Tag Archives: James Lane

Everything you need to know about colour drenching

Colour drenching, the practice of bathing every surface in a single uniform colour is gaining a whole lot of momentum at the moment. This bold yet surprisingly simple technique has the power to elevate any room, making it feel more spacious, serene, and right on trend. But don’t be fooled, colour drenching is not just about slapping on a coat of paint; it’s an art form that requires careful consideration. By eliminating visual noise and creating a sense of continuity, this technique can make even the smallest spaces feel airy and expansive.

The colour drench design approach has its roots in the Impressionist era when artists like Claude Monet experimented with bold, unifying colours. Fast-forward to today, and it’s experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Designers and homeowners alike are embracing it, and the results are ten out of ten.

So, why should you consider colour drenching for your next design project? For starters, it creates the illusion of space by erasing visual boundaries, colour drenching makes rooms feel larger and more open. It also hides imperfections – that unsightly air conditioning vent or uneven surface? Making them all but disappear.

Ready to give this technique a try? Here’s how to make it work.

Colour Drenching Product Tile Homemaker the Valley

Adairs Nouveau Rug $549.99, Casa Blanco Roma Console $4,400, Casa Blanco Triah Chair $780, DecoRug Crescent Framed Canvas Wall art $84.96, Domayne Spots Olive Large Vase $109, Early Settler Finch 3 Seater Sofa $1,699, Early Settler Vaani Round Side Table $249, Freedom Cosh Table Lamp $69.95, James Lane Olive Tree $349.95, OZ Design Bella Feather Fill Cushion $89.95, Provincial Home Living Lucerne Compote $169.95, Provincial Home Living Talia Basket $69.95.

Step 1: Choose your canvas

First up, you’ll need to consider where you’d like to apply this trend. Although you can incorporate it in any space, colour drenching works best in bathrooms, hallways, and stairways – anywhere you want to create a sense of flow. You’ll notice that many luxe hotels and hospitality hot spots often opt for a single-hued bathroom featuring monochromatic terracotta colour tiles or sage green.

 

Step 2: Select your shade

Be sure to consider the room’s purpose and the furniture you’ll be using before selecting your colour. Rich, bold colours can add depth and luxury, while softer hues create a sense of calm. If your goal is to make the space appear larger then steer clear from dark hues. It’s wise to think about the furnishing to be used in the room also. If you have a stunning navy armchair, this same hue or something a touch darker or lighter would be ideal for the paintable surfaces.

 

Step 3: Paint with purpose

Don’t be shy when it comes to painting – coat every surface, from ceiling to skirting boards. This step is a non-negotiable when it comes to colour drenching every surface must be painted with the same colour to create a seamless look.

 

Step 4: Add subtle pops of personality

When it comes to colour drenching, your décor plays a vital role in enhancing the overall effect. To add depth and visual interest, incorporate smaller pieces that break up the space while complementing the dominant colour. For instance, if you’ve chosen pink as your primary colour, select an artwork that features pink prominently but also includes a splash of orange. You can then subtly introduce more orange through flowers or a vase, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. By thoughtfully incorporating artwork, flowers, or vases, you can add layers of visual interest and break up the space, preventing the colour from feeling overwhelming. Once you’ve finalised your furnishings and décor options, your colour drench space is complete.

 

Ready to try colour drenching for yourself?

There you have it, colour drenching is more than just a fleeting design trend – it’s a game-changer that can elevate any space. By embracing a single hue, you can create a harmonious, visually appealing space that leaves a lasting impression on all who enter. So why not try it out for yourself? Introduce this innovative technique to your home and discover chromatic bliss!

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

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.

winter table decor

Three winter colour palettes you’ll love

Selecting the right living room colour scheme for your home is going to set the tone for the ambience of your space, making this one of the most crucial design decisions. From wall paint to furniture fabrics, the colours you choose impact how you feel in your space. 

 

How to choose a living room colour scheme

Warm hues create a sense of confidence, making them perfect for entertaining areas like dining rooms, while cooler tones promote relaxation, ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. This phenomenon is known as colour psychology, and we’ve got all the details you need to know right here.

In this guide, we showcase three winter living room colour schemes, each evoking a range of emotions, from snug and welcoming to refreshing and invigorating. Keep reading to find your perfect match!

 

Bright and vibrant colour palette

When the winter blues start to set in, it’s only natural to crave the warmth of summer. So why not add vibrant colours that radiate energy and vitality into your home? With bright hues reminiscent of summer, you can create a space that feels lively without sacrificing comfort. Opt for thick textures like wool and faux fur to add layers of cosiness and pile up the cushions and throws. 

Adairs Citron Ripple Vase $49.99, Adairs Enzo Stripe Coffee Table $749.99, DecoRug Lomond Striped Rug $499, Eureka Furniture Vieste Left Hand Chaise Sofa $7,299, Freedom Cosh Table Lamp $69.95, Freedom Urban Road Campari Spritz Canvas $599, James Lane Phalaenopsis Orchid in Vase $27.95, Sheridan Outlet Naut Throw $349.99. 

 

Natural and warm colour palette

For those who lean towards a classic winter aesthetic, an earthy colour palette is for you. Rustic browns, soothing greens, and creamy neutrals evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia that’s hard to resist. Be sure to embrace traditional winter patterns like tartan and flannel to add a timeless charm to your space. With this palette, you’ll create a space that feels like the warm hug of home.

Adairs Herning Rug from $349.99, Early Settler Dream of Clouds Framed Print $79, Eureka Furniture Grange Coffee Table $999, Freedom Aero Fabric Sofa $2,299, Freedom Coast To Coast Home Taylorp Floor Lamp $389, Plush Alder Armchair POA, Provincial Home Living Nomad Footed Bowl $139.95, Provincial Home Living Talia Basket $69.95. 

 

Faded and muted colour palette

Faded and muted tones offer a subtle yet sophisticated option for winter interiors, particularly if your home leans towards a more minimalist aesthetic. Soft pinks, sage greens, and muted greys serve as winter’s interpretation of pastel hues. These gentle shades evoke a sense of freshness, perfectly complementing the crispness of the winter season. 

Early Settler Paloma Vase $99, Freedom Wonboyn Ceiling Pendant $399, James Lane Floral Daze Framed Canvas $499, Nick Scali Nora 3.5 Seat Sofa POA, Nick Scali Papilla Coffee Table $1,899, Provincial Home Living Parisi Bud Vase $89.95, Provincial Home Living Yashi Cushion $74.95. 

 

Shop your favourite furniture and decor at Homemaker The Valley

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of bright colours or the timeless feel of earthy tones, there’s a winter colour palette to suit every style and mood. So go ahead, experiment with different hues and textures, and transform your home into a cosy retreat with products from Homemaker The Valley.

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