colour

5 Hacks to Help You Choose Your Cushions

October 1, 2021 by Naomi

Have you ever struggled to find the right cushions for your couch?

Some stylists make it look so effortless – and it can be! That’s why I’ve put together my top 5 hacks for choosing the right cushions that will take your living space to the next level.

Identify your colour palette

Have a look around your living space. Look at the walls, carpet, lounge and curtains – what colours are present?

Keep this close when you choose your scatter cushions – opt for 1 or 2 solid colours, then add ones with different textures and patterns.

2. Let your style dictate your cushions

What style is your home? If you have a traditional theme, opt for an even number of cushions with one large one at each end and a smaller one in front of it.

If you have a more casual, contemporary or eclectic vibe, incorporate an uneven number of cushions and none that are matching.

3. Mix up your shapes and sizes

Gone are the days when we have to have the same shape and size on our lounges.

It’s all about different sizes and shapes – matchy matchy is no longer the way to go.

4. Add some texture

Not keen for multiple coloured cushions? That’s okay, just stick with one specific colour way and then use different textures and patterns.

You’ll be blown away by the result!

5. Have a few variations for different seasons

Want a more relaxing feel in winter when you’re lounging around the house? But don’t want to give up some of your favourite cushions all year round?

Add some punches with pops of colour and patterns during the warmer seasons – then you can put out your more muted palettes when you make the switch in winter – or vice versa!

Must-Have Home Staging Stock

September 10, 2021 by Naomi

When you reach a certain point in your home staging business, acquiring stock and inventory is an essential step up.

Purchasing this stock might seem like a bit of a leap, and depending on what stock you purchase, it might be.

However, if you are smart about what and how much stock you purchase, you could improve your overall home staging business.

Create a Sanctuary — Image via Style Curator

When it comes to stock there is typically two types: soft furnishings and hard furnishings.

Soft furnishings include items such as pillows, linen, lamps and small accessories. The way I like to think about soft furnishings is that I could pack them all in a box and put them in my car.

On the other hand, hard furnishings are big items such as lounges, arm chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, and so on. These are the items that can’t be packed and loaded single handedly.

Logically, soft furnishings should be acquired first, then later down the track hard furnishings can be acquired. It’s important to be able to consider what sort of stock you should have now!

SOFT FURNISHINGS

When it comes to soft furnishings, the items below can be purchased relatively cheaply and in bulk.

Pillows: Purchasing pillows that work well in a wide range of environments is a great way to get the most out of your money. Choose pillows in a few colours and designs so they can be used on their own or grouped together.
Faux flowers and plants: Faux flowers and plants are great when the right ones are purchased because they can look amazing and used in a range of spaces and styles. Plus they last a long time!
Books: Theses can be purchased from an op shop and are a great way to add texture and create a ‘lived in’ feeling to any space. These are the most cost-effective soft furnishings and can be used in any environment, from a study, bedroom, lounge room or even an outdoor setting.
Knick-knack accessories: These are small accessories that can be used in a variety of environments – anything from vessels, small bowls, candle holders, or any other small accessories.
Linen packs: This isn’t absolutely necessary, but having coverlets and toppers can transform a room from something dull to something amazing.

229f1da3e9e8b569b0beceee69dce779 — Image via immyandindi.com.au

HARD FURNISHINGS

As for hard furnishings, these items are more expensive so it is beneficial to go for quality over quantity.

Mattresses: Often clients do not have enough beds to show off the best use of the space, or they have moved and have taken their mattresses with them so these are a must!
Dining chairs: Not all dining chairs go with tables, or look good with them, so having some neutral dining chairs that work with a range of colours is a great idea so you can use the clients dining table.
Bedside tables: Bedside tables have the potential to open up the bedroom and transform the space into something amazing. Having bedside tables that are unique, yet work well in a variety of environments is essential.
Lounges: Lounges can easily begin to look old, worn and unpleasant when they’ve been used for years. Having lounges in stock that are a neutral colour are a great idea as they can be used in a range of different styled homes.
Coffee tables: Coffee tables are a great way to show off the space in a lounge room and add an element of homeliness to the space. Not everyone has a coffee table, and if they do it might be old and worn. Having new, coffee tables as part of your stock can transform a space.

5512a478c1edcd04581dc6e05593f575 — Image via southernliving.com

How to Choose the Right Shade of Grey

May 21, 2019 by Naomi

Recently I have been working with a client that has given me no end of interesting blog topics to bring to you, this one is about how to choose the right “shade of grey”. Each time this client excitedly shows me a new home furnishing or interior element that is grey they often follow up by saying, “but it’s not the right shade of grey, why can I see brown in it?”.

(Inspired by the amazing images from “Arianna Interiors“.)

That’s why I’m going to give you my five rules for choosing a shade of grey for my home or client – they are a simple and a great place to start.

1. Decide before you start whether you are wanting the coolness of a blue grey or the warm of a brown grey.

2. Be careful what light you are viewing the swatches under in the shop or showroom. Depending on whether the lighting is a warm yellow or a cool white light will greatly effect the way you see the colour.

3. Remember that the the human eye is not a machine and that the way you view colour is quite subjective. What is a perfect grey to you may be different for your partner.

4. Colour is also relative, when you are viewing what you think is your perfect shade of grey at the paint suppliers it is one of many colours on the paint swatch. The colours along side your choice will impact on how you view and perceive the colour you have chosen. Where possible use a neutral coloured view finder to isolate the one colour of interest to minimise the impact this can have.

5. Finally, consider the final resting place of the colour. All the elements of the room you intend to paint will effect the final product and result of your “shade of grey”. The lighting, the shadows and the colours and furniture around it. Make sure you test the paint on a large size card on the wall (A3 at least) and live with the colour test for a while before making the final decision.

With winter around the corner there is no excuse to put off updating the colour of your favourite space, maybe to a shade of gorgeous grey.

Do you want to come on the shopping trip of a lifetime? Join me for my Bali Buying Tour this August 2019! Click Here to find out more!

Our Favourite Rugs!

February 9, 2018 by Naomi

1. Kenza Rug – Freedom

2. Madras Rug – Freedom

3. Nomad Grey Rectangle Rug – wholesale supplier

4. Gold Black and White Rectangle Rug – wholesale supplier

5. Gold Navy Rectangle Rug – wholesale supplier

6. Atrium Pilu Natural Rug – wholesale supplier

7. Eco Herringbone Marble Rectangle Rug

8. Stockholm Rug – Ikea

9. Colca Wool Rug – West Elm

10. Atrium Wish Gold Round Rug – wholesale supplier

Hanging Art

January 16, 2017 by Naomi

Anyone that has tried to hang art before that it is not as easy as it looks. Somehow art galleries can always do it perfectly and yet we are all here struggling to get the nails in line! As a standard, art is usually hung at 144cm at the centre of the artwork. This might be confusing, especially since not everyone is the same height! 144cm is the average eye line height but it is also a great height to allow for the artwork to be the centre of attention in the room. Now, there are a plethora of questions surrounding the if’s and but’s about this standard. What if the ceilings are tall? What if there is a television underneath? But it is important to remember that this is just an average.

Picking the right artwork for a room is of utmost importance. If the ceilings are high, then there is no point putting a small artwork in. Instead, opt for a tall and skinny artwork that will draw the eye to the artwork instead of how tall the ceilings are. Similarly, if the ceilings are small and you hang a horizontally long and thin artwork in this is accentuate how short the ceilings are. Ensuring that the accessories under the artwork match the in colour tone or theme is of utmost importance. It is important to tie together all of the colours as a way of ensuring the room flows.

Now, this is all referring to a single artwork being hung on a wall. What about photo gallery walls though? This has become a recent trend where posters are framed and hung on walls in a cluttered pattern. When done correctly this can make the wall look amazing! Again, 144cm should be the height of the centre piece in the gallery wall and spread out from there. When styling these photo gallery style walls it is important to have a running theme throughout and avoid using family photos. A running colour tone or colour throughout all of the images will allow the wall to flow and look professional rather than like it is just a home job.

Painted Brick in the 21st Century

October 10, 2016 by Naomi

Is the interior of your property brick? Do you feel like you can’t let your true interior aesthetics fly because everything looks a bit wrong with your orange and brown brick interior?

Who would have thought that the brick trend would be back in full force in the 21^st century? I certainly didn’t. It’s different now though, gone are the days where you left brick the natural colour or painted brick an outlandish purple or blue or hot pink. Oh no, brick is back with a 2016 flare. Brick is back with a natural colour palette.

White, black, grey, silver and everything in between is being used to paint over brick and the best part is that the paint doesn’t have to be perfect! More and more in the interior aesthetics sphere are we seeing black or white painted brick that looks worn, which is very different to poorly painted brick. Worn painted brick is still primarily the painted colour with speckles of the brick colour popping through.

There’s no doubt that painting brick takes a lot more effort and is a lot more time consuming than painting plaster or wood and in order to achieve the desired effect a lot of work must be done but the results can be stunning.

So, how do you style painted brick?

As mentioned previously, painted brick nowadays takes place on a natural or muted colour palette but that isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to accessories. Much like the rest of interior trends in recent years, metallic, greenery and plants, marble and bold and bright patterned rugs and pillows are all the rage. Having some of these elements in any given space not only allows the space to pop but the accessories also allow the base colours to stand out. Without bright and bold aesthetics the brick may look washed out and given the space a down and dreary tone. Alternatively, having bright patterns, plant life, metallic and marble scattered throughout, the space suddenly becomes a much more inviting and open space. When brick is paired with bright colours and patterns it is instantly propelled into the 21^st century and allows the space to capture a certain industrial-chic that is sought after nowadays.

Bright Seaside Home

March 28, 2016 by Naomi

One of our most recent home staging projects was a beautiful seaside home. Light, bright and airy, we designed and styled the space to encompass the beauiful ocean views on the upper level.

Blending chic finishes with sleek modern inclusions, the main focal point of the home is the stonetop kitchen. Positioned in the free-flowing upper level, the amazing kitchen (designed by Galley Kitchens), features a bold, refined design that includes integrated stainless steel Smeg appliances and a study nook.

Other highlight of the build include multiple living areas – all free-flowing, light-filled and directional, textural bathrooms with wall hung vanities and Edison lights, Blackbutt floorboards and Northern Box decking and professionally landscaped gardens. Special mention has to go to Mars Building for bringing this beautiful property to fruition.

Bright pops of colour bring the home to life and allow each room to flow into one another.

With four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two garage spaces, the property is just a short walk from the beach and shops. The lovely home is perfect for a family to grow up in, with such a strong connection to the outdoors and summer vibes, it’s a home everyone will love!

Kona Colour of the Year 2016

February 8, 2016 by Naomi

With much anticipation from within the design world, late last year Robert Kaufman announced their 2016 colour of the year – Highlight!

This bright and luminous yellow can be used in so many great, different ways! Even the smallest pop of this sunny yellow in a room will create a happy and warm atmosphere!

One thing that I have noticed repetition of is wall treatments, which can create a more definitive and bold statement. The particular wall treatments can vary, from ombre and geometric patterns ranging to bold feature walls!

For a more subtle pop of Highlight, even the smallest of styling can create a difference! I have also noticed that this luscious shade of yellow fits into most design styles as well! Whether it be Scandinavian, eclectic, contemporary, traditional or industrial, nautical, beachy, bohemian and minimalist, just to name a couple!

The other great thing about Highlight, is its amazing adaptation into almost any colour scheme! With other bright pops of colours like navy, aqua, hot pink, etc. as well as soft pastels like Pantones colours of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. Another stylish colour scheme is its combination with neutrals like taupes and greys, which make Highlight the feature colour!

I have put together a look book with all the amazing styling techniques you can do with the Kona colour of the year for 2016, Highlight!

Love all things Styling?

November 13, 2015 by Naomi

Love watching Shaynna at Selling Homes Australia, Love property, Love stalking interiors shops online and the great blogs like Interiors Addict?

Then maybe a career in Home Staging could be for you?

If you want to know more about the Home Staging Industry or you are interested in getting started in the profession then come along and learn more about what Home Staging is and how to get into the industry.

Learn how to create spaces just like this!

Join me and the IIHS team in Melbourne on 26^th of November!

Find out more here or jump straight to grab your tickets here!

I can’t wait to meet you there!

Want a great space to entertain in?

November 11, 2015 by Naomi

What are you doing to get ready for the entertaining season? Having people over for Christmas can be a great time for family to get together and enjoy the stories of the year that has past?

Not everyone has a space at home that they feel great about sharing and wish it could look just that little bit more welcoming, inviting and special.

Do you wish it could make your space look a little more polished, wish you knew some small easy ways to give your spaces that little bit of dazzle and shine?

Join us on a fun, FREE and easy styling challenge Instagram 10 ways in 10 days to a styled space.

Find out more about how the Free Instagram Challenge will work HERE!

Its Free Fun and will take you that next step towards a great styled space for the entertaining season.

Meet our DIY expert!

June 16, 2014 by Naomi

Every day I am asked by clients about ways to spruce up their property without costing a fortune. In many cases paint can be a good answer. So I thought I would share some of the most commonly asked questions with you.

1. Can I paint my tiles?
2. What is the best deck product?
3. Can I paint my kitchen?
4. Can I paint over my Aluminium external house cladding
5. Can I paint over timber panelling without stripping it first
6. Can I paint over timber veneer robe doors?

Whilst I manage these with my clients on a daily basis I thought it might be a great idea to bring in an expert to tell you the pros and cons of each topic. So here he is Scott Cattell!

Scott Cattell is an expert in paint. As the Haymes Product Training Manager Scott has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the paint industry and on all Haymes products. Since gaining his apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating Scott has managed his own contracting business and worked within the commercial paint industry for 30 years . Scott has been with Haymes for eight years and worked in various roles within the company.

Over the next 6 months you will see Scott’s guest posts on the blog answering all these questions for you. If there are other burning topics you would like Scott or myself to help with, email naomi@instituteofhomestaging.com.au and let us know.

About Haymes

Established in Ballarat, Victoria in 1935 Haymes Paint has built an enviable reputation for having a dedication to quality. A fourth generation family business, Haymes supplies premium quality products nationally through the paint retailers network for consumers, professional applicators, specifiers, architects and builders. Recognised as an award-winning Australian manufacturer and distributor, Haymes provide superior products that protect, maintain and improve both the interior and exterior of a home or business.
Haymes – The Great Australian Paint.

The Hottest Summer Colours Right Now

February 10, 2014 by Naomi

Pantone have just released their colour forecast for 2014, filled with bright colours full of life and pastels to mellow any space! Their feature colour for the upcoming year is Orchid! Why not try combining a feature colour from the exciting range into your interiors this year?

Check out the amazing colour palette below!