Category Archives: Inspiration

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 seasonal trends? Read our 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.

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.

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!

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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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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.

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Father's Day deals Father's Day gift guide

The Dad Deals: Your Father’s Day Gift Guide

Not quite sure what to get that hard-to-buy-for man in your life when September 3rd rolls around? Here at Homemaker The Valley, we’ve taken the stress out of gift-giving once and for all with our completely customised Dad Deals – all bundled up and ready for purchase! Below are the ultimate gift bundles for every dad in your life – the home chef, fitness guru, DIY-er and everyone in between. All you have to do is screenshot the bundle that best suits your dad and head in centre to purchase.

Cooking Dad

Products: Adairs Essential Check Tea Towels $19.99, Freedom Arden Paddle Board $69.95, Kitchen Warehouse Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven $649.

Dads who know their way around the kitchen are simply the best. Why? Because nothing beats a delicious home-cooked meal! This year we think the cooking dad deserves a little extra love when Father’s Day hits, a means of saying thank you for all those meals. And what could be a more fitting gesture to express gratitude than gifting more items to cook with? We’re loving the Ooni Koda Pizza Oven from Kitchen Warehouse bundled with a round pizza board from Freedom, and some essential tea towels from Adairs. The perfect gift for the perfect home chef!

DIY Dad

Products: Frame Today Camel Square 300×300 mm Picture Frame $99, Freedom Grevillea Pot $24.95, Howards Storage World IS Gift The Auto Collection 24 Piece Tool Set $29.95.

What to get the dad who is constantly fixing things around the house or undertaking DIY projects every second weekend? More things to create and build with, of course! The DIY-er is bound to love a brand new 24-piece tool set from Howards Storage World to add to his (probably already very large) tool collection. Another great idea is to undertake a project together like painting a pot plant. We’re also loving photo walls at the moment so why not pick up a few frames from Frame Today to get started? The secret is to utilise a variety of different shapes and sizes. Be sure to customise the frames with meaningful family photos. The best part? Dad can use his new toolset to hang them up!

Fitness Dad

Products: Domayne Sennheiser Sport True Wireless Earbuds $199, Harvey Norman Fitbit Charge 5 Fitness Tracker $269, Kitchen Warehouse BlendJet Portable Blender $76.95.

Fathers who are always maintaining an active lifestyle will love a fit-focused gift – and we’re not talking about more gym clothes or fresh sneakers. This year, consider something a bit more unconventional, like a portable blender from Kitchen Warehouse (ideal for his morning smoothies!). Bundle the blender with a fitness gadget like a Fitbit from Harvey Norman or sport headphones from Domayne and complete the ensemble with a gym membership to Goodlife Health Club. This bundle will make his day!

Homebody Dad

Products: Adairs Pure Silk Pillowcase $89.99, Sheridan Outlet Ultra-Light Bathrobe $90, Snooze Microfibre Double Mattress Topper $188.

Dads deserve a little TLC too! After all, robes and silk pillowcases weren’t exclusively designed for mothers. So, if your dad relishes in a leisurely Sunday morning lounging in bed, perusing the newspaper, or binge-watching Netflix then he likely values the cosiness of his bed and the luxury of quality home attire. Sheridan Outlet’s Ultra Light Bathrobe is sure to impress the homebody dad as well as a pure silk pillowcase from Adairs. Complete the bundle with a mattress topper from Snooze (the secret behind those Pinterest-worthy cloud-like beds).

Organised Dad

Products: Freedom Beck Coat Hook $79.95, Howards Storage World High Road StashAway Hanging Car Bin $34.95, Howards Storage World Tooletries The Harvey & Oliver Shower Set $55.95.

The father with a knack for organisation is the one constantly reminding you to tidy your room, unload the dishwasher, or take care of your laundry – sound familiar? If so, then this bundle is tailor-made for him! The organised dad will appreciate any clever home enhancements, the sort that, after having for just a few weeks, you can’t fathom how you managed without. A car bin or hanging shower set will bring a grin to his face come Father’s Day or for a more subtle approach, opt for a stylish coat hook from Freedom (a remedy for cluttered entryways!).

We know it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for Dad year after year when Father’s Day draws near, but if you’re aiming to astonish him this year then these bundles are sure to hit the mark. Happy Father’s Day!

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How to: spring clean your wardrobe

Now that spring has arrived, the annual urge for a wardrobe reset is officially in full swing. We bet you’ve already noticed the pile of mismatched shoes or those half-hung coats, right? Well, those are the unmistakable signs telling you it’s about time for a spring clean.

But let’s be honest, tackling a wardrobe clear-out can be a little overwhelming – we find ourselves asking where to start, what supplies to buy, and most importantly, what to cull. But no worries, here at Homemaker The Valley we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled the best steps to make the whole process easier. Simply follow our guide below and your wardrobe will be in top shape before you know it.

Step one: categorise

First things first, it’s time to empty your wardrobe and categorise. This means you need to set aside a good chunk of time dedicated to spring cleaning your wardrobe. Take everything out and lay it on your bed or a clean surface. Then, sort your clothes into categories – think tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. This is going to help you assess the quantity of each category and will make the next step a whole lot easier.

Step two: declutter

Decluttering might just be the most difficult step, but it’s also the most crucial. It’s time to decide what you want to keep and what you want to donate, sell, or discard. If you get stuck, here are some questions to guide you: Does it fit? Have you worn it in the past year? Is it damaged? Does it match your current style?

Step three: donate and sell

Time for more categories! Separate the items you no longer want into two piles – one will be donated and the other will be sold. Clothes in good condition can be donated or given to friends and family. High-quality or barely used items can be sold through a consignment store, online platform, or even a garage sale.

Step four: clean and organise

Now that you’ve narrowed down your wardrobe, let’s clean the space. This is when all your hard work starts to pay off – the end is in sight! Be sure to dust the shelves, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum the floor (simple, but super effective!).

Step five: storage solutions

Your wardrobe should look like an empty canvas, which means it’s time to consider some storage solutions. Look at the space holistically and compare its size to the amount of clothes you need to fit in. If you’re looking to optimise the space, then a trip to Homemaker The Valley is a must. Howards Storage World has a wide range of clothes hangers, drawer dividers, and hanging rails that are ideal for wardrobe organisation.

Tip: if you have limited closet space, consider rotating your wardrobe seasonally. Store out-of-season clothing in vacuum storage bags from Howards Storage World to free up some space.

All that’s left to do now is pop everything back into place and there you have it, the ultimate guide to spring cleaning your wardrobe! Remember, if you make an effort to keep your wardrobe neat and tidy, then the spring clean will get easier and easier every year.

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modern farmhouse interior

Recreate the Modern Farmhouse Interior Trend

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.

modern farmhouse interior

 

modern farmhouse interior

 

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.