James Lane’s Spring Sale is now on at Homemaker The Valley!
Shop up to 50% off absolutely everything for a limited time only.
*T&Cs apply. Offer excludes clearance floor stock items, warranty, assembly and delivery. While stocks last!
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Domayne – up to 50% off clearance bedroom furniture
Shop up to 50% off Domayne’s Clearance Bedroom Furniture for a limited time only.
Save on bed frames, bedside tables and more! T&Cs apply.
Shop Domayne at Homemaker The Valley today.
End of financial year sales at Homemaker The Valley
As the end of the financial year approaches, Homemaker The Valley is gearing up for its biggest sale event of 2025. From bedroom upgrades to storage solutions and luxury linen, now is the time to take advantage of serious savings across your favourite retailers. Whether you’re ticking off your home refresh list or simply shopping smart, these EOFY offers are not to be missed.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect from this year’s end of financial year sales:
Adairs
Save up to 40% during Adairs’ Mid-Year Sale, with an extra 5% off for Linen Lovers members. It’s the perfect excuse to restock your linen cupboard or indulge in cosy winter layers. This offer is available until Tuesday 1 July. T&Cs apply. See in-store for details.
Nick Scali
Take advantage of Nick Scali’s Half Yearly Clearance, where everything is reduced. With premium furniture at exceptional value, this is your chance to invest in timeless pieces at a fraction of the cost. Offer runs from 26 May to 22 June.
Howards Storage World
From 23 to 30 June, enjoy 20% off storewide at Howards Storage World. Now’s the time to declutter and organise every corner of your home – from your pantry to your wardrobe. Excludes already reduced items.
Oz Design
From 10 to 30 June, enjoy 25–50% off everything at Oz Design. Whether you’re after a statement sofa, contemporary dining setting or on-trend décor, this is your chance to invest in standout pieces for less.
Baby Bunting
Baby Bunting’s EOFY Sale is the perfect time to stock up on nursery essentials. From 28 May to 29 June, save up to 25% off selected products storewide – including trusted baby brands across prams, furniture, feeding and more.
Sheridan
Sheridan is offering 60% off bed linen, towels, loungewear, and more from 16 to 18 June. It’s a short and sharp sale window, so mark your calendar and shop early to secure your favourites. T&Cs apply.
Don’t miss out on the incredible EOFY sales at Homemaker The Valley. With substantial discounts across all departments, now is the time to shop smart and refresh your space for less. See you in centre!
Looking for more home inspiration? Join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.
How to Incorporate Earthy Tones Into Your Home
There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a space that feels grounded, calm, and connected to nature. That’s the magic of earthy tones. From sunbaked terracotta to soft clay, warm mocha to sage green, these hues have long been a staple in interior design, but right now, they’re more relevant than ever.
Whether you’re embracing this palette in full or simply introducing touches of it throughout your home, earthy tones offer a timeless way to bring warmth, texture and authenticity into your space. And with Mocha Mousse named Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025, this grounded palette is officially in the spotlight.
Why We Love Earthy Tones
Earthy tones aren’t just a trend – they’re a response to the way we want our homes to feel. In an age of digital overload and fast-paced living, we’re craving spaces that feel calm, connected, and restorative. Earthy colours remind us of natural landscapes; think sandstone cliffs, clay-rich soil, dried leaves, and sun-drenched timber. They soothe the senses and bring a sense of stability that many of us are seeking more of at home.
Unlike cooler neutrals or punchy brights, earthy hues strike a balance between warmth and sophistication. They’re versatile, grounding, and endlessly layerable. And perhaps most importantly, they make a space feel lived-in and loved.
What is Mocha Mousse?
One of the standout earthy tones this season is Mocha Mousse, a rich mid-tone brown. As 2025’s Pantone colour of the year, it’s been described as indulgent, but soft and comforting; like a warm hug in colour form. It evokes cosy cafés, worn leather, and the joy of small indulgences, which are perfect for creating rooms that feel inviting and deeply personal.
Mocha Mousse is a fantastic base colour to build around, pairing beautifully with creamy neutrals, sandy beiges, muted greens, and even gold or brass accents. It’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where you want to feel instantly at ease.
Earth Tones We Love
- Terracotta & Rust: These sunbaked peachy tones add energy and warmth, great for cushions, vases, or accent walls.
- Olive & Sage Green: Soft, grounding, and incredibly versatile—perfect for upholstery or kitchen cabinetry.
- Clay, Camel & Sand: Use these as base colours in larger furniture pieces, rugs, or wall paint.
- Charcoal & Stone: These deeper tones work beautifully as grounding neutrals for contrast.
- Ochre & Mustard: A bolder take on earthy tones that pairs well with timber and natural textures.
Styling Tips: Bringing Earthy Tones Into Your Home
Start With One Statement Piece
A velvet lounge in olive green or a mocha armchair can instantly ground a room. Try Freedom Furniture or Casa Blanco for curved silhouettes and plush finishes in warm, earthy shades.
Layer Natural Textures
Earthy interiors come alive through texture. Think boucle, linen, aged leather, raw timber and stone. Nick Scali offers beautiful wooden side tables and coffee tables, while Eureka Furniture and Early Settler are your go-tos for rustic, reclaimed timber pieces with plenty of character.
Create a Tonal Colour Story
Mix and match tones like mocha, taupe and terracotta for a rich, harmonious look. Introduce contrast with dark charcoal or creamy white by layering warmly coloured bedspreads and throws from Adairs in the bedroom, and introducing plush earthy-toned towels into the bathroom from the Sheridan Factory Outlet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, as earthy tones are surprisingly easy to blend.
Add Organic Accessories
Complete the look with decor made from natural materials. Think jute rugs, ceramic vases, rattan baskets and woven lampshades or lamps with marble or stone bases from Freedom Furniture or Domayne. TK Maxx is a great go-to for wooden or woven decor you won’t find anywhere else.
Don’t Forget the Details
Even small updates like clay-toned cushions on your lounge or bed, terracotta coloured tableware, or a wooden tray or salt and pepper shakers make a huge difference. Browse Kitchen Warehouse for warm-toned kitchenware and serveware that subtly complements an earthy interior.
Make It Personal
Earthy tones pair well with both vintage and modern elements, so don’t feel boxed into one style or get rid of everything you already have. Add pieces that tell your story, whether it’s a rustic timber-framed print or an olive-toned throw pillow that feels like a little luxury. Remember, it needs to be a look you love – and one that feels like home!
Bring Earthy Elegance Home
From calming colour palettes to tactile, nature-inspired textures, earthy tones are the perfect way to create a space that feels grounded and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re drawn to the buttery richness of Mocha Mousse or the raw beauty of timber and terracotta, they’re easy to live with, easy to love, and perfectly suited to the way we want to feel at home right now.
Whatever look you choose to embrace for your home, there’s no shortage of inspiration waiting at Homemaker The Valley. Explore standout pieces from TK Maxx, Adairs, Nick Scali, Eureka Furniture, Freedom, Casa Blanco, James Lane, Oz Design, Sheridan Factory Outlet, Domayne, Kitchen Warehouse, and so many more stores, and start building a space that feels warm, effortlessly stylish and completely you.
Warm Up Your Space with a Winter Kitchen Reset
As the temperature drops, our kitchens become more than just places to prep meals — they transform into gathering spaces, comfort zones and scent-filled sanctuaries. A winter kitchen reset is all about warmth, texture and ritual. It’s not a full renovation — just a few intentional swaps that make the heart of your home feel more inviting for the colder months ahead.
Here’s how to embrace the season, one comforting detail at a time:
Domayne Smeg 90cm Victoria Gas Freestanding Cooker – Cream $6990.00 Casa Blanco Arora Chandelier $3800.00 Early Settler Sadara Bone Inlay Sideboard $2499.00 Kitchen Warehouse Kitchen Pro Tidy Expandable Shelf Black $39.95 Provincial Home Living Pear Decoration $5.00 Kitchen Warehouse Le Creuset La Jardin Round Multi Bowl 25cm Sea Salt $95 Kitchen Warehouse Tramontina Teak Wood End Grain Board 45x35cm $79.95
Layer with warmth and texture
Start with simple tactile swaps — soft linen tea towels, timber chopping boards, a new woven runner. These small changes instantly add a sense of cosiness and character. Look to TK Maxx, and Kitchen Warehouse for rustic styling pieces and tonal upgrades.
Create a simmer station
A winter essential: the stovetop simmer pot. Style your bench or cooktop with a ceramic pot or cast iron Dutch oven (bonus points for colour). Keep bundles of dried orange, cinnamon, and cloves in clear jars for a practical-meets-pretty display. Explore Kitchen Warehouse for simmer-ready cookware and accessories.
Curate a seasonal coffee or tea nook
Whether you’re a chai devotee or a flat white loyalist, give your hot drink setup its own moment. Style a tray with mugs, a stovetop kettle, a container of your favourite blend, and maybe a sweet treat. Freedom and Provincial Home Living have beautiful canisters, spoons and trays to elevate your daily ritual.
Style with seasonal produce
Bowls of citrus, bundles of herbs, or loaves of crusty bread aren’t just kitchen staples — they double as décor. Opt for wood or ceramic bowls and board-style serving pieces that feel grounded and organic.
Add ambient kitchen lighting
Fluoro lighting has no place in a winter kitchen reset. Swap harsh overheads for soft pendant lights, wall sconces or even a low lamp in the corner of your kitchen. Dimmable bulbs and warm tones will create that soft, café-at-home vibe. Shop Harvey Norman for ambient-friendly options.
Get your kitchen ready for winter at Homemaker The Valley
With just a few styling shifts and thoughtful details, your kitchen can become the ultimate cold-weather comfort zone. Whether you’re batch cooking or sipping tea by the stove, make winter in the kitchen feel deliciously slow, warm and personal.
Ready to reset? Visit Homemaker The Valley to shop your winter kitchen essentials and turn your space into the heart of the season.
For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.
Create a Spa-Worthy Sanctuary at Home
As winter settles in, there’s no better feeling than escaping to a bathroom that soothes the senses and warms the soul. Enter: the Soak & Snuggle bathroom retreat. With the right textures, scents and styling, your everyday bathroom can become a sanctuary of slow moments and soft rituals. Here’s how to create your own spa-inspired space at home this season.
Layer plush textures
Start with the soft stuff. Think extra-fluffy towels, bath mats underfoot, and a cosy robe you can’t wait to wrap yourself in. Choose warm neutrals or calming hues to visually soften the space. Look to Sheridan for tactile bath linens and luxe layering.
Set the mood with lighting and scent
Goodbye, harsh overheads. This is your excuse to indulge in ambient lighting – think wall sconces, candles, or a low-glow lamp on the vanity. Pair it with a scent ritual: layer diffusers with a soft vanilla or amber candle from Provincial Home Living for a warm, cocooning effect.
Provincial Home Living Fresh Linen Candle $49.95 Adairs Tokyo Natural Bathroom Accessories $119.96 OZ Design Pila Collection Shelf Unit $1699.00 Early Settler Ripple Bath $1299.00
Style your bath tray like a pro
If you’ve got a bathtub, make it a feature. Style a wooden caddy with your winter must-haves: a good book, bath soak, skincare, and a ceramic cup of tea. Head to Early Settler or TK Maxx for trays, glassware and display-worthy bath products.
Introduce earthy accents
Spa styling doesn’t have to be clinical. Add organic warmth with timber stools, rattan baskets, stone accessories or a small plant (a faux olive or trailing fern works well in humid zones). These details bring depth and calm to a mostly white space.
Create a winter ritual corner
No bath? No problem. Transform a section of your bathroom into a mini ritual station. Stack towels in a woven basket, place a robe on a hook, and keep essentials like oils, incense or facial tools within easy reach. This small moment of styling adds a luxurious pause to your daily routine.
Get your bathroom ready for winter at Homemaker The Valley
By layering sensory elements – touch, scent, warmth, and glow – you can turn your bathroom into the ultimate winter retreat. Whether you’re soaking in the tub or wrapping up after a hot shower, your bathroom can become the cosiest room in the house.
Ready to soak and snuggle? Browse our edit of bath-time luxuries in-centre and discover your winter sanctuary.
For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.
Elevate Your Mood with Dopamine Decor: The Power of Colour and Joyful Design
Your home should be more than just a place to live; it should be a sanctuary that lifts your spirits and energises your day. Enter dopamine decor, the latest trend in interior design that’s all about surrounding yourself with colours, patterns, and textures that spark joy. But what is it, and how can you incorporate it into your home? Let’s explore how this vibrant design approach can transform your space into a mood-boosting haven.
What is Dopamine Decor?
Dopamine decor is a design philosophy centred around using bold colours, playful patterns, and nostalgic elements to create an environment that makes you feel happy. Named after dopamine – the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and motivation – this trend encourages personalisation and joy-driven design choices. Unlike minimalism or maximalism, dopamine decor strikes a balance by focusing on what makes you feel good, whether that’s a bright yellow armchair, a funky patterned rug, or a gallery wall of your favourite art.
How Dopamine Decor Boosts Your Mood
Research in environmental psychology has shown that our surroundings significantly impact our emotions. Bright, warm colours like yellow and orange can stimulate energy and optimism, while blues and greens promote calmness and focus. By incorporating elements that resonate with you personally, dopamine decor can help create a space that not only looks good but also feels uplifting and energising.
Key Elements of Dopamine Decor:
- Colour Drenching: Say goodbye to neutral palettes and embrace vibrant hues like cobalt blue, fiery orange, emerald green, and sunshine yellow. These colours can be introduced through statement furniture, accent walls, or even small accessories like cushions and vases. Metallic accents work well with the bold colour palette too.
- Playful Patterns: Geometric prints, floral motifs, and abstract designs can add a sense of fun and movement to your space. Consider adding patterned rugs, wallpaper, or bedding to inject personality into your rooms.
- Nostalgic Touches: Incorporate items that bring back fond memories, whether it’s vintage-inspired furniture, retro artwork, or sentimental keepsakes from holidays, special moments, or your childhood. These elements can evoke positive emotions and make your home feel uniquely yours.
- Textural Variety: Mix and match different textures to create a sensory-rich environment. Think plush velvet sofas, woven baskets, ceramic vases, and soft wool throws, all of which add depth and warmth to your space.
- Statement Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Opt for colourful pendant lights, quirky table lamps, ornate or oddly-shaped sconces, or neon signs to add a playful touch to your décor.
How to Incorporate Dopamine Decor in Your Home
If you’re ready to embrace this interior style, here are some easy ways to get started:
Start Small
You don’t need to overhaul your entire home to enjoy the benefits of dopamine decor. Begin with small changes like swapping out neutral cushions for bright, patterned ones, adding a colourful throw to your lounge, or even just a uniquely shaped or bold-coloured candle holder, vase or fruit bowl to your kitchen or living room.
Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to combine different styles and colours. It’s all about personalisation, so trust your instincts and choose pieces that make you smile.
Focus on Key Areas
Target spaces where you spend the most time, such as the living room, bedroom, or home office. A vibrant rug, a bold piece of artwork, or a statement chair or cabinet can instantly uplift these areas.
Shop Smart
Knowing where to shop—and where to seek inspiration—is key to bringing dopamine decor into your home. Stores like Adairs, TK Maxx, Sheridan Factory Outlet, Casa Blanco, Domayne, Eureka Furniture, Freedom, Oz Design, Secret Sofa, The Furniture Shack, and Kitchen Warehouse offer a wide range of pieces that complement this vibrant trend, from colourful homewares to bold, statement furniture.
Start with Sheridan Factory Outlet, Adairs and Domayne for unique, colour-rich cushions, bedding, towels and decorative accessories. TK Maxx is perfect for fun kitchenware and one-of-a-kind homewares that add personality and charm. For playful furniture, Eureka Furniture has vibrant statement armchairs that can instantly lift a space. While Casa Blanco leans towards a more neutral palette, their bold silhouettes, geometric shapes, gold accents and luxe finishes offer striking contrast ideal for creating a dopamine decor-inspired centrepiece
Bring Joy Home with Dopamine Decor
Dopamine decor is more than just a trend—it’s a way to create a home that truly reflects your personality and brings you joy. By incorporating bold colours, playful patterns, and nostalgic elements, you can transform your space into a mood-boosting haven. Ready to find inspiration and refresh your home? Visit Homemaker The Valley today and discover a world of vibrant, joyful design that will elevate your everyday living. Whether you’re starting small or going all-in, our stores offer everything you need to create a home that feels as good as it looks.
Hop into your Easter style with our décor guide
Easter is the perfect excuse to give your home a fresh new feel — whether you’re hosting lunch, planning a long weekend at home, or just want an excuse to style your space with a few seasonal touches. This year, we’re celebrating your Easter, your way — with three distinct décor styles to help you find the perfect look.
Whether you’re team minimal, love to go all out, or stick to timeless tradition, Homemaker The Valley has everything you need to create a space that feels festive and fabulous.
MINIMALIST: Freedom PEKIN Throw Blush Sheridan Jardin Citronella Candle. MAXIMALIST: Early Settler Aruba Scallop Edge Stripe Lilac Kitchen Warehouse Villeroy & Boch Boston Highball Tumbler Kitchen Warehouse Robert Gordon Claire Ritchie My Mug. TRADITIONALIST: Domayne Alana Caramel Cushion Adairs Provence Pink & White Pot.
The Minimalist
Clean, calm, and effortlessly chic — minimalist Easter décor is all about subtle details and soft natural tones. Think pale ceramics, timber textures, and muted pastels that whisper ‘Easter’ rather than shout it.
Head to stores like Freedom and Sheridan for woven textures, linen runners, and simple tableware that feels fresh and elevated.
Top tip: Keep your palette neutral and bring in interest with texture — matte finishes, woven baskets, and soft fabrics work wonders.
The Maximalist
If you live for colour and can’t say no to a seasonal theme, maximalist Easter styling is your moment to shine. Think bold pastels, layered textures, and whimsical touches that turn your home into a joyful, bunny-filled wonderland.
Check out Early Settler and Kitchen Warehouse for vibrant Easter décor, playful prints, and standout pieces that bring instant personality to your space.
Top tip: Mix and match patterns, pile on the colour, and don’t be afraid to go big on your Easter table centrepiece — more is more!
The Traditionalist
For those who love the comfort of classic Easter charm, traditional styling brings all the soft pastels, gingham, and bunny motifs you grew up with — but with a modern twist.
Domayne and Adairs offer sweet heritage-style pieces perfect for a warm, nostalgic Easter vibe. Think floral arrangements, ceramic rabbits, and charming little details.
Top tip: Set the mood with soft lighting, a vase of fresh tulips, and a curated Easter basket display to give your home that timeless, heartwarming feel.
Shop Easter Home Décor at Homemaker the Valley
No matter your Easter aesthetic, Homemaker the Valley has everything you need to bring it to life — from centrepieces and seasonal styling to soft, cosy details that turn your home into the ultimate long weekend escape.
So hop to it, head in centre, and let your Easter style shine.
Mastering Modern Provincial Design: Elegant Updates to French Provincial Style
Provincial design has long held a beloved place in the hearts of decorators and homeowners alike, celebrated for its rustic elegance and timeless charm. In this exploration of modern provincial design, we invite you to discover how this enduring style can be both preserved and refreshed to suit contemporary tastes. Here, we unpack the rich history behind the French provincial aesthetic and provide practical advice for weaving these classic elements into a modern home setting.
The History of Provincial Style
Emerging in the late 17th century, the Provincial design style began as France’s rural artisans’ response to the lavish trends dominating Paris. This ‘French Country’ style, as it’s often known, gained immense popularity post World War I, marrying sophisticated urban tastes with the rustic, approachable beauty of the countryside. Today, it remains a symbol of understated luxury, where elegant forms meet handcrafted warmth.
The Key Elements of Modern French Provincial Style
Key Elements of French Provincial Design:
- Natural Wooden Materials
At the core of French Provincial design lies the use of natural wood, which brings warmth and an artisanal touch to interiors. This material is not just a backdrop but a feature, prominently displayed in furniture and architectural elements throughout the home.
- Rustic Timber Furnishings
Key furniture pieces often showcase rustic wood with visible, intricate craftsmanship. Retailers like Provincial Home Living and James Lane excel in offering pieces with traditional features such as cabriole legs, which are known for their elegant, curved lines that enhance the gracefulness of each piece.
- Ornate Detailing
The beauty of French Provincial furniture is often accentuated by ornate detailing, particularly visible in the carvings and joinery. These details are subtle yet sophisticated, capturing the luxurious spirit of French decor.
- Chevron or Herringbone Flooring
Timber floors laid in chevron or herringbone patterns are pivotal in French Provincial interiors. This distinctive flooring style adds a historical depth and visual interest, anchoring the furniture and decor to create a cohesive look.
- Wrought Iron Accents
Incorporating black wrought iron in balustrades or as decorative accents in furniture adds a touch of rustic charm that is quintessentially French. This material contrasts beautifully with the softer wood and fabric elements, providing a sophisticated edge to the overall design.
- Pendant Lighting
Strategic placement of elegant pendant lighting, especially in black or gold tones, can highlight key areas like over kitchen islands or dining tables. These fixtures not only serve a functional purpose but also complement the French Provincial aesthetic, adding a modern twist to a classic style.
The Colour palette
The modern provincial palette draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the French countryside. Soft, earthy tones like beige, taupe, and flax create a calming backdrop, allowing the textures and craftsmanship of the furniture to stand out. Soft pops of colour, such as powder blue, sage green, and terracotta, are woven in through accessories and soft furnishings, adding depth without overwhelming the senses. Dark accents in matte charcoal and bold black add a contemporary edge, while metallic touches in bronze or gold nod to the style’s rustic roots.
How to Achieve a Modern Take on French Provincial Style
Modernising French provincial style involves integrating traditional elements with contemporary designs to create a fresh, stylised look. Maintain a palette of warm neutrals while introducing modern furniture pieces that contrast yet complement the rustic bases. For example, pairing a classic farmhouse table from Provincial Home Living with sleek, contemporary chairs from Nick Scali or Domayne can breathe new life into dining spaces. Similarly, a rustic timber console table accented with a modern round mirror and a statement lamp can transform an entryway into a striking vignette. The secret to a successful modern provincial interior lies in balancing ornate, rustic details with clean, contemporary lines.
Tips for Modernising French Provincial Style
- Balance Traditional and Contemporary Elements
Maintain the warmth and charm of French Provincial style while introducing modern furniture pieces that contrast yet complement rustic foundations.
- Refine Your Colour Palette
Stick to warm neutrals like soft whites, creams, and muted greys as a base, then layer in contemporary accents through furnishings and accessories.
- Mix Old and New in the Dining Space
Pair a classic farmhouse dining table with sleek, contemporary chairs to create an interesting juxtaposition of styles. A rustic wooden table from Provincial Home Living combined with modern seating from Nick Scali or Domayne brings a fresh take on tradition.
- Create a Striking Entryway
Modernise a rustic timber console by styling it with a sleek round mirror and a bold statement lamp. This blend of ornate Provincial details with clean, minimalist accents adds character while keeping the space refined.
- Keep the Details Elegant Yet Simple
French Provincial interiors often feature intricate detailing, but a modern approach involves toning down excessive ornamentation in favour of subtle, well-placed decorative elements.
- Incorporate Contemporary Lighting
Swap traditional chandeliers for sleek pendant lights or modern statement fixtures. A mix of antique-style and modern lighting can maintain the charm of the Provincial aesthetic while adding a fresh, updated touch.
- Play with Texture and Contrast
Soften the rustic feel of traditional Provincial design with modern materials like glass, metal, or polished concrete, creating an appealing contrast that feels current yet timeless.
- Use Statement Pieces Wisely
Rather than overwhelming the space with decorative elements, let a few standout pieces—like a grand mirror, an oversized artwork, or a sculptural coffee table—be the focal points.
- Simplify the Styling
While French Provincial design embraces elegance, modernising the look involves a more curated approach. Keep decor intentional, using quality over quantity to maintain a sense of sophistication.
Master Modern Provincial Style at Homemaker The Valley
Elevating your home with modern provincial style is all about blending the timeless charm of French provincial decor with contemporary aesthetics to achieve a look that feels both classic and current. Visit Homemaker The Valley to discover our curated selection of furnishings that can help you achieve this sophisticated balance in your own space. And if you’re looking for personalised guidance, book a complimentary styling session with our resident stylist, Eliza, click to shop with an interior stylist and find a time that suits you.
The Wabi Sabi way to style your home
As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the leaves take on their golden hues, nature reminds us of the beauty found in imperfection. It’s the perfect time to embrace Wabi Sabi – an ancient Japanese philosophy that finds elegance in the aged, the weathered, and the naturally imperfect. Rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for nature, Wabi Sabi is more than a design trend – it’s a way of life. Here’s how you can bring its calming, organic charm into your home this season.
Celebrate natural materials
Wabi Sabi thrives on the raw and unrefined. Think weathered wood, hand-thrown ceramics, crinkled linen, and unpolished stone. This autumn, swap out synthetic or overly refined pieces for items with natural textures that tell a story. A handwoven wool throw or a ceramic mug with an imperfect glaze can instantly add warmth and authenticity to your space.
Embrace the art of imperfection
Perfection is overrated, and Wabi Sabi is all about embracing flaws. Cracks in pottery, slightly asymmetrical furniture, and timeworn surfaces add to the character of your home. Instead of replacing an old wooden table, lean into its charm by highlighting its grain, knots, and scratches.
Curate a minimal yet meaningful space
While minimalism focuses on decluttering, Wabi Sabi prioritises meaningful curation. Instead of filling your space with trend-driven décor, opt for pieces with sentimental value – perhaps a handmade bowl or a well-loved book with dog-eared pages. The goal is to create an environment that feels lived-in and personal, rather than pristine and untouched.
Domayne Eva Rattan Lantern $229, DecoRug Henley Jute and Wool Floor Rug $599, Early Settler Kaitoke Canvas Print $199, Freedom Riso Shade $69.95, Eureka Furniture Olive Tree $279, Provincial Home Living Craph Cushion $99.95, James Lane Blaire Accent Chair $1299, Adairs Seaforth Natural Side Table $189.99, Casa Blanco Akan Side Table $890, OZ Design Coco Leaner Mirror $599.
Invite nature indoors
Autumn is a season of transition, and bringing elements of the natural world inside enhances the Wabi Sabi aesthetic. Decorate with dried foliage, twisted branches, or an earthy-toned vase filled with wildflowers. Opt for neutral, muted colours – think warm beiges, soft greys, and deep greens – to create a space that mirrors the tranquil beauty of the outdoors.
Soft lighting for a tranquil ambience
Harsh, artificial lighting can disrupt the serene essence of Wabi Sabi. This season, set the mood with warm, diffused lighting – paper lanterns, flickering candles, or soft-toned LED bulbs. Natural light is also key, so let the autumn sun filter through sheer curtains to create a calming atmosphere.
Slow down and appreciate the present
Wabi Sabi isn’t just about how your home looks – it’s about how it makes you feel. Take the time to enjoy simple, everyday rituals: sip tea from a handmade cup, read a book by the window as the leaves fall, or savour a homemade meal served on rustic dishware. The heart of Wabi Sabi lies in slowing down and appreciating life’s fleeting, imperfect moments.
By incorporating these elements, your home can become a sanctuary of warmth, authenticity, and tranquillity – just in time for autumn’s arrival. Step away from the pursuit of perfection and instead, embrace the quiet beauty of Wabi Sabi. After all, there’s nothing more beautiful than a space that feels truly lived in.
For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.
