Australia Archives | Smooth Decorator

Inspiration

5 Australian decor blogs you just HAVE to follow

April 29, 2016

Well hello there, interior design and décor lovers! Yes, I absolutely understand the craze and excitement whenever there’s a new space to give life to or an old one to inject with new energy and passion, and that’s precisely why I am writing this blog post about Australian interior design blogs – while staying unique in your décor endeavors is understood, everyone needs a little inspiration sometimes and what better way to find it than stalk some of the best décor blogs out there!

The list I am about to give is based solely on my personal tastes and décor choices, so be free to hate it or love it (hopefully, the latter)!

Without much further ado…

Blog #1 – Interiors Addict

Jen Bishop, a former journalist and magazine editor, is the founder of Interiors Addict; a passionate lover of beautiful design and an interior design enthusiast with little design qualifications, the girl is running a blog which is definitely one of my favorite and most gorgeous places to visit. As far as I am concerned, the passion of the team and exuberance are evident in each and every blog post, whether we are talking new products, inspiration or how to guides. If you love their website, you can always check out their sister site Reno Addict

Blog #2 – The Design Files

Back in 2008 a wonderful thing happened for all of us interior design lovers; Lucy Feagins, a Melbourne based design guru started a blog which has quickly evolved into a daily design inspiration and destination of many.

Lucy’s blog has been featured in such great mags like Out Magazine, Design Quarterly and Real Living Magazine. Her blog is definitely a must read for daily home inspiration, as it covers everything from Australian architecture to interiors and art. Intrigued?

The Design Files | New York City | Martyn Thompson from The Design Files on Vimeo.

Blog #3 – Absolutely Beautiful Things

I love, love, love this one! Anna Spiro started it way back in 2006, and the blog’s been flourishing since then. Spiro, who is the owner and curator of a unique and exquisite Brisbane shop called Black & Spiro, inspires us with her personal inspirations and talented laid out all through her blog. What’s amazing about her blog is that, it is not only the place to visit when you are lacking ideas, but a hot spot that offers great insight into the world of a buyer for an interiors shop.

Black & Spiro’s project Halcyon House

Blog #4 – Get In My Home

Ok, Get In My Home may be the one that takes the cake. Emily is a big supporter of Australian products. She writes about them and combines them achieve worldly, charismatic and minimalist interiors. If there’s anything you need to achieve similar decor, you’ll find the local products here. Emily’s blog has been featured on Kit Home & She Knows so you can be sure that her way is the right way. Her chic style is accompanied with comfort food. Check out her blog for a drooling session.

Emily Osmond

Blog #5 – The Happy Home Blog

The name says it all. Belinda has been running the joint with grace and joy since 2007. What’s so special about this one? Well, Belinda has successfully merged good taste with family oriented decor. She loves DIY so if you are a fan too, you’ll enjoy reading her adventures with her beautiful four kids. One thing that I love is her take on her own style over the years. Read it here. She is consistent, her ideas are lovely and bring a dash of fresh air.

What has led to where she is now? She wrote for Fairfax Community Newspapers, then moved to Cosmopolitan magazine and she was one of the people behind the launch of Real Living magazine. She took a break from all that after her firstborn Zak came into the world. Three more rascals (this is how she calls them, so cute!) followed. That’s why her blog gives out that relaxed vibe you’ll feel comfortable with.

Belinda’s adorable kids

I hope you enjoyed this lovely, albeit short, list. Let us know if there’s a decor blog that stole your heart.

Feature image credit: Humble Homes

Home Improvement

Coastal decor: Relaxed and Beachy Australian Vibes

April 15, 2016

Stella Van Lane

0 Comments

Living in Australia ensures social security, economic prosperity and a relaxed lifestyle. On top of that, being exposed to trends that dominate the Australian real estate market gives you a chance to grasp some of the most beautiful interior design solutions in the world. Since our continent-country is mostly situated on the coast, it is no wonder that most Australian homes are decorated in accordance in a laid-back, beachy way.

Image credit

Let the sunshine in

If you want your place to look like an average Australian beach home, one of the key features is to let the sunshine in. There is nothing more typical for a beach-oriented Aussie home than soft, light, white curtains. They prevent your home from excessive exposure to the sun, while still keeping it light and warm at the same time. After all, Australia is among the countries that receive a lot of sunlight, which should be used, but in a careful way.

In addition, if you live in a warmer climate, adding nicely varnished shutters is a great contrast to washed-grey or white curtains. Together they make a perfect combination for every home whose owner wants it to look like a beach house in Melbourne.

Abeachcottage.com

Beach in colors

One of the most effective ways to evoke an Australian beach in your home is to enrich it with some typical beachy colors. Probably the first thing that depicts a typical beach near Sydeny or Brisbane is that gold-like sand. That can be the color of your furniture covers. When you lounge on your sofa, you will have a feeling that you are lying on Bondi Beach. Moreover, you walls should be painted in vanilla and peachy shades. Also, going for gentle vintage azure blue tones in your kitchen could is a great choice, too.

Image credit

When it comes to wooden furniture items, they should definitely be whitewashed. This color reflects the sun, preserving the furniture from ruin. Check some creative ideas for whitewashed, Australian-style beach furniture on Pinterest.

Accessories for sea feeling

If you want to make your home look like one of those beach bars near Sunshine Coast, you have to equip it with proper accessories. First of all, the materials you choose for your home accessories play an important role. You can’t miss with placemats or terrace chairs made from cane or bamboo. You just have to install a surfboard somewhere in your living room. It is one of the trademarks of Australian beaches.

Also, you can decorate your walls with some beautiful paintings or photos of Australian beaches. For example, printing a photo of an Australian beach in high resolution on a vintage paper could give that rustic, beachy look to your living room. Have a look at a gallery of photos with beaches selected by the Guardian. However, go easy on seashells and similar features. They are common-place decorations, which is why they should be avoided.

David Moore

Plants for tropical heaven

What makes you aware that you are on an Australian beach is definitely those large tropical plants that are usually lined along beaches and placed in beach cafes. That is why you should go for a small palm tree or other similar tropical plants to make your living space look like a beach home. Moreover, you can also put the plant pots in open-weave baskets, which will perfectly match other beach-like accessories. But first check what tropical plants can live indoors.

Decorating your home so as to make it radiate positive beach vibes is neither expensive nor demanding. It just takes some time and creativity. We have offered some ideas that can give every home a nice touch of beach homes Down Under.

Australia