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Spring into flavour with mocktail recipes

As the last wisps of winter’s chill leave, our palates are yearning for some refreshing and exciting flavours. Luckily, spring is the perfect time to revitalise your drink menu and indulge in the sweet sips and savours of the season. And what better way to do so than with three delightful spring mocktail recipes? Below, we’ll raise a glass (and a few stylish ones at that!) to the new season with drink recipes that are expertly paired alongside the perfect glassware and bar cart accessories from Homemaker The Valley. 

 

Spring fling mocktail 

Meet your new spring obsession: the spring fling mocktail! This refreshing sipper combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours, with a hint of sweetness that’ll quench your thirst. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a warm day or need a pick-me-up, this fruity drink will be you new go-to. 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water 
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 
  • 2 cups mixed berry juice (such as raspberry, cranberry, and blueberry)
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • Handful of ice cubes
  • Fresh berries and lime wedges for garnish

Method 

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool before using. 
  2. In a large pitcher combine the berry juice, lime juice, and water and sugar mixture. 
  3. Stir in the sparking water. 
  4. Fill 4 glasses with ice and pour the spring fling mocktail over the ice
  5. Garnish with fresh berries and a lime wedge. 

 

Adairs Pansy Multi Vase $39.99, Freedom Ecology Aveline Cocktail Glass Set $59.95, Freedom Pesce Resin Pitcher $79.95, Kitchen Warehouse Piaf Bar Cart $279, Kitchen Warehouse Salisbury & Co Oxford Cocktail Shaker $29.95, OZ Design Staghorn Fern Pot $149, Provincial Home Living Phoenix Tea Towel $12.95. 

 

 

Cucumber lime refresher 

The cucumber lime refresher is a light and lovely mocktail combining the subtle sweetness of cucumber with a burst of citrusy zing. The result? A refreshing, hydrating, and delicious mocktail perfect for a post-workout refreshment or picnic. 

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups cucumber-infused water (slice a cucumber and let it steep in water for at least 30 minutes)
  • ¼ cup water 
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar 
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup sparkling water
  • Slice of cucumber and lime wheel for garnish

Method

  1. Slice a cucumber and add it to a large pitcher or jug. Pour in 2 cups of water and let it steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool before using. 
  3. Strain the cucumber-infused water into a large pitcher or jug. Add the lime juice and the water and sugar mixture. 
  4. Stir in the sparkling water. 
  5. Fill 4 glasses with ice and pour the cucumber lime refresher over the ice. 
  6. Top with a slice of cucumber and a lime wheel. 

 

Adairs Mimi Tea Towel 2 Pack $22.99, Eureka Furniture Louis Fleur-de-Lis Pitcher Jug $24, Freedom Ecology Rattan Tumbler Set of 4 $49.95, James Lane Jaj Decorative Tray $24.95, OZ Design Trist Bar Trolley $279, Provincial Home Living Lemon Stem $24.95, Provincial Home Living Lime Decoration $3.95 Each. 

 

 

Garden party spritzer 

The garden party spritzer is a vibrant and fun mocktail, boasting tropical flavours with lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s fruity, bubbly, and basically begging to be served at your next alfresco gathering. 

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
  • Splash of lemon juice (1-2 tbsp)
  • Edible flowers and sprigs of rosemary for garnish

Method 

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and grenadine syrup. 
  2. Stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice. 
  3. Fill 4 glasses with ice and pour the garden party spritzer over the ice. 
  4. Garnish with flowers like lavender, violas, or pansies and a spring of rosemary. 

 

Adairs Bardot Cocktail Glass Pack of 2 $29.99, Domayne Salt & Pepper Duet Cake Stand $38, Freedom Orchid Vase Arrangement $49.95, Kitchen Warehouse Guzzini Dolcevita Pitcher $59.95, Kitchen Warehouse Windsor Bar Cart $279, OZ Design Footed Bowl $49.95, Provincial Home Living Ostern Paper Serviette 40 Pack $9.95. 

 

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

feng shui bedroom ideas

How to design a feng shui bedroom

Want to turn your bedroom into a calming space where you can rest and reset every day? You’re in luck! Our top feng shui bedroom ideas will help create a space that’s as beautiful as it is peaceful.

But first, let’s get back to basics: what even is feng shui? In a nutshell, it’s an ancient Chinese philosophy to do with harnessing the power of energy (or “chi”) to create a space that feels super balanced. The word ‘feng’ means wind and ‘shui’ means water – so, together, these symbolise the way of wind and water (aka the flow of life).

Ever since the 1970s, feng shui has evolved in Western culture and has become a thoughtful approach to designing spaces through balancing furniture, décor, and layout to maximise the flow of good vibes (and minimise the bad).

We bet you’re wondering how exactly to design a feng shui bedroom. Simply read on and follow our eight essential feng shui design tips. Let’s get started!

 

feng shui bedroom furniture and decor ideas

 

Adairs Belgian Vintage Cushion $109.99, Adairs Sorrento Retreat Candle $44.99, Early Settler Cochin Hand Stitched Tassel Rug $99, Freedom Elora Framed Artwork $79.95, Freedom Palm Beach Collection Aromatherapy Diffuser $99.95, James Lane Lola Bedside Table $399, James Lane Seseh Table Lamp $99.95, Oz Design Willow Collection Queen Bed $3,199.

 

Tip 1: Choose the right bed and placement

According to the feng shui principles, your bed influences wealth, health, and relationships. To harness its full potential, place your bed at the farthest point from the door, facing south, without directly facing any doors. Ensure your bed is at a comfortable height, allowing energy to flow freely underneath. This placement will promote restful sleep, vitality, and a deeper connection with yourself and your space.

 

Tip 2: Invest in a supportive headboard

In feng shui, a headboard represents stability, security, and support in your life. Be sure to choose a solid headboard with a smooth, perforation-free design. Opt for soft, rounded edges to promote energy flow and ensure it’s securely attached to provide a further sense of safety and comfort.

 

Tip 3: Buy a bedside rug

Use a bedside rug to absorb energy and create a cosy atmosphere. Place one on each side of the bed if two people share the same room.

 

Tip 4: Opt for a neutral colour palette

Create a peaceful ambience with a neutral colour scheme. Feng shui experts recommend warm earth tones like cream, peach, and tan, plus calming blues and greys. Be sure to avoid bright colours for a more calming atmosphere.

 

Tip 5: Focus on balance and symmetry

Use identical bedside tables and lamps to create symmetry and balance. Ensure you leave equal space on both sides of the bed so that the room remains aligned and even.

 

Tip 6: Incorporate soothing scents

Scented candles enhance the senses and create a warm, healing atmosphere. They also clear energy and uplift the bedroom’s feng shui. Be sure to regularly cleanse your bedroom with sage or sweet orange oil for a refreshing boost.

 

Tip 7: Minimise electronics

Remove any technology such as a television or computer as they give off a lot of unwanted energy. Instead, the bedroom should be a distraction-free zone for relaxation and contemplation.

 

Tip 8: Be mindful of mirror placement

Avoid bedroom mirrors, as they reflect and bounce energy, causing restlessness. If a mirror is an essential, consider placing it behind a closet door instead.

And there you have it! By incorporating these simple yet powerful design tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space filled with good energy. Ready for more? Book a free styling session with our centre stylist, Eliza Grace, to get her perspective on feng shui.

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

cosy winter living room

How to cosy up your living room this winter

There’s no denying that the living room is one of the most lived-in areas of a home, especially during the winter months when it needs to be ready for two things; hibernating and hosting. Whether you find yourself curling up on the sofa with a warm blanket, a favourite book, or in front of the flickering glow of the TV with friends and family, your living area should be gearing up for a busy season ahead. This means it’s time to work out how you to decorate your living room for winter!

So, to get you inspired, we’ve rounded up five tips to cosy up your living area – from the right lighting to use to the best accessories to style with. Keep reading and prepare to feel toasty.

 

Winter Living Room Product Grid Homemaker The Valley

Adairs Supersoft Checkerboard Washable Rug from $279.99, Adairs Willow Silver Green Hanging Fern $29.99, Eureka Furniture Cove Folding Screen $679, Eureka Furniture Sorghum Pot $89, Freedom Malvern Table Lamp $229, James Lane Bon Travertine & Acacia Coffee Table $1,299, Nick Scali Lenxy 6 Seat Corner Terminal Sofa POA, OZ Design Lazuli Canvas $799, Plush Elanor Swivel Armchair POA, Sheridan Outlet Caral Cushion $79.99, Sheridan Outlet Millbrook Faux Fur Throw $329.95.

 

Use Warm Colours

First up, consider the colour palette – we recommend choosing warm and inviting colours such as deep reds, earthy browns, or warm neutrals like beige and cream. These shades will make the space feel warmer than it actually is and help make your living area feel cosier. This is because warm hues are associated with passion, joy, and playfulness making them a good choice for rooms that see a lot of activity.

 

Incorporate Ambient Lighting

Set the mood with the correct lighting. During gloomy days when you need to get work done, then a natural glow or overhead white light can be energy-boosting and help you stay focused. When nighttime arrives and you’re wanting to relax, a warm light will help you unwind. We recommend using soft, warm lighting to create a cosy ambience in your living room. Opt for table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights with warm-toned bulbs rather than harsh overhead lighting that is more suitable in the daytime. You can also use candles to add a flickering, comforting glow.

 

Add Layers

The secret to a cosy living room? Layering! There’s nothing quite like sinking into a plush sofa with soft cushions and warm throws to snuggle up in. Be sure to opt for a mix of throws and cushions in chunky knit, faux fur, wool, and linen fabrics. The blend of textures will not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also contribute to a delightfully snug environment, promising both style and comfort.

 

Decorate With Natural Elements

Since we’re bound to be spending more time inside during winter, why not bring the outdoors in as much as possible by using natural-inspired décor? Think driftwood, branches, stones, and botanicals. By incorporating these organic touches, you can create a serene atmosphere that reconnects you with the great outdoors.

 

Create Cosy Seating

Design your own reading nook within the living area for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Select a plush armchair, cosy cushions, and a soft ottoman for added comfort. Arrange the reading nook furniture thoughtfully to maximise the cosiness. We recommend having the chair face towards the warming glow of a fireplace or out the window. This arrangement invites you to sink in and escape into the pages of your favourite book. Watch us create a reading nook here.

Now that you know how to decorate your living room for winter, your living room is about to become the heart of your home this winter. Don’t forget to swing by Homemaker The Valley to gather all the essentials. Let’s make this winter your cosiest yet!

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

 

Image: Provincial Home Living

how to choose the perfect Adairs rug

How to choose the perfect Adairs rug for your room

In today’s post we are going to be sharing with you our top tips and tricks for selecting the perfect Adairs rug to suit your home and lifestyle requirements. Rugs are a key component of any room and interior designers consider them an essential when designing spaces such as the living room, dining room or bedroom. Rugs can have many benefits including softening the space, defining zones, creating a focal point and brining the room together through forming a grounding point. There are many aspects to consider when shopping for the right rug including finding the right size, ensuring it is suitable for pets and children, selecting the perfect colour and caring for your rug long term. We will be covering all of these essential steps to ensure you select a rug that is perfect for you, your home and your lifestyle.

 

Finding The Correct Size

The size of a rug can completely change how your space feels as it creates balance and harmony to complement your furniture. Before purchasing your rug, it is essential to measure the space you will be using it in and ensuring you purchase the correct size. Start by measuring the room as a whole and then measure the sofa length if you are in the living room or the bed width if you are in the bedroom. The rug should be placed approximately halfway underneath the furniture piece and extend beyond the edges. Once you have your measurements you can head into Adairs to find the perfect rug to suit your space.

 

Consider Your Lifestyle

When selecting your Adairs rug it is essential you consider your lifestyle and the people and animals that will be using the space. If you have pets or young children, we recommend opting for a rug that has some pattern in it to hide any stains that may occur and avoid any rugs that are too light in colour. Adairs have a great range of washable rugs that are super soft underfoot but can be popped in the washing machine for easy cleaning should any mishaps occur. Washable rugs are a great solution for being able to have a beautifully put together living room, without compromising on style and function.

 

Create Contrast Or Blend Into The Background

Now that you know the correct size and what style of Adairs rug to choose to suit your lifestyle, you can think about the perfect colour and design to suit your space. When selecting a rug, we suggest choosing a colour that will contrast with the larger furniture pieces in the room to create depth and balance. If you have a medium toned sofa, then we suggest going either a few shades lighter or darker in the rug to create the perfect look. You can go bold with a colour such as green or blue and choose a geometric or intricate pattern to create a focal point within the space. If you would like the rug to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, then we suggest choosing a simple pattern seen in a flatweave or jute rug and opting for a neutral tone like this Dream Beige Rug from Adairs.

 

How To Care For Your Rug

To ensure your Adairs rug looks beautiful for the long term it is essential to understand how to clean rugs and maintain them. If a spill occurs, we suggest using a stain remover or natural solution as soon as possible to avoid the stain seeping into the fibres. With regular vacuuming your rug will be brought back to life and avoids it looking flat or lifeless. If you have chosen a washable rug, then these can be washed in a machine when any large stains occur or you start to notice odours, however over-washing may depreciate its quality over time. We love this gorgeous checkerboard sage washable rug from Adairs to add a pop of colour to your space.

These simple steps should arm you with the confidence you need to head in store and purchase your Adairs rug. The friendly staff will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the perfect colour and style to suit your space. Head in to the Adairs store this weekend and don’t forget to check out our other retailers to pair your rug with the perfect homewares and furniture pieces too.

 

How To Decorate: Modern Coastal Style

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.

How To Make Your Bedroom The Perfect Sanctuary

The bedroom is one of our favourite rooms in the house. Not only do we sleep in this space, but we can read, talk, play, connect and relax in this room as well. The bedroom is the place we spend our days dreaming about as we long to cosy up under the covers and get some much-needed shut eye. With all that in mind, the bedroom often becomes the space that you forget about when decorating your home. As your guests rarely set foot in your bedroom, we often pay more attention to decorating our living spaces and ensuring these are perfect before diving into a bedroom design. Today we are going to be sharing some tips on creating the perfect bedroom sanctuary where you can relax, unwind and enjoy being in this tranquil space.

 

Invest In Quality Bedding

There are many home decorating areas you can cut back and save a few dollars on, but your bedding should definitely not be one of them. The difference high quality bedding has on your sleep is immeasurable. Not only does it feel luxurious and soft when you climb in at the end of a busy day, but it looks amazing too! Here at Homemaker The Valley we have some great stores such as the Sheridan Outlet and Adairs that stock a huge range of high quality pieces such as luxuriously soft quilt covers, 1000 thread count sheets, silk pillowcases and more! Switch up your bedding this weekend and we can assure you, you will notice the difference straight away!

Lighting Options

Having multiple lighting options in a bedroom is essential. Not only do you need bright overhead lights for getting dressed, cleaning or organising the space, but you also need to incorporate some task lighting. Bedside table lamps, wall sconces or floor lamps make a huge difference in a bedroom. They allow you to create a moody and tranquil environment before hopping into bed by emitting a soft light that is less harsh than bright ceiling lights. They also encourage reading before bed instead of sitting and scrolling through your mobile phone or laptop. Try adding a gorgeous bedside table lamp from Freedom, Oz Design Furniture or Early Settler to your bedroom to create a tranquil and calming atmosphere in your bedroom today.

Soft Furnishings

Cushions and throw rugs immediately make a space feel cosier and more welcoming. Add some fluffy cushions and soft throw blanket to your bed, ottoman or armchair to elevate the cosiness of the entire room. Opt for fabrics such as linen, faux fur or a knitted wool to ensure you can snuggle up and feel the warmth of a cosy texture. Soft furnishings are great to change up from season to season and you can switch up the colours depending on your mood or what is the latest trend. If you haven’t checked out the ‘cushion wall’ at Adairs then you need to head on into Homemaker The Valley this weekend to take your pick at every colour of the rainbow!

A Cosy Rug

There is nothing better than getting out of bed in the morning and planting your feet on a soft, cosy rug. Try adding a large, textured rug to your bedroom to elevate the warmth factor and create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. Go for a large rug that can fit quite comfortably under your bed and beyond the end of the bed frame. Unlike high traffic areas such as the living or dining room, the bedroom is where you can go for a high pile, fluffy rug that creates a warm and comfortable environment. Head into Deco Rug this weekend to touch and feel their wide range of gorgeous rugs in an array of textures, patterns and colours.

A Great Bed

A great bed can make a huge difference to not only the quality of your sleep, but the entire look and feel of your bedroom too. By investing in a bed that not only looks amazing, but offers storage solutions as well, will elevate your bedroom to the next level. We love beds that have a fabric bedhead in a neutral tone form stores like Beds n Dreams, Forty Winks or Snooze. Look for beds that have built in storage such as large, spacious drawers or a gas lift bedframe. Having hidden storage in a bed frame allows you to hide any excess items or blankets away and creates a more streamlined, organised and tranquil environment in the bedroom.

Scent

Scent plays a huge role in how we feel and connect to a space. Our homes take on so many different scents from cooking, cleaning and general life that we need to ensure we take steps in creating a beautifully smelling space. To create a cosy atmosphere in the bedroom we recommend going for a warm scent such as a burnt caramel or sandalwood. If you would like your bedroom to have a more tranquil and fresh vibe then opt for a jasmine, peppermint or linen scent. Our top picks for adding scent into the bedroom are using a diffuser throughout the day and burning a candle in the evenings as you are preparing for bed. You can pick up a beautiful candle at an affordable price from plenty of our retailers such as Provincial home Living, TK Maxx, James Lane or Sheridan.

Bedside Table Storage

Seeing clutter in a bedroom can automatically make you feel anxious and uneasy. Selecting bedside tables that have built in storage such as a drawer or cupboard allows you to easily tidy up and keep your bedtime essentials organised. We recommend choosing a bedside table that has a drawer where you can keep some linen spray, a good book, essentials oils and some sleep spray to ensure you have everything you need for a peaceful night’s sleep within easy reach. The main goal of the bedroom is to relax, unwind and ensure we have the best seep possible. Having everything tucked away neatly in a bedside table will make a huge difference!

 

 

The Biggest Christmas Trends of 2019

Homemaker The Valley is in full Christmas cheer mode! The halls have been decked with garlands and trees, and the fairy lights are twinkling throughout. Every day we are seeing more and more retailers adorning their stores with new season Christmas decorations and filling them with the sound of carols. We have seen quite a few trends coming though for Christmas 2019 from pops of bright colours and whimsical creatures to traditional and nostalgic themes. Today we are sharing with you our top 4 favourites from retailers found at Homemaker The Valley!

Woodland Fairy-tale

One theme we are seeing popping up at various retailers is a ‘Woodland Fairy-tale’ theme. Think natural textures and tones mixed with adorable ornaments that will bring a smile to every child in the room (even the big kids too!). Adairs have some gorgeous little woodland creature tree decorations made of wool, dressed in sparkly tutus and gold Christmas hats. They also have some beautiful wooden trees that work well with a minimalist Christmas theme in varying sizes and shapes. The Woodland Fairtytale theme incorporates plenty of natural textures such as timber and wool, whilst keeping to a fairly neutral colour pallet of warm whites and browns mixed with soft blushes and greens. When decorating your Christmas dining table ensure you use textured wooden accents in pieces such as coasters or placemats. We also recommend hanging a few snowflake garlands around the room to create a whimsical atmosphere on Christmas Day. For the finishing touch, wrap your gifts in a natural brown paper with a beautiful glittering bow – voila!

Our favourite pieces for the Woodland Fairy-tale theme are this delicate golden tree centrepiece and this adorable Christmas tree decoration, both from Adairs.

Pop Of Blue

As the Christmas decorations started to pop up throughout the many retailers at Homemaker The Valley, we have started to notice one clear colour trend of the season – blue! From dark navy accents to bright blueberry tones, blue is a clear favourite this year for all. The strikingly dark navy seen throughout all of Freedom’s Christmas decorations this year creates a dramatic and sophisticated vibe to your home decorating. Try adding this colour in your tableware, napkins and decorations for a refined and polished Christmas theme. We love the fun navy-blue paper Christmas tree table decorations that you can pick up in store in varying sizes! This year, Provincial Home Living opted for a brighter blue in their decorating items that pairs well with white and natural green for a more traditional feel. They have an array of gorgeous homewares in varying shades of blue from duck egg to dark berry in items such as plates, bowls, napkins, placemats and much more! Provincial Home Living even have the option to match your wrapping paper and gift tags to your serviettes and placemats – genius! Our favourite is the blue and green tinsel berry wrap that will have all your gifts sitting pretty under your tree!

Sparkling Blush

A theme we are seeing running throughout many retailers this holiday season is ‘sparkling blush’. This theme incorporates soft pink tones mixed with glittering rose golds and brass accents. Freedom and Domayne have included these colours throughout all their Christmas decorations and have trees adorned in these beautiful tones in store. Rose gold, brass and classic gold are the perfect backdrop for displaying new and old Christmas ornaments, so stock up on a few baubles to enhance your tree. Sparkling blush is the perfect theme to decorate your Christmas dining table in this year too. Think textured gold placements, moody blush toned dinnerware with sparkling bonbons and glittering candles. Twinkling fairy lights are the perfect accessory to this theme, so add them to just about every surface you can to creative a festive atmosphere throughout your home. You can pick up battery powered fairy lights from a variety of retailers, which provide an easy way of decorating your dining table, mantle or entertainment unit in. To finish off the blush theme we absolutely love these dusty pink paper stars from Freedom that you can hang down your hallway, above your entry or on your staircase.

Classic and Charming

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional theme that embraces nostalgia and makes us feel like we’re in a European winter wonderland. There are many of us that no matter what colours and trends are coming through each year, will stick to the traditional Christmas theme that matters most. Having a classic Christmas theme every year does not have to be boring, try adding one or two items from the current season that pair perfectly with ornaments you’ve had for years. We love these handmade Christmas tree decorations from Early Settler that look like you’ve had them in your collection since childhood! This blueberry wreath from Provincial Home Living is a classic piece that will bring a smile to your face each time you walk through your door this holiday season. A classic and charming Christmas theme should include a colour pallet of greens, reds, golds, whites and silvers. This theme will be seen from the Christmas Tree to the home décor to the dining table on Christmas day. Keep it traditional by adding some natural pine garlands, a few festive scented candles and twinkling fairy lights throughout the home.

Merry Christmas and Happy Decorating!

 

Creating a comfortable and cozy living space

Styling your home can sometimes be a tedious job, but someone has to tackle it. The living room is undeniably a vital component of your home styling. It’s the sanctuary for lounging around, enjoying me-time and sharing happy memories with friends. It should create a warm and welcoming embrace and reflect the décor style you’re trying to emulate throughout your entire home. To achieve a cozy living space, here are some different styles to adapt to your space.

If you’re looking for a bit of detox in your home, a natural theme for your living room is a perfect fix. Earthly shades of greens and browns is a solid foundation to begin your design. The mint green Mercer + Reid Mandarin chair from Adairs would inject a natural-looking style from your living space. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of navy to contrast with your greens and browns.

To complement this space as inspired by the outdoors, make sure to utilise houseplants to their full potential. Decorating your coffee table or bookcase with these lovely natural accents. For a plant that brings a perfect blend of wild and homely, Adairs have a lovely Home Republic Pothos on offer. For Houseplants that bring more to the room then just cute decoration, why not opt for living plants instead of plastic. Plants like mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lilies and ferns will grow well in even dark rooms.

To achieve a warm, classical look, experiment with a vintage style for your living room. To hark back to the days of elegance and antique screen doors; embrace welcoming tones of navy, granite, and beige for your furniture and accessories in the living room. Switch houseplants for vintage screen doors and antique-styled wall clocks. Try the charming black lined Frame Clock from Oz Design Furniture to create a slick vintage character. To tie in your vintage pieces, add an elegant gold Bella Screen from Oz Design Furniture.

Lighting can either make or break the mood of your room, too bright and the room is harsh and uninviting, and too low limits the functionality of the space. Hanging lights are a splendid option for creating a cozy feel. To further enhance a welcoming space, it’s best to reduce clutter and only choose a few accent pieces that catch your eye.

Experimentation is key when constructing a welcoming atmosphere that matches your desires for the space. To invoke a charming and cozy mood for your living room, try a romantic theme. When choosing a colour scheme, it’s best to select a couple of darker shades and pair them with neutral and light tones For a romantic look, you can from choose a myriad of pastel pinks, purples or greens, then pair them with some darker shades of grey or gold. The Home Republic Loft Table lamp from Adairs comes in beautiful pastel pink and would contrast perfectly with a dark blue Bushland cushion from Oz Design Furniture. Floral arrangements are always a must to complete a welcoming, romantic theme; they add a spot of nature and a sense of calm to the atmosphere of the room.

The design of your living room not only affects functionality, but it can also have an influence on the mood of your guests. Creating a cozy living space is one of the key aspects of maintaining a happy household. With a plethora of options to suit your décor style, the sky is the limit when it comes to your living space.

For decorating inspiration find us at Homemaker the Valley, corner of Ann & Wickham Streets, Fortitude Valley.