Category Archives: Style

space saving furniture

Our Round-up of The 5 Best Space Saving Furniture Options For Small Apartment Living in The Valley

Here at Homemaker The Valley we know that space saving furniture is essential when living in the inner city. With apartment buildings popping up in and around Fortitude Valley in the blink of an eye, we are finding more and more people looking for smart furniture solutions for their compact living spaces. With open plan living spaces growing smaller and smaller and multi-purpose zones becoming the norm, clever furniture design and placement needs to be considered when designing a home. Today we will be sharing with you our favourite space saving furniture pieces that are essential for inner-city living.

Extendable Dining Table

If you have a small dining space but love to host regular dinners with the entire family or have all the friends around for lunch, then you need to invest in an extendable dining table. These smart, space saving dining table designs allow you to have the joy of hosting all your loved ones on special occasions and the simplicity of a standard sized table during day-to-day life. With an easy lift of a few panels, the dining table extends from a standard 4-6 seater to as large as an 8-10 seater. Check out stores at Homemaker The Valley such as Freedom, Nick Scali and Domayne for some beautiful extendable dining tables in your favourite interior design style. We especially love the Kalbarri round extension dining table from Domayne that goes from a compact circle to large oval size.

Under Bed Storage

When selecting space saving furniture for your home you can’t go passed a bed with under bed storage. Whether you prefer a gas lift style or drawers under your bed, retailers such as Forty Winks and Domayne have a range of options at various price points. Under the bed is the perfect place to store seasonal items like winter coats, accessories, swimwear and beach towels. It can also be a great location to store bedlinen if your apartment or home is lacking a laundry or linen cupboard. You do not need to compromise on look when opting for an under-bed storage solution as you can choose a style, material and colour to suit your specific interior design style.

Multi-purpose Furniture

As our homes become smaller and we prioritise location and lifestyle over size, we must make smart decisions when it comes to space saving furniture to maximise the feel of our rooms. When selecting each piece for your home, make sure and consider its storage capacity as well as the appearance. For example, when choosing bedside tables, opt for a style that has large drawers and a cupboard instead of a single drawer or stool style. The same principal can be applied when purchasing items like console tables, coffee tables, entertainment units and buffets.

Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are another great space saving furniture solution as they can be multi-purpose and serve a multitude of needs. We suggest using a storage ottoman instead of a coffee table in the living room as it allows you to store seasonal blankets and cushions within. Simply add a tray with some coasters and a few home décor pieces for a styled look. Ottomans can also be used as footrests when a living room is too small for a chaise or corner lounge and create another seating option when guests visit.

Tall Bookcases

A common mistake when decorating a small home is to not make use of walls and the height of the ceiling. There is prime storage real estate on walls that can be maximised through furniture and décor pieces like floating shelves and bookcases. We love using tall bookcases in areas such as the living room, dining room and study to store a variety of items. To avoid a cluttered look, we suggest choosing a bookcase that has cupboards as well as shelves to ensure some items can be hidden away out of plain sight. We love this beautiful white hutch style bookcase from Provincial Home Living that allows for plenty of storage.

Shop Space Saving Furniture at Homemaker The Valley

Our amazing retailers offer an array of furniture options to suit every size, style and budget. Shop our favourite recommendations for stylish, space saving furniture at our convenient location in Fortitude Valley. For more seasonal design trends and tips like balancing function and style, visit our Home Collective blog.

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!

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

communal space furniture

Creating a Communal Space with Furniture and Décor

In today’s fast-paced world, creating a sense of community within our homes has become increasingly important. By thoughtfully incorporating furniture and decor, we can transform our living spaces into inviting communal areas that foster connection, conversation, and togetherness. Let this seasonal trend show you how specific furniture pieces, natural colour palettes, and clever design choices can contribute to making a space more communal.

1. Choosing Communal Furniture

To encourage interaction and conversation, select furniture that promotes face-to-face engagement. Consider incorporating a large dining table, one from Eureka Furniture that features with comfortable seating where family and friends can gather for meals and engaging conversations. A farmhouse-style table, for example, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere conducive to communal dining experiences.

Additionally, modular or sectional sofas offer flexibility and versatility, allowing individuals to sit together comfortably while facilitating group interactions. Early Settler has a wide selection in a range of colours and fabrics to suit all spaces. Arrange the seating in a circular or semi-circular formation to create an inclusive and communal seating arrangement.

2. Embracing Natural Colour Palettes

Natural colour palettes play a crucial role in creating a calming and welcoming environment that encourages people to gather and connect. Opt for earthy tones such as warm beige, soft browns, soothing greens, and serene blues. These colours evoke a sense of harmony with nature and provide a relaxed backdrop that enhances social interactions. You can incorporate these colours through soft furnishings like cushions, throws and rugs, which Adairs has in abundance.

Integrate natural elements like wood, stone, and plants into your furniture and decor choices. Wood furniture pieces, for instance, can add warmth and a touch of nature to communal areas, while plants bring life and freshness to the space.

3. Open Concept Design

An open concept design encourages fluidity within your home and allows everyone to be connected. Creating a seamless flow between different areas of the home, enables people to move around and connect effortlessly, especially when having guests over.

Utilise furniture strategically to define spaces within the open concept layout. For instance, a low bookshelf or a console table, that you can find at Freedom can act as a subtle divider between the living area and the dining space, maintaining an open feel while creating a visual distinction between areas.

4. Functional and Multipurpose Furniture

To maximise the communal nature of your space, invest in functional and multipurpose furniture. Consider pieces like storage ottomans, coffee tables with built-in storage, or bookshelves that double as room dividers. These furniture items not only serve their primary purpose but also provide additional functionality, such as hidden storage, which helps maintain an organised and clutter-free environment, adding to the open layout and allowing for movement to flow.

5. Thoughtful Arrangements and Focal Points

Arranging furniture with intention can enhance the communal atmosphere. Create conversation zones by arranging seating around a central focal point, such as a fireplace, a cosy rug, or a large coffee table that you can find at Oz Design Furniture. This arrangement encourages interaction and makes the space feel more inviting and inclusive.

Incorporating furniture and decor strategically can transform any home into a communal space that nurtures connections and fosters a sense of togetherness. By selecting the right furniture pieces, embracing natural colour palettes, adopting an open concept design, investing in functional furniture, and arranging the space thoughtfully, you can create an environment that encourages social interaction and strengthens the bonds among family members and friends. Remember, a communal home is a space where cherished memories are made, and relationships are nourished.

Creating a Nostalgic and Nature-Inspired Interior Space

The Apothecary design trend embraces a blend of natural materials, vintage accents, and a nostalgic charm to create a cosy and inviting interior space. Inspired by nature and rustic aesthetics, this trend features on earthy colour palettes with deep greens and browns. We’ll show you how to infuse this nostalgic trend into your home by incorporating elements such as natural materials, vintage accents, earthy colours, and wooden furniture.

1. Natural Materials and Rustic Charm

Apothecary design emphasises the use of natural materials to create a connection with nature. Incorporate elements such as reclaimed wood, and stone accents to add a rustic touch and enhance the earthy ambiance. This table from Freedom features a wooden rustic charm that is perfect for any space. These materials evoke a sense of warmth and bring a cosy and inviting atmosphere to your space.

Consider incorporating natural fibres like jute, rattan, or sisal in rugs, baskets, or lampshades. https://homemakerthevalley.com.au/stores/?location=oz-design has a great selection of jute rugs in different sizes to suit all spaces. These elements add texture and enhance the overall natural aesthetic of the room.

2. Vintage Accents and Nostalgic Touch


Vintage accents play a key role in this trend, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm. Look for antique or vintage-inspired furniture pieces, such as a distressed wooden chest or a vintage apothecary cabinet with multiple drawers, which you can find at Provincial Home Living. These pieces not only provide ample storage but also serve as focal points, adding character and charm to the space.

Display vintage glass bottles, apothecary jars, or old medicine containers on shelves or as decorative pieces. These items not only contribute to the aesthetic but also offer storage for smaller items such as spices or dried herbs.

3. Earthy Colour Palette


To enhance the natural and rustic feel of the Apothecary design trend, opt for an earthy colour palette. Deep greens and browns are prominent colours that reflect the beauty of nature. Consider painting accent walls or incorporating these colours through furniture upholstery, cushions, or rugs. You can start with a statement armchair from Eureka Furniture encapsulates the trend perfectly, and serves as a great starting point.

Additionally, muted tones such as warm beiges, and creamy whites can be used as a backdrop to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. These colours provide a neutral foundation for the other elements to stand out.

4. Wooden Furniture and Storage Solutions

Wooden furniture is a cornerstone of this interior design trend, adding warmth and a sense of nature to the space. Invest in sturdy wooden pieces such as a farmhouse-style dining table, that you can find at Nick Scali, a rustic wooden desk, or a wooden coffee table. These furniture items not only offer functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Emphasise storage and organisation by incorporating furniture with built-in storage options. Look for sideboards, buffets, or shelving units with drawers and compartments, allowing you to keep your space tidy and clutter-free.

5. Elements of Nature

Bringing elements of nature into your space helps create a soothing and serene environment. Decorate your space with potted plants, dried flowers, or botanical prints, like our favourites found at . These natural accents add freshness, colour, and life to the room.

Consider incorporating soft lighting with warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy ambiance. Hang vintage-inspired pendant lights or use table lamps with fabric shades to add a gentle glow that complements the earthy colour palette.

The Apothecary interior design trend blends natural materials, vintage accents, and a sense of nostalgia to create a cosy and inviting interior space. By incorporating these elements, you can transform your home into a warm and rustic haven. Embrace the charm and storage-focused approach of Apothecary design to achieve a space that is both functional and visually appealing, allowing you to relax and connect with the beauty of nature within your own home.

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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!