Category: home

Pre-start made EASY!

Happy Hump Dayyyy!!

I hope you are keeping well and enjoying the start of Spring! September is the busiest month of the year in my family (with birthdays galore) so I’ve been enjoying a bit of down time with family and friends. It has been ah-mazing but I’m excited to jump back online today and share some new, valuable content with you all.

At the end of June I presented a project I have been working on with Homebuyers Centre to over 200 people, showcasing 6 carefully curated collections of internal and external finishes, forming the ‘HBC Go’ range. I had such great feedback from attendees that I thought I would also give a run down of the presentation on this platform for anyone who couldn’t make it, or for those who would like to shop the look!!

What is HBC Go?

HBC Go is a complete curation of internal and external selections, that can be applied as a package to your new build making the process an EASY, QUICK, AFFORDABLE and ENJOYABLE experience. I have carefully compiled 6 different styles/themes (listed below) that consist of timeless, neutral selections, allowing you introduce your own personal flair through the use of furniture and styling.

  • Contemporary Coastal
  • Modern Monochrome
  • Mediterranean Resort
  • Modern Australiana
  • Urban Chic
  • Modern Industrial

The Benefits

EASY:

  • HBC Go takes the guess work out of pre-start. It offers complete peace of mind, knowing that your finishes have been refined by an industry professional to ensure your home flows seamlessly from front to back and floor to ceiling.
  • All the boards are on display in large format at Home Collective so you can touch and view everything together- no ordering a million, tiny samples from various suppliers and having to imagine what they look like on a much larger scale.
  • Quality brands and quality finishes from leading suppliers and skilled trades- Beaumont Tiles, Reece, Carpet Call, Polytec, Caesarstone, Caroma, Austral Bricks, The Maker Designer Kitchens and the long list goes on.

QUICK:

  • Any of the 6 packages come with a Quality Assurance Guarantee ensuring an 18 week pre-construction lead time (from signing your contract to slab down!!!)
  • Significantly cuts down time during the pre-start phase of your build because I’ve already done the prep work for you.

AFFORDABLE:

  • In selected schemes we have included various upgrades like stunning woodmatt laminate, black tapware and matching hardware for no extra cost!
  • All packages come with a really valuable electrical upgrade bundle as well- see below for the full list.
  • Saves money in potential rent with the Quality Assurance Guarantee/ 18 week pre-construction lead time. Whack those savings into a decor fund to style your new home instead 😉

To ensure the overall look and feel of each scheme is easily adaptable, I have kept the selections very fresh and neutral. They’re not going to date quickly and will also appeal to a wide audience should you choose to sell the property. If you would like to emphasise the theme of each home there are some key areas to achieve this successfully. I’m going to share my favourite 3 boards and give some designer tips on how to maximise a coastal, monochrome and mediterranean interior style to work back with the finishes already chosen.

Contemporary Coastal

The interior selections of the Contemporary Coastal scheme are subdued and light. I have chosen a soft wood look laminate throughout the home called Polytec Maison Oak Ravine, which features a chalky-beige undertone and a textured grey woodgrain finish. This pairs really well with both the main area floor tile and the wet area floor tile, being a gorgeous sandy ‘stone-look’ terrazzo tile. Classic chrome tapware and hardware are featured throughout and compliment a cool, refreshing colour palette.

To achieve a Contemporary Coastal interior style there are some simple and effective details you can introduce to emphasise the tranquility and beachy feel of your home. Using a soft feature colour like seafoam green or a greyed blue hue, will bring seaside elements inside and introduce a pop of colour to the space. This can be applied in wallpaper, cushions, feature paint, artwork, rugs or through the use of decor items- like vases, vessels or books. Choose products with raw, organic textures like rattan, straw, linen, cotton and rope. This will enhance a tactile aesthetic and keep your home feeling cosy and inviting, even when using a cooler colour palette.

Key design features to factor in for styling, furniture and decor include:

  • Slip cover upholstery.
  • Woven occasional furniture- being rattan, rope or leather.
  • Tassels or fringing on textiles.
  • Thick nautical stripe patterns.
  • Linear repetition in decor, wall panels or wallpaper.
  • Photographic artwork of nature and objects.
  • White, beige and oak furniture create a neutral foundation.
  • Use foliage like tropical leaves (palm, banana, monstera, bird of paradise) and pampas stems for a cohesive coastal look.

To get you started, here is a shop the look compilation featuring some of my favourite coastal inspired decor. Links below!!

|| 1. || 2. || 3. || 4. || 5. || 6. || 7. || 8. || 9. || 10. || 11. || 12. || 13. ||

Modern Monochrome

The interior selections of the Modern Monochrome scheme are bold and high-contrast- perfect for an edgier, contemporary fit-out. I have chosen my favourite dark charcoal laminate for cabinetry throughout, called Polytec Cinder Matt. It’s a striking addition when paired with minimalist selections like white subway tiles and light oak hybrid flooring. Black tapware, fittings and cabinetry hardware are included at no extra charge and emphasise the sleek aesthetic of this interior style.

Materials to look for when furnishing a modern monochrome home should be fairly refined, urbane and luxe- think marble, oak and concrete. Keep the overall design minimal and use textures like linear ribbing, loop-pile wool rugs and boucle to add warmth and softness among the heavier/bolder elements. Want to introduce colour into a black/white/grey colour palette? EASY! Green, slate blues and tan/brown hues are your colours to explore!!! All three are insanely neutral and can be subtly woven into your interior without affecting the overall monochrome palette.

Green- greenery, plants, foliage, fresh fruit.

Tan- oak furniture, tan leather (or linen) cushions, throws or ottomans. Decor like timber trays or oak framing of artwork.

Slate Blue- pair with greys, blacks and white in linen, bedding, cushions, artwork or vases like I have in the Odelle Display Home below.

Key design features to factor in for styling, furniture and decor include:

  • Black frames on furniture like dining chairs, sofas, barstools will give a sleek, cohesive look.
  • You can go a step further by using a black track on your sheer curtains.
  • Magnolia stems are a beautiful introduction, with their brown, green and white foliage.
  • Abstract designs in artwork and cushions accentuate a modern, contemporary impression.
  • Opal bulbs on pendants, floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights add a high contrast element to your lighting.
  • Mirrors will bounce around light and keep your interior feeling spacious and bright.

Get the look with this Modern Monochrome compilation featuring some of my favourite furniture and decor pieces on the market. Links below!!

|| 1. || 2. || 3. || 4. || 5. || 6. || 7. || 8. || 9. || 10. || 11. || 12. || 13. ||

Mediterranean Resort

The interior selections of the Mediterranean Resort scheme are timeless and classic, creating a neutral base for you to decorate with a rich, earthy palette after handover. I have chosen a light oak hybrid floor to pair with a warm grey kitchen laminate called Polytec Stone Grey and white splashback tiles to ensure the overall look is light and bright. The bathroom, ensuite and laundry then flow nicely on from the main interior with a natural oak laminate for the vanities and a stunning soft grey/ almost white floor tile (one of my all-time faves.) The neutral cut pile carpet means you can go bonkers on textured furniture and decor, which suits the Mediterranean resort style perfectly!

To achieve a Mediterranean Resort aesthetic you want to adapt a raw, earthy and organic approach to furnishing and styling your home. Using creamy neutrals like beige and ivory as a base foundation, then injecting rich feature colours like sienna, terracotta, nude and tan tones will ensure you have a well balanced and harmonious interior palette. This can be done easily through paint, wallpaper, cushions, artwork, rugs, books, lighting and decor. Materials and textures like mosaics, bone inlay, organic wood, clay, terracotta, leather, rattan, plaster and wool will all hugely emphasise the interior style, especially if you’re gravitating towards a Moroccan approach to Mediterranean… If you a prefer a more European direction like the Greek Islands or Positano trend, the above design elements are still relevant, but try introducing blues among the warm, rich tones and you’ll be on the right path.

Key design features to factor in for styling, furniture and decor include:

  • Arches, curves and soft winding shapes.
  • Contrast the above with rough, chunkier textures.
  • Imperfect, handmade decor and tableware.
  • Photographic cultural landmark and nature artwork will accentuate the Mediterranean style.
  • Aztec and tribal patterns can be used in rugs and textiles.
  • Rattan will introduce the coastal resort element required to achieve the look.
  • Pressed metal/tin is also a material commonly featured throughout Moroccan interior design.

Here is a curated collection of some beautiful and cohesive Mediterranean Resort decor, to help you achieve the look effortlessly. Links below!!

|| 1. || 2. || 3. || 4. || 5. || 6. || 7. || 8. || 9. || 10. || 11. || 12. || 13. ||

I love putting these shop the looks together for you all and even more so, when I know they will be utilised by clients who are building beautiful, new homes using the ‘HBC Go’ schemes I have worked hard on. I will get cracking on the next 3 schemes over the next month or two because they’re beautiful in their own unique way- think Urban Chic, Modern Australian and Industrial. If you have any questions about the concepts, shop the looks or schemes please feel free to comment below and I’ll respond back to you.

Have an amazing week and enjoy the remainder of school holidays!!

T xx

Homebuyers Centre WA has kindly sponsored this blog entry, based on my experience as their Interior decorator. All thoughts, design work, styling and written content are my own.

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Welcome to the Pembrooke

Hey everyone!!

Today I am going to be sharing with you the brand-spanking-new ‘Pembrooke’ Homebuyers Centre Display Home that I recently completed. It is such a beautiful family home and the floor plan has been cleverly designed to make the most out of every space. From the L shaped kitchen with coffee station, double door pantry, alfresco access from both the living and games room, spacious ensuite with dual showers and vanities, right down to the laundry having it’s own walk-in linen space – the potential and opportunity to create your dream home is made simple with this all-rounder home design.

The style we wanted to achieve in the ‘Pembrooke’ is an Urban Australian fit out with sleek, modern furniture and an earthy accent colour palette. Think subdued sage green tones, spiced tan and amber hues with a high contrast of black and white selections. I love the overall look and feel of this home and have already had so many questions about the artwork and furniture, so I’ve decided to do a brief directory for you to easily shop the look at home!!! If you’d like to visit the ‘Pembrooke’ in person (or even take a virtual tour) you can click here to view the opening hours, address and digital walk through.

Artwork

The artwork featured throughout the ‘Pembrooke‘ display home needed to heavily reflect an Australiana theme without being repetitive. I didn’t want too many native plants, or too many animals as subject matter, so I set out to achieve a wide variety of art that could translate into an Australiana style when paired with the rest of the furniture and decor selections. There are some photographic prints, a few abstract, a good mix of framed prints and stretched canvases, a couple of paintings (including an indigenous art piece,) and I’ve also included the main kid’s bedroom selections as well. Feel free to shop the look and rest assured knowing that these artworks will all compliment each other and the Urban Australian style seamlessly.

Designer Tip-

Before purchasing feature artwork, think about where it is going to hang. If the piece is near or opposite a large window, you might want to consider a canvas print over a glass framed artwork to minimise harsh reflections.

|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16 || 17 || 18 || 19 || 20 ||

Furniture

Onto furniture now, and I wanted to avoid a stereotypical country-take on Australiana. Instead, I opted for a more modern approach, with high contrast selections and sleek, open-weave rattan materials. I focused on finding furniture items to achieve the earthy colour palette which emphasises the theme and (like the artwork point above) runs fluently through each area of the home. Below are some of the key pieces featured in the ‘Pembrooke‘ display home that I think you will love. You can easily shop the look by clicking the relevant links and voila, you’ll be taken directly to the store website.

Designer Tip-

Use repetition in materials and finishes to ensure a cohesive and fluent interior. You might notice the consistent use of open rattan weave and sleek black trims featured throughout the ‘Pembrooke’ display home.

|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 ||

Feature Paint and Wallpaper

I chose a selection of soft sage paint colours and wallpapers to emphasise the Australiana interior style in the ‘Pembrooke’ display. We painted the main games room wall in Wattyl Deep Sleep and continued that same colour onto the overhead section of the kitchen. This makes a nice contrast against the white cabinetry and a lovely feature since the glass splashback is clean and sleek (without texture.) The Master main wall is painted in Taubmans Grey Heron and this is a beautiful deeper sage tone- perfect for a calming, restful bedroom. Both kid’s bedroom wallpapers are transitional so they can remain age appropriate as the child grows older and adapts their own personality.

|| 1. Taubmans Grey Heron || 2. Wattyl Deep Sleep || 3. These Walls Directional Eucalypt || 4. Australiana Fairy Tale Powder Blue ||

Designer Tip-

Don’t be afraid to experiment with paint. It is one of the easiest ways to achieve an affordable feature, and can really pack a punch. It can also easily be changed without too much fuss down the track if you want a fresh, new look.

Adding Warmth

One of the easiest ways to inject colour, including warmth, is through the use of homewares and artwork. Think vases, vessels, books, cushions, linen, candles, foliage, plates and tableware. The possibilities are endless! If you’d like to cleverly purchase homewares- choose a neutral accent colour like ‘tan’ because this hue works beautifully with cool, warm and monochrome colour palettes. They also tie back any timber tones you have throughout the home and inject a layer of warmth, which is particularly great if you have a concrete, or grey tiled floor. Below are some of my favourite tan/amber/spice decor finds, along with shoppable links.

Designer Tip-

Foliage can also act as a pop of warmth in your home styling. Magnolia leaves have a beautiful burgundy/brown underside and dried florals like cotton, berry stems, gumnuts and king protea all display brown tones when preserved.
|| Candle || Foliage || Cushion || Vases || Sheets || Tableware || Mouse Pad || Pattern Vase || Book ||

I have attached the floor plan of the beautiful 4×2 ‘Pembrooke’ display below, so you can piece all these images together and make sense of how each area flows onto the next. I find this really helps when visualising scale and shopping for your own home, alternatively you can take the virtual tour here. If something has caught your eye in the home images (and I haven’t linked it) please leave a comment below and I’ll reply with supplier details. Homebuyers Centre make it super easy for their clients to have a fun, enjoyable building journey, including engaging me to share all these fabulous products with you all. If you are wanting to achieve an Urban Australian style interior (or just love the look,) I hope found this post helpful, insightful and inspirational!

Have a beautiful evening everyone,

Tx


4×2 Pembrooke Floorplan

Homebuyers Centre WA has kindly sponsored this blog entry, based on my experience as their Interior decorator. All thoughts, design work, styling and written content are my own.

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Make It Sparkle

Hey everyone.

How is it October and a month into Spring already?! That means we moved into our new home almost 9 months ago- Crazy! I remember unpacking box, after box and making a conscious decision to Spring clean regularly, ensuring the house is kept looking fresh, clutter free and manageable. I feel much calmer when our surroundings are tidy, so it is crucial for me to maintain organisation and household chores (especially) when working from home, to ensure my mind is clear and focused. My second family over at Homebuyers Centre WA have asked me to chat about my favourite spring cleaning products/ cannot-live-without-items, organisation tips and some simple ways to get your home feeling fabulous for less… Yes, less- because we have even managed to get our hands on some exclusive discounts from 10 awesome brands that I love and use in my own home- you can view them all at the bottom of this post.

Maintenance is key.

I’d be fibbing if I told you our home is perfectly curated and magazine worthy everyday. It’s certainly not- but it is kept fairly tidy and we all try to pack away/clean up after ourselves throughout the day. Getting into the mentality of, “it literally takes two seconds,” stops clutter building up and chores feel way more manageable because they’re not made into mammoth tasks. When it comes to larger cleans (like spring cleaning) I break down the duties into specific areas and tackle them over a few different weekends. This means I still get to enjoy the majority of my weekend with family and I only have to dig out the cleaning products targeting the related areas I’m working on. The same principle applies for landscaping and exterior!! When I notice a little weed sprouting or some dry leaf litter floating around, I’ll make sure they’re pulled out/picked up promptly so that the chore doesn’t manifest over time.

Organise and simplify.

One key aspect that helps me maintain a clean home is having everyone know where possessions belong. This is especially helpful for children who are primary school age and above. Knowing where their toys, clothes and belongings are, eliminates a tornado of mess when they are trying to locate something specific. Clearly label storage tubs and group together similar items- eg cars, lego, technology, crafts… then the same with clothing- shorts, pants, tees, long sleeve. You can also rotate your seasonal clothes by packing away bulky, winter garments that you won’t wear throughout summer. I relocate ours and put them in the wardrobe of our spare bedroom, but if you’re limited on space you could try vacuum bagging some items and temporarily storing them in your linen cupboard. This frees up a lot of space in our main wardrobes and the whole area feels less cluttered.

Bedside Tables- Satara Living, Wardrobe System- Ikea PAX

The Cull.

Go from room- to-room and ruthlessly recycle, donate or appropriately throw away any possessions that are no longer being used/eaten/worn/played with. Don’t stop at your wardrobes either, consider culling old makeup, skincare products and expired medications in your vanities (Children’s panadol, nurofen and spare sunscreen tubes are notorious for expiring in my household.) Also take a look at your current bath/hand/face towels and consider donating any spares to your local women’s refuge or animal shelter. Same goes for linen, bedding and cushions. You might be overdue for new pillow inserts, fresh sheets or a summer quilt so bag it up and donate anything you no longer require. Then (if required) you can replenish and treat yourself using the discount code provided further down #winning

Storage.

This category could easily fall underneath the ‘organise’ umbrella, but I think ‘storage’ deserves it’s own mention as well. Often we focus on elaborate storage systems and custom-built units to impressively store belongings, forgetting that nifty hacks can also make the world of difference to de-clutter your home. One handy idea that I utilise in our home, is that we each have a bamboo basket which contains our day-to-day hygiene/beauty regime products- this is particularly convenient if your bathroom vanity has doors instead of drawers. You can easily take the items in and out (all at once,) which leaves your cupboards organised and your bench space tidy. They’re super affordable and are also stackable which is another awesome space saving pro!!

Bespoke joinery is beautiful, but this option is simply not obtainable for everyone. Thankfully, there are so many furniture pieces with great storage solutions on the market. In my opinion, Ikea is the retail leader when shopping for affordable and readily available storage units like wardrobes, drawers, entertainment units, bookcases and wall storage cabinets. My favourite systems to consider are the BESTÅ, PAX, KOPPANG, ALEX and EKET. There are hundreds of online hacks around to personalise these ranges but they have also just released new colour/material/profile options for some of the BESTÅ systems and they look NEAT!!! See below.

Buffets, console tables and blanket boxes are also lovely furniture options, if you want additional hidden storage. By placing a blanket box or storage ottoman at the foot of your bed, it can enhance the overall room aesthetic, as well as provide a convenient storage option in your bedroom. Utilise it to fold away a clean set of bed linen and towels in, so they are easily accessible when wanting a fresh towel or swapping over sheets on washing day. Here are 3 on-trend styles, currently available (and ready to ship) from Adairs.

|| 1. Norway Snow Boucle || 2. Burleigh Natural || 3. Francis Sand Velvet  ||

Enhance the ambience.

Create an atmosphere that relaxes you. No doubt after a good spring clean, your home will be smelling fresh but here are a few more ways to enhance tranquility in your surroundings.

  • Draw back your curtains.
  • Open your windows and let some fresh air in.
  • Use natural cleaning agents with aromatic scents, especially on your surfaces and floors.
  • Light a new candle or burn an incense stick.
  • Flip over a few reeds of your fragrance diffuser.
  • Buy yourself a bouquet of fresh flowers or gather some foliage from your garden.
  • Turn on some of your favourite tunes.
  • Cleanse and charge your crystals if required.
  • Put a wrapped bar of soap or a fresh fragrance sachet in your chest of drawers.
  • Water and fertilise your indoor plants.
  • Frame a new family portrait.

All of these small suggestions will help your home feel more inviting, more homely and more enjoyable.

My top home maintenance and spring cleaning products.

I have rounded up my favourite 12 products that help me maintain and keep our home looking tidy throughout the year. None of them are sponsored, so you can expect an honest review based on my personal use and their performance. A few stores have offered my community a discount, but this is purely because myself and Homebuyers Centre WA have reached out to the brand and obtained a discount code based off my love for their products. Enjoy!

  1. ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI Robot Vacuum– I cannot live without this little creature! It vacuums and mops (although I primarily use it for vacuuming,) has a nifty mapping function, carpet detection and so many other great functions. It has been the best investment/purchase I have made this year. ||Click Here||
  2. Bissell SpotClean Carpet Cleaner- In all honesty I thought this machine would blow my mind. It’s good but I wouldn’t say incredible… It still cements itself as a ‘must-have’ because I believe if our furniture were a bit older and more worn, I would see better results. What I can recommend being amazing, is the next Bissell product. ||Click Here||
  3. Bissell Tough Stain Pre-Cleaner– THIS little bottle of magic, is amazing! It mentions being a Pre-cleaner, but on the marks I have treated, this solution completely cleaned them off my sofas without having to use the (above) machine itself. Super convenient to have on hand for any unexpected stains that appear. ||Click Here||
  4. Koh Microfibre Cloths (4 Pack)– These microfibre cloths are great quality and they get the job done! The white polishing cloth (for mirrors and glass) is excellent and it’s the only product that leaves my glass streak-free. ||Click Here||
  5. Koala Eco Natural Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner– I first received this solution as a handover gift from HBC when we received our keys and now I’m absolutely hooked. The fragrance is divine, it’s both biodegradable and eco-friendly, plus the formula is completely plant-based. 20% off storewide when using OHEIGHTOHNINE at the checkout. ||Click Here||
  6. Bondi Wash Non-Toxic Floor Wash- This floor wash smells amazing (loveee the citrus fragrance,) and it doesn’t leave your floor sticky or with a filmy residue. It is highly concentrated so the bottle goes a long way it’s safe to use on all floor types- hardwood, engineered timber, vinyl, hybrid, tiles, laminate etc… 20% off storewide when using OHEIGHTOHNINE at the checkout. ||Click Here||
  7. Chux Magic Eraser Spot Cleaner– These little gems are really handy for spot cleaning scuffs off walls and skirting boards. Try a small, isolated wall area first because it works/dries differently on certain paint finishes. They’re magic though- just like the name implies! ||Click Here||
  8. Philips Fabric Shaver– This is a recent purchase of mine but holy moly… I’m already addicted and am amazed at how my upholstery and clothes have been transformed!! ||Click Here||
  9. BÄSTIS Lint Roller– Yessss, the sticky lint roller is essential if you own a pet or simply want to keep fabrics dust/fibre/lint/hair-free. I use mine mostly on the sofas, headboards, ottomans and our clothing because it collects our dog’s fur that the vacuum can sometimes miss. ||Click Here||
  10. Selley’s Rapid Mould Killer– Okay so this product is definitely not natural and it’s quite strong, BUT it’s the only product I am satisfied with for effectively cleaning showers and grout. It’s not so much needed in our current home (because everything is new) but in my previous homes it has worked an absolute treat so I have continued to use it here as well!! || Click Here ||
  11. Koh Spray Mop– To be honest I think the actual mop itself is pretty on par with other brands, howeverrrr, the pads are what seals the deal for me. The green one is particularly good because it has some sort of interwoven, rubbery material among the rest of the fabric. I have no idea what it is called (lol,) but there is a noticeable grip and it definitely cleans my floor better than pads that just glide over the surface… Oh and the bundle is currently 55% off for anyone interested. || Click Here ||
  12. Bamboo Stackable Basket– I mentioned these above in my little vanity life hack, but they can be used anywhere in the home to organise items and save space in your pantry, study, laundry cupboards, nursery etc… 15% off storewide when using OHEIGHTOHNINE at the checkout.|| Click Here ||

Exclusive offers.

Whether you’re about to start an intense clean, or need to replenish a few items- the below 10 stores have you covered for all your cleaning, interior and organisation needs. Scroll through to see what discounts are on offer and enter OHEIGHTOHNINE at the checkout of each store for the full month of October. Valid until 31st October 2021, 23:59 AEST.

Discount code: OHEIGHTOHNINE

PRETTY LITTLE DESIGNS

15% off storewide- including sale items || Shop Now ||

KOALA ECO

20% off storewide ** excluding bundles and subscriptions. || Shop Now ||

LOOM TOWELS

10% off storewide ** excluding sets. || Shop Now ||

HOUSE OF WELLINGTON

15% off storewide || Shop Now ||

BONDI WASH

20% off Bondi Wash products ** excludes subscription boxes and cannot be used with any other discount code. || Shop Now ||

THE COVER COLLECTIVE

25% off storewide ** excluding sale and bundles, laundry and cushions. || Shop Now ||

LITTLE LABEL CO

10% off storewide **excluding new arrivals. || Shop Now ||

LOOM TOWELS

10% off storewide ** excluding sets. || Shop Now ||

WHITE BEACH CO

15% off storewide || Shop Now ||

MISS APRIL TOWELS

15% off storewide || Shop Now ||

I feel like this topic and post could go on forever because there are so many great hacks around to help you maintain a clean, functional home. Just remember, it’s okay to let things get out of hand a little at times (life gets busy) but if you’re feeling overwhelmed with some of the cluttered areas in your home, a good spring clean always boosts my mood and mind once complete… so it’s worth a try right?! If you have any ‘must have’ products or tips that your really love, feel free to comment below and share them with me and other readers.

Have a lovely October everyone!!

T x

Ps: How big is my little man now? Fully reaching his own wall hooks, like a grown teenager *sniff*

Homebuyers Centre WA has kindly sponsored this blog entry, based on my experience as their decorator and our own building journey. All thoughts, design work, styling and written content are my own.

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Winter Home Decorating Ideas

Hey everyone.

I’m currently writing this post with a hot water bottle covering my lap, wearing about 4 layers of clothing. Coincidently the topic of my blog entry today is ‘Winter home decor,’ and sharing my favourite ways to make your home feel instantly cosier. I was recently asked by Homebuyers Centre to explain how texture, ambience and colour can effect the overall warmth and feel of a space. Home decorating can become expensive if you re-style seasonally but rest assured, the pieces I am going to show you are staples you will love getting out year-after-year, during the cooler months. I’ll be sharing some really handy styling tips along with some of my favourite products so you can easily shop the look. Then over on my IGTV you can watch how I have restyled the ‘Capri’ master bedroom making simple and affordable decor changes to demonstrate all of the above. This could be my favourite post yet, I hope you enjoy it too!

Layering

This is a styling essential! I use layers all the time to create comfy, cosy beds. By adding an extra blanket or throw to your bedding, you instantly create a more inviting place to rest. Additional layers= additional warmth… just like my clothing right now! How do I keep the bed looking cohesive with 3 (or sometimes even 4) layers? I break each layer down and make sure it relates back to another accent in it’s surroundings. Eg Euros match the quilt cover, 1 set of standard pillowcases match the sheets, the other set of standard pillowcases match the coverlet, then the addition throw or blanket ties back with a particular cushion, artwork or feature colour within the room.

Layering also applies to any lounging areas you use regularly. In winter, most people prefer to stay indoors to escape the miserable weather, so styling your sofas, reading nooks or occasional chairs with a deliciously soft throw or tactile cushion will add extra comfort and visual delight. Here are some of my favourite throws at the moment. It’s quite clear I’m absolutely loving earthy, buttery, warm tones right now!!

Shop the Look

|| 1. || 2. || 3. || 4. || 5. || 6. || 7. || 8. || 9. ||

Full inserts

Plump inserts in quilts and cushions are another great way to add extra warmth in your home. Feather or wool filled quilts have a beautiful full, fluffy appearance and often look much cosier than thinner, flat inserts. The down or wool products will incur a higher price tag because they’re a natural fibre, however, there are some great polyester ‘high loft’ quilts around that look perfectly lavish for winter. Adairs is a great store to shop for inserts, because they accomodate for both luxury and more affordable budgets.

Feather filled is my ‘insert preference’ for scatter cushions and standard sizes can be purchased at various retailers like H+M, Spotlight, Potterybarn, Adairs and Ikea. FF inserts don’t permanently loose their shape (because you can fluff them back up) and they are more mouldable than polyester/dacron filled cushions. This means you can achieve a slouchy relaxed looking cushion, or a more tailored ‘chop.’

Texture

Texture is a really important design element to consider when decorating a space, especially in the cooler months. Texture emphasises warmth and creates a point of interest. Too much texture can appear busy to the eye, whereas not enough will leave the area feeling cold and flat. Even though texture is defined more-so as the tactile quality of a surface, it can absolutely be ‘felt’ through an image- without physically touching the surface itself. This is important to note if you are styling a property to sell, or operate a home inspo account on social media because you want your audience/buyers to feel visually invited into a homely setting.

Soft, plush materials are great for winter styling, so think shags, sheepskin, velvet, faux fur, boucle, chunky knits, woollen and woven textiles. As a general design guideline, I try to place the textured elements away from each other, so the overall space feels balanced and cohesive. Some of my favourite textured finds are below.

Shop the Look

|| 1. Cushion || 2. Vase || 3. Stem || 4.Rug ||

Ambience

The use of lighting within your home can drastically increase the cosiness of your surroundings. Most homes have some form of downlight to all main areas but by decorating with an opulent feature lamp or floor lamp and using the dim light from this source, you can emphasise the ambience in a particular area. Dimmable lamps are great and so are designs with an oversized opal bulb as the main light source. Don’t forget to ask for a warm or natural globe, rather than a stark/cool globe. Below are some table lamps that have caught my eye over the past few months.

Shop the Look

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Candles also create a beautiful, romantic ambience when lit and there are some incredible products on the market, which double as styling decor. Gone are the days where candles only came in a jar or bowl. Within the past couple of years (and hugely trending now) are candle styles with projection and ribbing, ball and soft shape curves, femme and unique vessel designs, PLUS a wide range of coloured wax choices. There’s honestly a candle (and scent) for everyone’s liking- Check out Norsu for an extensive range.

PIC CREDIT: NORSU INTERIORS

Colour

Colour can emphasise whether a space feels warm or cold, especially in Winter. Overcast skies and the lack of sunlight will automatically make your home feel darker and duller, but the introduction of warmer tones (and texture) will help make your home feel pleasantly snug. If you gravitate naturally towards cooler tones like blues, greens, greys etc, and don’t want to change out your decor to a warmer colour, try adding an element of warmth alongside (or layered with) the cooler palette. Creamy neutrals like linen/sand, beige, ivory, caramel, fawn, taupe or tan will work beautifully alongside blues, greens or greys and keep the space feeling cosy. Colour can be dispersed through the styling of artwork, cushions, vases, vessels or candles, throws, rugs, upholstery, bedding, feature paint or even wallpaper. Foliage and florals are another area you can experiment with colour and there are plenty of faux cream/brown toned stems available to purchase, as well as dried or preserved arrangements. This doesn’t mean you need to swap out your greenery, in exchange for the above. It simply suggests you can use it as a point of difference or feature, especially if it helps tie in other blocks of colour around the room.

Some other ‘Winter Warming’ points worth mentioning:

  • Shop for some new plush bathroom towels and invest in a couple of matching bath mats.
  • I’ve heard great things about outdoor fire pits and how it is a lovely social and family bonding way to spend cooler evenings.
  • If you’re in need of a new area/ floor rug, try shopping for a loop pile wool rug or something with a bit of texture. This will not only be soft under foot in winter, but versatile throughout summer as well.
  • Take a look at flannelette sheets if you’re wanting a toasty night sleep. ‘Cotton flannelette’ is amazing at retaining body heat and although the cotton fibres are soft and fluffy, they’re also very breathable. See below for my round up of top flannelette sheets.
  • Changing out artwork can be affordable if you shop around for posters or printable designs.
  • Make sure your indoor plants are still getting enough natural sunlight. I know a few of mine are looking a little worse for wear. Oopsie!

Shop the Look

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Well that’s it for me today!! If you’ve enjoyed these tips and product round-ups, there are plenty more to browse through below. Another big shout out to Homebuyers Centre WA for kindly sponsoring this post and allowing me to share all this valuable information with you. As always, all design work, styling, ideas and written content are my own. Hit me up in the comments section if there is a styling topic you’d like me to cover next.

Have a fab evening everyone,

T x

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Aura Boy’s Room

6linebreakWelcome back!!

Today I’m thrilled to show you some more images of this vibrant boy’s room I created for Homebuyers Centre in their new Aura Display Home, located at 68 Muriel Court, Cockburn Central. I absolutely adore this room and thoroughly enjoyed designing, then bringing it to life. In this entry, you can read a little more about the process as I explain some of my design choices and product selections. You can also easily recreate this look at home with the linked ‘Shop the Look’ section below. linebreakpalette2linebreakMy starting point for this space was the ‘Fractile’ wallpaper mural. It was the foundation of my design and the room’s colour palette is drawn from the earthy green, ochre and sand tones featured in the wallpaper. When I found it on Scandinavian Wallpaper and Decor’s website, I immediately asked Lollo (nicely of course) to customise the measurements for me. Once we confirmed and made the order, I began choosing artwork and linen to compliment the space and work back with the mural.

For the main bedding I chose the Ivy Vintage Wash Quilt from Adairs and paired it back with a simple white/linen pinstripe sheet combo. I then used a variety of different size cushions, with mixed textures and earthy tones to position on the bed. The texture helps create a warm, cosy feel and the chosen colours give the room harmony because they are cohesive throughout the space with other elements, like the art and decor.linebreak1linebreak

Aside from ‘colour’ the other two main elements of design I focused on were the emphasis on line and shape.

The use of a rough, illustrated line is repeated throughout areas of the room like the wallpaper, rug, sheets and artwork. I then also used a circle/ round shape multiple times, for example in the rug, cushions, ottoman, wall hooks etc. By emphasising these elements through repetition, it ensures the room is balanced and not visually overwhelming.

I hope you all like this room as much as I do! Please feel free to shop the look below, or if you’re located in Perth you can check out the Aura Display Home in person- details here.

Much Love, T ♡

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Paint- Solver ‘Cape Horn’

Carpet- Trevors Carpets ‘Conandale Colour 930- Grey Drift’

Sheers- The Blinds Gallery ‘Warwick Corfu Moonlight’

Please Note- If something is linked to the main store (rather than the direct product) it means they are out of stock online but it’s always worth calling your local store to double check their stock levels. The headboard can be custom made through me. The side stool and the ottoman were sourced through a furniture supplier so unfortunately I don’t have links for those two items, sorry.linebreak5All images are the property of Tarina Lyell T/A Oh Eight Oh Nine and must not be used or published in any way without written consent.linebreak

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Magical Village Nursery Reveal

9.pnglinebreakHappy December everyone!

I hope you’re all well and enjoying the festive season so far! Today I want to share a beautiful nursery that I recently completed in the new Homebuyers Centre ‘Vienna’ Display Home. As most of you know, I love to incorporate a few affordable products into my designs so I can spend more on features within the room that will create an impact. I’ll run through some of my selections and explain why I have chosen these pieces as part of this sweet nursery space.

I usually try to save the most money on furniture pieces in nurseries and children’s bedrooms. This is because, in reality as children grow we accomodate their needs and purchase larger/ more appropriate furniture over the years. Our babies outgrow their cots, change tables, rocking chairs, toddler beds, even single beds. So with this in mind, I always try to make budget friendly choices, that are still practical and functional for the client.linebreak5linebreakThe Koppang 3 Drawer Chest from Ikea ($199.00) is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable change table that can also be used as a dresser. The height (I find) is way more practical to change a baby’s clothes/nappy than the Hemnes Dresser , however the Koppang only comes in the 90cm size. I then shopped online for some cute handles that would compliment the rest of the room and make their own unique feature within the space. I purchased these Oak and White ‘Wok’ knobs here ($14.00 each.)

If you do purchase the Koppang Chest as a change table you will need to buy a slimmer change pad. I got the Homebuyers Centre one here and it fits really well for both the width and depth measurements. Another plus is that you can use a bassinet sheet as the cover! This gives you more variety when shopping because I find change pad styles quite limiting. Please Note- I know a lot of people use the mat resting on their change table or chest, however, it is always strongly recommended that you secure it to the unit to prevent any slipping.linebreak4linebreakThe next product I was going to write about is the Hayden Cot from Pottery Barn Kids but it’s sold out, sorry! Never mind, I will show you some other designs that are nice, neutral and budget friendly!! Don’t get me wrong either- I love a branded cot (like Oeuf, Babyletto or Ubabub) but sometimes budget does not permit and that’s when I start hunting for something just as appealing- without the higher price tag. Below are 6 great cot options that won’t break the bank- All coming in at under $500.00 each!linebreakCotsUnder500.jpglinebreakshopthelook|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 ||linebreakWhile on the topic of bedding, if you’re not too fussy, you can pick up a brand new cot mattress for under $90.00. I personally have never bought an expensive mattress for Chet and he slept through the night consistently from 3 weeks old. Even now he has a single size mattress from Amart Furniture and we’ve had no issues with it. Check these two links from Kmart ($89.00) and BigW ($90.00) for an affordable cot mattress- Just double check your measurements before purchasing.linebreak6linebreakNow to shelves! I’m pretty sure the MELLÖSA picture ledge are a fairly new Ikea design (to Perth anyway) because I only just discovered them a few months back!! They make a great, affordable book shelf, look super sleek and in comparison to other acrylic designs on the market- are a fraction of the price ($16.00 each.) Some other budget friendly purchases in this nursery are the Ottoman from Spotlight ($110.00,) Canopy from Adairs ($99.00) and Throw from Kmart ($12.00.)

With all these small savings, I was able to purchase the gorgeous Maison Village wallpaper mural from Scandinavian Wallpaper. It’s beyond amazing and even more magical in person. It is a feature within itself and I feel like it is a design that will easily adapt as your child grows. I also allocated a bit of extra money to use some ‘Shop Small’ decor items like the Plush Toys from Spinkie, the Bear Head from Leo and Bella and the Hot Air Balloon Pendant Light from The Little Interior.linebreak2.pnglinebreak3linebreakIf you’ve come across any great money savings ideas or affordable products for children’s bedrooms/ nurseries, please feel free to add them below in the comments section. I, and many others would love to read all about it 🙂

If you’d like to walk through the ‘Vienna’ Display Home in person, it can be located at 16 Quartz Road, Treeby, Perth. More details including opening times can be found on the Homebuyers Centre website.

Much love,

T xx

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Sheer curtains are from The Blinds Gallery – Fabric – Warwick Corfu Moonlight

Carpet – Trevors – Victoria Carpets Elmview 51 1403 Murry Grey

Paint Colour – Taubmans – Barely Beige 1/4 Strengthlinebreak8linebreak

Tarina WoodLeave a comment