Design & Style

With shows like The Block and House Rules on TV it’s not difficult to feel inspired in our own homes. As seasons change we confidently swap out cushions and throw rugs to help revive a tired living room or bedroom. But when it comes to making more permanent decisions like tackling the bathroom or kitchen we want to make sure we’re making the right choices.

If you’re looking for some pointers, then we’ve got the low down on creating a picture-perfect kitchen, that you’ll enjoy creating your culinary masterpieces in for years to come.

First things first, it is important not to over complicate the space, keeping things simple will ensure you won’t tire of the look and be desperate to start again in few years. Start with a neutral colour scheme that compliments the rest of the home and introduce pops of colour with accessories, appliances or indoor plants, this is a cost-effective way of staying on trend without breaking the bank.

1. Counter Tops

Counter

The modern workplace has been transformed in recent years, but perhaps one of the greatest things is the ability to work from the comfort of your own home. Whether your job allows you to work remotely, or your home is your office, there are plenty of ways that you can create your own productive environment. 

Creating boundaries 

Working from home has many benefits, from skipping the commute and eating lunch in the garden to working in your dressing gown and slippers. However, sometimes it can be difficult to focus on the day's tasks when you're surrounded by distractions. 

By creating a specific 'work space' in your home, you can distinguish between productive and relaxing areas, enabling you to both work hard and play hard. 

What's one of the best parts about going away on holiday? The resort suite, of course! There's something about that moment you enter your new home away from home. The room has a pared back style - it seems uncluttered and yet you've got everything you need at your fingertips. Having all the right amenities in the right room will immediately whisk away all your stresses and causes of anxiety. Sink into a comfy cosy bed with the ocean breeze coming through the balcony door, ruffling your sheets. Take a sip of spring water from the mini bar and it won't be long before you're rejuvenated inside and out.

If you're yearning to capture this moment and feel tempted to book that holiday or short getaway, just wait - you do have another option. You don't have to be away on vacation to experience some of this magic, you can create it in your own home by transforming your bedroom into a space of peace and tranquillity.

You need this space

There's something special to be said about those born in January. These babies get the ultimate fresh start as they're born in the first month of the new year. And here at BedNest, we know there's no better way to start the new year than with a little redecorating around the house!

Some of us pay a little more attention to our astrological signs than others, so we decided it would be a cool idea to clue in Capricorns on how to redecorate based on their sign. Of course, other astrological signs can learn a thing or two from these tips too - let's dive in!

What does it mean to be a Capricorn?

First let's discuss the nature of your sign. Capricorns - aka, the Goat - tend to be practical, loyal people. You're strong-willed, and you know who you are as a person, so it's easy for you to feel comfortable in most social situations. You're hard working and you follow the rules. Overall, Capricorns are very sensible people! 

The Christmas festivities are behind us and life is slowly and inevitably getting back to normality. All those presents under the tree that had been taunting the family have been opened and by now the torn wrapping paper tossed into the recycling bin. That was the easy bit! You now need to be sure you have enough room to store all your new gifts as well as the decorations. The last thing we need is a home that feels like it's closing on you and feeling cluttered as opposed to cool and collected.

A big part of having a home that is well put together is the ability to bring together various styled elements (both functional or ornamental) and the colours to create consistency or contrast as required. If you only add to what you have, your home might start to resemble a patchwork quilt - we're talking hoarder status.

We've pulled together a few ideas that might help you feel a little more organised and set you up for

There's really only one person in the whole world who doesn't love the holiday season - and even his heart ended up growing three sizes bigger on Christmas Day! It's the season of giving with a spirit of overall merriment. Are you wondering what we love most about the holiday season?

Decorations and presents, of course!

Walking around town and neighbourhoods, it's always exciting to see how everyone has decided to style their holiday displays. Shopkeepers go all out in window showcases and locals deck their lawns, transforming them into a winter wonderland.

If you love decorating as much as we do, then why not give the gift of home decor to your friends? Forgo the boring gift card and get more creative with your present giving this year. Don't worry, it's not as daunting a task as you think it is. We've got some tips on how to give the best

Summer! It's a season where you want to leave your windows wide open and let the fresh air circulate around your home, sheer curtains fluttering in the wind. Good friends can drop by unannounced to share their latest news and a cheeky wine or G&T. Of course, you proudly usher them through your beautiful home to the kitchen, living area or back deck that's perfectly set up for informal entertaining. Isn't that the dream?

The reality for many of us is that getting our house presentable takes massive effort, and keeping it that way, let's just say that can be easier said than done. As the silly season is upon us, we thought we'd share some tips on decluttering, storage and changing basic styling to help get your home ready for summer social scenes.

You may not have realised it, but colour plays a pivotal role in our lives. Our subconscious picks up on these cues and associates them with meaning and emotions.

When it comes to your home, it's especially important to pick the right palette as it's the place where we rewind and connect with family. Interior stylist Megan Morton explains to The Interiors Addict the secret behind choosing paint colours for an interior space:

"A beautiful home works when all the rooms and spaces have a holding palette - tones that hold them together beautifully. You can then use a little amount of your chosen colour in one room, be slightly more heavy handed in another and go fuller strength in another without the fear of over-colouring."

How lucky we are to have an Australian landscape so full of inspiration.

Australian artists, designers and interior decorators are drawing on the vibrant colour palette found in our native flora and fauna; with plants, wildlife and colour being the driving force behind much of this seasons styling and interior design trends.

We were recently involved in a collaboration and were over the moon to have our Avalon Bedhead appear in the January 2016 issue of House & Garden (styled by H&G's Kate Nixon and photography by Chris Warnes). Upholstered in pale blue Wild Waratah Linen from Utopia Goods, the bedhead came up a treat and was coordinated perfectly with the other styled elements in the shot.

Kate Nixon's style direction - "Mix geometrics, florals and stripes in cotton and linen for rich yet carefree results".

Our love of beautiful bright unique fabric often finds us dreaming, creating and loving many homewares and soft furnishings.