email bdm@pmmetro.com.au

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Liz Durnan via domain.com.au

We all know those super-organised people, don’t we? They’re up at the crack of dawn baking muffins for the school fundraiser, work nine-to-five in a high-powered job, have numerous well-turned out children and, on top of it all, their house is always perfectly clean and organised – without any paid help. Do they make you sick, or do you secretly envy them? Don’t waste your energy. Instead, watch how they do it and see what you can learn.

Our homes shouldn’t be driving us mad; they should be our sanctuary. As much as I wish I could pay one of those personal organisers to come into my house and turn it upside down, I don’t have the spare budget (sigh). So I’ve learned from my clean-freak friends and I’m forever reading up about what I can do to take control of my home. Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

Photo by Juliette Byrne – More living room ideas

Regular clean-ups

Like many people, I’m more of a regular procrastinator than a regular cleaner, often preferring the motto “Why do it it today, if I can do it tomorrow?” However, since having kids and a home to look after, I’ve learnt the hard way that this motto isn’t really doing that much for me.

I’ve often watched friends with tidy homes and wondered what their secret is. Now I know; they simply clean up as they go rather than wait for the magic fairy to come in and do it.

Photo by Juliette Byrne – More living room ideas

 

They never wake up to a kitchen full of dirty dishes.

By doing a little bit each day in bite-sized chunks – and getting other members of the household to do the same – things don’t pile up and become overwhelming. Create a roster so that everyone knows what they have to do and when.

A place for everything
I know Marie Kondo didn’t invent this idea, but if there’s one thing I’ve taken from her much talked-about book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, it’s the idea of having a place for everything and putting everything back there.

Apply this rule to all areas of the house – from the kitchen and the laundry to the linen cupboard. Take stock of every single item you own and ensure there’s a place for each one.

Best of all? Your mornings will be transformed. No more running around the house first thing in the morning looking for your keys, your coat or the other shoe – you’ll know exactly where to find everything, and fast.

Use storage wisely
However, good storage with a place for everything only works if you’re managing it. Have you ever blamed your messiness on your lack of storage? I used to, but recently I finally got the new fitted wardrobes and mudroom of my dreams installed, only to find we were still messy – alas, the storage doesn’t magically tidy up for you. Of course it helps, but you still have to do the work of keeping it organised. The other members of the household need to be schooled in the simple ways of putting their things away too.

Photo by Schmidt Kitchens Palmers Green – Search kitchen design ideas

Declutter sprees
One of the ways our houses can drive us mad is by having too much stuff. Are you forever unable to find things – your wallet, the potato masher, your favourite pan? This is often because we can’t see the stuff we’re looking for among the chaos. If you have a family and new things regularly coming into the home, it’s important to get rid of stuff often too. Regularly – even as often as monthly – go through kitchen drawers, pantries and wardrobes and take stock of what you have, getting rid of what you’re not using.

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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Thoughtfully Lay Out the Room

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Shop Second-Hand Finds

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

 

Splurge Where It Makes Sense

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

 

Get Family and Friends Involved

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Seek Help For Design Dilemmas

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Take Your Time

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

 

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