Not sure what to get the woman who has it all this Mother’s Day? Here at Homemaker The Valley, we’ve made gift-giving easy by curating a collection of luxurious Mother’s Day gifts so you can treat the one you love. Below, find lavish gifts for every mum from delightful décor to soothing self-care items and entertaining essentials. All you have to do is select the items you know your mum will adore and head in centre to purchase.  

For the interior design mum

If your mum has an eye for design and wants her home to be a sanctuary full of eye-catching wall art and decorative pieces, then when it comes to Mother’s Day gift ideas, you can’t go past home décor from Homemaker The Valley. First up, you’ll need a fresh and exciting piece of art to add a lovely pop of colour to any space. Then head to OZ Design and Adairs to shop their selection of incredible throws and cushions. Last up, a lamp from Freedom will help your mum wind down after a long day by creating the perfect mood lighting.

For the homebody mum

Self-care doesn’t just mean maintaining a beauty routine. Sometimes, self-care simply means wrapping yourself up in a cosy robe, lighting a candle or two, and relaxing on the couch (or in bed) with a good book or binge-worthy show. If this sounds like heaven to your mum, then why not upgrade her self-care routine with a plush robe from Sheridan Outlet, and slippers from Adairs? Adairs also has a selection of home fragrances and candles that’ll make your mum’s home smell amazing.  

Adairs Goldie Soft Sage Taper Candle $14.99, Adairs Sherpa Mule Slipper $24.99, DecoRug Karus Turquoise Designer Rug from $1,599, Freedom Dome Table Lamp $299, Freedom Ecology Ottawa Dinner Set $149, Freedom Urban Road Family Gathering Canvas $149, Howards Storage World Stackers Cable Organiser Bag $49.95, Howards Storage World Yamazaki Tower 4 Tier Jewellery Box $29.95, James Lane Apothecary The Scent Scented Candle $59.95, Kitchen Warehouse Smeg 50’s Retro Style Espresso Coffee Machine $369.95, OZ Design Santi Feather Fill Cushion $82.46. 

For the entertaining mum

If your mum’s a bit of a social butterfly and you’re searching for Mother’s Day gifts she can share with her friends, then we recommend gifting her some sturdy glassware, platters, plates, or dinnerware she can use while entertaining guests. Provincial Home Living and Kitchen Warehouse’s vast collection of servingware will ensure every spread looks like a restaurant-ready masterpiece, while glassware and table décor from Freedom will make every table feel grand. 

For the organised mum

Everyone loves an organised and functional space, especially if what you’re using to store your belongings is just as aesthetically pleasing as your furniture and décor. Howards Storage World has so many wonderful storage solutions that can help organise jewellery, cables, clothing and more. Their cable organiser bag can help hide pesky cords, and their four-tier jewellery box will be able to store all of Mum’s jewellery effectively. Mum’s space will look so good that she’ll never want to leave the house!

It can be difficult to find the perfect Mother’s Day gifts each year but with our curated list of luxurious home décor, self-care items, entertaining pieces, and organisational saviours, you’re guaranteed to bring a smile to her face. Happy Mother’s Day!

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

As the air takes on a crisp edge and autumn hits, there’s something inviting about the idea of nestling into a space styled with a modern farmhouse aesthetic – it’s homely, cosy, and above all else, comfortable (all of which are exactly what one needs during the autumn months).

At its core, the farmhouse style is all about celebrating the beauty of imperfection. Reclaimed wood, industrial fixtures, and vintage-inspired décor come together to create a space that feels lived in and loved. While the term farmhouse might make you think of rolling fields and rustic barns, you don’t actually need to live anywhere near a farm to pull off the trend. With a few key elements, a keen eye for detail, and a trip to Homemaker The Valley, you can transform any space into a harvest home.

Eureka Furniture Farmhouse Paddle $99, Eureka Furniture Ravenswood Bookcase $1,299, Freedom Ulla Table Lamp $349, Freedom Westport Fabric Armchair $1,499, Provincial Home Living Loch Barn Print $199.95, Provincial Home Living Campaign Image.

Defining farmhouse style

Before hitting the store it’s important to understand exactly what modern farmhouse style is so that you can easily identify pieces that will work for you.

Farmhouse style is refreshingly uncomplicated with a homespun charm that instantly puts you at ease. Décor pieces are to be chosen carefully, with a nod to history and antiques. Think barn-style furnishings such as wooden chairs combined with industrial-inspired fixtures like lights, trims, and handles. The beauty of farmhouse style lies in balance, so be sure not to go overboard and remember to keep a minimal approach.

Key elements for the Australian farmhouse

If you’re on the hunt for some key furniture pieces to suit this trend, be sure to select items for their durability and comfort. Practicality is key – comfortable seating and ample storage solutions will make everyday living a breeze. Whereas for décor, less is often more. We recommend keeping patterns simple and understated, opting for some open shelving that displays natural elements like dried flowers, woven baskets, and pottery.

Colour palette: a nod to nature

The farmhouse style tends to favour natural hues inspired by the great outdoors. While white and black are always popular choices, there’s plenty of room to explore shades of brown, deep greens, and soft beige. You can showcase many of these colours through furniture made from natural materials like timber and stone. Find out how you can use colour to create various atmospheres and moods within your home in our colour psychology lowdown.

Now that you know the basics of modern farmhouse style, it’s time to transform your space! Be sure to head in centre at Homemaker The Valley to discover an array of furnishings and décor that can help you bring this trend to life. 

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.