Hi, I’m Eliza Grace, the Resident Stylist here at Homemaker The Valley. I offer one on one styling sessions with clients from Thursday through to Sunday, to help you with all your interior design needs. Oh, and did I mention, these are completely free! Through meeting with clients, just like yourself, I have come up with some questions and queries that I get asked time and time again. You are not alone in wondering ‘What size rug fits my living space’, ‘How many cushions should I have on my sofa’ or ‘how do I store all my children’s toys in a stylish way’? Below I am sharing some of my most frequently asked questions during my styling sessions and some insider tips and tricks for styling your home. If you’d like to book in for your free styling session at Homemaker The Valley simply click the ‘Stylist’ tab on our website and choose a timeslot that works for you! I look forward to seeing you soon!

Tip 1 – Choosing Cushions For Your Space

Some of the most frequently asked questions or concerns I have with my styling session clients are ‘How many cushions should I have’, ‘What colours should I choose’ or ‘what size cushions work best’? Cushions are often used to not only add comfort to a sofa or bed, but to inject personality and style into a space. I recommend keeping a neutral palette and adding in a pop of your chosen colour. My golden rule is 2/3 neutral to 1/3 colour! For example, I love working in the rule of thirds, so for each corner of your sofa add two neutral cushions and one coloured cushion. I’m loving combinations such as a warm grey with a sage green or a light beige with pink or mustard. For the bedroom, you could either have a bit more fun or opt for a more subdued colour scheme. I love the look of an all-neutral cushion combo on the bed, creating interest through different textures such as linen, tassels and woven wool. The size of the cushions should balance nicely with the furniture item you are placing them on. My biggest piece of advice is to never choose a cushion that is too small and when in doubt, always layer.

Tip 2 – Decorating Your Coffee Table

Another common concern I discuss with my styling session clients is how to decorate and design a coffee table that is both stylish and functional. It is hard to know where to begin with coffee table styling and I find that most people opt for a blank space, rather than giving it a go. Coffee table styling can be so much fun as it is all about adding personality to the living room and creating points of intrigue. My favourite and non-negotiable items to use for coffee table styling are a beautiful tray, a stack of books, coasters, candles and either a plant or vase of flowers. Depending on the shape of your coffee table you can arrange these in thirds, halves or group them all in the centre for a styled look. Ensure you have some breathing room between items to avoid a cluttered look and always make sure there is some space to place your coffee or drink of choice.

Tip 3 – Choosing The Right Size Rug

On almost every styling session shopping journey we make a stop at Deco Rug or Carpet Call to view their gorgeous ranges. When decorating a room, a rug is an essential aspect of the design in order to bring all items together and ground the space. When adding a rug to the living room I always recommend going slightly larger than you originally intended – the bigger the better! Choose a rug that can be placed approximately 1/3 of the way under your sofa and occasional chairs, with enough space for the coffee table to be placed in the centre. For the dining room, it is essential the rug is large enough so that when a chair is pushed out, it remains on the rug. In the bedroom, I recommend opting for a medium sized rug and placing it either halfway or one third of the way under the end of your bed.

Tip 4 – Stylish Storage Solutions

Choosing storage solutions can be daunting for your home at the best of times. Making sure you have the right size, and the right amount is one thing, but making sure they are stylish and fit in with the interior aesthetic of your home is another. I often take my clients to stores such as Freedom and Adairs to view their range of beautiful baskets and Howard’s Storage World for all their organisational needs. Choose storage items in colourways that complement the palette of your home and stick to neutrals when in doubt. I love using baskets for stylish storage solutions in areas such as the linen cupboard, bathroom vanities, children’s playrooms and the living room. They are the perfect option to store a variety of items in as they offer a quick and easy way to tidy things up in a hurry. Freedom has a gorgeous range of baskets in a variety of colours, patterns and textures to suit any interior design style.

Tip 5 – Adding Stylish Touches To The Bedroom

The bedroom is another area of the home that I often find my styling session clients needing advice on. It can sometimes be a forgotten area of the home as you spend most of your time entertaining, socialising and connecting in the living areas. To make your bedroom feel more inviting and a place you can’t wait to get to at the end of a busy day, use these simple tips and tricks. Make sure your bedding is on point by choosing soft sheets, a fluffy quilt with a beautiful quilt cover and matching cushions to compliment the look. Add some large bedside table lamps to create a design feature, entice you to read before bed and provide a soft lighting option. Add artwork above your bed to create a focal point in the room and bring personality or colour to the space. I recommend finishing the space with a few styled items on your bedside table such as a stack of beautiful books, a trinket tray, candle and a decorative vase with faux or real blooms. Bring the look together and add warmth through a cosy floor rug and your bedroom will be transformed in no time!

If you are wanting more tips and tricks for decorating your home or need help with a particular space, then book in now for your free styling session at Homemaker The Valley. I look forward to seeing you soon and helping you create the home of your dreams!

The days are getting cooler here in Brisbane and we are finding ourselves snuggling up on our sofas and comfy beds more and more. Now is the perfect time to think about soft furnishings in your home and how you can create a warm and cosy vibe in your space. Soft Furnishings are often thought of as a winter essential, but we are here to tell you that they are a year-round necessity and can be simply switched up with the changing of the seasons. Soft Furnishings can be described as anything from blankets and cushions to floor rugs and bath towels. Below we go into detail for everything you need know about choosing the right textures, colours and finishes to create the perfect, cosy abode.

Textures For Summer

When choosing soft furnishings for summer it is important to think about what they will be used for and what kind of climate you live in. Here in Brisbane, we have unbearably hot summers, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to snuggle up on the sofa. To ensure you stay cool, but still cosy, we recommend opting for fabrics and textures such as linen or cotton in items like cushions or throw rugs. Keep soft furnishings as simple as possible and avoid any items that have embellishments, thick textures or cushions in faux fur. Opt for fabrics and textures that are breathable and allow you to relax and unwind without having to worry about becoming hot and bothered.

Textures For Winter

Winter is the perfect time to embrace all your favourite soft furnishings and make every room in the house as cosy and comfortable as possible. We have so many amazing stores here at Homemaker The Valley that offer a wide array of soft furnishings in snuggly fabrics such as Adairs, The Sheridan Outlet, Freedom and more! Head in store today for inspiration! In the cooler months we recommend opting for soft furnishing items including cushions and throw rugs in fabrics such as wool, faux fur and cotton blends to ensure they are super warm and cosy. We love layering cushions and throw rugs together on sofas, occasional chairs and beds to give a warm and inviting feel.

Cushions

Cushions are one of our favourite ways to add colour, texture and cosiness to a space. They are an affordable way to completely change the feel of a room by switching up colours from season to season. When decorating a sofa, we recommend grouping cushions in sets of three to create a pleasing and balanced look. Opt for a variety of sizes for a relaxed feel or use the same size throughout to create a uniform and sophisticated style. When selecting cushions for a sofa or occasional chair that your family or guests will be lounging on it is important to select soft and simple fabrics that are free from embellishments. We love a neutral colour scheme using a variety of tones from the same colour family such as white, flax and greige with a pop of a seasonal colour like mustard or sage. The bedroom is the zone where you can be more experimental with decorative cushions as they can be removed easily when sleeping and added back in when making the bed for a styled look. To create interest, we love adding textured and patterned cushions to the bed in a variety of colours or a completely neutral scheme. Next time you are at Homemaker The Valley you have to check out the Adairs cushion wall to be hit with all the inspiration necessary!

Throw Rugs & Blankets

Just like cushions, throw rugs are an essential styling tool for the bedroom and living room. Not only do they look great, create interest and inject colour and texture, but they are a functional aspect as well. There is nothing better than snuggling up after a long day under a comfortable throw rug with a warm tea or hot chocolate. We recommend using neutral toned throw rugs and blankets if you have opted for coloured cushions to create a subtle backdrop. If you have used tonal or subdued colours in your cushions, we recommend using your throw rugs to create a pop of colour. For a casual and relaxed vibe simply drape the throw rugs over the sofa or bed in an ‘undone’ fashion or neatly fold them for a sophisticated and luxe look. Some of our favourite retailers to find amazing throw rugs and blankets in at Homemaker The Valley are Adairs, The Sheridan Outlet and Freedom.

Bed Linen & Bath Towels

Bed linen and bath towels can also fall into the category of soft furnishings and should not be forgotten when creating the perfect colour and style in your cosy home. For bedding inspiration pop into The Sheridan Outlet or Adairs as they have some beautiful beds made up with every detail considered down to the sheets, pillowcases, quilt cover, throw rugs and varying cushion sizes. We recommend including all of the above to create the dreamiest bed that gives you a ‘hotel’ vibe at home all year round. Colour is huge in bed linen and bath towels at the moment so go for bold tones and patterns that flow from the bedroom to the bathroom. Our favourite combinations include mustard, burnt orange and blush or forest green and wine-red.

Floor Rugs

Floor rugs are an essential part of designing a room as they bring everything together, create a boundary and add warmth to a space. Always choose a rug that is slightly larger than you initially thought as there is nothing that looks more off balance than a small rug floating in the middle of a room. Opt for a rug that allows you to sit the majority of your furniture pieces on top. For example, in a living room the sofa and occasional chairs should always be sitting approximately one third or halfway onto the rug with the coffee table in the centre. This allows for the space to feel grounded and cohesive. We love using neutral toned rugs as it allows you to switch up the colour palette of your furniture, homewares and accessories with ease. Here at Homemaker The Valley we have some amazing stores with beautiful rugs such as Deco Rug, Carpet Call, James Lane, Freedom and more! We look forward to seeing you soon!

The living room is one of the most well-used and in demand spaces in the home. We spend time congregating as a family, enjoying bonding time with partners, playing games with children and watching our favourite movies. As such, it is a space that needs to feel cosy, warm, welcoming and inviting. As the months are getting cooler here in Brisbane, we are finding ourselves gravitating towards the living room and spending quality amounts of time in there with our loved ones. Below we are sharing our essential items to make your living room feel cosy and welcoming and give you an insight on where you can pick these up at Homemaker The Valley!

1. Comfortable Seating Options

As the living room is used by all members of the household and is a multifunctional space, a variety of comfortable seating options are essential. Starting with the sofa, this piece must be comfortable for lounging on over long periods of time and be large enough for a few family members. We recommend going for a fabric instead of a leather to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. Pair your comfortable sofa with one or two occasional chairs to allow for more seating options. Ensure your occasional chairs have high backs and deep seats to allow for reclining and ultimate relaxation. Some great retailers to check out at Homemaker The Valley for sofas and occasional chairs are Plush, Nick Scali, James Lane and Freedom to name a few.

2. Throw Rugs

Throw rugs and blankets are a key element for creating a cosy vibe in your living room. Having an assortment of soft blankets draped over the sofa or in a basket within easy reach not only creates a decorative accent, but allows you to snuggle up throughout the cooler months. We love Adairs new range of throw rugs and blankets in gorgeous Autumnal hues of pink, mustard, green and burnt orange.

3. Scent

The scent of a room completely transforms a space and allows you to have fun with creating a variety of moods. For a cosy living room vibe, we recommend going for scents that invoke a warm and fuzzy feeling such as freshly baked cookies, vanilla caramel or cashmere and linen. For a more sophisticated, yet cosy atmosphere we recommend using scents with notes of amber, sage and sandalwood. Scent can be used not only through burning candles, but room sprays and diffusers too! Pick one up from stores such as Freedom, Adairs or Provincial Homes Living.

4. Baskets

Baskets are an essential storage solution for most rooms of the home, in particular the living room. You can pick up a range of different sized baskets from most of our retailers in an assortment of textures, colours and finishes. Baskets can be used to store items such as blankets, cushions, magazines, books or games.

5. Coffee Or Side Table

A coffee or side table is a non-negotiable when designing a living room. Where else are you going to place your warm cup of coffee, chai latte or hot chocolate? If your living room is on the smaller size, we recommend forgoing the coffee table and using side tables to allow for storage and convenience. Many of our retailers have some amazing coffee table and side table options in great quality timbers and stone finishes such as Provincial Home Living, Early Settler and Oz Design Furniture.

6. Books

In our opinion, there is nothing better than curling up on a comfy sofa, snuggled under a blanket, a hot drink in hand and a good book. To create a cosy living room ensure you have some great reading material on hand that you can flick through when you are in need of some inspiration or to be transported to another place or time. Books not only allow for entertainment but make beautiful home décor pieces and create talking points when entertaining guests.

7. A Tray Of Essentials

When relaxing and winding down in a living room it is essential to have everything within easy reach. We recommend adding a tray to your coffee table with everyday items that you gravitate towards such as candles, matches, coasters, books and anything else you need to create a cosy space.

8. A Large Rug

Rugs are a key design piece in a living room as they not only define the space but bring it together cohesively. When selecting a rug, it is important to choose a size that is large enough to go under most furniture pieces such as your sofa, occasional chairs and coffee table. To create a warm and cosy vibe we recommend opting for textures in a soft wool or woven fabric that feel comfortable underfoot. Homemaker The Valley has some great retailers that offer rugs in a huge range of sizes, fabrics and colours. Some of our favourites are Deco Rug, The Rug Establishment and Carpet Call.

9. Comfy Cushions

When selecting cushions for your living room ensure you choose designs that are simple and free of embellishments. Opt for large, comfortable cushions in fabrics such as linen, cotton and faux fur. Cushions are a great way to add a pop of colour to the space and allow you to switch up a scheme with the changing of the seasons. Alternatively, we love the look of a variety of neutral tones in varying textures to create a simple and calming feel. Head into Adairs, Freedom or Provincial home Living for a beautiful range of cushions in a number of different fabrics, patterns and colours!

10. Lighting Options

As we mentioned above, the living room is a zone in the house that is multipurpose and used for a variety of activities. As such, it is essential to have a few options when it comes to lighting. We recommend using dimmers for your overhead lighting to allow for an easy mood-change. Table lamps and floor lamps are important for a living room for task lighting when reading a book or magazine. Some of our amazing retailers offering beautiful lighting options are Freedom, Oz Design Furniture and Provincial Home Living – head in store today!

The next interior design style we will be focusing on in our ‘How To Decorate’ series is the ‘Modern Coastal Style’. Most of us crave a laid back and stress-free life that is stereotypically associated with the coastal lifestyle, but only few of us are lucky to live by the beach. Through interior design and decorating choices in our homes we can introduce this design aesthetic and emulate the feeling of being on holidays at all times. Your home should be a reflection of your values and a tranquil escape that you can retreat to at the end of a busy day. The coastal design style has always been popular throughout history for its relaxed vibe and fuss-free look, but it’s time to take a dive into how it has evolved and what we are seeing today. Below we have summarised the key colours, furniture pieces, accessories and overall aesthetic for you to achieve the ‘Modern Coastal Style’ in your own home. Don’t forget to head into a number of our retailers at Homemaker The Valley to see this style in person and be inspired today!

Colour Palette

Gone are the days of a typical blue, yellow and white colour scheme that is commonly associated with a coastal interior design style. The colour palette we suggest using for a modern coastal look in your home is a mixture of warm neutrals and soft accent colours. Incorporate tones such as white, beige and soft grey as the predominant setting for the overall colour scheme. Offset these natural tones with a subtle pop of colour through muted blues and greens like sage and duck egg blue. Coastal style homes have a flowy and natural feel, so we recommend using the same tones throughout the entire home to ensure an overall cohesive look. Ensure all elements of your home nod to this colour palette from the flooring to the bathroom tiles to the furniture and accessories.

Key Furniture Pieces

There are specific furniture materials that are synonymous with a modern coastal interior design style. These include furniture predominantly made from cane, wicker, rattan and timber in warm honey tones. Offset these statement furniture textures with soft fabrics in whites and neutral tones for your larger furniture items such as the sofa or bedhead. We love the look of a white linen sofa, cane occasional chairs and a timber coffee table for a living room to create an overall relaxed coastal vibe. Opt for timber when selecting furniture pieces such as the dining table, entertainment unit and buffet in light oak-toned timbers. The modern coastal style is popular throughout a number of different stores at Homemaker The Valley at the current time. We recommend heading into retailers such as Freedom, Oz Design Furniture, James Lane and Early Settler to find a number of key furniture pieces in this style at any budget.

All About The Accessories

The modern coastal design style is all about the accessories! By keeping your furniture natural and the colour palette simple, you can have fun with a variety of accessories. Modern coastal design is an affordable, yet beautiful style as it is truly the home décor accessories, soft furnishings and finishing touches that create and elevate this look. We recommend including decorative pieces such as dried flowers or pampas grass in a variety of textured pots or vases in white and beige shades. Plants are also a great way to create a relaxing, coastal vibe, so we recommend adding some beautiful greenery in terracotta or white pots to a few rooms of the house. To create the ultimate relaxed and ‘un-done’ coastal style we suggest adding plenty of cushions to your sofa in varying ombre tones. Adairs and Freedom are currently stocking some amazing decorative pieces that pair perfectly with this design style, so head in store today to start bringing this look together in your own home.

Using Texture

Texture is a key element of the modern coastal style and can be used throughout the home to create interest and evoke a feeling of calm and tranquillity. As the colour palette for this style of decorating is quite neutral, it is essential to create interest through textures, patterns and different materials. We suggest choosing fabrics for cushions, throw rugs and bed linen in a variety of linen with varying tones of colour. For example, a white quilt cover pairs perfectly with warm terracotta cushions and a soft beige throw rug. When choosing a rug for your living room or dining room we recommend opting for a jute or flatweave style to create a casual and comfortable vibe. Tassels and frayed edges are popular for a costal look, so try incorporating cushions or rugs with a tassel or two! Texture can be seen through furniture as well by using cane, rattan and wooden pieces as mentioned above. Head to some of our amazing retailers to check out their textural furniture and homewares such as Provincial Home Living, Adairs and Oz Design Furniture.

Unless you’re an interior designer, it can be tricky trying to style your home by yourself. Numerous elements come into play when styling a home, including room size and orientation, wall colour, lighting, functionality and purpose. But don’t worry, we’ve put together an essential guide on how to style every room in your home.

How To Style Your Bathroom

It doesn’t matter if you have a modern or old-fashioned bathroom; the way you style your bathroom will be the same. Use accessories like matching towels, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and potted plants to make a statement. If you have a plain bathroom, choose colourful accessories and if your bathroom has a lot of patterns and shapes, keep your accessories simple to not overwhelm the room.

Plants really come alive in a bathroom, so make sure to include greenery in some form. Hanging planter baskets are a great way to incorporate plants without taking up valuable vanity space, while plant stands will make your bathroom seem more spacious as they don’t sit flush on the ground. Play with plants of different textures and varieties to make the most of your bathroom space.

How To Style Your Kitchen

Often referred to as the heart of a home, the kitchen is a high-traffic area, therefore, any styling decisions need to make sure the flow and functionality of the space are not interrupted. If you have an open plan area where the kitchen, dining room and living room meet, the kitchen should also take styling cues from these other spaces to create a cohesive style across your home.

Kitchens should be free from clutter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t display your favourite kitchen items. Hang cheese boards or your favourite coffee mugs from hooks and keep stylish kitchen appliances like electric mixers or cake platters on display on shelving or benchtops.

Adding greenery to your kitchen is a great way to bring it to life. Popular kitchen plants include philodendron which looks amazing hanging off exposed shelves or think about what herbs you like to use when you cook and add them to a small pot. If you don’t have a green thumb, use fresh or dried flowers to get the same effect.

Rather than trying to have everything in your kitchen match, play with different colours and shades to give your kitchen more warmth. If you have a mainly white kitchen, a statement fruit bowl or vase will add a much-needed pop of colour. If you have a dark kitchen, try and add light coloured accessories and kitchenware to brighten it up.

How To Style Your Living Room

As one of the most used rooms in the home, the living room needs to find the balance between functionality and style as well. Whether it is used as a playroom, entertaining area or relaxation space, you should style it in a way that doesn’t detract from its primary purposes.

It’s very easy to think of the television as the main star of the living room, but as a plain black box, it shouldn’t be the focus. Your focus in the living room should be around people interacting which means arranging your sofas or armchairs in a way that allows conversations to flow. You may be surprised with how much of a difference it makes when your furniture isn’t all pointed at the television. We recommend adding soft furnishings like cushions and throws to sofas and armchairs to bring a sense of cosiness and warmth to the space.

Storage is an important part of any living room, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Adding a large buffet or entertaining unit can give you the storage you need but also acts as a display piece on which you can place your favourite mementoes or stylish accessories. To avoid making your room seem cluttered, play with negative space, display objects of varying heights together and stick with a colour scheme.

How To Style Your Dining Room

If you’re lucky enough to have a separate dining area, we recommend keeping it simple. When being used, the dining table will be filled with plates, cutlery and food, so you don’t want the rest of the space to look too cluttered, but at the same time, you might wish to storage space to keep special glassware and crockery. We recommend a buffet or sideboard which can also double as a servery, or a display case if you want them to be seen.

As well as downlights, a statement pendant over the dining table can be used as mood lighting. Just make sure you hang it at the right height. Too high, and it may look disproportionate. Too low, and it will interfere with the space when you’re eating at the table. The ideal height is around 60cm over the dining table.

How To Style Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary where you can escape and relax. When you style your bedroom, start with the most important feature – the bed. The style of your bed will dictate the style of the rest of the room, so make sure you keep this in mind when selecting your bed frame. Choose luxurious bed linen that will help you get better sleep and add colour and texture to your bedroom. Layer your blankets, throws and pillows to create an inviting space that you’ll never want to leave!

As for the rest of the bedroom, use the colours in your bed linen to influence the art you choose, your accessories on display and your other soft furnishings like rugs. Choose a few colours from each piece to carry over into the next, so your room looks cohesive, but not too matchy. We love adding accessories like candles, pot plants and baskets to create a stylish bedroom setting.

How To Style a Kids Room

One of the best ways to style your child’s bedroom is to start with classic furniture pieces that will last as they grow, and then add playful accessories on top to create a fun room that will also be functional. Remember to have plenty of storage for toys, books and clothing too.

Creating a theme for your child’s bedroom is always a good idea. Whether they love ballet and princesses, space or the jungle, a feature wall paint colour or wallpaper can create a big statement and will help to set the theme of the room. From there, use soft furnishings, lighting and artwork to really bring the theme to life. Don’t go too overboard, though, as you might end up creating a room that is too distracting for them at bedtime!

How To Style Your Home Office

With more people staying out of the office and working remotely, having a dedicated home office space is more important than ever. It doesn’t have to be a completely separate room; even a study nook will do if you have limited space.

Your home office should be designed with productivity in mind, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. Start by finding a desk in a finish you like. This could be plain white or black, glass or some sort of timber. Add desk accessories like magazine holders and pen cups to give you that all-important storage but have fun with their designs as there are so many different prints and finishes available. Remember to think about other home office furniture you might need like shelves and drawers for important documents and extra stationery. Match these to your home office desk, and you’ll find your home office space will look more professional and stylish.

How To Style Your Outdoor Area

Everybody loves an outdoor entertaining area, and it sure does get a workout when the weather warms up. If you have a deck or patio, be sure to add outdoor furniture like an outdoor dining table and chairs, or outdoor lounge set to give you somewhere to dine and relax. If you just have grass, you can use an outdoor rug to create a dedicated entertaining area outside and place furniture or cushions on top.

No outdoor area is complete without a BBQ, so be sure to include one in your plans when styling your space. You can buy a freestanding BBQ or integrate one into your outdoor area to create an outdoor kitchen.

If you want to style your home, but don’t know where to start, Homemaker The Valley offers free home styling sessions. All you need to do is book your home styling session, bring along photos and measurements of the space and our expert interior stylist will spend time getting an insight into the space and your vision. They will then take you through our stores to show you furniture, soft furnishings and accessories that would suit your home.

Homemaker The Valley is the ultimate shopping destination for furniture and home accessories in Brisbane. With over X stores, you’ll find everything you need to style every room in the house. You can shop from popular furniture stores like Domayne and Provincial Home Living, and find the best home accessories from stores like Adairs, Early Settler and Howards Storage World. If you’re looking to furnish your new home, give your old home a makeover or find stylish homeware gifts for friends and family, visit Homemaker The Valley.