Tarsha Burn knows that whilst many of us seek out ethical clothing and homewares that support fair trade, we don’t change our lives to build a business around it. But Tarsha felt so strongly about our planet, she used her background as an artist and textile designer to not only support herself but a cluster of talented artisans in the desert of Rajasthan, India.
Tarsha Burn has a 20-year history of textile and soft furnishing design in home décor. As a socially motivated designer, Tarsha longed to create a humanitarian venture that would leave a tiny toe-print on the planet.
Did you know that cotton is the world’s largest industry polluter second only to the oil industry? Cotton uses 16% of the world’s insecticides and is one of the thirstiest crops on the planet. And it’s not just what goes on the cotton, it’s also about what runs off into the waterways harming entire communities and eco-systems.
I was fortunate to interview Tarsha on my Fashion + Home radio show. Her passion for fair trade and helping the planet is palpable. You’ll enjoy hearing about the Tarsha Burn experience and her future plans.
https://soundcloud.com/user-560907416/tarshaburn
So Organic Bed Threads was born out of a very strong desire to be part of the solution, not the problem, and to channel a creative obsession. There is no question that the bedding, designed by Tarsha is stylish, engaging and dreamy. Knowing you are sleeping on linen that has not been created by destroying the planet is a satisfying feeling. You know you have then stepped out of the role of an unconscious consumer, promoting fast fashion, to one of a conscious decision maker who wants to narrow the gap between buyer and maker.
Our skin can still absorb the chemicals used in the processes of creating bed linen even after washing. This bioaccumulation can actually weaken the immune system. Buying organic bedding helps your wellbeing because you are not being exposed to harsh chemicals while you sleep.
“Organic Bed Threads supports a chemical-free approach from farmer to consumer,” says Tarsha Burn. “I have worked hard to ensure that my range of duvet covers is certified to a 100% Global Organic Textile Standard. Extensive international research has proven that chemical treatments on textiles are hazardous to both humans and the environment.”
Artisan traditions are also important to Tarsha and play a key role in the design of her unique bed linen range. Appliqué, hand embroidery and woodblock printing can be clearly seen in the playful collection which also includes vivid colours or cleverly muted tones, such as beige and turquoise.
Chemicals, sweat shops and exploited workers play no role in the development of Organic Bed Threads. It’s been a labour of love and deep commitment for Tarsha Burn who has willingly given up a more comfortable lifestyle to channel funds and energy into her passionate venture. Tarsha is also aligned to the International Labor Organisation which supports a range of global fair trade, equality and labor standards issues.
Awaken to a new day knowing your skin will thank you – especially those with sensitive skin, psoriasis and eczema – and safe in the knowledge you are also helping various communities, from organic farmers to weavers and spinners to become sustainable in a planet-friendly way. Support our environment, struggling communities and your family by choosing Organic Bed Threads. Shop now.
I talk about interiors and sustainable products on my Fashion + Home radio show, Australia’s only weekly FM show of its type. If you have an issue you’d like to discuss on-air that relates to fashion or home please contact me on ph.marketingmaven@gmail(dot)com.
Please follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for new trends, hot ideas, fascinating interviews and FREE to enter competitions with awesome prizes.
Have you inherited an antique bed frame that you’d love to feature somewhere in your home? Antique beds are unique and fun, but they present some interesting challenges when it comes to finding the right mattress and bed frame.
You not only need to match a modern mattress to a unique antique size, but you will also want to think about which antique bed frame best suits your style. (Header image courtesy of Jolene Smith Interiors)
Watch the Size of Your Antique Bed Frame
Many antique bed frames are 48” wide, which is about ¾ the size of a full mattress today. These beds are usually about the same length as ours are today, but they can vary widely in that direction, too.
This unique size makes it difficult to find an antique bed frame that suits your current mattress. Unfortunately, most people can’t find antique mattresses that fit their antique beds as the authentic down or straw filling is not as comfortable as modern mattresses and is, therefore, less popular.
Your best bet is often to find a faux antique bed frame, or search until you find one that’s the right size for your mattress. Make sure you measure the area where the mattress actually goes to ensure that it will fit your bed.
If you know the era you’d like to replicate, it can be fun to try to find a bed frame that has the look you’re going for.
Consider Bed Frame Types
When considering what type of bed frame to purchase, it’s important to think about how you want to display your antique bed. Do you want to bring to mind a specific era? If so, then you can research bed frames from that time and try to build or find one that suits.
Image courtesy of Jessica Wallrock from Wallrocks (furniture and accessories)
Common bed frame types include four-poster (which has a classic look), low post (which is traditional but less imposing) iron or brass bed frames, or a sleigh bed. Most of these types can be antiques or have an antique finish.
Think Canopies
Many people like to showcase antique beds with canopies. You can affix your canopy to the ceiling for a long drape, or get a bed frame with high rails and drape the canopy there.
Your canopy can be any color and any material, or you can change it with the seasons. Canopies can be a dramatic and fun way to show off your antique bed.
If a canopy is too dramatic, consider a four-poster bed. This style is similar to a canopy bed but removes the rails between the tops of the posts. There’s no place to drape material, but the bed still looks dramatic and stately.
The posts can be high or low, depending on the size of the room and how much you want the bed to stand out.
Enjoy a Piece of History
Featuring an antique bed in your home can be a fun way to connect your family to history, especially if the bed has been handed down through the generations. Choose a mattress that’s the right size for your antique bed frame, and you’ll have a unique piece of history for your home.
Plush Design Interiors
Need Help Designing Your Perfect Bedroom?
Bedroom design is a very popular interior design service because bedrooms are sanctuaries and retreats as well as places to sleep. I can help you with bedroom design and choosing all the gorgeous pieces to create your own stylish sanctuary. Please contact me via Plush Design Interiors or penelope@plushdesigninteriors.com.au.
Property changes can be big or small when you decide to share your home with strangers. But why would you do that anyway?
Would you enjoy getting up early in the morning and cooking eggs lots of people? Do you long to welcome people from all over the world into your home and stay up late into the night swapping stories over a glass of wine?
If so, then you may be one of the many people that dream of running a bed and breakfast business out of their own home. However, before you can turn your private residence into a working B&B, it is necessary to make some property changes. To find out what these are, read on.
Number one on the list of property changes you will need to consideris to ensure that you have a separate area for the guest bedrooms and your own living area.
How you do this will depend on the layout of your property. It may be that you give yourself an entire floor to which guests don’t have access. Alternatively, you could build extra rooms outside of the main building that you can either live in or rent out to visitors, keeping the two separate.
It’s so important to do this because you will need some time when you aren’t in ‘host with the most’ mode, so you can relax without being interrupted with guest questions and requests.
See our article on the eco-friendly and sustainable mobile studios, CooDo. Could you do a CooDo?
Codoo mobile studios
Decorate the rooms
Once you have decided where the guest rooms will be situated, it’s time to decorate them and kit them out. Be aware that if you can include a sink and ensuite in each room, you will be able to ask a higher price, and also make life a lot easier for yourself.
The reason for this being that there is less chance for guests to clash if they don’t have to share a bathroom!
Remember too, that while bed and breakfast aren’t always the most luxurious of accommodation, guests will still expect a certain standard. That means it is necessary to make the room light and airy, and as easy to clean as possible. Especially if you do the cleaning yourself.
Chinese Key bed linen in Gold from Legend Australia
A task that many bed and breakfast owners forget to do is ensuring that the facilities in their home are robust enough to cope with the additional amount of people that will be using them.
After all, if you shower runs out of hot water after one person has used it, you will have a lot of grumpy guests to deal with if you have a full house. To this end consider installing one of these commercial hot water boilers instead of one designed for a private residence.
Then you can be sure that no matter how many people are using the system it will be able to cope with the demand.
Tri Copper bed linen from Legend Australia
Clear space for a dining room
Lastly, don’t forget that the breakfast side of things is just as important as the beds. That means you need to clear a space big enough to house tables and chairs for everyone to eat at in the morning.
Something you may have to knock a wall through to do to ensure your home will work as a B&B.
Need Help Re-Designing Your Home As a B & B?
Contact the Adelaide-based interior design experts, Plush Design Interiors – winners of a ‘Best of Houzz’ 2018 Award for ‘Design’ and ‘Service’
Home skincare remedies will help you take care of your skin naturally AND save you heaps of money on expensive store-bought skincare products. And you probably have all of these items in your pantry already.
Picture-perfect skin is something all women want. Sadly, not everyone gets to experience flawless skin on a daily basis. But have you ever thought of easy home skincare remedies?
In your quest for skincare perfection do you turn to every moisturising product on the shelf in the hopes it will transform your look? So… would you like to know a secret?
Lots of products from reputable manufacturers either don’t work or are the same as their rivals. The result is that your skin doesn’t change and you spend a fortune on skincare.
Of course, it is hard to resist the temptation to buy seemingly gorgeous products because the PR is excellent. However, it is possible to transform your skin without the help of expensive and ineffective goods.
Indeed, you can create your own home skincare remedies which are just as helpful and a lot cheaper. If this sounds like a good idea, you will want to know where to start. Well, you have come to the right place.
These are eight home skincare remedies for natural and flawless skin. Don’t worry – you can thank us later!
Eight Home Skincare Remedies You Can Use NOW!
#1: Lemon
Yes, a humble lemon which sits in your fruit and vegetable basket is the key to perfect skin. The reason is that of the ingredients it contains.
To begin with, like all fruits a lemon has a lot of vitamins, but C is the letter you are looking for. Vitamin C not only promotes healthy bones, but it also increases the regeneration process in the cell.
As a result, cells repair themselves much quicker and more effectively, and prevent blemishes like dark spots. If that isn’t enough, it is also part of the citric family and contains buckets of citric acid.
The good thing about this is that the acid is strong enough to remove dead cells and keep your skin clean. But, don’t fret because it isn’t so strong that it will harm your pores.
For the best results, apply a light coat of fresh lemon juice for ten minutes and clean it off with tepid water.
#2: Honey
If you are not going to use an industry moisturiser, it is important to replace it with an organic alternative. There are lots, but honey is probably the best option for home skincare remedies.
For one thing, it is easily accessible at almost every good supermarket and some bad ones, too. Plus, honey is a lot cheaper and won’t break the bank.
In moisturising terms, it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties which target skin problems. Also, it contains all kinds of ingredients from vitamins B1 through 6 as well as iron and calcium.
To apply, create a facemask with a teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of milk. Leave the mask on for twenty minutes and wash it off with warm water.
If you do this every day, the effects will be noticeable within a few weeks.
#3: Organic Oils
Okay, it is hard to mix organic essential oils at home without a degree in chemistry. But, there is a loophole because of their organic nature.
As long as the oils are not from a lab, they are home remedies. In fact, there are products which pride themselves on being handmade and come from family run businesses.
Most people like to allow themselves this indulgence anyway due to the importance of organic oils. To begin with, they have a potent form of antioxidants that fight back against the signs of ageing.
If that isn’t enough, they also have a higher absorption rate which helps plump the skin and gives it a glossier glow.
A couple of tips for buying these oils are: look for “certified organic” or “organic and unrefined” on the bottle; check for the terms “cold-pressed” or “expeller-pressed” to make sure they don’t include chemicals; and buy them online.
With a simple search, it is far easier to find products that hit the brief than checking supermarket shelves.
#4: Aloe Vera
If honey is a moisturiser, aloe vera is a healer thanks it to antibacterial properties. Quite simply, it can kill bacteria, soothe irritated skin, and heal scars.
But, its main benefit is its ability to fight spots. Whether you are thirteen or thirty, a dreaded case of acne could strike at any time.
Even a single zit is enough to put most women off leaving the house, so you need a backup plan. The simplest solution is a tub of aloe vera and a bowl of hot water.
Why? It’s because the steam from the boiling water will open your pores, and the aloe will get in deep and cleanse them.
For those of you who don’t like the idea of boiling water, you can apply it to your face directly. Just leave it for up to thirty minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Bicarbonate of soda also helps clear skin impurities with its anti-inflammatory qualities. Again, opening the pores is a great way to get into the cells and clear them of any dead skin or dirt.
Some of you might be thinking about the differences between aloe vera and baking soda because they aren’t apparent as home skincare remedies.
The truth is that they both do the same job in different ways. This is because bicarbonate of soda is an alkaline with a PH level of 8. Most chemicals which touch your skin, organic or otherwise, are acids.
Therefore, baking soda levels out the balance in your skin and prevents it from becoming too acidic. Also, soda and lemon work well as combination, which allows you to kill two birds with one stone. A word of warning: be careful when applying to your skin.
It is a strong chemical and too much exposure can lead to rashes and blemishes.
#6: Walnuts
Anyone that suffers from dry and lifeless skin will do anything to give it back its shine. Well, eating nuts might seem a little far-fetched, but it is proven to work.
Because they are full of antioxidants, they are a have natural regeneration qualities which repair dead and dying cells. So, adding walnuts to your diet is one way to boost the biggest organ in your body.
However, if you don’t like the taste, there is another option. Simply take a handful of nuts and crush them up into a powder. Then, get a plain yoghurt and add a teaspoon of each to a bowl and mix into a paste.
By applying the mixture as a mask, you can receive all of the benefits without putting them near your mouth.
#7: Mint
Did you know that mint contains healing properties which fight off infections? So, if ever get tired of popping pills, you can always chew on a mint leaf instead.
From a skin perspective, the main ingredient in mint is menthol. If you have heard of it before, it is what they put in cigarettes to give them a mint-like taste. Apart from helping smokers suck back nicotine, menthol is full of cooling properties.
How it works is that the mint tricks the brain into thinking the leaf is cool when it is at room temperature. In layman’s terms, it boosts the production of TRPM8, the receptor protein in the nerve. So, as soon as it touches your skin, the surface area begins to cool and soothe.
The benefit is a shiny glow that most supermarket products cannot replicate. To turn mint into a powder, you can crush up leaves or buy it from a shop. Then, add to yoghurt, mix into a paste, and apply to your face and body.
#8: Coconut Oil
Bad skin is a science. Simply put, when the body takes in oxygen molecules, the molecules split up into atoms with single electrons. In general, electrons like to be in pairs, so they search the body until they find a friend.
This process is called free radical movement and scientists believe it causes ageing. Because an electron can pull another one from a cell, it causes a chain reaction which destabilises the cell.
The results are skin flaws such as blemishes, spots and scars among other things. Thankfully, the antioxidants in coconut oil target free radicals and limit the process.
Of course, this stops the cell from deteriorating and keeps the skin looking taut and flawless. All you have to do is buy the oil directly or squeeze it out of a coconut.
A tip: buy it because it is hard work otherwise! Then, heat the oil to enable the enzymes to work and apply it to your skin.
For the best effects, massage it into your pores instead of letting it soak in naturally. If you use this treatment daily, the results will be visible with days.
As you can see, there is no reason to shop for skin care products any longer. With home skincare remedies, you know that the ingredients are organic, good for your skin and effective. That is all any woman wants from a beauty product.
New Aura textiles have been released for bed and bath, and I love them.
I always look forward to each new range that Tracie Ellis designs for Aura; it’s always on-trend…in fact, it often leads the trends. Her new range of neon bedding and towels, new Aura textiles for bed and bath, is a great example. I love the neon brights paired with white, grey, charcoal and black.
If you also like industrial decor or concrete chic then this exuberant range is ideal for you. The vibrant orange, neon yellow and delicious mint brazenly tease the modern industrial palette and the geometric shapes keep things very on-trend. Having said that, these new Aura textiles for bed and bath will also fit perfectly with other decor too – retro with pops of colour, modern minamalist, even rustic with lashings of stone and wood will provide a dynamic backdrop.
In creating the new Aura textiles for bed and bath, Tracie Ellis, Creative Director for Aura, says we gravitate toward darker and more neutral shades with the onset of cooler weather. She says we also actively seek out softer, more velvety textures to temper the chill.
But we must be careful not to become consumed by the middle tones, always remember that it’s the most vibrant and exuberant of colours that make up winter’s most complementary companions. Let neon lime and orange poppy shine alongside blazing flashes of fiery coral. Or why not lay down a touch of rose and mint, and let flickers of metallics lighten the mood? This is the season of texture and tone, of line and form, when the nights are longer, and our beds are loved all more for it.
What do you think of this stunning new Aura textiles range? Will you be adding some vibrant neon to your textiles this winter? What is your favourite textile for winter?
It’s been a global icon in homewares for 200 years so when you get into bed with the best of British you know it’s a momentous occasion. Royal Doulton has itself ‘got into bed’ with Legend Australia, leading bedlinen specialists, to design a unique collection. And not a Union Jack in sight!
Kent Silver
Mix, match, & define your sleeping space with stylish, London-inspired linen & cushions designed by a collaboration of eclectic designers and artists working with Royal Doulton and Legend Australia. Distinctive and fashionable, the overall colour palette is crisp white, navy and charcoal with highlights of red, pewter and pops of primaries.
Fable Navy
Drawing inspiration from the folk drawings in children’s books, elements of the Pop Art movement and a modern look at classic herringbone, many of the designs work with together. For example, I love the Fable Navy in crisp white, navy and red drawing inspiration from London fold art motifs. I would work these back with the Archer sheet set, and its striking herringbone, plus the Gorman textural matelassé quilt cover, pillowcases and long cushion.
Gorman
Archer
Archer Pewter
Loft apartments and warehouse style living will welcome the sophisticated cool of Elton Indigo which features intricate geometrics in a beautiful palette of navy and silver grey that transition into a muted mosaic on the reverse side of the quilt. Team with the Pippa chunky knit throw in navy and the Harper brushed velvet and metal studded cushions for the ultimate winter cocoon.
Elton Indigo
Pippa
Tate Navy, inspired by the bold colour exploration of the Pop Art Movement, combines an eye-popping, multi-coloured print with the neutral shades of linen and black to create a sophisticated, edgy look for the contemporary best of British home. The quilt cover in crisp white features coloured insets of the patterned fabric; a clever way of introducing vibrancy without overstatement.
Tate Navy
When it comes to the best of British, the quality and finish is unequalled, as is the Royal Doulton heritage. Decorative quilt covers are 100% cotton sateen while the Archer collection is 100% Egyptian cotton sateen with a 400 thread count. Features and detailing of the bedlinen include cotton embroidery and self-coloured or contrasting single and double flanges.
Melia Charcoal
Melia Charcoal
Cushions within the range are in a selection of 100% cotton slub, brushed velvet or 100% cotton canvas – some feature cord piping or hand embroidered beading. There are also a chunky knit throw and plush 100% combed cotton towel.
How do you like the best of British? Are you thinking about some new bedlinen? What do you look for when buying new bedlinen?
Royal Doulton bedlinen, by Legend Australia, is available nationally from Myer department stores and bedlinen specialists. For details on local stockists see the Royal Doulton website.
Relaxing style isn’t when you don’t to do the dishes for five days and leave the vacuming for yet another weekend. That’s HARDLY relaxing.
For many of us, there’s no place like home after a hard day at work. So you need relaxing style to fully enjoy the end of the day.
There’s nothing more appealing than pulling up in the driveway, walking through the front door, and kicking off Your shoes at the end of a long day.
If you love nothing more than chilling out at home, and you’d love to create a relaxing retreat, here are some top tips in relaxing style for your coziest home retreat ever.
Relaxing Style For Your Outdoor Retreat
Scientific research suggests that spending time in the outdoors lifts your mood, reduces stress, and makes you feel calmer.
If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, a garden, or even a balcony take full advantage of it. Even if you only have half an hour to sit out and soak up the last of the sun’s rays each evening, that small window of time can make all the difference.
When it comes to gardens, there are all kinds of themes and relaxing style you can create. Often, the design you choose will reflect how you like to spend your time when you’re outside.
Do you enjoy gardening? Do you like to entertain? Or do you love to lap up the peace and quiet? If the latter sounds familiar, there are myriad ways you can create a blissful oasis, even if you’re in the heart of the city.
If you love to sit out with a good book or listen to music, invest in some comfy seating. Opt for a chic sofa set or go for something more rustic like a hammock, a loveseat, or even some traditional deck chairs. You’ll be surprised how cheaply you can buy second-hand outdoor pieces on eBay.
Use old packing crates or railroad sleepers to design a unique corner seat or scatter some floor cushions and blankets on a decked area.
Spend as much or as little as you like on furniture, and channel a theme using colours and accessories. Inexpensive hurricane lamps can be purchased at IKEA or string up solar-powered fairy lights.
Water features are famous for their calming qualities, and there are all kinds of styles from which to choose. Many are suitable for a balcony or small patio often powered by solar energy.
Install a duck pond filled with lily pads in a country garden or a modern feature made from glass bricks in a low-maintenance yard.
Relaxing Style for Your Bedroom Retreat
Your bedroom is arguably the most important room when it comes to making your home a relaxing space.
This is where you should feel the most calm. If you’ve been having trouble sleeping or you find it hard to switch off, this could be down to your sleeping environment, and you may find that making changes has a really positive impact.
Colour is a really important consideration when it comes to styling your bedroom with relaxation in mind. It has a major influence on mood, and it can also affect energy levels.
Some shades are proven to make us feel more energetic, optimistic, and enthusiastic, while others can soothe us and encourage calmer feelings. In the bedroom, it’s best to avoid bright shades and busy fabric patterns.
Keep things simple and avoid clashing tones and prints. Monochrome is a really popular choice for bedrooms, but you don’t have to stick to black, white, and grey if you’re a fan of colour.
You could consider shades of beige and duck egg blue or opt for pastel tones such as lilac, rose or lemon.
Use cushions, curtains, and rugs to add colour if you have understated walls.
Once you’ve chosen colours for your tranquil haven, you can start looking at accessories that will help create a relaxing vibe.
You want to feel comfy and cosy in your bedroom, especially in the winter, so make your bed look even more appealing by layering blankets and throws on the end, and placing cushions on the pillows.
Lay down some rugs on the floor, and hang some pictures or photographs on the wall to add a homely touch.
When you walk into your room, you want to feel at ease, so setting the tone and getting the atmosphere right is essential.
To help you wind down and get to sleep, you can use accessories such as candles and diffusers. If you buy a lamp that doubles as a diffuser, you can enjoy the benefits of mood lighting and odours and aromas that will help you de-stress and drift off.
You can check here for a diffuser that meets your needs or have a look around for ideas and inspiration online. Lavender and chamomile are renowned for their relaxing properties.
Try Circa Home for beautiful and unique scented candles and diffusers.
Lighting has a powerful influence on the ambience of a room. In your bedroom, it’s best to go for soft lighting, rather than bright lights, and you may want to consider using uplighters or lamps rather than a central light fitting.
Another option is to add a dimmer switch so that you can turn the lights down once you’ve finished reading or getting ready for bed.
Draping fairy lights or using LED candles can help to create a romantic mood.
Don’t Call Me Penny
Many of us struggle to sleep because we have overactive minds, and it’s hard to shut down when you get into bed.
If this sounds familiar, try and make your bedroom a technology-free zone. If you get into bed, check emails, have a look at what’s going on in the world and text your friends, it’s no wonder that you’re having difficulty getting settled.
Leave your phone, tablet, and laptop out of the room, and try and avoid watching TV in bed. Reserve this room for relaxation purposes only.
If you don’t want to go to sleep immediately, read a book or listen to some music.
If you have a large bedroom and you have space available, consider setting up a seating area. This will enable you to wind down and put your feet up in your boudoir without you having to climb into bed earlier than you would normally.
You can add a small sofa, a couple of chairs or even some floor cushions or bean bags to make an area where you can take it easy, chat, read a magazine or listen to the radio.
As seasons change, a stylish bedroom makeover may be on the top of your redecorating list. But with so many ideas, where do you start?
The bedroom is one of those rare places in the world where you can relax completely and forget about all your worries and stress. However, if you want to make your safe haven even more comfortable, stylish and chic try employing these design tips during your next stylish bedroom makeover.
Refresh your walls
If you want to start your stylish bedroom makeover by creating a focus on your walls, you’re making a great first step.
Of course, the bedroom should be your private getaway made to your liking, so opt for colours that make you feel calm and secure.
However, if you need some help with the palette, you’ll not go wrong with any natural and neutral colours like sage, forest, navy and taupe.
Also, decorating your walls with inspirational art and original paintings can help you start your day on the right note.
Cosy up your bed
When you’re designing a stylish bedroom makeover make sure you pay extra attention to the star of the show – your bed.
It should take a central stage of the room, but also provide you with maximum comfort. One awesome way to spruce up your bed is to add a few soft decorative pillows.
Stack a few throw pillows on top of your bed and they will instantly make your bedroom look like a 5-star hotel room. You can also boost the comfort by investing in a new headboard.
Fabric headboards upholstered with plush velvet or glamourous satin are all the rage right now. They make any space look and feel warm and cosy.
Look down!
Even though floors aren’t usually used as a focal point of your bedroom, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a role to play.
Most people opt for rugs because of the softness and warmth they provide. However, stay away from old-fashioned wall-to-wall carpets. They have a tendency to make the room feel boxed in and stuffy; plus they are quite hard to keep clean.
Probably the most attractive flooring design is the combination of hardwood and rugs. Hardwood has always been synonymous with natural beauty and elegance, while rugs and sheepskins have a tendency to give hardwood floors a bit of warmth and softness.
This truly is a perfect combination for any stylish bedroom makeover.
Update your wardrobe
If you’re always struggling with storage space in your bedroom, you must update your wardrobe. Retire your old and bulky closet and replace it with something much more practical and stylish.
Today, most people opt for walk-in closets, especially in urban environments with more contemporary homes like Australia’s.
So, catch up on the trend and check out some built in wardrobes in Brisbane. They fit in with any interior design and provide you with a clean, uncluttered and elegant space.
Another, much more casual storage option is to get an open-style closet. This option allows you to display all your clothes and accessories on hanging rods and shelves and practically use your wardrobe for decoration.
This option is great for extremely casual bedrooms and those with very little space.
Treat your windows
If you want to achieve a luxe and romantic vibe in your bedroom, you have to give some attention to your windows.
For example, luscious silk drapes combined with window shades can provide you with a luxurious feeling and ample privacy.
For a more minimalist space, you can opt for some sheer fabrics that will make your space look airy and light. At night, your opaque panels will keep the lights and curious eyes out of your bedroom.
Welcome nature in your space
Greenery not only improves your decor with its vibrant colour but also filters the air and brings life into your space. Additionally, houseplants have a calming and relaxing effect on humans, so they are perfect additions to your bedroom.
You can go as small or as big as you want, but just be careful with your plant choice. Some plants require a lot of pruning, watering and light, and keeping them healthy can become a real chore.
On the other hand, there are plants like parlour palms, snake plants and peace lilies that require minimal sunlight and maintenance and average humidity.
Pay attention to lighting
Bedrooms are primarily used for sleeping, but if you want to read a few pages of your book before bed, you need some good lighting.
Oftentimes, lighting is quite neglected and people usually only concentrate on general lighting, but that’s not enough for bedrooms.
Aside from general lighting, you need some good task fixtures. Bedside lamps and sconces always look great and give the room some elegant and classic symmetry.
If you prefer a more eclectic and chill vibe, neon lights should be your first choice. Neon tubes can be made into custom sculptures, signs and writings and they give every space a touch of interest and uniqueness.
After you’re finished with your bedroom remodel, make sure to set one weekend aside for sleeping in and tasty breakfasts in bed.
About The Author: Catherine Collins
Catherine is a passionate home design consultant from Melbourne. She loves making homes beautiful and buildings sustainable, but she also like sharing her advice and knowledge with people. That is why she is also a regular contributor to the Smoothdecorator blog. Besides all this, she loves reading and enjoys a superhero movie from time to time.
Designing a warm bedroom when it’s cold and wintry outside is a simple luxury within the reach of most home owners and renters. Just a few simple tips and you’ll be toasty and cozy in no time.
Your bedroom is quite possibly the comfiest room in your house. It’s the place where you can lie back and relax, with a good book and a strong wifi connection. However, designing a warm bedroom isn’t just about being covered in blankets with a soft mattress beneath you.
You can dig through the wardrobe and put on your own comfy style parade. Dress up in silky satin pajamas or throw on a pair of old shorts and a dressing gown.
All in all, you love your bedroom, and now’s your chance to revel in that completely. Our tastes tend to change with the seasons, and winter IS coming for many readers! So change up your style and be inspired with winter warming ways for designing a warm bedroom
Update Your Mattress
There’s a good chance you’re going to be spending more time in bed now that the winter is here. When the sun goes down earlier it’s telling our bodies we need to hit the hay sooner.
So you’re going to need a mattress that can keep up with your stronger need for sleep, and the longer hours you’re going to be spending in it. The clocks go back and we all rejoice at the idea of an extra hour in bed!
Why not look into buying yourself a king mattress, to go along with your new king bed, the one you’ve been promising yourself for a long time now?
You’ll be able to roll around for what feels like miles in a warm bed, perfectly catering to your temperature needs. Call it an early Christmas present for you and your partner if you need extra justification.
Have a Rug Next to the Bed
To make sure you’re never stepping foot onto a cold floor. With frigid temperatures making you want to retreat back under the duvet before the day’s even begun, why not put a rug under your bed? Not all the way under, of course, but peeking out enough for you to swing your feet straight onto when you wake up.
Not only does it keep your toes warm, but it helps to pad out the room a little more, making sure there’s less room for the cold to bounce around in.
Whilst sleeping in some colder temperatures is usually optimal for a good night’s rest, you don’t want your conscious body to have to combat the room temperature as well.
And on that topic, add cushions and throws in faux fur, wool, or velvet for extra special coziness. Tactile fabrics that ooze winter warmth are perfect for snuggling.
Add Some Wood Furnishings
A quick point to finish. Natural furnishings always make us think of warmth, and convincing yourself you’re warm is half the battle! Why not update your bedside tables for something a little more Oak, with visible planks and rustic colour tones?
Wood will work better with your central heating; it’ll really bring the winter lifestyle together!
Designing a warm bedroom for the winter doesn’t have to take much time; you just need to think about what keeps you feeling warm and cosy, and then implement those ideas.
It’s Easter weekend here in Australia so it got me thinking about beautiful, organic egg shapes and how they are used in Easter Inspired Decor. When I started investigating the different ideas I found lots to celebrate. Whether it’s a window, tile, swimming pool or chair you’ll see great ideas for adding egg shapes; and not just for Easter.
Images courtesy of Axis Mundi and ‘Belong’ by Susan Armstrong
One of the most famous egg shapes of modern times is the iconic Arne Jacobsen Chair. No matter what room, what fabric or what colour, the Arne Jacobsen chair is synonymous with effortless cool and ultimate style. It is also often paired with the equally iconic Noguchi coffee table, also famous for it’s organic, egg-like contours.
Arne Jacobsen chair with Noguchi coffee table. Image courtesy of Alter Studio
More Noguchi coffee table decor. Images courtesy of Chimera Interior Design and Atmosphere Design
It’s surprising how many different decor styles love curves. Egg shapes can be matched with other egg-style shapes and also clean, straight lines. It is perfect for modern or retro decor, indoors and outdoors, floor based or hanging. In fact, hanging chairs lend themselves to this womb-like shape; perfect for curling up. Note below how many curves are matched with straight lines in other furniture and fireplaces.
Images courtesy of Contemporary Kids and Studio 80 Interior Design
Images courtesy of R. Brandt Design and Rusk Renovation
Images courtesy of James Thomas and Tara Bussema Neat Organisation & Design
Images courtesy of Lisa Petrole Photography and Chloe Warner
Easter Inspired Decor adds an organic elegance with smooth lines and gracious curves; what’s not to like?
Apart from egg shapes in chairs and footstools, this universally pleasing form can be stylishly included in other furniture, such as the egg motif in the sideboard below, feature windows and even bulkheads. The living area bulkheads below are very streamlined and have been used to highlight the chandeliers.
Images courtesy of Betty’s Room Interior Designers and Oak Hill Architects
Images courtesy of Scott Neste and 1K2 Design
Bathrooms benefit from the organic shape replicated in bath tubs, basins and tiles. Akin to hanging chairs, there is something warm and comforting about relaxing in an egg-shaped bath. Similarly, egg-shaped basins have more visual appeal due to their luscious curves.
Images courtesy of Mindi Freng Design and diSalvo Interiors
Images courtesy of Carnemark and Claudia Lujan
Of course, Easter Inspired Decor isn’t just for inside the home; water features, garden ornaments and pools blend beautifully into the landscape. Or can be garden features, such as the amazing ‘bee hives’ featured below.
Images courtesy of AMS Landscape Design and Harold Leidner Landscape Architects
Images courtesy of The Collins Group andTouzet Studio
And lets not forget out pets; they love snuggling up in womb-like curvatures too.
Images courtesy of Modern House Notes and Peipod
Can you see how you could add egg contours to your home? Do you have a favourite image from this Easter inspired decor?
Do you love a good throw? I’m sure I have too many but they are hard to ignore. Whether you have summer or winter throws, or both, they add colour, texture, and interest to decor not to mention their ‘snugglability’.
If you are looking for a quick and easy decorating option then throws are the answer. Because we are moving into the cooler months, I’ll focus on winter throws. You’ll find throws in many different textiles from high quality acrylic throws (Laura Ashley has a lovely range and some are on sale right now) to faux fur (I have bought several from Bed, Bath ‘n Table) and lightweight but very warm mohair (Zanui has At Albans in stunning colours right now).
Winter throws are perfect for living areas on the back of a sofa, on the arm or slung over an ottoman. It makes them easy to grab for a winter snuggle while reading a book or watching a movie – fire a blazing, glass of wine in hand. And they translate to the garden on cooler afternoons when you need fresh air but also warmth.
In the bedroom, winter throws they can also be slung casually over furniture, laid on the end of the bed, tossed over a chair or folded neatly in colourful displays. I have a sofa in my bedroom over which two or winter three throws are casually ‘arranged’ and another two on the bed. My dog loves them – a little too much – and they are so handy for wrapping around your shoulders when having a morning coffee in bed.
I also find mohair throws in particular very handy as they are lightweight, so can be taken outside easily, and they are very warm. If you are having friends over for an evening BBQ, sling them over the backs of dining chairs for guests to use when the sun goes down.
Throws are universally and trans-seasonally useful and appealing. For winter throws you’ll love check out Pottery Barn, Laura Ashley, Bed, Bath ‘n Table and Zanui. Zanui has a great range in alpalca, mohair, wool, cotton and acrylic.
Are you a lover of winter throws? How do you arrange yours? Are there any tips for care you can give our readers?
Interior Design images from (top to bottom) Nantucket Looms (white chair); figinteriors.ca (pale green on wood floor); mohairandmore.com (orange throw above); gorgeouscreatures.co.nz (lime throw above). All other throw images courtesy of Zanui.
Crisp white bedlinen is my ‘go-to’ sheet combo mixed with textures of linen, velvet, wool, fur, and even the odd sequin.
Not only do I adore slipping into freshly washed sheets, but as an interior designer, I find crisp white bedlinen is the perfect base for virtually any stylish bed decor.
Regardless of whether you love industrial, rustic, classic, retro, or any other decor, crisp white bedlinen will help you create the perfect bedroom decor.
Plush Design Interiors
Layering Your Bed Linen
The secret is in the layers. The first thing to do is buy a set of crisp white bedlinen at Canningvale where you can buy five sizes from Single through to King. And it’s not all 100% cotton – choose cotton, flannelette, vintage wash, bamboo, or premium blend in thread counts up to 1000.
Now, do you have a bedhead? If so, what does it look like? It is fabric or some other material. If you have a fabric bedhead then that will play a role in deciding other factors on your bed. Is it a pale or vibrant colour? Patterned or plain? Is the main colour cool (blue, green, grey, violet) or warm (red, pink, orange, yellow).
Paloma Gold bed set from Legend Australia
Create interest by choosing either pillowcases in the same hues as your main colour or vibrant complementary colours. For example, choose different hues of blue OR colours that are opposite on the colour wheel, such as navy blue and orange.
Many beds these days have 2 x European pillowcases, 2 x standard, 2 x cushions, 1 x tea cushion. Here’s where it gets really fun – have 2 x European pillowcases that are a contrast to the bedhead or wall colour. Next 2 x standard pillows that are crisp white bedlinen or a different colour from the European pillowcases.
Then choose cushions and tea cushions that are mixed and textured – knotty wool, velvet, faux fur, Moroccan lamb, patterned, graphic, sequined – but DON’T match them – mix up the colours and textures for a relaxed look.
Your crisp white bedlinen will look perfect with whatever combination you choose – go eclectic, go classic, go rustic, go industrial… just GO and mix ‘n match to YOUR taste. Add a fabulous throw and you’re ready to go.
Plush Design Interiors
Plush Design Interiors
For expert help designing your bedroom, contact Plush Design Interiors – Adelaide’s premier creative designers of plush interiors.
Balance home temperatures on those unpredictable days when the weather goes a little crazy.
Life is unpredictable, and so is the weather. Chances are you WILL need to balance home temperatures throughout the year without resorting always to flicking a switch.
If you’d like to take back control of the temperature within your home, here are 17 ways to show you how.
Balance Home Temperatures When It’s HOT!
Put a bowl of ice in front of a fan and place it in the direction you need it. This works great when you’re hot in bed and need a cool breeze to help you sleep.
Put a hot water bottle in the freezer for a couple of hours and remove it when you want to use it.
If you know you’re going out, put your clothes in a clean plastic bag, and then place them in the freezer. Take them out when you’re ready to leave.
Add a cold compress or cold running water over your wrists. This will give you instant relief from the heat.
Switch on your air conditioning, not only to cool the home down but to take the humidity out of the air too.
Sleep in something loose rather than naked. Although it seems logical to remove your clothing in bed when you’re too hot, it will actually increase your body heat because of the skin on skin contact.
Open windows and doors so you get a draft coming through, circulating the air.
Soak a towel in icy cold water just before you go to bed. Ring it out so that it’s no longer dripping wet, and use this as your blanket to throw over you in bed.
Balance Home Temperatures When It’s COLD!
Boil the kettle and fill the hot water bottle up with the water. Make sure you only use it with the cover on the avoid scolding yourself.
Make sure that any windows and doors are closed to prevent a draft to keep all of the warm air in one room. The smaller the room, the hotter it will be as there’s not a large space to fill with heat.
Wrap your feet up warm as this will hold the temperature to your body and stop it escaping through your feet like it will if you’re not wearing any socks.
Put the heating on, but only turn it on in rooms that you need it. By controlling this, you will save energy and cut the cost of your heating bills.
Drink hot beverages and eat warm food. If you like spicy things, add more heat to your diet as this will warm your body temperature and even make you sweat in some cases.
Open your curtains and blinds during the day while the sun is out, and then close them once it has gone. This lets in the warm rays throughout the day and holds them there during the night.
Shower with the door open as this will spread that hot air that is created, and pass it through the whole house.
Once you have finished using the oven, turn it off as you normally would but leave the door open to make use of any hot air that is left inside.
Tape bubble wrap to your windows to work as extra insulation, especially if you suspect any small gaps between the fittings. Build up layers depending on how cold you are.
Property maintenance is a little like body maintenance. As we get older, things may take a little longer. But consistency and safety are the key for a healthier body… and a healthier home.
Often, as we get a little older, strenuous physical activities and property maintenance can be harder to complete. Of course, it’s entirely possible to scale down our workouts. However, when it comes to the home, there are still things that need to be done.
Luckily, I have some advice on the options that are available to you in that situation.
Property Maintenance: Keeping Up The Garden
First of all, let’s take a look at the garden. This is something that can be very physical and strenuous to take care of with all that weeding, mowing, planting, and pruning.
Of course, the style and type of garden you pick as you get older will depend on how much of a priority outdoor work is to you. In fact, some folks thrive on it. And although they want things to be a little easier, they still wish to spend as much time as they can outside.
Happily, this is a balance that isn’t too difficult to achieve. There are several things you can do to minimise the heavy work, but still enjoy your outdoor space.
These include swapping a large lawn out for something like decking that is easy to keep clear and clean. You can also install raised beds for your plants and veg. This minimises all the bending but still allows you to grow your favourite plants.
Unless you budget for a regular gardener, it may be worthwhile removing any large trees and bushes that take intensive maintenance to upkeep.
Property Maintenance: Internal Cleaning
When it comes to keeping the inside of your home clean and attractive, it can be tough as we get older. After all, it’s a fair bit of work to clean, dust, wash, and polish each area every week.
Of course, there are several alternatives to this that you may wish to consider. The first is looking at something like these Granny Flats for Sale that can help you to downsize and so alleviate the burden of cleaning a larger property.
Then, there is the option of paying someone to come in each week and do the cleaning for you. This option will allow you to stay where you are and enjoy your leisure time rather than spending it cleaning.
Alternatively, you may even wish to invest in some tech like a robot vacuum that can do a lot of the cleaning for you automatically.
Something that can help cut down the amount of work you will have to do, and so make everything much more manageable when it comes to keeping the interior of your property clean.
Property Maintenance: Sustainable, Organic and Healthy
Not just for older people, organic cleaning products and paints, essential oils, and fresh food are very good for ageing immune systems, lungs, skin and joints.
If you haven’t thought about using chemical-free cleaning products then now is a great time to start. Often local craft markets will have a stall selling home-made cleaning products that contain natural ingredients. And they work. Or check our Probiotic Solutions or Koh organic cleaners to which you can add essential oils.
Your home will be clean AND smelling delicious.
Similarly, grow your own fresh fruit, vegs ad herbs to ensure you have lots of chemical-free foods in your diet. As I mentioned above, raised garden beds stop all the bending common to gardening. Or grow herbs on your windowsill or patio.
Property Maintenance: Working on the Roof
Sometimes as the years’ progress, we get a little less stable on our feet, and our eyesight can get a little worse. Of course, this isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean maintenance tasks we previously found easy are harder. For example, hopping up on the roof to put up Xmas lights or repair a tile can be a little more dangerous than they once were.
In fact, roof work is one of those jobs that it is often wise to delegate to someone else as we progress in years. If you want to take care of your property effectively and safely as you get older, learn good habits now.
Whilst age is only a number, sometimes our joints and muscles tell us differently.
Autumn bedroom inspiration offers decor that’s warm, cosy, and comfortable. Colours are warm, the lighting is gentle, and the feeling is glowing. So how can you be inspired when Autumn hits?
I knew it was time for some autumn bedroom inspiration because guess what? Our central heating came on, on its own last night! The shops are full of Halloween decorations and, for some readers, the leaves on the trees are starting to go a reddy-brown.
That can only mean one thing, Autumn is on its way! Of course, you’ll want to make sure that your home decor keeps up with this seasonal shift, and the best place to start this is in the bedroom, read on to find out more.
Autumn Bedroom Inspiration: Love The Light
Darker nights often result in more time spent in bed. After all, what is more, delicious than an early bedtime, so you can snuggle up with a good book in a comfy bed?
Of course, to enjoy this successfully, you won’t want to be in a room full of blazing artificial light.
Instead, you will want to create a warm and cosy environment with low lighting that you can change depending on your mood.
Happily, there are plenty of choices when it comes to doing this, including installing a smart light and then customising the colour and brightness to your exact needs.
You can even set it on a timer, so it will gently fade to black when it’s time to go to sleep.
Alternately, why not go for secondary light sources around the room? These may be in the form of floor or table lamps, reading light that attaches to your book or kindle, and even string light can be used to great effect to create a hint of sparkle and warm a room up.
Autumn Bedroom Inspiration: Cosy and Comfortable
However, it is wise to remember that it doesn’t matter how gorgeous you bedroom looks if it’s not comfortable.
To that end, you need to think carefully about the choices you make. In particular, choosing items like your bed and mattress and well as the sheets, blankets, and pillows you use are vital in achieving the correct, comfort level.
Of course, deciding whether to get a foam or sprung mattress and what firmness to choose, can be a little confusing.
That is why you should make an effort to find out more about which type would suit you the best before you make a purchase.
After all, it’s pretty tough to get cosy, no matter what the season if your mattress isn’t comfortable and personalised to your requirements.
Yes, You Can Choose Warm Neutrals for Autumn Bedroom Inspiration
Last of all, when it comes to creating a cosy, cute, and comfortable bedroom space to relax in this Autumn, it essential that you go for the right tones and hues.
Of course, going for warm neutrals it the right idea here. The reason being that will not only help to create a warm and cosy environment, but such things aren’t too hard to find in stores at this time of year either.
In fact, you may be lucky enough to be able to invest in a few cute pieces such as throw pillows in warm, tactile, fabrics like velvet or even faux fur.
You may even be able to fit them in with your pre-existing decor to achieve them perfect autumnal look too if luck is on your side.
Something that means you won’t have to shell out a fortune for a cosy, comfortable and cute, autumnal look.
Need Help Creating Your Perfect Bedroom?
Owner of this interior design blog is Penelope Herbert, an interior designer in Adelaide with Plush Design Interiors. For creative and expert help in designing your perfect bedroom, please contact Penelope for personal service. Call 0421 043 505 or penelope@plushdesigninteriors.com.au.
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