Category Archives: Get the Look

The great outdoors

When the temperatures start to rise, it’s that time of year when we all want to spruce up our outdoor spaces. With summer kicking in, nature’s beauty is right at our fingertips, and it feels like the world is our playground. But where do you even start? Let’s chat about turning your outdoor area into the ultimate summer hangout!

There’s something magical about enjoying those sunny days with friends and family, whether it’s lounging by the pool, firing up the barbecue, or simply soaking in the fresh air. But to really elevate your alfresco experience, the right furniture makes all the difference! From cosy coastal vibes to vibrant bohemian flair or sleek modern minimalism, there’s a style out there to match your vibe. So, let’s dive into a few fun trends that will turn your backyard, balcony, or patio into the go-to spot for summer gatherings!

Slim Aarons-inspired décor

Adairs Citron Footed Vase $269.99, Adairs Soho Stripe Indoor & Outdoor Rug from $179.99, Adairs Summer Fruit Lemon Coupe Glass Gift Pack of 2 $39.99, Domayne Jones Rectangular Bar Cart $259, Eureka Furniture Beachmere Timber Sun Lounge $1,999, Freedom Fitzroy Outdoor Cushion $39.95, James Lane Bomani Tall Round Vessel $224.95, OZ Design Alfie Framed Print $429, Provincial Home Living Soho Director’s Chair $229.95.

First up is Slim Aarons-inspired décor. Known for his iconic work as a photographer, Aarons had a unique talent for capturing the glitz, glamour, and leisurely lifestyles of the elite. Just one glance at his stunning images transports you to sun-drenched days in the south of France or lounging in Palm Springs with an icy martini in hand. This décor style embraces natural light and vibrant colours, evoking a carefree, aspirational vibe.

To achieve this look, focus on incorporating oversized, comfortable seating – think plush lounges and sun-soaked chaise lounges that invite relaxation. Use vibrant cushions in rich hues or bold patterns to add pops of colour, and don’t shy away from mixing textures like rattan, linen, and cotton. Add in natural elements, like lush greenery and potted plants, to create a sense of organic beauty.

Lighting is also key; opt for string lights or lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets. And, of course, set the scene with elegant tableware for alfresco dining – think chic glassware and vibrant table linens that echo those dreamy summer days. With these elements, you’ll be able to channel that Slim Aarons style, turning your outdoor space into a glamorous retreat.

Tuscan terrace style

Adairs Sphere Lychee Bloom Candle 400g $25, DecoRug Tall Abstract Ceramic Vase $19.96, Eureka Furniture Solar Large Round Patio Chair $2,399, Freedom Growing Herbs Book By Beaglier Books $29.95, Provincial Home Living Kylix Urn $139.95, Provincial Home Living Olive Tree $79.95, Provincial Home Living Paradiso Umbrella $1,299.

The Tuscan terrace trend is one that blends terracotta hues with vibrant whites and fresh greenery, creating a dreamy space that transports you straight to Italy. It’s all about creating the feeling of sipping a glass of refreshing wine under the warm Tuscan sun, surrounded by décor that radiates rustic elegance. This style is perfect for summer gatherings, injecting every outdoor event with that unmistakable Italian flair that makes hosting feel special. After all, when it comes to entertaining, the Italians truly know how to set the scene!

To bring this look to life, start with warm terracotta pots filled with lush plants and herbs like basil and rosemary. Opt for a dining table made of weathered wood paired with comfortable, cushioned chairs in crisp white or soft neutrals. Layer in vibrant table linens and colourful ceramics to create a stunning tablescape.

Indoor-outdoor design

Adairs Monte Florida Palms Indoor Mat $39.99, DecoRug Terrazzo Look Sculptural Side Table $127.46, Eureka Furniture Antoine Oak Dining Chair $449, Freedom Davenport Planer from $119, Freedom Miro Dining Table $2,199, Freedom Sonata Outdoor Modular Sofa $3,499, OZ Design Pila Round Mirror $659, The Furniture Shack Tequila Sunrise Outdoor UV Wall Art $249.

No need to adjust your glasses; the line between indoor and outdoor living is delightfully blurred – and for good reason! This trend is all about creating a harmonious environment that elevates your lifestyle and makes your home feel more expansive. You can easily achieve this look by incorporating earthy materials like stone and wood, which bring a natural touch to both spaces. Layered lighting is key; think strategically placed fixtures that set the mood and extend the usability of your areas into the evening hours.

Equally important is choosing chic yet durable furniture for your outdoor areas that mirrors the comfort of your indoor pieces. Look for plush sofas and stylish dining sets that encourage relaxation and foster a laid-back vibe throughout. You can also enhance the connection between spaces by adding large glass doors or expansive windows that invite the outside in. By focusing on these elements, you can easily integrate indoor and outdoor living.

With summer on the horizon, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and turn your outdoor area into the ultimate hangout spot. Whether you’re channelling the effortless elegance of Slim Aarons, embracing the warm charm of Tuscan terraces, or blending indoor comforts with outdoor living, the possibilities are endless. By selecting the right furniture and décor, you’ll create an inviting space that’s perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to lively weekend get-togethers.

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

Bring the beach home

When it comes to interior design, opinions are as divided as ever. Trends come and go, leaving us wondering what’s in and what’s out. Styles that once dominated the scene are now seen as tired and dated, while others that were once dismissed are suddenly the epitome of trendy.

One style that often sparks debate is coastal décor. At its heart, this look is all about creating a calming space with natural materials, evoking that easy breezy summer vibe. But when it’s done wrong, it can feel more kitschy than coastal.

The good news? We’re here to steer you away from the clichés. Here’s your guide to three of the best coastal trends that will turn your home into a serene, stylish retreat – minus the gimmicks. Keep reading to discover how to make coastal décor work for you.

Luxurious Hamptons:

Adairs Elio Stripe Tall Vase $29.99, Casa Blanco Arora Chandelier $3,800, Eureka Furniture Aruba Rope Table Lamp $149, Eureka Furniture Hamptons Tigerlilly Artwork, Freedom Easton Coffee Table $1,149, Provincial Home Living Chandler Cabinet $3,499, Provincial Home Living French Armchair $1,099, Provincial Home Living Ansie Planter $69.95.

A luxurious Hamptons home embodies timeless elegance, blending classic coastal charm with upscale sophistication. Picture airy, light-filled spaces with high, coffered ceilings and crisp white walls, creating a serene backdrop. The décor leans into natural textures like rattan, driftwood, and linen, balanced by plush furnishings in muted tones – think soft creams, dove greys, and hints of navy . Statement lighting, like large lantern-style fixtures or crystal chandeliers, add a touch of glamour without overshadowing the relaxed vibe. In the living room, expect deep, cushy sofas draped with lightweight throws, paired with accent chairs in nautical stripes or textured upholstery. The kitchen is typically expansive, with shaker-style cabinetry, a marble island, and polished nickel or brass hardware. Open shelving or glass-front cabinets display artisanal ceramics, glassware, coastal photography, and sculptural décor.

Rustic coastal:

Adairs Azul Cushion $59.99, Adairs Olive Stem in Vase $129.99, Freedom Retreat Fabric Sofa $2,999, OZ Design Abstract Tabletop 1 Collection Framed Print $259, Provincial Home Living Bengal Stripe Linen Cushion $139.95, Provincial Home Living Connor Coffee Table $1,199, Provincial Home Living Kylix Urn $139.95, Provincial Home Living Millicent Linen Throw $199.95.

On the other hand, the rustic coastal trend is all about embracing natural beauty while keeping things unpretentious. Picture a sun-drenched space where weathered wood meets soft, breezy fabrics, and everything feels lived-in yet thoughtfully curated. At the heart of this style are raw materials – think reclaimed wood beams, distressed finishes, and handwoven textures. slipcovered sofas in light, breathable linen, offset by a reclaimed wood coffee table. Accent chairs might feature natural fibres like rattan or wicker, bringing in that earthy, seaside feel. Pops of colour are subtle, often inspired by the surrounding landscape – soft blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beiges that echo the shoreline. Décor elements like driftwood-framed mirrors, nautical rope accents, and woven baskets add character without feeling overly styled.

Coastal boho:

Adairs World’s Softest Byron Washable Rug 200x300cm $499.99, Eureka Furniture Farmhouse Round Table $574.50, Freedom Mist Corduroy Sofa $2,069, Freedom Polina Decorative Bowl $39.99, James Lane Lyon Wall Mirror $249, James Lane Madison Pot $39.95, Sheridan Outlet Shaws Cushion $49.99.

For those who enjoy a bit of creativity, coastal boho is for you! It’s a style where laid-back beach living meets artistic, bohemian flair, creating a space that feels effortlessly chic. Layered textiles are key here – think macramé wall hangings, handwoven rugs, and breezy, sheer curtains that let the natural light pour in. Furniture is often low-slung and comfortable, with oversized floor cushions, rattan chairs, and daybeds draped in throws, inviting you to relax. Plants are essential in coastal boho décor – think towering palms, leafy ferns, and cascading vines that add life and movement to the room. Shells, coral, and sea glass are often sprinkled throughout, subtly tying the space back to its coastal roots without being too on-the-nose. The overall vibe is casual and organic, with a mix-and-match approach that feels collected over time. A Moroccan pouf might sit next to a woven hammock chair, while soft linen pillows in playful patterns are scattered across a sectional. It’s a space that encourages lounging, gathering, and connecting.

There you have it! Whether you’re drawn to Hamptons décor, rustic coastal charm, or the laid-back, eclectic vibe of coastal boho, there’s a coastal style for every taste. The key is finding the one that resonates with your lifestyle and home aesthetic (while avoiding the clichés that can make the look feel forced). By embracing natural materials, thoughtful details, and a relaxed, easy breezy vibe, you can transform your home into a coastal retreat that feels authentic and inviting!

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

Get the colour psychology lowdown

Have you ever stepped into a room and felt a wave of emotions wash over you – be it a hospital, theatre, or even your living room? Well, this phenomenon has everything to do with the interplay of colours within the space you’re in (also known as colour psychology).

Colour psychology is pivotal in the interior design industry and understanding how it works is something that many industry experts have mastered. But being able to decode colour psychology isn’t just for the pros, anyone can do it! Keep reading to find out what colours evoke certain emotions and how you can use colour to create various atmospheres and moods within your home.

Shades of blue

When the colour blue comes to mind, you probably think of clear skies or the ocean, right? Both of these subconsciously influence a person’s mood because they’re affiliated with fond memories. So, when blue is utilised in interior design, it triggers a sense of calm, serenity, and relaxation, and even more so in the lighter shades. Darker hues evoke feelings of confidence, trust, loyalty, and dependability.

So, how to incorporate these into your space? Blue is best used in bedrooms and living spaces because you want these areas to feel calm and inviting. Use light shades of blue as a dominant colour in your bedroom by adding a blue coverlet to your bed or a pastel blue feature wall. When decorating your living room, we recommend using deeper shades of blue in various decorative accoutrements – think vases, artwork, and throw cushions.

Shades of green

Green is one of the more versatile colours and can be brought into almost every room in some way. Similarly to blue, green also evokes feelings of calmness because it has strong associations with nature. Green is thought to be tranquil and promotes growth, renewal, prosperity, and regeneration.

The best way to bring green into your space is through textural pieces like plants, rugs, and fabrics. Opt for statement furnishings in rich green velvets like dining chairs or sofas, add in a variety of foliage from hanging plants to petite succulents, and opt for contemporary Moroccan rugs with speckles of green throughout. The best part? Green can be added to any room within a house or apartment and even the most subtle additions can make all the difference.

Shades of red

Red can be a daunting colour to add to your space but it’s a real game changer! Red symbolises a range of emotions often depending on its intensity and contexts, but some common interpretation of the colour includes passion, energy, warmth, comfort, and creativity.

Shades of red are more suitable for kitchens where creativity is key. Ultimately red works best as an accent feature but be sure to balance with neutrals to prevent the space from becoming overwhelming. We also recommend creating a gradient by using various shades like maroon, burgundy, and rose instead of sticking to one stark shade only.

Shades of yellow

Radiant and cheerful, the colour yellow exudes warmth and sunshine which is why it’s often associated with youthfulness, energy, and fun.

Consider featuring yellow in nurseries or kids rooms because it is the ideal gender-neutral choice. When integrating yellow tones, it’s important to strike a balance where the shade is used in conjunction with other colours and design elements to create a harmonious environment. We recommend opting for a yellow ceiling accent or removable wall decals. For a more subtle yet impactful approach, add yellow fitted sheets to the bed to create a soft pop of colour in your bedding.

Shades of pink

To conclude, our final colour is pink – which is also the Pantone colour of the year, viva magenta! Pink has recently made a resurgence in interiors, especially dusty pinks which have been seen in a slew of Pinterest-worthy interiors. The shade often evokes romance, elegance, and harmony.

There’re so many ways to incorporate pink into your interiors but one of the best ways is through lighting. Look for pink-hued lamps, lampshades, or pendant lights to add a subtle glow of colour to your space. We also recommend introducing pink through bathroom accessories like towels, shower curtains, and bathmats.

As you decorate your home, keep in mind that colours do more than just look pretty – each colour can also help create the mood you want. So, whether you like calm blues, nature-inspired greens, bold reds, happy yellows, or elegant pinks, enjoy picking shades that resonate with you and the feelings you wish to welcome into your home.

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

Tips to Create a Coastal Hamptons-Style Home

People have been taking interior design inspiration from the Hamptons for decades now and we’re not seeing it fade in popularity anytime soon. We are however, seeing the iconic coastal Hamptons style evolve and take on new variations, thanks to interior lovers adding more modern and fresh pieces into the mix. If you’re a fan of the Hamptons interior design aesthetic and are looking to bring it into your home, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pulled together our best tips to incorporate the coastal Hamptons interior style into your home, so you know exactly how to emulate the luxurious beach style in your own space.

Feature natural furniture

When selecting furniture pieces for a coastal Hamptons style aesthetic, it’s essential to opt for classic shapes and styles. Go for furniture in light to medium toned timbers or a classic white shade, that will blend perfectly with the neutral colour palette a coastal Hamptons style home requires (more on this later!). Coastal Hamptons furniture pieces should have a classic shape and include details like turned legs, natural-looking blemishes, and curved edges. Try to avoid furniture that has harsh lines or is made up of reflective or glossy finishes — the more natural the better! We recommend heading in to some of our gorgeous stores such as Provincial Home Living, Freedom, or Eureka Street Furniture where you will find pieces that will fit perfectly within this design style.

Cleanse your colour palette

One of the key aspects of a coastal Hamptons-style home is using a bright and fresh colour palette that includes a variety of neutral tones. For a modern take on this trend, we recommend including some warm tones such as tan, terracotta, blush, and cream in your decorative accessories. This will add a touch of warmth to your space, without fully deviating from the iconic Hamptons style you’re going for. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to lean towards a more traditional look, then add pops of light blue, navy blue, or pale green to your colour palette through soft furnishings such as cushions, throw rugs, curtains and rugs or decorative accessories such as vases, books, and artwork. Adairs has an incredible selection of cushions and throw rugs in beautiful blue hues that’ll really emphasise the beachy aesthetic that’s synonymous with the Hamptons.

Search for soft accessories

To keep the Hamptons trend feeling modern and contemporary, try adding some more subtle decorative accents to your space such as pampas grass, white textured coral, and artwork in soft neutral tones. They’ll still give off the vibe of a relaxing coastal oasis without being too on the nose. Other decorative accents to include in your coastal Hamptons-style home are large textured terracotta pots, throw rugs in chunky cable knits, and soft pastel linens to breathe a bit of extra life into your space. Pastel tea towels can also help upgrade your kitchen into a more coastal Hamptons style kitchen, which always looks divine! Head into stores like Early Settler, Provincial Home Living, Freedom and Oz Design to browse their gorgeous home décor accessories that will work perfectly with the iconic Hamptons style.

Take it outside

When we think about the coastal Hamptons style, we usually think of bright white spaces, with warm neutrals that give off a fresh and clean vibe. One aspect that’s often forgotten about when styling a Hamptons-style home is the exterior design. If you’re able to, try painting the outside of your home in a cool white shade or off-white tone such as eggshell it’ll breathe new life into your home and most certainly catch the eye of your neighbours. If you’ve got a veranda, pop a natural-looking coffee table and chairs out there with a small plant, to give yourself a cosy spot to sip on your coffee every morning. A coastal Hamptons style exterior is just another way you can incorporate this iconic design style into your home, and you can pick up a great range of outdoor furniture from Early Settler to really help tie the exterior of your home to its gorgeous interior.

Visit Homemaker The Valley to create coastal Hamptons style at home

There’s nothing more chic than a clean and crisp coastal Hamptons style home and here at Homemaker The Valley, we can help you get everything you need to inject this classic design aesthetic into your space. So, come and visit our friendly retailers so they can help you create the breezy home you’ve always wanted!

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