Category Archives: Inspiration

Embracing Warm, Rich Deep Hues: Creating a Cosy Winter Haven

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.

Designing a Productive and Comfortable Home Office

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.

10 Tips To Inspire You To Declutter Your Home

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.

How to Style a Queenslander Home

The Queenslander house is synonymous with our sunny state’s leisurely lifestyle. The Queenslander was designed to cater to our particularly humid climate, with wide verandas to provide shelter from an afternoon storm and long hallways with French doors to provide ample air flow. Built predominately in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, the Queenslander is still a popular style for new homes today.

If you’re lucky enough to be living in an iconic Queenslander home, you may be wondering how to style these architectural marvels. A traditional Queenslander house interior is quite minimal, but a modern Queenslander house deserves its own unique look that aligns with the aesthetic taste of its owner (or renter!). So, how do you style a Queenslander, whilst also showcasing the home’s beautiful details and history? To help you out, we’ve put together a quick guide, so you know how to find a lovely balance between modern and traditional style in a Queenslander house.

Play with colour

The colour palette for traditional Queenslander style homes has varied throughout the years, but in modern Queenslander homes, you’ll always tend to find walls in a soft off-white shade. When you start styling your Queenslander, think of these walls as a blank canvas. Having light off-white walls provides you with ample freedom to play with your favourite colour palette through your furniture, wall art, and treasured home décor pieces. Heritage greens, deep burgundies and, royal blues paired with beiges and browns are a great colour combination for anyone looking to create a more country-style home, while burnt oranges, olive greens, and mustard yellows paired with dark browns and sleek gold tones are a solid selection for anyone who loves a mid-century modern look.

Get vertical

The Queenslander house is famous for its high ceilings and VJ panelling, which immediately draws the eye upwards when you walk through the front door. Utilise the height of the space by using styling tricks and lighting to accentuate these fantastic features. We love using floating shelves in the kitchen, bedroom or living rooms to add interest to walls, as well as an extra space to display your treasured trinkets. Bring personality into a space by styling the shelves with your favourite books, a trailing plant or a beautiful arrangement of decorative pots and vases. Gallery walls are an amazing feature to add to the long hallways of a Queenslander home, as you can display your gorgeous artworks and photos in a more creative way. We love the frames on offer at Frame Today because they not only come in different shapes and sizes to inject depth into your gallery wall, but they also have a wide variety of textures and colours.

Embrace the outdoors

A main feature of a Queenslander house is its sprawling veranda and large surrounding outdoor space. You should always make use of these gorgeous areas by creating chill-out zones and furnishing them for a variety of uses. Add a large outdoor dining table and accompanying chairs to the veranda that’ll allow you to eat alfresco during the summer months and invite friends and family over for long lunches. We love the dining sets from Freedom and Early Settler – they’ve got great combinations to suit every design style from country cottage to mid-century modern.

Rug up

Traditional Queenslanders predominantly have timber floors, high ceilings, long hallways, and open living areas. As they were built to withstand the gruelling, hot Queensland summers, they can feel a lot colder when winter rolls around. So, to ensure your home feels comfortable and inviting all year long, we recommend adding rugs to the living, dining and bedrooms, to ground the space and add a bit of extra warmth and texture to your Queenslander. You can opt for neutral colours that complement the timber flooring such as light grey, cream or oatmeal or go for a more eclectic look with a bold colour or pattern piece. DecoRug, Carpet Call and James Lane have some beautiful rugs in a variety of sizes, textures and colours to suit any space.

As you can see, it’s easy to create a beautifully styled Queenslander house that balances the traditional details of the home with a more modern aesthetic. When you’re looking to start styling your Queenslander, be sure to pop into Homemaker the Valley to get everything you need to create the chic Queenslander of your dreams.

Quiz: How Good Is Your Interior Design Knowledge?

1. What interior design style was popular during 1920-1940? a) Rococo b) Mid Century Modern c) Art Deco d) Scandinavian

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2. What colour is opposite blue on the colour wheel? a) Green b) Orange c) Purple d) Yellow

3. Which TV show originally made the ‘farmhouse’ style popular? a) The Home Edit’s Get Organized b) Flip Or Flop c) Studio McGee’s Dream Home Makeover d) Fixer Upper

4. What are the 7 principles of design? a) Colour, texture, height, balance, light, contrast, depth b) Balance, harmony, rhythm, proportion, scale, emphasis, contrast c) Wow factor, size, depth, contrast, price, feel, emphasis d) Position, proportion, balance, colour, depth, harmony, contrast

5. I’m sophisticated, yet beachy, classic in shape, I have neutral tones with pops of blue or green and work well in a light and bright home. Which design style am I? a) Coastal b) Scandinavian c) Hamptons d) Contemporary

6. What height should artwork ideally be hung at? a) Head height – approximately 1600-1700mm from the floor b) Halfway up the wall, depending on your wall height c) 300mm from the ceiling height d) Eye height, approximately 1400-1500mm from the floor

Answers: Question 1 – C) Art Deco Question 2 – B) Orange Question 3 – D) Fixer Upper Question 4 – B) Balance, harmony, rhythm, proportion, scale, emphasis, contrast Question 5 – C) Hamptons Question 6 – D) Eye height, approximately 1400-1500mm from the floor

5-6 Correct – Interior Design Pro Congratulations! You are officially an expert when it comes to interior design and know all your facts. You not only can tell the difference between a certain design style but love your design history as well!

3-4 Correct – Up And Coming Designer You are one to watch when it comes to interior design knowledge and all things home decorating. You’ve made a great start with learning about the design styles and principles and take pride in your home and decorating.

1-2 Correct – Design Novice You’ve got a little work to do! Just by taking this survey we know you have a keen interest in interior design and home decorating. With a bit more research, we know you’ll be a budding interior designer in no time!

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!

4 Simple Tips For Adding Colour Into Your Home

In 2023 we are seeing the rise of brightly coloured interiors coming into focus again. Here at Homemaker The Valley we love a colourful home, but know it can be tricky to implement with confidence. Today we are sharing with you our favourite ways to add colour into your home in a simple and easy way. These tips can turn any lacklustre space into a bright and inspiring home in no time!

Brighten up your walls

The easiest and most effective way to add colour into any space is to add a colourful artwork. This trick is super simple as it is just one piece, can be relatively inexpensive and completely transforms the space! If your home is very calming and neutral in tone, try adding a soft pastel coloured abstract artwork that injects a pop of colour in a subtle way. If you’re brave enough to go bold, we love Adairs range of brightly coloured canvas artworks in a range of different styles from Mediterranean to Coastal and more. Some great places to add artwork into your home are down a hallway, above your bedhead, a large blank living room wall and the kitchen. We love having fun with art as it is such an effective way to draw the eyes up and bring life into a space.

Mix up your soft furnishings

Another easy way to transform a room is to switch up your soft furnishings for some fresh new colours and styles. If your living room or bedroom currently has a selection of neutral cushions or tired looking soft furnishings, we recommend swapping them out for a new selection in an array of your favourite colours. The current trends are leaning towards a combination of either pink and orange or sage green and beige, so have fun and try something new in your home this season. If you are on a budget but would still like to experiment with adding colour to your spaces, try starting with one or two coloured cushions and allow the space to evolve over time. Head into stores like Freedom, Adairs or The Sheridan Outlet to see their gorgeous range of soft furnishings this weekend.

Have fun with paint

Paint is a great way to add colour to your home and is an affordable way to go bold without the commitment of something as long term as wallpaper or tiles. We love a feature wall in rooms such as the bedroom, dining room or living room to transform the space and create a more elevated look. If you are wanting to add colour in a subtle way, try paint colours such as a soft blush, sage green or a washed out blue. Painting old furniture or second-hand finds can be a great way to not only add colour but give a dated piece a new lease of life. Items such as side tables, console tables or the legs of stools can look fabulous painted in a fun colour.

Add in small doses

Colour can be brought through in various aspects of the home and even the smallest touch can add a subtle difference to a space. We love adding colour in fun and easy ways such as the tea towels in your kitchen, the books displayed on your coffee table or the pot your plant sits in. Oz Design, Adairs and Freedom have some beautiful home décor pieces such as vases, bookends and candlestick holders in on trend styles and colours. We suggest styling a few small pieces and mixing them in with your existing home décor items to create a subtle pop of colour.

If you would like some help with selecting the right soft furnishings, artwork or decorative pieces for your home then be sure to book in for your free styling session with our resident stylist, Eliza. Just head to the ‘styling inspiration’ tab on our website to book in a time that suits you.

Quiz: Find Your Interior Design Style

1. How do you want your home to feel when you walk through the door? A) Warm and Cosy B) Classic and Welcoming C) Minimal and Chic D) Light and Bright

2. When choosing a pop of colour, I’d pick: A) Burnt orange B) Navy blue C) Dusty pink D) Sage green

3. Which timber tone would you prefer for your furniture? A) Walnut B) Weathered Grey C) Japan Black D) Oak

4. You are out shopping, what would catch your attention first? A) A retro style sideboard B) A gorgeous blue and white ginger jar C) A sleek round mirror D) Textured cane bar stools

5. Which era interests you the most? A) The 1950’s B) The 1990’s C) 2020 and beyond D) 19060’s

6. What home activity sounds most like you? A) Making a cocktail using ingredients from your bar cart B) Having a cup of tea in a comfortable armchair C) Sipping your espresso in your modern kitchen D) Sitting on your balcony with a fresh fruit salad

7. Which is your favourite neutral tone? A) Brown B) Grey C) Black D) White

8. When selecting artwork, which would you choose? A) An abstract piece with brightly coloured shapes B) A series of framed printed coral pieces C) A large canvas with washes of muted colours D) An aerial view photograph of the ocean

Mostly A’s – Mid-Century Modern Style You love a warm feeling home that is practical, yet stylish. Mid-Century Modern style includes rich timbers, vibrant colours and warm tones throughout. With a focus on wooden pieces in species of walnut and teak, this design style is an absolute classic. The furniture is practical and has clean lines, organic forms and is highly practical. Try experimenting with colours such as burnt orange, mustard yellow and muddy green to complete the look.

Mostly B’s – Hamptons Style Inspired by the beautiful beach houses of Long Island, Hamptons Style has been popular for years now, with good reason. This design style is elegant, classic and welcoming and leans away from anything super modern or trend driven. Hamptons style furniture is classic in shape with luxurious, plush sofas, rolled timber leg chairs and accents of chrome and antique silver throughout. The colour palette is kept mainly neutral using whites, creams, greys and beige with pops of navy blue or green.

Mostly C’s – Contemporary Style If you love a sleek, modern and chic interior, then you have hit the jackpot with this design style. Contemporary style lends itself to modern and minimalistic design with very little ornate details. Furniture is kept minimal and functional with emphasis on good quality and sleek shapes. The colour palette is kept very neutral using tones of white, grey and charcoal and adding contrast through mixed metals. Colour is kept to a minimum in contemporary interiors, but you will see subtle pops of navy, washed out pinks or dark earthy greens to add depth.

Mostly D’s – Coastal Style As a lover of light and bright interiors and wanting your home to feel like you are on holidays at all times, coastal style is for you. Coastal design style incorporates a very light colour palette of white, soft beiges and light greys and adds interest through texture. Texture can be added through raw timber materials, cane furniture or wicker baskets to create an oasis-like feel. Keep your furniture shapes organic and choose rounded forms and soft edges. Colour is kept to a minimum and is often added through big, beautiful plants and greenery.

How To Decorate: Mid-Century Modern Style

The term ‘Mid-Century’ refers to the design style that was dominant throughout the 1940’s to 1960’s. It is an iconic decorating style that furniture and homewares take inspiration from still to this day. In 2023 we are seeing this design style having a resurgence and gaining popularity once more, so what better time to dive into the details of what Mid-Century Modern style incorporates!

The Furniture

Mid-Century modern style has a focus on functionality first and foremost when it comes to furniture pieces. It makes sense given the period of time in history as it represented the focus on maintaining a strong family unit and spending time in the home. The mid-century style of furniture is often referred to as a ‘rebellion’ against the much frillier and ornate pieces seen throughout previous generations. Most furniture pieces such as buffets, console tables, dining tables and more were made from timber in variations such as teak, rosewood and walnut. The richness of these timbers paired well with the colour palette of the time, which we will get into further below. When designing a space in mid-century modern style it is important that all timber furniture pieces complement each other and there are no clashing shades or tones. Throughout this era, we also saw the rise of some classic furniture styles that are still popular today such as the Eames chair, egg chair and wishbone dining chair.

The Colours

The colour palette for Mid-century modern style is one of the most iconic throughout design history. There was an emphasis on bold tones with depth and muddiness to create an overall brave, yet practical look. The main colours used in paint, wallpaper, soft furnishings and home décor pieces were deep brown, burnt orange, pale yellow, muddy green and striking crimson. This palette reflected the highlight on functionality and practicality as it steered away from any whites or cool greys and leant into colours seen more in nature. Colour is one of the main design elements of Mid-century modern style and it was used in unexpected and bold ways. Bright colours were seen in items such as sofas, wall paint, rugs, wallpaper and kitchen cabinetry to name a few. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Shapes & Textures

The true testament of a great interior design style is when glancing at a space or a piece of furniture, you automatically know it is Mid-Century modern style. This style has distinct features in the shapes, textures, patterns and colours used to create a bold and unforgettable look. Bright and fun choices were made in finishes such as vinyl flooring, shag pile carpet, cabinetry and benchtops. Bold and geometric patterns also reigned supreme and were used in wallpaper, rugs and home décor pieces. Another key element of mid-century modern style is the use of clean lines, curved edges and large rounded shapes in the furniture. We have seen furniture items such as sofas and armchairs leaning into this style in recent years and believe it is gaining in popularity.

Incorporating The Style Today

As Mid-century modern style is becoming more popular through home design, furniture and décor pieces in 2023 it is important to learn how to incorporate this style into your home in a modern way if you wish to embrace this classic look. We recommend picking and choosing key pieces in a space that lean into the style such as a buffet, a dining suite or bedside tables. Freedom and Nick Scali have some great pieces that have a nod to mid-century modern style that would work perfectly. Try adding bold colours and geometric shapes in soft furnishings such as bed linen, cushions and throw rugs to lean into this look in a fun and easy way. The key to nailing this style in a modern and contemporary way is to select key pieces and aspects of your space and not go overboard. Remember to stick to rich timbers, functional furniture, curved shapes and bold colours and you will be on your way to mid-century style in no time!

Streamline Your Home Organisation Systems For 2023

With a new year comes a fresh start for getting on top of your home organisation solutions and systems. By putting in place effective systems at the beginning of the year ensures you not only start off on the right foot but have a better chance at maintaining them throughout the year as things get busier and busier. Below are our top tips, hacks and areas of the home to streamline your organisation solutions and take things to the next level!

Ensure Everything Has A Home

The number one rule to keeping an organised and clutter-free home is to ensure every item has a ‘home’. This may require some dedication to set up, but once created, will be a weight off your shoulders. We recommend categorising all like-minded items together and ensuring they are in a zone of the house that makes sense for their purpose. In areas such as wardrobes, playrooms and living rooms where clutter can build up easily, we suggest grabbing some beautiful baskets from stores like Freedom, Adairs or TK Maxx to collate each category. To encourage the entire household to get involved, we recommend adding sticker or swing tag labels to zones, so every member of the family knows where things are to be put back once used.

The Pantry

The pantry is a highly used space in the home that cops the brunt of every mealtime, snack time and grocery shopping expedition. Here at Homemaker The Valley we have a few simple hacks that will help you transform, maintain and streamline your pantry to avoid an overstuffed and unorganised feel. Firstly, measure the pantry shelves and purchase some baskets or containers for each category you require to help organise. For example, cooking, snacks, drinks or baking, then categorise accordingly. We also love having a ‘backstock’ basket where you can place any overflow items as this allows for easy refills and checking of stock before the grocery shop. We love decanting pantry staples such as cereals, flour, nuts and baking supplies for a streamlined look. When decanting, a great hack is to stick a simple Dymo label on the underside of the container with the expiry date, so you can keep on top of when things are to be used by. Head into Howard’s Storage World this weekend to check out their amazing range of pantry containers to transform your space!

The Wardrobe

Wardrobes are a space in the home that we suggest having either a seasonal or half-yearly clear out to avoid clutter build up. If there are items in your wardrobe that have not seen the light of day in over 12 months, then we suggest either donating or selling them to create more breathing room. We love using matching, felt hangers for all hanging clothes as they allow for a streamlined look and are perfect for space saving. If you fold your clothes, we suggest using the rolling technique and adding drawer dividers to your drawers to keep things neat and tidy. Lastly, any seasonal items such as swimwear or knitwear can be easily stored in baskets at the top of your wardrobe for a functional and space saving hack.

Create A Drop-Zone

We all lead such busy lives that our living spaces can become the dumping ground for incoming items that do not have a home and as a result create a cluttered and messy look. Once you have categorised and found a ‘home’ for all your everyday items in your spaces as mentioned above, it is essential to create a ‘drop-zone’ for any incoming items that are new. This can include things like bills, homework, borrowed items, gifts or letters that do not yet have a home. We suggest creating a drop zone that is away from the kitchen and living area in a space such as the entryway, home office or garage. Create a ‘drop zone’ by using either a basket, container or in-tray and labelling it with each member of the family’s name. To ensure clutter doesn’t build up within this space, we recommend setting aside five minutes each week to go through, action and find a home for the items that have been dropped in the last week.

Add Dates To Your Calendar

Lastly, to ensure your home remains streamlined and organised throughout the year we recommend locking in key dates early for maintaining these spaces. Just like a birthday, anniversary or event, add your ‘home organisation maintenance’ days to your calendar every month or quarter. It could be as simple as a Sunday afternoon every month, or a half day booked in at the start of each season. Home organisation and storage solutions work best when they are properly maintained and kept on top of to ensure your home stays streamlined and organised for you and your family.

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