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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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The biggest trend we are seeing coming through in interiors at the moment is the modern farmhouse interior design style. This is a trend that incorporates a touch of country charm, with minimalist open spaces and industrial elements for an overall modern, yet homely aesthetic. The modern farmhouse interior trend has a very particular colour palette and a few key design elements you’ll need to incorporate to really nail the style in your own home. As this is a classic aesthetic that’s evolved over time, we’re certain this trend will continue to be popular for years to come. So, if you’re keen to adopt the modern farmhouse interior trend into your own home, read on for our tips on where to find the best pieces to incorporate into your space here at Homemaker The Valley!

Utilise structural staples

There are a few key design elements you’ll need to adopt to master the modern farmhouse style that draw inspiration from country, farmhouse, and industrial style homes. This design style has a very neutral colour palette, which means interest must be created using various structural pieces, textures, and finishes. Horizontal wall cladding painted in a white or off-white colour will automatically elevate each room whilst maintaining a clean and minimal modern farmhouse aesthetic. If your house is structurally able, we recommend adding exposed timber beams or creating faux timber beams on the ceiling for the ultimate farmhouse vibe. Subway tiling, open shelving, warm timber floors, and shaker-style cabinetry are also a must for the modern farmhouse trend and can be picked up from retailers like Early Settler and Provincial Home Living.

Choose a classic colour palette

The modern farmhouse interior design style sticks to a rustic colour palette, with pops of subtle, washed-out colours to offset the minimal look. Wall paint, cabinetry, benchtops, and tiling should be monochromatic or neutral in tone, using colours such as white, cream, charcoal or black. Modern farmhouse interiors often utilise bright white walls, warm timber floors and striking black accents through lighting fixtures, window frames and hardware. We recommend choosing large furniture items in colours such as cream or white, and pairing them with accent pieces in tan or charcoal. Subtle pops of colour can be added in shades of sage green, pale blue or washed-out mustard to also bring more life into the space, and you can find some great pieces that fall into this category at Freedom and Domayne here at Homemaker The Valley!

Play with texture

When designing a modern farmhouse home with a neutral colour palette, it is essential to include a variety of textures to create interest within the space. Rustic timbers are a great way to add visual interest in both furniture and built in cabinetry. Here at Homemaker The Valley, we have a variety of stores where you can pick up some gorgeous timber furniture pieces such as Provincial Home Living, Early Settler and Freedom, just to name a few. Another key design element of the modern farmhouse style is incorporating tan leather pieces into your space like occasional chairs, ottomans or bar stools for a laid back, casual vibe. You can also create visual interest through soft furnishings in a variety of neutral colours by choosing fabrics such as natural linens and chunky wool. Check out Adairs and the Sheridan Factory Outlet for some amazing decorative cushions, blankets and throw options in these eye-catching textures.

Embrace rustic décor

The modern farmhouse style often includes open shelving, which provides you with ample space to style your favourite rustic décor pieces that don’t just align with your new chosen aesthetic, but also reflect your unique personality. So, when you’re shopping for modern farmhouse décor, try looking for things like rustic jars, pots, beautiful hand-crafted ceramics, and antique books that don’t just look amazing, but also help showcase what you personally love — grab books about your favourite topics and fill your jars with treats you can’t get enough of! Pop into Provincial Home Living and Oz Design for some amazing modern farmhouse décor pieces to spruce up your home. We also recommend using large vases to house sprawling foliage and branches to create a bespoke centrepiece for your kitchen island, console table or dining table. You can use foliage from your own garden or pop into Freedom or Adairs here at Homemaker The Valley for some faux stems that will last a lifetime!

Find fabulous furniture

Say goodbye to sleek, small furniture and embrace comfortable and classic modern farmhouse furniture! Think large, plump sofas, comfortable occasional chairs, oversized coffee tables and rustic console tables with traditional turned legs. Stores such as James Lane have some amazing sofa options that are perfect for the modern farmhouse trend and we also recommend popping into Provincial Home Living to browse an array of furniture pieces such as dining tables, console tables, and display cabinets that will work perfectly with this design style. If you choose furniture that aligns with the classic colour palette we mentioned earlier or utilises some eye-catching textures, you’ll be well on your way to creating a modern farmhouse style home every visitor will be wowed by!

Some interior design trends really do stand the test of time and the modern farmhouse interior style is definitely one of those enduring trends. Here at Homemaker The Valley, we’re big fans of the rustic look, so come and visit our friendly retailers and see how they can help you transform your home into an exciting, yet relaxing modern farmhouse.

If you thought you had to go bold with your interior colour scheme to make a statement, think again! Paring back your colour palette to a nice blend of neutral colours for home decor and textures will help you create a space that is anything but boring. Bright trends may come and go, but neutral is forever. So, to help you refresh your home, we’ve prepared a list of ways you can incorporate neutral tones into your space for a timeless interior aesthetic.

A balanced bedroom

The bedroom is the ideal place to explore a more restrained colour combo. Natural materials like wood and wool add a warmth to the space that will lend itself to a good night sleep. A whitewashed country style bed from Snooze would work perfectly alongside some crisp white bedding and a mountain of throw cushions from Adairs. Frame your bed with a wool shag rug for an elegant finish or a jute rug for something a little more relaxed.

Wonderful walls

When it comes to wall colours, anything goes! From grey and white to beige or slate, this neutral home colour palette will complement any and all décor. Layer different hues of the same colour, like a darker toned grey feature wall and a lighter version of the same colour on the other walls in your home, for a sophisticated finish. Once you’ve layered your colours, decorate your gallery wall with wall art in tonal frames from Frame Today to really make your new feature wall eye-catching.

Divine decor

When it comes to styling your home, neutral colour home décor always works. Use woven baskets for storage or bring that basket style into your lighting choices with dome basket pendants. Freedom has an amazing selection of woven lighting and décor pieces that add a light touch of texture to every neutral-coloured home. Plants really get the chance to pop when placed in a neutral space as well, so put a few in the corners of your space, but make sure to grab a few neutral plant pots from TK Maxx or Adairs to really keep your aesthetic consistent.

Functional furniture

Regardless of whether you have a tiny, combined living space or multiple rooms to spread out in, a neutral home colour palette will work wonders for the flow for your home. Danish mid-century-inspired furniture works well with this palette, but for something a little different, why not try pieces with an eclectic Californian influence? Think cacti, tan leather, lots of layers and one-of-a-kind vintage finds. It’s a look that is inviting and relaxing without trying too hard and Nick Scali’s selection of tan leather furniture would be the perfect way to inject a bit of California cool into your neutral home.

If you’re wanting to elevate your space and make it look luxe without too much effort, then opting for neutral colours for home styling is definitely the best way to go. You’ll be able to make each room look incredibly elegant with a reasonable price tag and the best part? You’ll be able to find all of your key neutral pieces right here at Homemaker The Valley! So, come down and visit our retailers to start bringing more neutral tones into your home.

In today’s fast-paced world, creating a sense of community within our homes has become increasingly important. By thoughtfully incorporating furniture and decor, we can transform our living spaces into inviting communal areas that foster connection, conversation, and togetherness. Let this seasonal trend show you how specific furniture pieces, natural colour palettes, and clever design choices can contribute to making a space more communal.

1. Choosing Communal Furniture

To encourage interaction and conversation, select furniture that promotes face-to-face engagement. Consider incorporating a large dining table, one from Eureka Furniture that features with comfortable seating where family and friends can gather for meals and engaging conversations. A farmhouse-style table, for example, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere conducive to communal dining experiences.

Additionally, modular or sectional sofas offer flexibility and versatility, allowing individuals to sit together comfortably while facilitating group interactions. Early Settler has a wide selection in a range of colours and fabrics to suit all spaces. Arrange the seating in a circular or semi-circular formation to create an inclusive and communal seating arrangement.

2. Embracing Natural Colour Palettes

Natural colour palettes play a crucial role in creating a calming and welcoming environment that encourages people to gather and connect. Opt for earthy tones such as warm beige, soft browns, soothing greens, and serene blues. These colours evoke a sense of harmony with nature and provide a relaxed backdrop that enhances social interactions. You can incorporate these colours through soft furnishings like cushions, throws and rugs, which Adairs has in abundance.

Integrate natural elements like wood, stone, and plants into your furniture and decor choices. Wood furniture pieces, for instance, can add warmth and a touch of nature to communal areas, while plants bring life and freshness to the space.

3. Open Concept Design

An open concept design encourages fluidity within your home and allows everyone to be connected. Creating a seamless flow between different areas of the home, enables people to move around and connect effortlessly, especially when having guests over.

Utilise furniture strategically to define spaces within the open concept layout. For instance, a low bookshelf or a console table, that you can find at Freedom can act as a subtle divider between the living area and the dining space, maintaining an open feel while creating a visual distinction between areas.

4. Functional and Multipurpose Furniture

To maximise the communal nature of your space, invest in functional and multipurpose furniture. Consider pieces like storage ottomans, coffee tables with built-in storage, or bookshelves that double as room dividers. These furniture items not only serve their primary purpose but also provide additional functionality, such as hidden storage, which helps maintain an organised and clutter-free environment, adding to the open layout and allowing for movement to flow.

5. Thoughtful Arrangements and Focal Points

Arranging furniture with intention can enhance the communal atmosphere. Create conversation zones by arranging seating around a central focal point, such as a fireplace, a cosy rug, or a large coffee table that you can find at Oz Design Furniture. This arrangement encourages interaction and makes the space feel more inviting and inclusive.

Incorporating furniture and decor strategically can transform any home into a communal space that nurtures connections and fosters a sense of togetherness. By selecting the right furniture pieces, embracing natural colour palettes, adopting an open concept design, investing in functional furniture, and arranging the space thoughtfully, you can create an environment that encourages social interaction and strengthens the bonds among family members and friends. Remember, a communal home is a space where cherished memories are made, and relationships are nourished.

With Winter’s arrival, it’s the perfect time to infuse your home with warmth and cosiness through the use of rich, deep colours. This interior design trend revolves around embracing warm hues to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. By incorporating these colours into soft furnishings such as pillows, throws, and rugs, as well as utilising them in statement pieces like armchairs or artwork, you can transform your home into a comforting sanctuary. Let us show you how to incorporate this seasonal trend in your home to brighten up and create a cosy space during the Winter season.

1. Selecting Warm, Rich Deep Colours

The first step is to choose a palette of warm, rich deep colours that evoke a sense of comfort. Consider hues such as deep reds, burnt oranges, golden yellows, or even jewel tones like forest green or sapphire blue. These colours create a visual warmth and make a bold statement in your home.

You can always look to decorate a room using one of these colours and then using shades of the same colour in different textures to add depth and interest to the space, rather than making it appear overwhelming.

2. Soft Furnishings: Pillows, Throws, and Rugs

Soft furnishings play a significant role in adding warmth and texture to your space. Incorporate pillows, throws, and rugs in warm, deep colours to create a cosy and inviting ambiance. Opt for plush fabrics like velvet, faux fur, or chunky knits for extra comfort.

Arrange pillows in contrasting colours and textures on sofas, chairs, or beds. Drape a chunky knit throw, that you can find at Adairs, over a couch or armchair to provide a sense of warmth and instant cosiness. Place rugs in deep hues beneath furniture or in high-traffic areas to anchor the space and add an extra layer of depth.

3. Statement Pieces: Armchairs and Artwork

To make a bold visual impact, consider incorporating a statement piece in one of the warm, deep colours. An armchair in a deep red, burnt orange, or jewel-toned upholstery becomes a focal point in the room, offering both comfort and visual interest. You can find a great selection at Early Settler that are suited to fit any space. This piece can be complemented by coordinating pillows or a throw.

Another way to introduce warm colours is through artwork. Hang a piece of artwork with rich, deep hues on a prominent wall. This not only adds colour to the space but also becomes a conversation starter and a visual centerpiece.

4. Harmonious Colour Combinations

While incorporating warm, deep colours, it’s important to create a harmonious colour palette. Consider balancing the rich hues with neutral tones such as cream, beige, or light gray. These neutrals provide a backdrop that allows the warm colours to shine while maintaining a balanced and visually pleasing environment.

You can achieve this through wooden furniture pieces, like a coffee table, bookshelf or buffet which helps to break up the space. Eureka Furniture features a great selection of wooden pieces.

5. Lighting and Accessories

Enhance the warmth and cosiness of the space by selecting lighting fixtures and accessories that complement the rich colour palette. Choose warm-toned light bulbs to create a soft and inviting ambiance. Add metallic accents in bronze or copper finishes to provide a touch of luxury and further enhance the warm aesthetic, which you can find at Oz Design.

Incorporate additional accessories like decorative vases, candles, or table lamps in complementary warm colours to tie the overall look together.

By embracing warm, rich deep colours, you can transform your home into a cosy Winter haven. Through soft furnishings like pillows, throws, and rugs, as well as statement pieces such as armchairs or artwork, you can infuse your space with warmth and create a visually stunning environment. Remember to balance the rich colours with neutrals and choose lighting and accessories that enhance the overall cosy atmosphere. Embrace the beauty of these colours to brighten up your home and make it a welcoming retreat during the Winter season.

In the era of remote work and digital connectivity, creating a home office that combines comfort, functionality, and productivity has become essential. The Modern Academia interior decor trend draws inspiration from modern aesthetics while incorporating warm wooden furniture, cosy soft furnishings, ample lighting, and inspiring decor elements. This article will guide you through the key elements of the Modern Academia trend to help you design a home office that promotes a productive workflow in a comfortable and stylish environment.

1. Incorporating warm wooden furniture

Central to the trend is the use of deep, rich wooden pieces which exudes a sense of sophistication and natural beauty. Opt for a sturdy wooden desk, like one from Oz Design that has ample workspace and storage options, such as built-in drawers or shelves. A solid wood desk not only adds visual appeal but also provides durability and a connection to nature.

Complement the desk with wooden bookshelves or a storage cabinet, like one from Freedom for organising books, reference materials, and office supplies. The combination of wooden furniture pieces creates a cohesive and timeless aesthetic in your home office.

2. Cosy Soft Furnishings

To create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in your home office, incorporate soft furnishings that invite relaxation and provide support. Invest in a comfortable and ergonomic office chair that promotes good posture and prevents fatigue during long working hours.

Add plush cushions and throws to your seating area to infuse a cosy ambiance. Consider incorporating a comfortable reading chair or a small sofa, like ones found at Adairs for moments of relaxation or contemplation, further enhancing the academia-inspired atmosphere.

3. Adequate Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for a productive workspace. Embrace natural light by positioning your desk near a window to benefit from daylight and a connection to the outside world. If natural light is limited, complement it with ambient lighting options, such as a stylish desk lamp or pendant lighting. You can find plenty of stylish options at Domayne. Consider a focused desk lamp or adjustable spotlights to illuminate your work surface effectively. Layering different types of lighting creates a well-lit and visually appealing home office environment.

4. Inspiring Decor Elements

Incorporate inspiring decor elements that reflect you and stimulate creativity and productivity. You can make this a DIY project and find prints that you like to hang on the wall including motivational quotes, inspirational artwork, or framed prints of literary works on the walls. You can even incorporate interesting pieces from James Lane to add flair to your space. These decorative pieces help to infuse your workspace with individuality.

Integrate a chalkboard or a whiteboard for jotting down ideas, reminders, or creating to-do lists. Additionally, display a collection of books, either as a backdrop for your workspace or on open shelves, to showcase add visual interest.

5. Minimalist and Functional Organisation

Maintaining a clutter-free and well-organised workspace is vital for productivity. Embrace minimalist storage solutions such as sleek desk organisers, file cabinets, or wall-mounted shelves to keep your essentials within reach and maintain a clean aesthetic. Be sure to visit Howards Storage World for even more storage solutions.

Invest in functional storage options like boxes, baskets, or magazine holders to neatly store papers, notebooks, and stationery. A clutter-free environment helps reduce distractions and allows for a more focused and efficient workflow.

The Modern Academia interior decor trend combines modern aesthetics with warmth, comfort, and functionality to create a home office conducive to productivity. By incorporating warm wooden furniture, cosy soft furnishings, adequate lighting, and inspiring decor elements, you can design a workspace that reflects sophistication, supporting your work needs, and inspiring a productive workflow. Remember, a well-designed and comfortable home office enhances your focus, creativity, and overall well-being.

Over time, clutter can accumulate in our homes, leaving us with little space to enjoy. But fear not! Decluttering and organising your home doesn’t have to be daunting. In this blog, we’ve compiled 10 effective tips to help you declutter your home, regain control of your living space and create a clean and organised environment. Get set to welcome a refreshed and functional home!

1. Create a Decluttering Pinterest Board

Need something to inspire you to declutter your home? We suggest you start your journey by creating a dedicated Pinterest board filled with images you really resonate with – from interior design to home organisation for every room in your house that could do with some help. Start with decluttering just one room – this will make the process easier and allow you to change your tact should you need to. Once inspired, make a list of necessary storage pieces and head to Howard’s Storage World to equip yourself for decluttering success!

2. Invest in Functional Furniture with Storage

Maximise space and combat clutter by investing in furniture with hidden storage. Utilise bed frames with drawers for bed linens, ottomans for blankets, and coffee tables with built-in storage for your favourite books and magazines. Freedom offers a fantastic selection of functional furniture that not only complements your style but also motivates you to declutter and organise your home. Also, check out Early Settler and Oz Design.

3. Source Long-Term Storage Solutions

Next on your journey to declutter your home, focus on finding long-term storage solutions. Opt for clear jars of the same style but in varying sizes and wooden organisers to keep your pantry and fridge organised. Use baskets in cupboards to group similar items and minimise clutter. There is a wide range of stores at Homemaker The Valley that offer great storage solutions, such as Howard’s Storage World, Freedom, Provincial Home Living, James Lane and Adairs. Make sure you have a scroll through the Homemaker The Valley website for more inspiration on home organisation tips and tricks before you head to the centre to see what’s in store.

4. Stylishly Organise Your Countertops

Declutter your kitchen countertops by giving each item a designated space. Remove unnecessary items, like mail and catalogues, and create a coffee corner for your machine and mugs. What can you take off the kitchen counter and place elsewhere? If cupboard space has been maxed out, think of paper towel holders that can be attached beneath cabinets, or magnetic spice racks / shelves attached to the side of the fridge. Kitchen Warehouse offers a wide selection of kitchen storage items to help you maintain a clutter-free and stylish kitchen.

5. Embrace the One-in, One-out Rule

To prevent future clutter, adopt the one-in, one-out rule. For every new item you bring into your home, remove an old one. This practice ensures that your space remains organised and clutter-free in the long run.

6. Sort and Donate Any Unwanted Items

Take time to sort through your belongings and identify items you no longer need or use. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used your items in 18 months, you likely won’t use them again. Donate these items to local charities, list them on marketplace, or find a local second hall market This is a great way to earn some extra cash, or donate to a worthy cause.

7. Establish Daily Decluttering Habits

Maintain a clutter-free home by establishing daily decluttering habits. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up and putting things back in their designated places – this might be after dinner, or before you go to bed. Perhaps it’s making sure the dining table is clear every night, or making sure toys are always picked up off the floor. These small efforts will prevent clutter from building up over time.

8. Digitise Paper Clutter

Another way to declutter your home is to reduce paper clutter by digitising documents and important papers. Scan receipts, bills, and other paperwork and store them electronically – there are some great free apps available that can help. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to access and organise important information.

9. Create Designated Zones for Items

Assign specific zones for items throughout your home. Designate a spot for keys, shoes, and mail near the entrance, and create a dedicated space for toys and games in the living room. This organisation strategy prevents items from being scattered around the house, shoved in random places, or impossible to find when you’re running out the door. Check out Howard’s Storage World has some key hooks and desk organisers.

10. Involve the Whole Family

Often a team effort is required to declutter your home! Involve your family members and assign tasks to each person. This not only lightens the load but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership in helping to keep the home tidy and clutter-free in the long term.

Ready To Declutter Your Home?

In conclusion, while it may seem like a daunting task, with these 10 effective tips to inspire you to declutter your home, you can turn it into a rewarding and manageable journey. Starting with Pinterest board can spark inspiration and guide you through the process one room at a time. Investing in dual function furniture with hidden storage allows you to maximise space while keeping your belongings neatly organised, while investing in long-term storage solutions and involving the whole family will help you to maintain a clutter-free environment into the future. With the help of Homemaker The Valley’s retailers, you’ll have a stylish space that’s functional and inviting in no time.