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baby nursery decor

Little wonders: how to prepare a nursery

Expecting parents have a lot to consider when waiting for a baby to arrive. There are hospital bags to pack, car seats to install, baby showers to plan, and diapers to buy – and that’s all before there’s a tiny human to raise! However, one of the most exciting tasks to ponder before your newborn arrives has got to be the baby nursery decor; the design, theme, and purchasing all the essentials. 

The nursery is about to be a place where you’ll spend many hours of your time for feeding, changing, or putting your little one to sleep (or should we say attempting to). So, you’ll want to invest some much-needed time, effort, and funds into ensuring your nursery is decked out exactly how it should be. 

We want you to have one less thing to worry about when your newborn arrives, so we’ve compiled everything you need to know into one place. Read on to learn all about navigating your new nursery.

baby nursery decor, rocking chair, storage baskets, cot, dressing cabinet, rug

Adairs Boucle Rocking Chair $699.99, Adairs Trip Triceratops Chair $79.99, Baby Bunting Boori 3 Tier Changer $269, Baby Bunting Ergopouch Cocoon $49.95, Baby Bunting Living Textiles Cotton Rope Storage Set $39.95, Baby Bunting Zazu Nightlight $59.95, DecoRug Luka Shaggy Colour Rug from $199, Forty Winks Boori Corindi Cot $649, Freedom Mornington Dresser $1,699, Harvey Norman Owlet Cam $249.

 

Designing your baby nursery

There are four main factors to consider when designing your nursery – the placement of the cot, glider, changing table, and storage drawers. 

Furniture Placement

The cot should be positioned first and should be placed away from any windows or doors to limit temperature changes, air drafts, and light exposure. Next up, place your glider (aka feeding chair) into a corner nook, ensuring it has enough space around it to rock. Once the cot and chair are placed, slot the drawers and changing table in the leftover space. 

Tip: For those who are working with a smaller space, we recommend using your chest of drawers as a changing table as well. 

Lighting

Now that all the key pieces are appropriately placed, it’s time to sort out the lighting. Having a dark room will promote the release of melatonin (the hormone that helps us to both fall asleep and stay asleep). So, be sure to purchase block-out blinds as these will keep the room dark for both nap time and night time. You’ll also want to limit any artificial light such as baby monitors – place these away from the cot so that the light isn’t in the baby’s line of sight when they’re in the cot. 

Our guide to baby nursery décor

Now onto the fun part – the décor! Before getting carried away with an elaborate theme, it’s important to keep in mind the top priority of a nursery and that’s for it to be conducive to sleep. You’ll want your newborn to be exposed to as little stimulation as possible, so avoid using too many decorative pieces that can distract them. Refrain from placing toys or hanging mobiles in and above the cot, in fact, we recommend no toys in the cot until four months of age, which also happens to be the optimal time to introduce a comforter. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t have a super stylish nursery – you can still stick to a colour palette so the room is cohesive with the rest of your home. Start with a neutral base for the furniture and then add accent lighting, wallpaper, artwork, rugs, and more. Even if tastes change, your accent pieces can easily be swapped out while keeping large investment pieces the same. 

Tip: incorporate thick pile rugs and drapes throughout the room to help absorb outside noise. 

The nursery essentials

Lastly, it’s time to ensure you have all the essentials for a functional nursery. First up, it’s important to baby-proof the room – secure blinds and electrical cords, keep any medicines out of reach, and set up a baby monitor. 

Next, purchase a white noise machine (this will help silence your baby’s built-in alarm clock by drowning out all outside noises during vulnerable phases of light sleep), a swaddle (to make your baby feel safe and comforted), a dim nightlight (to help navigate night time feeding), and of course, nappies, bedding, toys, and clothes. 

There you have it! We hope this helps you style your nursery for your newborn. Be sure to download our first-time parent nursery checklist here to better prepare you for the arrival of your little one.

outdoor decor for autumn twilight entertaining guests

Twilight entertaining: how to revamp your outdoor area for autumn

It’s no secret Aussies love the great outdoors. Whether it’s soaking up the fresh air or lounging around under the sun, there’s a special kind of joy that comes with outdoor living. Luckily, we’re blessed with fantastic weather for most of the year and as autumn settles in, now is the perfect time to update your outdoor décor for autumn area with a cosy touch. But how can you achieve this? Keep reading for a detailed guide on creating a warm and inviting twilight entertaining experience. 

outdoor chair, outdoor lamp, firepit, cushion, outdoor rug, twilight entertaining decor autumn

Early Settler Fleetwood Fire Pit $249, Eureka Furniture Solar Patio Arm Chair $1,499, Freedom Mali Round Outdoor Floor Rug $249, Oz Design Mansfield Cushion $79.95, Provincial Home Living Polly Lantern $69.95, Sheridan Outlet Morillo Throw $199.99. 

Step 1: Set the scene with lighting

Autumn evenings call for gentle illumination that adds warmth and ambience to your outdoor space. String lights, lanterns, and candles are perfect for achieving this type of cosy atmosphere. Consider hanging fairy lights across trees or pergolas, placing lanterns along pathways, and scattering candles on tables for an inviting glow your guests will love. 

Step 2: Create comfortable seating areas

Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture that encourages comfort and relaxation. Opt for plush cushions, throws, and blankets in autumnal hues like burnt orange, deep red, and earthy browns to add warmth and style to your seating areas. Arrange chairs and sofas around the firepit to create a focal point that will entice guests to gather and linger.

Step 3: Cosy up with a firepit

A firepit is the quintessential autumn accessory! Choose a firepit that complements your outdoor décor and will enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you prefer a sleek modern design, rustic, traditional look, a well-placed firepit will undoubtedly become the heart of your outdoor entertaining area. Take our quiz to discover your interior design style. 

Step 4: Serve up seasonal treats

No outdoor gathering is complete without delicious food and drinks to enjoy. Incorporate the flavours of autumn by serving hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and decadent desserts like apple pie. Pair these seasonal treats with mulled wine, spiced cider, or hot chocolate for a cosy experience that warms both the body and soul.

By following these tips and ideas, you can easily create a cosy outdoor entertaining area that embraces the beauty of an Australian autumn. With the addition of pieces from Homemaker The Valley, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy memorable evenings under the open sky.

Looking for more home styling advice? Check out our latest seasonal trend report filled with décor inspiration, interior trends, tips and tricks, and so much more!

space saving furniture

Our Round-up of The 5 Best Space Saving Furniture Options For Small Apartment Living in The Valley

Here at Homemaker The Valley we know that space saving furniture is essential when living in the inner city. With apartment buildings popping up in and around Fortitude Valley in the blink of an eye, we are finding more and more people looking for smart furniture solutions for their compact living spaces. With open plan living spaces growing smaller and smaller and multi-purpose zones becoming the norm, clever furniture design and placement needs to be considered when designing a home. Today we will be sharing with you our favourite space saving furniture pieces that are essential for inner-city living.

Extendable Dining Table

If you have a small dining space but love to host regular dinners with the entire family or have all the friends around for lunch, then you need to invest in an extendable dining table. These smart, space saving dining table designs allow you to have the joy of hosting all your loved ones on special occasions and the simplicity of a standard sized table during day-to-day life. With an easy lift of a few panels, the dining table extends from a standard 4-6 seater to as large as an 8-10 seater. Check out stores at Homemaker The Valley such as Freedom, Nick Scali and Domayne for some beautiful extendable dining tables in your favourite interior design style. We especially love the Kalbarri round extension dining table from Domayne that goes from a compact circle to large oval size.

Under Bed Storage

When selecting space saving furniture for your home you can’t go passed a bed with under bed storage. Whether you prefer a gas lift style or drawers under your bed, retailers such as Forty Winks and Domayne have a range of options at various price points. Under the bed is the perfect place to store seasonal items like winter coats, accessories, swimwear and beach towels. It can also be a great location to store bedlinen if your apartment or home is lacking a laundry or linen cupboard. You do not need to compromise on look when opting for an under-bed storage solution as you can choose a style, material and colour to suit your specific interior design style.

Multi-purpose Furniture

As our homes become smaller and we prioritise location and lifestyle over size, we must make smart decisions when it comes to space saving furniture to maximise the feel of our rooms. When selecting each piece for your home, make sure and consider its storage capacity as well as the appearance. For example, when choosing bedside tables, opt for a style that has large drawers and a cupboard instead of a single drawer or stool style. The same principal can be applied when purchasing items like console tables, coffee tables, entertainment units and buffets.

Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are another great space saving furniture solution as they can be multi-purpose and serve a multitude of needs. We suggest using a storage ottoman instead of a coffee table in the living room as it allows you to store seasonal blankets and cushions within. Simply add a tray with some coasters and a few home décor pieces for a styled look. Ottomans can also be used as footrests when a living room is too small for a chaise or corner lounge and create another seating option when guests visit.

Tall Bookcases

A common mistake when decorating a small home is to not make use of walls and the height of the ceiling. There is prime storage real estate on walls that can be maximised through furniture and décor pieces like floating shelves and bookcases. We love using tall bookcases in areas such as the living room, dining room and study to store a variety of items. To avoid a cluttered look, we suggest choosing a bookcase that has cupboards as well as shelves to ensure some items can be hidden away out of plain sight. We love this beautiful white hutch style bookcase from Provincial Home Living that allows for plenty of storage.

Shop Space Saving Furniture at Homemaker The Valley

Our amazing retailers offer an array of furniture options to suit every size, style and budget. Shop our favourite recommendations for stylish, space saving furniture at our convenient location in Fortitude Valley. For more seasonal design trends and tips like balancing function and style, visit our Home Collective blog.

summer outdoor furniture trends

Top four summer entertaining trends

Summer has finally arrived and with the change of season comes a new appreciation for outdoor trends! There’s no denying that the weather is close to perfect and we think that calls for a celebration of our hard-working front yards, backyards, patios, and other open-air spaces (you know, the spots that are dedicated to entertaining).

With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that outdoor trends are starting to rival the number of indoor trends! Keen to know more about the latest craze in the interior space (or should we say exterior space)? Below we’ve gathered some of the top outdoor entertaining trends.

Front yard focus

Enhancing front yard areas is becoming more popular than ever before and rightfully so. This space is so often forgotten about, yet it’s the very first area your guests will see upon arrival. We’re seeing front yard makeovers everywhere and they’re certainly upping the curb appeal of houses as a whole.

So, what are some key elements to incorporate in an on-trend front yard? For starters, manicured lawn is a must (no explanation needed). You’ll also want to think about symmetry –frame your front door with potted plants or incorporate symmetry into your landscaping. Rid the space of unwanted weeds and dirt (yes, time to pull out the weed killer and pressure cleaner). Lastly, if you have the space, consider adding a seating area. This could be a singular floating chaise or a pair of outdoor armchairs.

Tuscan design elements

Dreaming of summertime in Tuscany? Why not create the same feel at home? Tuscan-style décor is in with its warm colours, natural elements, and a touch of rustic charm. This trend is all-encompassing, so to successfully pull it off, Tuscan additions are required to all areas of your outdoor space. Invest in wall hangings, ceramics, sculptures, terracotta pottery, and wrought iron furniture. Plant a variety of traditional plants like rosemary, olive trees, and lavender, and lastly consider an overall colour scheme – stick to olive greens, deep oranges, and even maroon.

Outdoor rooms

Much like the concept of open floor plan living, we’re seeing a trend develop where larger outdoor spaces are being divided into distinct areas or “rooms.” This includes outdoor kitchens, the use of pergolas, and contemporary poolside styling. Backyards now house multiple sections for seating, dining, and relaxation, rather than a single focal point.

Tip: if you’re struggling to create a divide between sections, look to the earth! Break up the areas by changing the flooring or ground texture. We recommend the use of gravel, tiles, and fresh grass.

Bold colours

Go bold with colours and say goodbye to muted hues with bright tablescapes, outdoor rugs, cushions, and statement furnishings. Minimalism is out and maximalism is officially back in!

We’re expecting to see splashes of colour everywhere this summer (indoors and out). Naturally, the Pantone colour of the year, Viva Magenta, continues to be a beloved shade this year. But warm hues of yellow and orange are also at the top of interior designers’ lists.

Keen to discover more summer trends? Read our Summer Trend Report online now and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with retailer offers, professional decorating advice, and more interior inspiration.

provincial home living outdoor decor

How to master alfresco dining this summer

Nothing beats the classic Australian backyard family BBQ. The sun is shining, the sausages are sizzling, and the tongs are at the ready. Whether it’s a weekend ritual or a special celebration, there’s nothing quite like outdoor dining during the summertime. This year, we think it’s about time to skip the restaurants and create a stunning alfresco scene in your own backyard instead. Here’s your ultimate guide to alfresco dining.

alfresco dining

Products: Eureka Furniture Brighton Dining Chair $849, Eureka Furniture Vendale Oval Dining Table $2,099, Freedom Harbour Side Plate $12.95, Freedom Olive Tree Garden Pot $269, Freedom Soho Cutlery Set $59.95, James Lane Velas Rattan Dome Ceiling Pendant $369, OZ Design Tomah Feather Fill Cushion $84.95, Provincial Home Living Avery Goblet $12.95, The Furniture Shack Bondi Indoor/Outdoor Bean Bag $329.

1. Invest in staple pieces

When it comes to outdoor dining and entertaining, it’s important to invest in the big pieces – we’re talking about your dining table, chairs, barbecues, and additional lighting features. These items should be strong enough to withstand the great Australian outdoors (even if they’re under the protection of a patio ceiling). We recommend opting for timber, oak, or steel tables and likewise for chairs. If your dining chairs have plush cushions, ensure they are removable so they can be brought inside during those pesky summer storms. It’s also a good idea to keep these larger pieces cohesive – opt for outdoor dining sets where the sofa, table, and chairs all match.

2. Quality over quantity

Out with the old, in with the new! It’s time to update your dining essentials this summer – we’re talking about cutlery, luxe glasses, and a set of simple ceramic plates. Having good quality dining essentials will make all the difference when entertaining – after all, no one likes paper plates or plastic cups. The best part? These items are going to last for seasons to come so there’s no need to replace them anytime soon!

3. Decorative accents

Now that you’ve got staple furnishings and necessary tableware, the rest is all about showcasing your personal taste and style. Stock up on outdoor cushions, vases, plants, and even sun lounges that match your aesthetic. We’re loving the coastal style this summer (read all about it in our Summer Trend Report ).

4. Change up your tablescape

You’re likely to have more than one outdoor dining experience this summer, right? So why not have a few different tablescape options to choose from? Be sure to keep your cutlery and glassware the same but change up your tablecloth, table runner, placemats, and centrepiece. By doing so, you can easily create a completely different feel.

We recommend having one minimal tablescape – this could be a white tablecloth, neutral table runner and placemats, and pillar candles. Another easily achievable tablescape theme is modern retro – create this aesthetic through burnt orange, yellow, and dark green hues.

Tip: mix and match across tablescape themes to create a whole new feel.

It’s officially time to embrace summer with an alfresco dining experience! Remember to play with an array of colours and patterns to suit the ambience of your outdoor dining area and most importantly have fun and soak up the good vibes with your friends and family.

Shop the sales: Black Friday deals you need to know

Mark your calendars for Friday 24 November because the best shopping day of the year, Black Friday, is just around the corner! Making for the ultimate excuse to splurge, no matter if it’s a luxury or a necessity. Plus, the event conveniently falls right before the holiday shopping rush.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – we’ve gone ahead and compiled some of the best deals in centre. Below is a little preview of the shopping mayhem that’s in store at the end of November. We don’t want you to miss out on the shopping spree of the year!

Freedom

Leading furniture and homewares retailer, Freedom, is set to have a blackout event starting on Tuesday 7 November continuing through until Monday 27 November. Plus, they will be offering an exclusive Black Friday only offer of an extra 20% off on all sofas. If you have your sights set on a new sofa, Black Friday is the time to buy it!

Provincial Home Living

Provincial Home Living is having a massive Black Friday Sale running from Friday 24 November to Monday 27 November, offering savings of up to $1000 for a limited time. Enjoy discounts with savings like $30 off $150, $100 off $400, $500 off $2000, and an impressive $1000 off $3500. Conditions apply. Don’t miss out!

Howards Storage World

Howards Storage World is gearing up for a four-day sale, featuring a 20% discount storewide! This is your golden opportunity to declutter your home with their top-notch kitchen, wardrobe, and bathroom organisation solutions.

Kitchen Warehouse

Kitchen Warehouse is set to have a huge sale with up to 70% off selected full-priced items. The sale will begin on Friday 17 November and run until Sunday 26 November. It’s the perfect opportunity to replenish your supplies in the kitchen – whether it be baking goods, cooking utensils, or stunning tableware.

Snooze

In search of a new mattress? Head to Snooze! They’re rolling out an incredible deal with a 50% discount on selected mattresses and bed frames, along with an additional 10% off on selected mattresses and bedframes. This sale will be running from Black Friday through to Sunday 26 November. *Terms and conditions apply.

James Lane

If you’re a James Lane enthusiast then be sure to note the date, Tuesday 21 November because that’s when their exciting offer will be released. Stay tuned for more details!

Eureka Furniture

Eureka Furniture have 50% – 70% off all furniture as well as 30% off accessories when you spend a minimum of $600. The best part? This deal comes with a 24-month interest free promotional offer!

Beds N Dreams

Beds N Dreams will be having a major sale, featuring discounts up to 50% off the recommended retail price (RRP). This is the ideal opportunity to enhance your sleep with a new mattress or bed frame.

The Furniture Shack

The Furniture Shack will be offering a remarkable 40% off their Premium Barbados Outdoor Suite! It’s a stunning range ideal for those who are looking to replace their patio and outdoor furniture.

Sleepy’s

Sleepy’s will also be participating in the Black Friday sales with exclusive discounts storewide. Head in store for more details and to take advantage of their exceptional deals.

There you have it – a sneak peek of some of the best Black Friday deals to anticipate! Keep in mind that these are just a fraction of the exciting offers to come. Be sure to head in centre on Friday 24 November. Happy shopping!

Looking for more home inspiration? Join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

*Snooze offer not available on floor stock, Snooze deals, products, clearance, Bedgear C1 mattress, delivery, assembly and recycling services. As Snooze stores vary in size, it is possible that not all products are displayed in all stores but all products may be ordered on request. While Snooze aims to ensure the information provided is correct, sometimes errors occur and they reserve the right to correct any errors. New orders only. Snooze’s standard terms and conditions of sale otherwise apply.

kitchen decor

The Best Homeware Stores in Brisbane for High Quality Pieces

Selecting the right pieces to decorate your home can be tricky, but today we are sharing our picks for the best homewares stores in Brisbane to help you on your styling journey. Whether you are searching for the perfect cushion for the living room or a beautiful lamp to make a statement in your entryway, we’ve got you covered. Here at Homemaker The Valley we know that your home should be reflective of your lifestyle, personal style and values and we believe that you can achieve this through decorating with beautiful homeware items. Homewares include items such as vases, decor, soft furnishings, mirrors, artwork and rugs. High quality pieces at affordable prices are found in an array of our retailers and today we are sharing with you some of our top picks for stores to get you started.

Provincial Home Living

Provincial Home Living specialise in classic homeware pieces that will create a timeless look in any room of your home. When looking for the perfect homeware store in Brisbane, you can’t go past this beautiful space for all the inspiration you need. From beautiful table centrepieces, an array of candlestick holders and gorgeous ceramics that will pair perfectly with a Queensland home, you can’t go past PHL. We love their beautiful urns as a statement piece on your kitchen island bench or the centre of a dining table. Be sure to head in store for all the home decor inspiration you need to decorate any area of your home.

Provincial home living decor

Nick Scali

You may know Nick Scali as one of the go-to furniture stores in Brisbane for items like sofas and dining tables, but do you know they offer a range of other products as well? To finish off your space and match perfectly with your furniture pieces, Nick Scali offer a range of rugs and mirrors too. They have a selection of beautiful rugs in large sizes that are timeless and classic to suit any design style. Their range of mirrors are perfect for entryway styling or we suggest adding a floor length mirror to your bedroom to finish off the space.

Adairs

Adairs is one of our favourite retailers for on trend home decor pieces and beautiful bed linen. With fresh new ranges in store weekly, you are destined to find the perfect homeware piece you have been looking for. Not only does Adairs specialise in ben linen and are proud ‘linen lovers’, they also have a huge range of decorative accents, artwork, rugs and furniture too! We love that they are embracing the colour trend this season and showcasing homewares such as vases, bookends and dinnerware in gorgeous shades of yellow, purple and blue. We suggest refreshing your bathroom and injecting some colour and pattern with their high quality towel range. Our favourite is the Taylor multi check towel in French blue.

Floral purple bedding

Freedom

When searching for homewares stores in Brisbane you can’t go past everyone’s favourite, Freedom. Not only are they known for their beautiful furniture pieces and comfortable sofas, but their homewares are always ahead of the trends and can suit any interior design style. We love heading into Freedom for their amazing range of floor lamps, table lamps and pendant lights to brighten up any space. We also love their great range of cushions and home decor pieces in seasonal colours that make layering and styling a breeze.

Homeware stores Brisbane Freedom

Domayne

 

is one of the leading furniture stores in Brisbane and specialise in high quality, Australian made pieces. With classic designs in a variety of interior design styles from Hamptons, Traditional, Contemporary or Coastal, they’ve got a piece to suit every need. Not only do they produce beautiful furniture, but they have an amazing range of homewares too. We love their beautiful range of cushions in luxurious fabrics for indoors and outdoors. Domayne also has a gorgeous range of oversized table lamps that will be sure to make a statement in your entryway, bedsides or living room. Be sure to head into Domayne next time you are browsing at Homemaker The Valley.

TK Maxx

If you are after seasonal, affordable and fun home decor pieces that are on trend and of the moment, then look no further than TK Maxx. With new ranges entering the store weekly, we love heading in to check out what’s new and find a one-off gem that we can style in our home. TK Maxx have perfected seasonal home decor and you’ll often find candles, cushions and throw blankets for every occasion such as Halloween, Autumn, Christmas or Easter. Head into TK Maxx next time you are at the centre to pick yourself up a unique home decor piece or gift for a loved one.

TK Maxx homewares Brisbane

Here at Homemaker The Valley we pride ourselves on having the best homewares stores in Brisbane. Whether you are after the latest trending piece or a timeless home decor accent for your home, our retailers have got you covered. We can’t wait to see you at the centre soon to help refresh and restyle your home.

Christmas home décor

Deck the Halls: How to Decorate Your Space With Style This Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and as Christmas 2023 rolls around, we’re eagerly awaiting the chance to hang out with our favourite people, soak in the festive vibes, and enjoy the holiday cheer. But with all these family gatherings and merry celebrations on the cards, it’s also time to get your abode ready to entertain with Christmas home decor.

Need some ideas? Here’s the ultimate roundup of essential Christmas home decorations to get you through the holiday season – from festive décor to tableware, we haven’t forgotten a thing.

Christmas home décor

FEATURED PRODUCTS: Adairs Beaded Luxe Star Tree Topper $29.99, Adairs Belgian Check Vintage Washed Cushion $89.99, Adairs Glass Luxe Decorative Christmas Tree $99.99, Adairs Natural Branch Small Christmas Tree $299.99, Freedom Glasshouse Fragrances Candle $59.95, Freedom Studio Wine Glass Set of 4 $49.95, Provincial Home Living Festive Village Tealight Holder $59.95, Provincial Home Living Jou Gingham BonBon 6 Pack $26.95, Provincial Home Living Lambs Ear Wreath $99.95.

Tableware

Want to upstage your 2022 Christmas tablescape? Then a few new additions are a must! Plus, who doesn’t love setting the table for the holidays? It’s a festive and fun activity, especially when the entire family gathers around to indulge in a feast afterwards!

First and foremost, a centrepiece! This year, we recommend keeping it simple by opting for a simple tealight ornament or some fresh flowers arranged in a gorgeous vase. Keep in mind that larger centrepieces are often removed once everyone is seated and the food is served, so consider a reasonable height to ensure it can stay on the table.

Next up, glassware! Yep, it’s time to ditch the paper cups (apologies to the clean up crew!). But glassware truly makes all the difference; it will transform your table from drab to fab, adding a touch of luxury and opulence to a day full of celebration and unity.

The rest of your table should follow a theme – whether it be woodlands, traditional, or vibrant colours. Be sure to complete the look with placemats, ceramic plates, cutlery, napkins, bon bons, and even name tags.

Home scents

Often overlooked, yet undeniably essential – we’re talking about holiday home scents, of course! There’s no doubt that Christmas somehow has an aroma, a nostalgic combination of freshly baked sugar cookies, gingerbread, cherries, and pinecones.

So, what better way to fill your home with festive spirit than with a distinctive scent that encapsulates Christmas? We recommend the Glasshouse Fragrances White Christmas candle – it smells divine! Burn the candle throughout the season and then when Christmas rolls around next year, find a new festive scent to fill your home with!

Traditional décor

It wouldn’t be Christmas home décor without some traditional pieces! We’re talking about Christmas trees, wreaths, tree hangings, and other novelty motifs. Be sure to keep all the pieces within an overall theme – even if it’s just a colour scheme like pale green, pink, red, and gold. This way your home will feel cohesive from when your guests walk through the door all the way through to the dining area and living space.

Subtle additions

It’s important to note that Christmas home décor doesn’t necessarily have to be cliché. In fact, it could be super subtle with the ability to be repurposed throughout the year. How? Choose throw blankets and pillows that stick within your colour scheme but don’t have any Christmas messaging or symbols. We recommend the same approach when it comes to decorative accessories. For example, fresh eucalyptus is inherently Australian but also festive. Plus, get longevity by using pieces that not only suit Christmas, but the entirety of summer, too.

We know that planning for Christmas can be a really big deal! Everyone wants their home to feel stylish and welcoming all while maintaining that festive vibe. Luckily, achieving this balance is simpler than ever this year with Homemaker The Valley. Find all your fave holiday home décor essentials under one roof. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy decorating!

Looking for more home inspiration? Join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop

Organise Your Fridge

Organise Your Fridge This Spring at Kitchen Warehouse

Spring is the perfect time for a kitchen refresh and what better place to start than with a fridge organisation? Kitchen Warehouse at Homemaker Fortitude Valley is the perfect place to begin your journey when planning and sourcing your products for a fridge makeover. Not only does having an organised fridge look beautiful, but it allows for a more functional and systemised approach to mealtimes and planning around a busy family life. Today we are sharing our step-by-step process and suggestions on the exact products you need to create a more functional and organised fridge.

 

Take Inventory & Assess

The first step we recommend when planning a fridge organisation is to take inventory of all the items you currently store and throw out any expired products. This allows you to see what items you are working with and asses what the best storage solutions will be. Once you have a list of your most commonly used items and the products you would like to store, we suggest wiping out the interior of your fridge and completing a freezer defrost to ensure you are starting with a clean and refreshed slate. During this process it is essential to take measurements of the height, width, and depth of your fridge shelving and storage compartments to ensure any products purchased will fit perfectly. Now comes the fun part of shopping for your fridge organisation essentials!

 

Drawer Organisers

Drawer organisers are the shining star when it comes to organising your fridge as they allow you to categorise and separate your items into like-minded goods. We love the Kitchen Pro clear drawer organiser from Kitchen Warehouse which comes in a variety of sizes to suit your fridge requirements. Simply line a few of these side by side on a shelf to separate and categorise your food accordingly. Drawer organisers are perfect for storing items such as cheese, meats, yogurt pouches and condiments.

 

Glass Containers

Provincial Home Living and Howard’s Storage at Homemaker Fortitude Valley are great destinations for home organisation, and we recommend heading in to check out their great range of storage containers. Glass containers are perfect for storing items such as leftovers, cut-up vegetables, salads and more to ensure they stay fresh for longer. We love the Lock and Lock rectangular containers from Howard’s as they are perfect for stacking and are a great space-saving solution. The Parson range of glass containers at Provincial Home Living is another great storage solution as they come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Glass containers are a great fridge organisation tool as they are not only practical, but they are easy to clean and keep your food safe and fresh.

 

Turntables

Turntables are another great storage solution to utilise when organising your fridge this Spring. We suggest selecting a clear turntable to match with the drawer organisers like the Kitchen Pro turntable from Kitchen Warehouse. We suggest having one turntable dedicated to spreads and breakfast items and another for condiments and sauces. Turntables allow for easy access and are a functional solution for categorising your everyday products.

 

Labels

Once you have purchased all your storage solutions, categorised your food into like-minded items and organised accordingly, the last step is to label. To ensure your food items are placed back in their correct home and to make unloading the grocery shopping a breeze, labelling is an essential step. We suggest using black or white sticker labels and placing them on the front of the drawer organisers with categories such as ‘snacks’, ‘meat’, ‘cheese’ etc. This encourages the entire family to participate in putting items back where they came from and maintaining an organised kitchen and fridge.

Having an organised fridge allows for a streamlined and more functional process when preparing meals for the family and unloading groceries at the end of a busy day. So next time you’re in Fortitude Valley be sure to head into the centre to discover all your home organisation needs. If you’d like an extra helping hand in selecting the perfect kitchen organisation products, then book in for your free styling session with our resident stylist. We look forward to seeing you at the centre soon!

neutral minimalist dining room decor

How to experiment with style this spring

There’s no denying that your home is like a blank canvas and you’re responsible for painting it. But what if you find yourself drawn to more than one artistic style? Well, you’re not alone, and with so many styles out there (rustic, traditional, coastal, minimalist and the list goes on) it can certainly be difficult to stick with just one. Perhaps you might love the opulence of vintage décor while your partner leans towards a more minimalist aesthetic. Sound like you? Then you may have found yourself wondering if it’s possible to mix and match interior trends, while still having a home that feels cohesive. The answer is a surprising yes! Keep reading to find out how to blend decorating styles and transform your space into your own. Spoiler: the secret is all about balance, repetition, and compromise!

Find the perfect balance

Blending decorating styles isn’t about throwing random furnishings and décor pieces together, it’s about striking the right balance. Start by identifying the main style you want to embrace – this will serve as your anchor, providing a base layer amidst the other various styles. Let this chosen style guide your larger furniture choices and overall layout. Once you’ve established your foundation, it’ll be easy to layer in elements from other trends and styles. Some great foundation trends include traditional, minimalist, and industrial, whereas great layered styles could include art deco, coastal, and rustic. Why? Because the foundation styles are more about the furnishing and colourings and the additional layered styles are all about small décor pieces.

Embrace repetition

Repetition is essential when it comes to blending interior styles because it’s going to create a theme that runs throughout your home, making the space feel purposely designed rather than disjointed. To ensure your space feels cohesive, simply incorporate repeated patterns, colours, and textures across various rooms. This could be a large statement like wallpaper in a standout print, or it could be in the subtle details like light fixtures or handles.

The art of compromise

Compromise doesn’t always mean sacrificing, it means creating a space that honours various tastes (which is especially important when decorating as a couple). Be sure to opt for pieces that bridge the gap between your preferred styles, ones that won’t overpower the other. For example, steer clear from any major statement furnishings and rather find common ground, even if this means the piece is more pared back.

Although it’s clear there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all approach to home styling, if you stick to these three simple rules then your home is going to look and feel amazing! By embracing balance, repetition, and compromise you’re bound to achieve a space that reflects your taste and enables you to blend decorating styles seamlessly. Remember, your home is your canvas so blend, experiment, and enjoy styling it!

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