Category: interior

The Nalu, Eden Beach Estate

Hi everyone,

I’m super excited to showcase one of my recently completed projects today. The Nalu display home by Homebuyers Centre is located in Eden Beach, Alkimos and this house design has already received so much love! With wall-to-wall dual ensuite vanities and double showers, open plan kitchen, dining, living and multipurpose room, spacious theatre and walk in pantry- it has all the essentials and so much more. While we wait for professional photography I thought it would be a great opportunity to show you my favourite room in the house and provide some budget-friendly decor inspiration, based off the Nalu’s modern coastal interior style!

The multi-purpose room is my absolute favourite space in the Nalu for a few key reasons! Firstly, the cut out opening in the wall visually connects this room to the kitchen, main living and dining area. It is such a great feature if you have (or are planning) a family in the future. Children don’t like feeling ‘left alone’ to play, read or complete homework in a separate room, so this allows them to feel included and safe when you’re cooking, unpacking groceries, stacking the dishwasher or prepping snacks. By having the opening start at 14courses high, it allows furniture to be placed against the brickwork which maximises functional space.

Secondly, the sliding door feature that opens up onto the alfresco is really beneficial as well. It makes the room feel spacious and allows so much natural sunlight to stream into the whole open plan living area. Easy access to the backyard is always handy as well, especially when entertaining with friends and family.

Thirdly, I have decorated the multipurpose room as a fun space that both adults and children can work, play, read and relax in, but the possibilities are endless. It can be easily styled based on how you will personally enjoy using the space, think- full office, home gym or pilates studio, gaming room, guest bedroom with sofa bed, kid’s playroom. You can even make it into an additional bedroom by adding a door and keeping all walls full height (with no cut out.)

Boho Palm Decals by BlondNoir in Sage, Olive and Bronze.

If you like the way I have styled the Nalu multipurpose room, here are some suppliers and products that will help you re-create this design in your own home! I love that we have achieved a built-in look, using budget-friendly items to produce a room that appeals to the whole family and that flows seamlessly with the rest of the modern coastal fitout. Happy Shopping!

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The bench top was made by cabinet makers in an Egger laminate, 38mm thick x 600mm deep. Colour- Sanato Oak with ABS edging. Please email me directly for the cabinet maker’s contact details- info@oheightohnine.com.au

Mini Mod in Tan by Homeday. Fill with 150L of beans each from Spotlight.

If you have visited my page to get some budget-friendly decor inspiration then look no further! I love styling all my projects with a mixture of affordable home decor items, alongside some unique and pricer key features. It helps me achieve a fuller and cosier looking home without breaking the bank, and instead I can spend more on statement items like artwork, wallpaper or lighting. I have curated a collection of my favourite 20 Kmart products that are influenced by the Nalu’s refreshing palette, earthy textures and modern coastal interior style below. Happy (continued) Shopping!

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Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I continue to share more images, videos and budget-friendly decorating ideas across social media. If you would like to visit the Nalu in person (highly recommend) the location details are 16 Selacosa Avenue, Alkimos. A huge thank you to Homebuyers WA for once again sponsoring this post, to bring you this ‘Shop The Look’ content completely free. Everyone loves freebies and we love affordable home improvements, so thank you to the HBC team for making this possible!!

Lots of love… and for anyone reading in Perth- stay cool, keep hydrated!!! T x

Faux Seagrass Wallpaper is from Olive Et Oriel in the paste/textured finish.

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Cohesive and Affordable Study Inspiration

Hi all,

First of all if you’re reading this from the email newsletter- the best format and image quality can be viewed here 🙂

End of term means a lot of us will be working from home a little more than usual over the Christmas and New Year school-holiday-break! I thought it would be nice to provide some inspiration from the Homebuyers Centre Bayside display, that demonstrates how to affordably achieve a neat WFH space, while ensuring the open plan living area still has a cohesive look and feel. If you read my last entry on the Jamieson Gaming Hub, you’ll notice the desk and base are the same making these two back-to-back posts a great example of how versatile these pieces can be!

The drawers, shelf and office chairs are all trusty Ikea! They provide a neutral base that pairs well with the rest of the home and also kept costs down. By saving $ on the main items, it allowed me to get a custom 2.4m bench top made in the same laminate as the kitchen (which is directly opposite the study wall.) The top wasn’t overly expensive because it doesn’t have any hard fixings mounted into the back, so the labour time was cut down and the price was reduced.

** TIP ** If you engage a cabinet maker to make a square-edge laminated benchtop for your home, don’t forget to ask for ABS Edging!

This is a common factor forgotten about because not every cabinet maker includes it as standard in their pricing for shelving or laminated panels but it makes the world of difference in both aesthetic and general wear and tear.

The LÅNGFJÄLL chairs are a fave of mine and I have used them multiple times in study spaces over the years. Here are a few key reasons why they’re a winner in my eyes.

  • They’re quite solid and weighty- making them good options for children because they won’t easily tip over. 
  • The white frame/ base is a lovely option if you have light and bright interior selections. 
  • The fabric is SO versatile and goes with various different colour palettes. 
  • The wheels don’t need to be installed if you prefer a ‘swivel’ only study chair.
  • The price (being under $200) is awesome for the quality of the product. 
  • They also come in a high back option if you need additional support.

The pinboards are awesome wall decor to display anything and everything- memos, planners, kid’s artwork or merit awards, advent calendars, utility bills (ergh), vision or mood boards, photos or small scale accessories like headphones. Depending on how the pinboards are used, they can add personality to the space and enhance a colour scheme that you’re wanting to achieve (if small artwork prints are styled among the everyday items.) Wooden push pins can also be a stylish way to introduce more oak tones into the area. I found this pack of 80 at Officeworks for under $5.

The Bayside study nook is directly in front of the kitchen and beside the dining and living room (in one large open area) so I wanted to keep the colour palette flowing throughout. By selecting a couple of accent colours used in the surrounding areas, it allowed me to style the benchtop and shelf simply but effectively. I used the ruffle vase from target which is an absolute steal at the moment (only $6.00) to introduce a pop of grey-blue and also picked up on the tan tones by purchasing some of the Officeworks Otto stationary (mousepad and A4 storage boxes.)

Other decor selections include the Elena photo frames from Target ($10.) They have a lovely white return on oak frame which is nice and thick- making the frame perfect for shelves as they sit upright by themselves (without needing a support arm.) The marble and brass lamp ($45) adds a touch of luxe, creates ambience and acts as an additional light source for night time work. The ceramic jar ($12) is a great trinket dish for small tech like usb devices, camera cords or to stash the candy you don’t want your children to eat! Lastly, don’t forget your greenery. It adds life to an area which can sometimes feel overwhelming and can be sourced affordably as artificial stems ($6) or pruned from your own garden.

Feel free to steal my style below and shop some of the key items in the Bayside study nook below.

Pinboard || Push Pins || Lamp || Pen Cup || Pens || Office Chair || Drawers || Photo Frame || Ruffle Vase || Ruffle Candle || Trinket Jar || Mouse Pad || Artificial Stem || Storage Box || Laminate ||

If there are any other suppliers you want to know about, please comment below or on my instagram.

Stay cool everyone and take care xo

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Margot Girl’s Room

Good morningggg,

Following on the back of my last post I wanted to share with you all the sweet details of mini Margot’s bedroom. We wanted to stay cohesive with the home’s modern luxe interior style but also introduce younger elements that can easily transition from primary to teenage years. To do this without changing the entire room we kept the base foundation very neutral and then introduced pretty gold details and pops of colour in the decor, art and bedding.

The feature paint is a lovely warm grey tone that is suitable for all ages and genders. It’s called Wattyl Signal Station and it pairs beautifully with the Wattyl Floral White internal wall paint featured throughout the Margot. It’s a great, affordable option that creates a subtle visual impact and the look can be further elevated with the introduction of contrasting spot or star wall decals like these.

In addition to the neutral wall colour, I also specified transitional pendants, bedsides, storage and furniture. This means that they can easily adapt with different trends, styles, colour palettes and kid’s interests making them awesome options to ensure you’re getting the most out of your purchases. The headboard cover can even be taken off to wash and keep fresh, or swapped over to a different fabric (without changing the headboard itself.) Check out the upholstery options below, ranging from King single to King size beds.

Juno Slipcover headboard and covers by Black Mango.

Another handy tip

is to frame wall art and posters yourself, instead of buying them as a framed option.

This allows you to swap the poster inside and update the space as your child’s interests/ hobbies evolve. Repurposing the frame not only saves money, it generally saves you on shipping charges too (as the unframed print comes in a lightweight tube) PLUS you won’t have to drill new holes in the wall- winning! Urban Road have a lovely range of artwork suitable for all ages available and my go-to retailers for store bought frames are Target, Spotlight and Freedom.

Homebuyers Centre have kindly allowed to me share the details of suppliers and stores so you can easily shop the look and create this sweet space in your own home. It’s always such a joy when I can offer these boards free of charge to visitors of my website, so feel free to click on the links below and shop the featured products before they sell out!

|| Pendants || Macey Mouse Poster || Alley Cat Poster || Poster Frames || Flower Cushion || Cat Plush Toy || Floral Sheets || Bedside Tables || Wall Book Ledges || European Pillowcases and Quilt Cover || Headboard || Clock || Vase || Storage Ottoman || Boucle Throw || Mongolian Cushion ||

If there is anything else that catches your eye which hasn’t been linked, feel free to comment below and I’ll respond with product/supplier details. Have a great week everyone.

Much Love,

T x

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

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!!

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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!!

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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!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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