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Vibrant Tablescape Tips for Summer Celebrations

Happy December ✨

Somehow 2025 has absolutely flown by and suddenly we’re back in that warm, sun-soaked season of long days and holiday entertaining!

This year (instead of a traditional festive table) I’m sharing a fresh summer setup in the Homebuyers ‘Tyla’ display home, featuring simple, elevated styling that you can effortlessly reuse for all your spring–summer gatherings.

To recreate this vibrant, summery tablescape- try leaning into:

• Bold, joyful colour
Play with a mix of warm and cool tones to bring in that sun-kissed vibrancy while still keeping everything feeling crisp and fresh. Think citrus hues, soft pastels and pops of bold colour that instantly lift the mood.

• Mix-and-match patterns
Have fun with pattern play like bold stripes, scalloped or wavy edges, florals or anything that feels playful and summery. Layering different patterns adds depth and personality without feeling overdone.

• Sweet little details
Look for styling pieces with charm… bow details, crystal-look canisters, ribbed glassware, woven baskets or bowls are all subtle touches that help the table feel considered and full of character. Keep reading below for ‘Shop the Look’ links to the items have I used.

• Florals + fruit (the ultimate summer duo)
Whether you use faux stems or florals clipped straight from the garden, they instantly soften the setting and bring in a fresh pop of colour.
Fruit is not only visually fun, it’s practical! Guests can snack between courses, squeeze citrus into sparkling water for a refreshing twist, or you can freeze any leftovers for smoothies the next morning. It’s styling with purpose, which I love.

Extra tips to elevate your setup even more:

– Customise your menus with Etsy or Canva templates to match your palette. It’s an easy way to pull the whole table together with minimal effort.

– Choose linen napkins in a contrasting shade to anchor each place setting and tie your palette together.


– Play with height, alternating taller florals with low bowls of fruit for a natural, flowing rhythm along the table.

– Use a tablecloth or runner to soften the look and protect your table surface from fruit juices, condensation or scratches- it’s practical without sacrificing style.

Win a Summer Table Styling Bundle

• To enter the draw, simply visit Homebuyers Centre Sinagra display home between 7th–26th January (open Wednesdays 2–5pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12–5pm) and scan the QR code displayed on the dining table.
• The prize includes over $300 worth of table-styling pieces to help you host your own summer events, including plates, placemats, cutlery, glasses and more.
• Entries submitted via the QR code will be collected, and a winner will be randomly drawn on 30th January and contacted to arrange prize collection.
• T&Cs apply. Please visit the Homebuyers Centre website for full details.

If you’re over East and can’t visit the display home in WA to win these goodies, feel free to shop the look below. Each piece is current Spring/Summer product which can be found at various affordable retailers, Australia-wide.

|| Bow Vase || Lidded Jar || Faux Florals || Pink Glassware || Rattan Bowl || Ribbed Tealight || Pink Candles || Loop Bowl || Table Runner || Placemats || Dinnerware || Menu || Napkins ||

I hope this inspires you to create a bright, joyful summer table of your own. Whether you’re hosting friends, family or a mix of both, a few thoughtful pieces and a cohesive palette can make every gathering feel special. Happy styling and happy holidays ✨

Tarina x

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Spring is here!!

Spring has officially arrived and the Homebuyers WA Tyla Display Home is blooming with fresh ideas to welcome the new season. Whether you’re planning your next home build or just looking for some inspiration, this home is full of clever ways to refresh your space.

A Fresh, Inviting Exterior

The Tyla’s soft green cladded façade feels perfectly at home in spring — and for those curious, the colour is Wattyl Westerly. Pair this calming shade with tidy garden beds and lush new growth to really boost your curb appeal. In Perth, late winter to early spring is the ideal time to prune, so now’s the moment to give your garden some extra TLC. Don’t forget to mulch (to lock in moisture) and give your exterior a quick brush-down every couple of months to keep the paintwork and cladding looking fresh.

Artwork That Brings Joy

Many of the artwork pieces I selected for the Tyla display have a summery vibe- think palm trees, summer fruits and sunshine tones of soft yellow, pinks and sage. This works beautifully because spring hints at the summer season yet to come, keeping the look relevant for most of the year in Perth’s warm climate. Looking to make a statement? A gallery wall is an easy way to turn a plain surface into a show-stopper that instantly adds personality and depth. Keeping larger furniture neutral also makes it easy to swap out art or accent colours seasonally for an effortless, affordable refresh.

Accessorise With Colour

Once you’ve chosen your art, pull its colours into your styling. A few inexpensive décor items like cushions, vases, or throws can create a curated look and can be swapped out whenever you feel like a change. It’s the simplest way to bring spring indoors without a total overhaul. Shapes also matter: have fun with objects of interest like marble links, sculptural vases or playful 3D forms to echo the curves and colours in your artwork. Don’t rule out budget-friendly stores either- I found the above Openook Scalloped Wing Ceramic Vases at BIG W for just $10-$13, and they fit the aesthetic of this home perfectly!

Dining Space: Fresh, Soft & Inviting

With the sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains diffusing the light, the dining space feels fresh and welcoming. The sage IKEA KARLPETTER chairs echo the home’s soft green accents and pair perfectly with natural timber. At just $89 each, they’re an affordable way to introduce colour and style, and their upholstery is low-maintenance too- just spot clean as needed. A pared-back centrepiece, like a single statement vase of seasonal blooms, lets the furniture shine without feeling crowded.

Guest Bedroom: Mix, Match & Play

In the guest bedroom, a bold stripe quilt cover pairs with a fun floral cushion. This playful mix-and-match approach is perfect for spring and you can recreate the look by blending patterns with a common colour to create a vibrant, welcoming space for your guests. A nice sunlit bench seat provides the perfect spot to read, pop your shoes on or simply enjoy a quiet moment. Feature paint is another affordable way to add interest and create flow with the rest of the home- here I’ve used Wattyl Sea Mineral on two main walls to link back to the home’s soft green palette.

Florals Inside & Out

Bring the garden indoors with fresh or faux blooms. Even a single statement vase filled with greenery from your yard can add a seasonal boost and sense of calm to your home. If you’re wanting something longer lasting, the artificial hydrangeas in the master bedroom emphasise softness all year round and remove the worry of replacing stems weekly. Stylist tip: use florals or foliage that contrast against the setting you’re placing them in. For example whites and creams work well against darker walls (like above,) whereas green foliage and colourful bouquets stand out better against a white wall.

A Dreamy Girls’ Room

The girls’ bedroom feels like stepping into a soft spring morning! The watercolour floral wallpaper sets a delicate backdrop, while the blush arch headboard adds a playful, contemporary touch- tying in the rainbow artwork and scallop shelves beautifully. Pastel-toned bedding layers gentle colour and texture that creates a calm (yet cheerful) retreat. The darker teal floral sheets provide a striking contrast, grounding the softer hues and adding a touch of maturity to the overall look.

Outdoor Living Made Easy

As the days get sunnier, the alfresco area gets used more often- either by yourself or when entertaining with friends and family. If you’re tight on space, a high bar table with stools that tuck neatly underneath is a smart way to make the most of a compact area. It’s a casual but intimate setting for a small group of friends to spend the day or evening catching up. Thinking more chill/zen vibes? Two occasional chairs can create a cosy place to begin the morning or end the day- think a beverage and book of choice, sunshine, fresh air and birds chirping.

Spring styling doesn’t have to be a big renovation- it can easily be a few thoughtful updates like vibrant artwork, patterned textiles, fresh florals, and tidy outdoor spaces that completely transform the feel of your home. The Tyla Display Home shows how simple changes can bring seasonal energy and warmth to every corner. If you want to visit this home in person to gain more inspiration, the location and opening times are listed here.

Suppliers:

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

My flooring selection

Hello hello,

In March, I got the keys to my new home, and over the past 9 weeks, I’ve been steadily working through the flooring, electrical, landscaping, painting, carpentry, decking, aggregate, aircon, solar—and plenty of other smaller jobs on my long to-do list. It’s been a big process, but the home is coming together beautifully, exactly how I envisioned. I’ve shared some behind-the-scenes snippets on my stories, and one of the most common questions I’ve received has been about my flooring choice. So I thought I’d pop everything into a blog post so it’s easy for people to find.

Pic one: Warm sunlight | Pic Two: Shaded light

The Vision

Early in the design process, I knew I wanted light oak tones for my kitchen and scullery overheads, feature handles, and open shelving. Matching that tone with flooring from the builder’s standard range proved tricky, so I chose to remove flooring from my build contract and sourced the perfect option myself.

Having lived in homes with hardwood, hybrid, and vinyl plank, I knew from experience that my favourite is glued down Vinyl Plank. It’s durable, looks amazing, and offers practical benefits that suit both personal living and investment potential

Why I Chose Glued Down Vinyl Plank (VP)

(Note: All points below refer specifically to glued down vinyl plank, which is the only application method I’ve used or specified.)

  • It’s Quiet Underfoot: I’ve specified many homes with both hybrid and vinyl plank flooring, and VP is by far the quietest option. Since I decided to go carpet-free (even in the bedrooms) I wanted something that still felt peaceful and soft underfoot.
  • No Scotia Needed: Vinyl Plank can be laid flush to the wall, meaning there’s no need for scotia. This creates a sleek, streamlined look and is especially important for kitchen islands or walls with with curved edges- where scotia simply doesn’t work well.
  • No Expansion Joints: Unlike hybrid flooring, which typically requires an expansion joint every 10–15 metres, VP doesn’t need them. My home has a long 22 meter hallway from front to back and I really didn’t want a visible strip breaking that space up.
  • Cleaner Tile Transitions: At the junction with wet areas, VP uses a tile trim rather than an expansion joint, giving a more minimal, seamless finish. While there are slimline expansion joints for hybrid, I personally find the tile trim cleaner and more discreet.
  • Doesn’t Shift Over Time: Because VP is glued to the slab or subfloor, it stays firmly in place. Hybrid flooring needs a small expansion gap along the walls (which is why scotia is used), but this can sometimes result in tiny gaps forming between boards over time. VP avoids that issue entirely.
  • Easy Repairs: If a plank ever gets damaged, it can be cut out and replaced individually without pulling up surrounding boards.
Pic One: Flush laying against a curved island | Pic Two: Wet area seamless junction

Why I Ruled Out Hardwood

I love the look of hardwood, but this home will eventually become an investment property, so I needed something more budget-friendly and low-maintenance. For that reason, upkeep, price, and durability ruled hardwood out very early on. The Vinyl Plank I chose still gives me the warm, natural look of real timber without the extra cost or maintenance that comes with hardwood.

The Flooring I Chose

I went with the Godfrey Hirst Polaris range, in the 1500mm board length, and ordered free samples from their website (you can too here!). I landed on the colour Pearl Oak, and I couldn’t be happier with the finished result.

Pearl Oak is a beautiful light oak tone with low to mid variation in colour, grain, and knotting. It has the realistic look of timber without feeling too busy or patchy. If you scroll to the first image in this post, you’ll see how it looks in both warm light (kitchen) and shaded light (living/dining) -it’s incredibly versatile. I chose to skirt the whole house because my painter didn’t take the paint all the way down to the floor, but if you love that minimal, skirting-free look, this flooring supports that too.

If you’re considering vinyl plank for your own home, I hope this post gives you a helpful starting point! Let me know if you have any other questions- I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way ♡

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

Interior trend insight

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a trend forecasting event where industry experts shared their insights on the latest design trends emerging from this year’s European trade fair. One standout presentation focused on colour directions for the upcoming year, leaving me feeling inspired and ready to source products for upcoming projects.

Two of the trends can already be seen styled in my recent projects the Nalu and the Eclipse Homebuyers Centre display homes which is great because I can provide examples alongside the info and key take outs that I share below.

Nalu

The Euro Summer vibe is set to flourish, embodying a relaxed coastal style that invites creativity. The palette features all the classic coastal colours (pale blues, whites, subdued greens and beiges) while introducing warmer hues like terracotta, peach, blush, and soft yellows. This mix creates a unique and cheerful vacation-inspired aesthetic- perfect for summer entertaining!

In Australia, you can easily find art and decor that embodies this Euro Summer style at various retail stores. Some are linked below and for those seeking additional inspiration, head to the Nalu display home located at 16 Selacosa Avenue, Alkimos WA. It’s a fantastic place to see these trends in action!

|| Wallpaper || Side Table|| Lamp || Art 1 || Art 2 || Cushion || Dining Chair || Sofa || Napkins || Vases ||

Eclipse

If you’re drawn to stronger, moodier settings, you’ll be excited to see how bold blues and rich spice tones are making a significant impact in the design world. While caramel, rust, and terracotta continue to hold their ground, they’re now being styled alongside bright hues like blue. Interestingly, these colours are opposites on the colour wheel, which allows them to complement each other beautifully.

You might have already seen that cobalt and vibrant blues are making waves in fashion, suggesting that furniture and decor will soon follow suit. Brands like LM Home, RJ Living, Myer, David Jones and Target are already offering fun, patterned decor pieces that perfectly align with these emerging trends.

Art and Wallpaper (above) – Olive Et Oriel

In my recent project at the Eclipse display home, I experimented with these accent colours by starting with a monochrome base and layering in vibrant pops throughout each room. This thoughtful balance of warm and cool tones creates a harmonious atmosphere, allowing each colour to shine while maintaining a cohesive design.

A great way to link different elements of your space is through artwork! I used the striking trio of “Nightflower” artworks by Corinne Melanie as a focal point, seamlessly tying together both blue and rust tones throughout the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also provides a narrative that connects all the design elements and rooms within the home.

|| Artwork || Bowl || Handles || Cushion 1 || Cushion 2 || Pendant || Dining Chairs || Occasional Chairs|| Vase || Canister || Rug || Ottoman || Bedsides ||

You can shop some of the key pieces I have used in the Eclipse display home above and view them in person at 10 Featherflower Entrance, Piara Waters.

Looking ahead, I can’t wait to see how these colour trends evolve and influence future interiors. I love observing how current styles change over time, and I’m particularly excited to see where the ‘coastal’ aesthetic is headed. I think it will allow us all to introduce more personality and flare to our homes, making them look and feel uniquely our own. Which trend do you like most?

Beautiful blue/grey stripe wallpaper from Jimmy Cricket
Sweet white scallop border from Rocky Mountain Decals

Have a lovely week everyone.

Tarina x

Tarina WoodLeave a comment

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!

|| 1. || 2. || 3. || 4. || 5. || 6. || 7. || 8. || 9. || 10. || 11. || 12. || 13. || 14. ||

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

Jamieson Gaming Hub

Hey all.

I wasn’t expecting to have so many responses to my latest post about the Jamieson gaming hub but thank you for all the love so far on this cool space! I thought to make things easy, I will upload a quick ‘Shop the Look’ section here to help you achieve a similar scheme at home. The gaming fans in your life will love it, and I’m sure any interior enthusiasts will *sigh* a breath of relief being able to achieve a gaming hub, that is still quite neutral and easy on the eye. It’s a win-win situation really- so enjoy shopping!!

If you are recreating the look in your own home, please make sure you tag Homebuyers Centre WA and myself so we can have a look at the finished outcome! We genuinely love being able to bring you these ‘Shop the Looks’ for free, so please feel free to show us some love back so we can keep providing as much complimentary content online as possible.

Tarina x

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Other details and suppliers:

|| Desk drawers || Interior Paint || SWave Sheers || Hybrid Flooring ||

The desk bench top was custom made through a cabinet maker using their on-hand Egger laminate colours. Measurements were 2100W x 600D x 33mm Thick.

Tarina WoodLeave a comment