Thankfully, a dishwasher pulls the plug on these particular kitchen cleaning chores. That is, of course, unless you don’t have a dishwasher (yet) or your reliable dishwasher has finally kicked the bucket, and it’s time for a new one. 

Luckily, you can often find reliable, quality dishwashers to suit different budgets – especially during sale events such as Afterpay Day. Officially running from March 20 to March 23, this sales event offers valuable deals on big brands (and you don’t need Afterpay to get them), with Appliances Online, Samsung and Kogan among those signed up to offer savings on a range of appliances.

So if you want to upgrade from a noisy dishwasher, or are investing in your first one, here we have picked out nine of the best dishwashers based on different budgets, goals and features. We also go through the benefits of dishwashers, how to use them, features you need to look for as well as dishwasher installation and maintenance tips that will ensure your machine lasts the distance.

The best dishwashers in Australia 2025

01

LG QuadWash dishwasher

$1299, The Good Guys

The LG QuadWash dishwasher is designed to provide a thorough clean for dirty dishes, with capacity for a generous 15 place settings. It does this with four rotating blades, including two oscillating nozzles that pulse and deliver water throughout the cycle. You can also clean loads faster with ‘Turbo’ mode, which can clean light to moderately soiled dishes in 59 minutes.

Happy customers say it washes well and is easy to operate, with a 4.6 star average rating from over 515 reviews on The Good Guys.

“We upgraded to this dishwasher and absolutely adore it. Its quiet, efficient and does an amazing job at cleaning the dishes. The door opening stream dry is definitely worth it, too. Everything is truly sparkling and as if its in brand new condition each time it is cleaned,” one customer shared in a five star review from January 2025.

Key features:

• Capacity for 15 place settings
• Half load option
• Wifi connectivity options available
• Height adjustable baskets and upper rack
• 4 star energy rating and 5.5 star water rating
• 10-year parts warranty, 2 years parts and labour and 8 years on motor (parts only)

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02

LG 60cm freestanding dishwasher

$899 (usually $999), The Good Guys

Quiet, effective and reliable, cleaner has never felt easier. With an incredible five-star Wels rating and a four-star energy rating, clean your dishes with ease knowing that you’re being a little kinder to the planet.

Key features:

• Half load option
• Adjustable racks for flexible loading
• Quiet performance
• Turbo cycle washes lightly soiled dishes in 59 minutes

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03

Bosch Series 6 built-under dishwasher

$1296 (usually $1599), Appliances Online

Bosch is a trusted brand in dishwashing and their Series 6 range is known for its longevity. This built-under machine has a streamlined design that is packed with functionality including dosage assist to maximise the effectiveness of dishwasher tablets, ‘Extra Clean Zone’, sensor technology and easy glide baskets.

“Does a super job with significantly different modes including super quiet mode and eco, which is my choice most times for low water and energy use. Each cycle has our glasses spotless and if needed you can boost the drying time so there are less wet items when you open the door,” one customer shared in a five star review on Appliances Online, where it has a 4.7 star average rating from over 135 reviews.

Key features:

• 14 place setting capacity
• Anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish and soft-touch activated buttons
• 8-wash cycles including hygiene plus and extra- dry option
• 4-star energy rating, 5.5 star water rating
• Made in Germany

Also available at:

• $1199, The Good Guys
• $1449, Bing Lee

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04

LG 60cm QuadWash freestanding dishwasher

$1458 (usually $1799), Appliances Online

This LG dishwasher is significantly quieter to run than many other dishwashers on the market, with noise levels when in use at 41 dBA (A-weighted decibels).

To give you an idea of what that means, dishwasher noise levels typically range from 40-60 dBA unless you have an older model. And a difference of just 10 dBA can be perceived as a 50% change in the noise level, according to Commercial Acoustics (a US industry specialist business).

As well as being very quiet, it is designed to efficiently clean your dishes, with water coming from multiple angles and a bottom-spray arm mechanism with four rotating blades. Customers on Appliances Online also rate it highly, with an average of 4.7 stars from over 96 reviews.

Key features:

• 15 place setting capacity
• Three-level adjustable upper rack
• Foldable tines to secure items or create more space
• 4 star energy rating and 5.5 star water rating
• Best noise levels on our list

Also available at:

• $1499, LG
• $1499, The Good Guys

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Best affordable dishwashers under $1000

05

Samsung 60cm stainless steel freestanding dishwasher

$799, The Good Guys

This Samsung freestanding dishwasher is suited to larger households, frequent dinner party hosts or anyone who wants to clean large amounts of cookware and dinnerware in one go, with a generous 14-place setting capacity. It also features the option to run a ‘half-full’ load for urgent jobs, and has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

It has a 4.3-star average from over 215 reviews on The Good Guys, with one customer sharing: “Great dishwasher we purchased for our holiday cabin. Does a great job of washing the dishes with plenty of wash options, love the flexible shelves and the cutlery shelf is a great space saver. Very happy with my purchase.”

While it doesn’t have the highest energy or water rating, it does offer an ECO mode that can help you manage energy and water usage.

Key features:

• 14-place setting
• Baskets, racks and cutlery tray included
• Half-full load option
• Sanitise function
• 3.5 star energy rating and 4.5 star water rating
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

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06

Haier 60cm Freestanding dishwasher

from $599 (usually) $629, Appliances Online

This affordable dishwasher was reviewed by Choice and performed just as well, if not better, than higher-end models. It can accommodate up to 13-place settings and the racks are height adjustable and foldable. But it doesn’t have child lock features, so may not be suitable for families with young children. It also has a relatively low 3-star energy rating (out of a possible 6), so keep that in mind in terms of household bills.

Key features:

• 6 wash cycles including fast wash, delicate wash and eco-wash
• Height-adjustable baskets
• Auto sensors
• 3 star energy rating and 4.5 star water rating
• 2 year manufacturer’s warranty

Also available at:

• $499, Betta Home Living

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07

Beko freestanding dishwasher in platinum steel

from $799 (usually $899), Betta Home Living

Beko machines may be affordable, but they are packed with features often seen only in higher-end models. This machine is relatively quiet (reaching 47 dBA), comes with both a cutlery basket and drawer and even harnesses the power of steam to kill bacteria and leave plates and glasses sparkling clean.

Key features:

• 7 wash programs including mini 30, auto and intensive
• Energy rating 3.5 star and water rating 4 stars
• Also available in black.

Also available at:

• $799, Bing Lee
• $838 (usually $1099), Appliances Online

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Best dishwashers over $1000

08

BOSCH 60cm stainless steel dishwasher

$1257 (usually $1599), Appliances Online

Wash large amounts of cookware easily with this 15-place setting dishwasher from BOSCH. It’s perfect for large households or those who often love to host dinner parties. Choose from six intuitive wash programs that will leave your dishes sparkling clean every time.

Key features:

• 15-place setting capacity
• 6 wash programs
• Foldable racks
• Eco wash setting available

Also available at:

• $1299 (usually $1399), Bing Lee

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09

Fisher & Paykel 60cm double dishwasher drawers in stainless steel

$1849 (usually $1999), Betta Home Living

Dishwasher drawers are great for kitchens were the load size varies from day-to-day. You can run a half load when there are only a few items to clean, or run both drawers on days you entertain. They’re also a great option for smaller kitchens where the standard dishwasher door size is unfeasible. Fisher & Paykel are the original dishwasher drawer specialists, launching the first machine in the late 1990s.

In addition to being quiet, looking great in a modern kitchen and conserving both energy and water, this unit features a ‘Sanitise’ option which can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria in the final rinse.

Key features:

• True half load wash
• Quiet operation (reaching 43dBA on standard cycle top drawer)
• 6 wash programs including eco and delicate

Also available at:

• $1849 (usually $1999), Appliances Online
• $1849 (usually $1999), Bing Lee

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Best dishwasher brands

According to Canstar, the highest-rated dishwasher brands for customer satisfaction (which rates according to performance, features, value for money, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction) are:

• Samsung
• Bosch
• LG
• Westinghouse
• Fisher and Paykel

Other highly reputable dishwasher manufacturers with legions of loyal customers include Miele, ASKO and Dishlex.

Are expensive dishwashers worth it?

Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, says the main difference between expensive dishwashers and affordable dishwashers are the features. “Higher-end dishwashers may incorporate more advanced cleaning technology, better insulation and noise reduction, energy-saving options, including sensors that adjust cycle length based on load size and soil level, additional wash cycles and smart features.”

Tim Rosenzweig, the owner-operator at That Appliance Repair Guy and HiPages customer advisory board member, says that while expensive machines are often well-built, they can sometimes be more expensive to repair. “I went to repair a dishwasher that was just three years old and the cost of the control board alone, which was at the front of the machine, was $900. And that dishwasher cost $2000 to buy, so the part was half the price of a new dishwasher.” 

Tim’s solution? To buy a dishwasher that is well-built, simple (because less can go wrong) and has affordable repair parts. “Look at the cost of the repairs to the unit because it is going to fail.”

How long should a dishwasher last?

Which brings us to the next question, how long can you expect a dishwasher to last? 

“If it’s just a cheap unit to get you by, then expect to replace it every 2-3 years,” says Tim. “A good dishwasher should last at least 10 years and may require about 2-3 repairs in that time period.”

To help you choose a dishwasher, we’ve picked out some of the best models in Australia based on their design, performance and other features. We’ve also categorised them based on two of the biggest considerations for buying a dishwasher: price – with options under $1000 and over $1000 categorised separately – and noise.

Features to look for when buying a dishwasher

The best dishwasher will be one that suits your family’s needs, your budget and your kitchen. As category expert at Appliances Online, Colin says the key features to consider include: capacity, size, efficiency, noise levels and whether the racks are flexible or adjustable. “If you have lots of large pots and pans, you may want to consider a unit with adjustable racks, this can make it easier to load different types of dishes,” he says. 

Operational features you may want to compare across models include: 

• Energy saving mode
• Half load
• Racks that lift up (great for those with back pain)
• Assisted drying (either with a fan or automatic door-open feature)
• Additional wash cycles: including delicate, steam cleaning and extra rinse options
• Wifi connectivity and smart capabilities
• Child lock
• Cutlery basket or cutlery drawer

“Some brands and models may supply both a cutlery basket and a tray,” says Colin. “Cutlery baskets are great for easy loading as you just need to place everything in the basket. Cutlery trays will help your utensils get a better wash as the items are washed separately within the tray. A cutlery tray also means you have more room in the lower rack, providing you with a larger capacity.” 

Cutlery drawer or cutlery basket – which is better?

Another important thing to consider …

Tim says one thing people don’t often consider when buying a dishwasher is how much it will cost to repair down the line. “If you buy a good dishwasher, then you’ll want to repair it, rather than replace it,” he says.

“When researching a dishwasher to buy, look up the cost of repair parts first, look at the quality of the unit, the reputation of the unit and whether it’s going to be worth repairing in the future.”

Having repaired countless dishwashers over the years, he admits, “Dishwashers don’t last as long as they used to, so in my opinion, it’s a good idea to get the extended warranty.”

Can I install a dishwasher by myself?

If your kitchen has had a dishwasher installed previously, and there is a water supply, energy supply and a drainage point, installing a new machine yourself is possible. 

“If you’re a DIY-er, installing a dishwasher is probably medium-level difficulty as long as you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions,” says Tim. “It can be as simple as pushing back a freestanding dishwasher into place, making sure  that the hoses are in the correct position so they’re not going to get crushed at the back, behind the machine.”

“Install the dishwasher outside of the cavity, making sure the hoses reach to the water point, to the drainage point and the cord reaches the power point so you can test the machine while it’s outside and everything is visible. If you have the ability to run it outside of the cavity and you have any issues or need to repair it later on, it will be really easy to slide out, diagnose and fault-find and it will save you a whole lot of money and hassle.”

Tim’s top tip for installing a dishwasher DIY

Common dishwasher installation mistakes

Aside from crushing pipes and hoses behind or underneath the machine, Tim says some of the most common dishwasher installation mistakes include: 

• Trapping the dishwasher inside the cavity with flooring. “If you put in a new floor, remove your dishwasher first, floor all the way to the back of the cavity, then re-install the dishwasher.”
• Not taking steam and moisture into account: “Make sure that the steam released by the dishwasher isn’t going to cause any damage to your cabinetry.” 
• Failing to use the correct adhesives: “Cabinet-makers will often use a higher heat-resistant glue around the oven and dishwasher cavities, but if you’re doing it yourself and haven’t allowed for higher heats, it could be an issue.”

Maintaining your dishwasher

One way you can ensure your dishwasher cleans well for years to come is to keep it clean! This means running a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner once every six months. “What these do is they clean away all the limescale and any mould build up,” says Tim. 

How to clean a dishwasher filter

Cleaning your dishwasher filters is the key to sparkling clean dishes. But Tim says the task requires more than just tapping out the food scraps and putting it back in. He says most people ignore the most important part: the oil filter or oil element, which can usually be found around the dishwasher filter. 

“Oil filters, or oil elements, should really be cleaned every week,” he says. “If you haven’t been doing it weekly, then take out that element filter and run it under hot water and scrub it with a nylon brush (or toothbrush). Get all the oil off the element filter.” 

It may be a wonder cleaner, but there are some things you should never clean with vinegar – and your dishwasher is one of them, says Tim. “I’ve worked on a lot of units that have had people putting vinegar and other things through them, but it actually perishes the plastics, because they’re not really designed for that type of acid. They’re only designed to take certain detergents.”

Should you clean a dishwasher with vinegar?

How to stack a dishwasher correctly

Plates should be placed at the bottom of the dishwasher, ensuring there is enough space between them to allow water and soap to reach. Cups, glasses and bowls should be placed at an angle so water can reach from below. Forks and spoons should be placed in the cutlery basket handle down, and knives handle up (for safety). The key is to avoid overloading your dishwasher.

While there are some things you should never clean in the dishwasher, many dishwashers are gentle enough to handle delicate glassware and other items including kids toys and faux flowers.

Do you need to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher?

No, you don’t need to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Rinsing the dishes before washing them in the dishwasher just uses unnecessary extra water and may actually lead to a poorer wash. That’s because most modern dishwashers have sensors that detect how dirty the dishes are, and will adjust their jets accordingly. If the plates already look clean, the dishwasher may only conduct a light wash.

Not convinced? Try using the dishwasher’s pre-rinse cycle instead. A pre-rinse cycle runs for approximately 11 minutes and only uses 5 litres of water, compared to 9.5 litres per minute under a running tap.

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The post The best dishwashers to upgrade your kitchen – including some on sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The secret to spotless oven racks, in all honestly, is to clean them regularly enough that grease and grime doesn’t build up in the first place. Smaller oven racks can simply be placed in the dishwasher (you may have to remove the dishwasher basket to accommodate larger racks) on a hot cycle, while larger racks can be wiped down with hot soapy water and a non-scratch scour after each use.

Missed the boat on regular oven rack upkeep? That’s ok. It’s still possible to make your oven racks look as shiny as they did the day you first installed the oven. Here we run through 4 methods to make your oven racks shine, ranging from all-natural cleaners to more potent formulations. 

1. Bicarb soda and castile soap

Does the thought of soaking oven racks in harsh chemicals make you nervous? If you’d like to stick to non-toxic oven cleaners, reach for that $2 box of bi-carb soda to banish odours and dissolve grease, naturally. Simply dilute liquid castile soap (or an all natural dishwashing liquid like WashWild’s dishwashing liquid or Koala Eco’s lemon myrtle and mandarin essential oil dish soap) according to the product instructions in hot water, then add one cup of bi-carb soda to the mix. Place grimy oven racks in the solution and allow them to soak for an hour or overnight. Scrub with a non-scratch scour and rinse clean. 

To clean away any stubborn spots, create a paste using equal parts bi-carb soda and water, and apply directly to spots. Buff away with a soft cloth or non-scratch scour sponge. 

01

McKenzie’s bi-carb soda (1kg)

$3.95, Woolworths

A humble carton of bi-carb soda has so many uses around the home. It can dissolve baked on grease (like the kind you’ll find on oven racks), absorbing questionable odours while it works. When you’re not using it to clean the oven, you can use it to deoderise the fridge, unblock sink drains and scrub stains off stainless steel cookware. 

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02

Biome Concentrated liquid castile soap (unscented)

$24.95, Biome

This Australian-made castile soap may be gentle on skin and hands, but makes a powerful all-purpose cleaner around the house. It will get your oven racks gleaming but can also be used around the home as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid and combined with your favourite essential oil and water to make a gentle, eco-friendly all-purpose cleaning spray. Made from olive oil and contains zero additives, preservatives or synthetic fragrances. 

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2. Put them out to pasture

It sounds like a prank, but apparently this method really does work. Clean oven racks without chemicals or breaking a sweat simply by placing them on the lawn overnight. Yes, really. The moisture released by the grass overnight will break down baked on grime so all you need to do in the morning is wipe it away with a soft cloth or sponge. 

03

Scour Daddy non-scratch scrub sponge (pack of 6)

$21, Amazon

Once you’ve finished soaking your oven racks, give it a good scrub with a non-scratch scour like this one by the company that brought us cult-cleaning products Scub Daddy and Scrub Mommy. This scour pad is great because it will buff away stubborn stains without leaving scratches behind. It’s also odour resistant and the firmness of the sponge changes depending on whether you’re cleaning with hot or cold water. 

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04

Euroscrubby

$4.99, Harris Scarfe

Euroscrubby cloths are excellent at buffing and scrubbing away grime. They’re made from cotton that’s coated with special resin that lifts dirt and stains without etching the surface you’re cleaning. 

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3. The bathtub method

If you have a large, or double oven, you may not be able to fit the oven racks in the kitchen sink. This is where a bathtub can come in handy. But, before you try any of these methods, protect the bottom of the bathtub with a towel to prevent scratches. Here are some ways to make oven racks sparkle using a bathtub: 

Natural

Place oven racks in the bath tub. Sprinkle oven racks with a generous amount of bi-carb soda and fill the tub with hot water until the racks are just covered, adding a few squirts of natural dishwashing liquid into the bath as it fills. Soak the racks overnight before scrubbing and rinsing clean. 

Dishwashing tablets

Place the oven racks in the bathtub and fill with enough hot water to cover the racks. Dissolve a dishwashing tablet in the water. Allow the oven racks to soak for an hour or overnight before scrubbing and rinsing clean. 

Alternate version: Wrap oven racks in aluminium foil and place a dishwashing tablet inside the foil. Place the foil-covered racks in the bath and fill with hot water until the racks are submerged. Allow to soak overnight before carefully unwrapping the aluminium foil, and scrubbing and rinsing clean. The aluminium foil is thought to increase the shine of the racks and prevent rust spots. 

Napisan or laundry boost powder

Place the oven racks in the bathtub and fill with enough hot water to cover the racks. Sprinkle a scoop of Napisan all over the oven racks. Allow the oven racks to soak for an hour or overnight before scrubbing and rinsing clean. 

An unattended, filled bath tub can pose a drowning risk for young children. Take care when using this method for cleaning oven racks.

Safety tip

05

Dishwasher tablets (50 pack)

$18.47 (usually $23.09), Ecostore

Dishwashing tablets aren’t just for your dishwasher! Unleash their cleaning power by dissolving one tablet in hot water and soaking the oven racks overnight. These tablets by Ecostore are made using plant and mineral-based ingredients and are oxygen-boosted to remove even the toughest baked-on stains. Free from phosphates, synthetic dyes, synthetic perfumes and polyethylene glycols. 

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06

Vanish Napisan oxi action fabric stain remover powder (3kg)

$23.50, Big W

A good old tub of Napisan can be used for more than just making oil and stains on your laundry completely disappear. You can use it to banish baked on fat and food from your oven racks by dissolving a scoop in hot water and allowing the oven racks to soak in the solution overnight. It’s also great for brightening tile grout and deoderising your wheelie bin.

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4. Heavy duty oven cleaners

Really done a number on your oven racks? Heavy duty cleaners can strip away all manner of sins and make even the most charred, grimy racks look brand new. Ozkleen Oven Power is a cult-favourite cleaning product you can find at your local supermarket for under $10. It’s powerful, but it does the job. Make sure you wear protective clothing and eyewear, and follow the instructions on the label. 

07

Ozkleen Oven Cleaner Power Kit

$4.80 (usually $9.60), Woolworths

Head to any online cleaning forum and you’re bound to see one oven cleaning product recommended time and time again: OzKleen’s Oven Power. You’ll need to don a pair of extra-long gloves before handling it (and be wary of the strong fumes) but the no-scrub sparkle it achieves will satisfy even the toughest rental inspection. 

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08

Selleys Oven Plus Heavy Duty Gel

$7, The Good Guys

Don’t want to deal with harsh fumes but want a cleaner that just gets the job done? Selley’s products are trusted for a reason, and their heavy duty oven gel is no exception. Simply apply the gel to a warm oven as well as the racks and allow the product to stand for 30 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth or non-scratch scour. Rinse product from surfaces thoroughly. 

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The post How to clean oven racks so they sparkle like new appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Teenagers really have their own strong ideas on what they want their rooms to look like. It’s generally the same as getting a brief from an adult!” says Lynda MacDonald, interior designer and founder of The Design Chaperone.

If you’re stumped for teenage bedroom ideas that your child will a) actually like and b) continue to like for years to come, these teen bedroom ideas from Lynda as well as Lana, co-founder of Three Birds Renovations will help you collaborate with your kids as you navigate the design process together.

How to decorate a teen bedroom

1. Create a mood board

“Your child is far more likely to get excited about their new room if they’re part of the process. It can be very exciting for them to change their room and show their friends their own personal space,” says Lynda. 

A practical way to get your child involved and find common ground between ‘trendy teenage room decor’ (what they want) and ‘classy teenage room decor’ (what you want), is to create a mood board together. 

It’s a strategy Three Birds Renovations swear by. “In the same way we teach our Three Birds Reno School students to create vision boards for each room of the home, we encourage children or teens who want to be involved in their bedroom design to create a vision board of their own,” says Lana.

One place you can search for inspiration with your teen and create a vision board is Pinterest. According to Sprout Social, there are 23 million Gen Z users on the site – which means there’s bound to be something on there they’ll like. 

Create a shared board together and start pinning images you both like. Once you’ve pinned a bunch of images, hopefully recurring themes and ideas will become apparent and you can use this information as the foundation for your design. 

2. Settle on storage solutions

Teenagers accumulate a lot of stuff, so its no surprise one of the top requests from parents designing teen rooms is to maximise storage. Three Birds’ go-to storage hacks for teen rooms include: 

• Baskets and wall hooks – “Quick and easy ways for teens to clean up their belongings.”
• Multi-purpose furniture – “Bench seats with storage inside, beds with drawers in the base and shelves instead of bedside tables are all excellent ways of maximising storage while minimising clutter.” 

3. Start with a neutral base

So how do you let your teen feel in control of their space while keeping the room in line with the existing style of your home? Make a neutral base colour a non-negotiable. Warm whites are always a safe bet, otherwise soft, pastel colours and earthy tones such as brown and beige won’t clash with colourful teen room decor.

“We try to guide teens in the direction of using neutrals as their core selection,” says Lynda. “Then we incorporate their ideas into pieces that are removable and easily replaced.”

Keeping the room’s underlying colour palette neutral will set the scene for a space they can grow into, rather than out of. It’s also an economical decision that will prevent you from having to renovate again just a few years down the track.

On the flipside, when the Three Birds were designing the teen bedrooms for House 15, they based their design decisions and colour palette on the vision for the home overall, which was ‘Modern Mallorca’. “Each room of the house needed to work with this holistic vision,” says Lana.

4. Focus on easy-to-update accessories

With design boundaries established, give your teen (almost) carte blanche over easy-to-replace styling decisions, says Lana. “Perhaps some fairy lights and cushions that are less expensive to replace when they get bored of them. Curtains, carpet and paint are less simple to update regularly,” she says. 

She also recommends parents invest in two sets of bed linen. “Two sets of linen or a double-sided doona allows them to mix up the styling of their bed each time the linen is washed for a fresh new look.”

Some of Three Birds’ favourite places to shop for teen bedroom accessories include: Adairs, Freedom (for rugs), Kip and Co and Bonnie and Neil (for cushions). 

5. Thoughtful bedroom furniture

Aside from colours and accessories, the furniture you select can also have an impact on how ‘grown up’ the room feels. A larger bed and a desk for studying might be the first furniture upgrades that come to mind, but if your budget allows, consider purchasing furniture that fosters relaxation, self-expression and an opportunity for your child to sit and chat with friends.

Some ideas include: 

• A hanging chair for reading books or listening to music
• Floor cushions or a day bed to sit and chat with friends
• A bookshelf for books and to display art and objects
• A dressing table with light-up mirror
• A bedside table with a lamp for a screen-free evening wind down

“Generally, boys still want a bit more colour and places to hang their music equipment, where as girls want a dressing table and chair, an ottoman at the end of the bed for when friends come over to sit and chat in private,” says Lynda.

6. How to make wallpaper work

If your teen has their heart set on wallpaper, Lynda says there are two ways to make it work: think long term and emphasise texture. 

“A lot of our selections are based around adding texture and patterns that are indistinct, rather than using a theme such as sailing or animals which are usually kept for kids’ bedrooms.” She also says stripes or small repeated patterns are safe choices that won’t date quickly. 

7. Updating a teen room on a budget

If you’re on a budget, Lynda recommends focussing on these five cost-effective updates that can quickly transform a child’s room into a teen’s dream retreat.

• Paint or add wallpaper for instant wow factor
• Add a colourful rug
• Install an upholstered bed head
• Add new table lamps
• Update bedding, cushions and throws

Teen bedroom ideas

The post 16 teenage bedroom ideas they’ll love for years to come appeared first on Home Beautiful.

After renovating 15 bathrooms herself and witnessing around 180 bathroom builds on The Block, television presenter, real estate agent and ABI Interiors ambassador Shelley Craft has learned a thing or two about making a bathroom beautiful. And the secret weapon she swears by to breathe new life into a bathroom on a budget? Tapware. “Once you start messing with tiles and layout, that’s when big bucks start racking up. But changing tapware can do wonders to lift a bathroom and make it feel fresh and loved,” she says.

Here, Shelley runs through her favourite tapware, the age-old conundrum of whether to select a mixer or a tap set and the best tapware to help you create a contemporary yet timeless bathroom you’ll love for years and years.

What is the best finish for bathroom tapware? 

Gone are the days of chrome, chrome, chrome – bathroom tapware is available in so many finishes these days, ranging from classic brass to contemporary matt black. But for Shelley, three finishes stand out from the rest for their versatility and beauty.

01

Brushed gunmetal

“I have used brushed gunmetal in many of my projects. I love the subtle sophistication of the finish,” she says. Shelley created this textured ensuite at her Byron Bay home and selected brushed gunmetal tapware to complement the room’s earthy materials palette.

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02

Brushed brass

“My next go-to would be brushed brass, as it allows me to bring some glamour and fun to a space,” says Shelley, who selected brushed brass to complete her girls’ Jack and Jill bathroom at her Pacifico House property.

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03

Brushed copper

“Brushed copper is so rich and unique and brings a lovely challenge to selecting the rest of your colour choices for the space,” says Shelley. One surprising shade that goes well with copper is blue, an example of which is on display in this luxurious space designed by Am Interior Studio.

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There are several advantages to selecting tapware with a ‘brushed’ finish. The first is that it doesn’t show fingerprints and watermarks as readily as polished metals. The second, is that it adds subtle bling to a bathroom without being too in-your-face. It’s also extremely versatile, and will look just at home in a modern bathroom as it would in a classic, Hamptons style bathroom.

Advantages of brushed tapware

What is the most popular bathroom tapware? 

There are no hard and fast statistics on the most popular tapware choice in Australia, but one of the most common tapware finishes is chrome. Chrome is so widespread because it hits the trifecta of durability, affordability and ease of maintenance. It’s also one of the most timeless tapware colour choices.

Want to take the style of your bathroom up a notch without having to revise your bathroom’s entire design scheme? Switch out basic chrome taps for those in a brushed nickel finish. Brushed nickel is like chrome’s subtle and sophisticated older brother. And the best part? Because of the colour similarity, it will fit right into a bathroom that previously had chrome tapware. 

What’s better, a mixer or tap set?

“I am a mixer fan,” says Shelley, but admits there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing between a mixer or tap set. The choice really boils down to personal preference, your budget, and the style of your bathroom. “Take into account the period of your home and the overall design you are going for. Sometimes the space will dictate the best option, so keep an open mind.”

Pros of a mixer tap

A mixer tap is perhaps the most convenient – in terms of both installation and everyday use – option for a modern bathroom. It’s simple for children to use, requires less effort to operate and makes the whole process of adjusting the water temperature so much easier. 

Pros of a tap set

There’s something undeniably beautiful about a stylish tap set. Maybe it’s the symmetry of the spindles and the spout, or the customisation and personality opportunities a pair of spindles presents? Either way, a tap set is simply another opportunity to add pizazz to a bathroom. The downsides: they may require more room and those that are designed to be wall-mounted can be expensive to add to a pre-existing bathroom. Some spindles can feel stiff and difficult for some people to operate.

“It really is important to speak with your plumber or builder in regards to layout and wall cavity space for what will work best,” says Shelley. “Be flexible, as sometimes your first choice might be impossible or double the cost of work.”

Keep it consistent 

Mixing metals may be a trend in the jewellery world, but in a bathroom, it can look jarring and awkward – which isn’t ideal when the goal is style and harmony. If you do decide to update your tapware, it’s a good idea to ensure all of the other metal hardware in the room matches.

Nowadays, most bathroom hardware (from shower screen hinges to towel rails and drawer pulls) is available in such a wide range of colours and finishes, that there’s really no longer any excuse for clashing chrome with brushed brass. 

Sample everything

To ensure the tapware you select fits right into your existing bathroom, be sure to get physical samples and study them in situ. Test them against the wall tiles, the floor tiles, the vanity, the benchtop and maybe even your towel set if you’re a stickler for absolutely everything looking good together. 

All in all, when updating a bathroom on a budget, swapping outdated tapware for something more contemporary is exactly the kind of simple but effective update that can make a marked difference to the way a room looks and feels. “It might be enough for you to feel like you’ve made big changes without sacrificing all the walls and floors,” says Shelley. 

Our top 5 bathroom tapware picks

01

Colour sample pack, ABI Interiors

$39

Samples are a designer’s best friend – and they can be yours too. This comprehensive colour pack from ABI Interiors showcases the brand’s extensive colour and finishes range and includes 10 samples including brushed nickel, brass and copper.

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02

Home Beautiful All Australian Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries Vol 1

$14.99

Start your bathroom makeover with a vision and be rewarded with a space that’s harmonious, stylish and calming. Home Beautiful’s special Dream Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundries edition features 132 pages of design inspiration and floorplans to pore over.

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03

‘Milani’ extended basin mixer in brushed brass

$299.90

If you’re looking for an elegant and stylish mixer your can pretty much swap out yourself with minimal fuss or effort, then the ‘Milani’ mixer is for you. It’s sleek, modern and minimal – just the kind of qualities you want in bathroom tapware. This extended style is tall, which makes it perfect for a vessel sink. For an undermount sink, you may be better off with the standard ‘Milani’ basin mixer.

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04

‘Elysian’ minimal wall-mounted tap set in brushed gunmetal

$374.70

If you’re an interior design aficionado, then you’ll understand the allure of a sleek, well-designed tap set. The ‘Elysian’ range is the perfect all-rounder, whether you plan to create a classic bathroom or something more contemporary.

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05

‘Cross Assembly’ taps and spout set in brushed copper

$374.70

For the maximalist who wants to make a statement, you can’t go past this ‘Cross Assembly’ set in brushed copper. Pair it with duck-egg blue feature tiling or natural stone for a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind look.

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The post Why tapware is Shelley Craft’s go-to bathroom game-changer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

And if you’re currently sleeping on budget sheets woven from synthetic fabrics such as microfibre or polyester, it’s also a sign that your bedding needs a serious upgrade.

Hayley Worley, founder of Sheet Society, says bamboo sheets are a great choice for those who tend to overheat at night, “Bamboo sheets are cooling and super comfy — it’s kind of a no brainer.” 

But why is bamboo so good? Well, apart from being a natural fibre (with excellent moisture-wicking and thermal insulation properties) bamboo, when produced using the Lyocell process, results in fabric that feels light, silky and slippery against the skin. “Bamboo has a unique softness that’s unlike any fabric,” says Hayley. “It’s one of those fabrics that even the pickiest sleepers can get around.”

The best bamboo bed sheets to buy in Australia in 2025

01

‘Kane’ bamboo quilt cover in Midnight

from $190, Sheet Society

Give your bed a dark and moody makeover with Sheet Society’s ‘Kane’ bamboo range in the colour Midnight. These sheets are natural, hypoallergenic and odour-resistant, and the smooth sateen weave gives them a “ridiculously comfortable” cool-to-the-touch feeling you’ll love, especially if you’re a hot sleeper. 

Colours: White, Warm White, Terracotta, Blush, Lilac, Sage, Midnight, Charcoal

Materials: 100 per cent sandwashed bamboo lyocell

Key features:

• Invisible zippers
• Smooth sateen weave
• 360 thread count
• Matte finish
• Single needle stitch finish
• Handy end-of-bed marker on fitted sheet

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02

Bamboo & Egyptian cotton sheet set

from $166.99, Sienna Living

As the only brand in Australia blending Egyptian cotton with bamboo, Sienna Living’s signature range of bedding is designed for maximum comfort, a luxurious feel and lasting enjoyment. Earth-friendly and designed for a perfect fit, the blend of Egyptian cotton and bamboo makes for more durable bedding, making your investment hassle-free – backed by a 365 day warranty!

Colours: Nimbus Cloud, Gum Leaf, Dark Nights, Ocean Blue, Sunset Blush and Sand Dunes

Materials: Egyptian cotton and Bamboo

Key features:

• Resilience of Egyptian cotton blended with sustainable bamboo
• Durable
• Hypoallergenic – gentle on skin
• Gets softer with each wash
• OEKO-TEX® standard 100 and Made in Green certified
• 365 day warranty

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03

Signature Sateen Sheet Set in Cloud

from $249, Ettitude

Ettitude’s Signature Sateen bamboo bed sheets are beloved by thousands — just check out all of the five-star reviews online. These sheets are made using the Lyocell process, which means they’re free from harmful chemicals and plastic, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin. Ettitude sheets also come with a 30-night sleep trial, so if you’re new to bamboo, this is a risk-free way to try it!

Colours: Cloud, Slate, Sage, Ocean, Almond, Butter, Saffron, Sand and Moss

Materials: 100 per cent CleanBamboo

Key features:

• Bamboo is free from harmful chemicals and plastics
• Feels smooth like silk, comparable to cotton 1000 thread count
• Hypoallergenic
• Cooling effect
• STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX
• 30-night sleep trial

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04

Canningvale ‘Lustro’ bamboo sheet set in Perla Silver

from $109.99 (usually $239.99), Canningvale

Sleep soundly and let Canningvale’s ‘Lustro’ bamboo bedding range take care of the rest. It’s hypoallergenic, odour-resistant, anti-bacterial and highly breathable). If that’s not enough, Canningvale’s range comes with a 100-night trial, free delivery and a five-year warranty.

Colours: White, Perla Silver, Ice Blue, Sea Mist, Moss and Navy

Materials: Viscose derived from bamboo

Key features:

• Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial
• Twill weave
• Suitable for hot sleepers
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
• Includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases
• 100-night trial
• Free delivery and a five-year warranty

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05

Ecosa bamboo sheet set in Ivory

from $144 (usually $180), Ecosa

Organic, sustainably grown and available in an array of standard and seasonal colours — what’s not to love? Ecosa’s bamboo bedding range comes as a set (if you love everything to match) or as separates, so you can build a multi-tonal masterpiece from scratch.

Colours: White, Ivory, Glacial Green, Olive Green, Charcoal, Grey, Sky Blue, Lavender, Barley Pink, Warm Sand, Dark Navy, Brown Ochre, Sunset, Cloud Pink, Forest Green, Matcha Green and Peach Glow

Materials: 100 per cent organic bamboo

Key features:

• Rated 4.9 out of five stars from over 8.2k reviews
• Silky-smooth comfort
• 400TC sateen weave bamboo bedding
• Eco-friendly and sustainable fabric
• Hypoallergenic, breathable and moisture-wicking
• STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

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06

Emma bamboo bedding set

from $200, Emma Sleep

Award-winning mattress brand Emma has its own luxuriously soft bamboo bedding range that comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase (or two pillowcases if you order a double, queen or king-size set). The 300TC weave is smooth and cool, making it a great option for hot sleepers.

Colours: White

Materials: 100 per cent bamboo

Key features:

• 300TC
• Breathable
• Comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase (or two pillowcases for double, queen and king sizes)
• Free metro delivery and returns
• 150-night trial and money-back guaranteed

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What are the benefits of bamboo bed sheets? 

Bamboo comes with many benefits but key ones include the following:

• Bamboo is a natural fibre that has excellent moisture-wicking and thermal insulation properties
• Bamboo is the fastest-growing renewable fibre and requires less water than cotton or linen to grow
• It has a silky smooth feel that is cool against the skin

Are there any downsides to bamboo bed sheets? 

According to Hayley, even the fussiest sleepers will enjoy sleeping in bamboo bed sheets, but there is one exception. “If you’re a fan of a crisp or structured bed, then it’s probably not the right fabric for you.” If this is you, we recommend cotton sheets or linen sheets instead. 

How do you care for bamboo bed sheets? 

Bamboo bedding requires some special care when laundering to ensure it stays soft and lasts as long as possible. “We recommend washing it inside out and on its own,” says Hayley who also recommends selecting a cool water temperature and a mild detergent. 

What are the signs of good quality bamboo bedding? 

Hayley says it’s important to check the sheets you’re considering purchasing are labelled as”hypoallergenic” and indicate that they’re soft to the touch. She also advises you to opt for sheets made using the Lyocell process. “This method uses organic solvents which results in a more environmentally friendly fibre – one that is high-strength and has natural antibacterial properties.”

The post Why bamboo sheets are a godsend for hot sleepers appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The latest Kmart homewares collection is here and the Home Beautiful team have already scouted out our future purchases. This year’s new range sees Kmart explore both viral and global trends at an affordable price point.

With our insider information, we can tell you that the upcoming range will focus on three specific aesthetics—Urban (exaggerated shapes and a muted palette), Natural (rich timber textures) and Timeless (layered neutral tones with pops of blue). You can expect on trend prints, such as bold coloured stripes, to feature in bedding and soft furnishings, while trendy soft blue hues will filter into new season tableware.

Here, we share a look at the new range and the items on our wishlist.

Kmart’s new homeware collection: the items on our wishlist

01

Stripe cushion

$10, Kmart

Best for: bringing fresh prints and pattern into your space

If you’re planning to play with more patterns this year then this brown striped cushion from Kmart is a subtle way to bring some fresh but neutral prints into your space.

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02

Blue swirl small bowl

$3.50, Kmart

Best for: new season blues for your table

Since taking over our wardrobes this summer, this soft shade of blue is now entering our homeware collections as well. Fortunately, Kmart have jumped on the trend with their new collection of baby blue tableware.

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03

Kayden linen cotton quilt cover set

$59, Kmart

Best for: brightening up your bedroom

Perfect for a bedroom refresh, this bedding’s calming sea green hues will transform your sleeping space into a soothing oasis.

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04

Marlo chair

$99, Kmart

Best for: a living room refresh

The two-tone Marlo chair is a sleek yet comfortable occasional chair—making it the perfect addition to any living space.

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05

Blue floral printed tablecloth

$10, Kmart

Best for: summer tablescaping

This pretty blue tablecloth is sure to add some joy to your summer meals.

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The post Everything we’re buying from Kmart’s trendy new living range appeared first on Home Beautiful.

My honest robot vacuum mop review

When it comes to having clean floors, I’ve always been strictly a mop twice with boiling water, detergent and methylated spirits kind of gal. But as a working mum with a crawling toddler on the loose, a never-ending pile of laundry to deal with and messy meal times to stay on top of, cleaning the floor required time and energy I just did not have. Also, having wet tiled floors was a pretty big slip hazard for my little one who just loves to explore. I’d been contemplating investing in a robotic vacuum mop for a while, but was still not convinced it would be worth the investment. 

I reached out to Ecovacs for help and they sent me a DEEBOT x1 Plus, a premium robotic vacuum mop that came with two cartridges (one for vacuuming and air-freshening, another for vacuuming and mopping), a cleaning brush and an auto-empty station. It took me an afternoon to set it up but once that was done I started the machine and it set straight to work mapping my home, vacuuming as it went. 

Once the robot had perfected the map of my home and detected all of the rugs, it was time to test out the mopping function. All I had to do was fill the tank with distilled water, install the mop pad, hit power and off it went. I recommend following the instruction manual which says to soak the mop pad with water first (something I decided to skip) for a more thorough clean. It automatically mopped around the rugs!

Do robotic vacuum mops really mop properly?

As the machine only uses cold water, I would describe the mopping function as more akin to dusting with a damp cloth than a traditional mop and bucket. It’s certainly not a deep clean, but it will keep dust and minor messes at bay in between proper mops.

The cleaning power of some robotic vacuum mops can be enhanced with the use of a specially formulated robotic mop cleaning solution, while other brands warn against using detergents of any kind. I have to admit I was tempted to add a splash of white vinegar to the water tank and a drop of essential oil and diswashing liquid to the mop pad, but doing so is not recommended as it could cause corrosion in the machine over time. 

Despite this, I was impressed by how clean the floors felt underfoot after Alfred had done his thing. While the oscillating function was quite effective at buffing away light stains, I wouldn’t recommend using it for large spills or heavy-duty cleaning. 

Do robot vacuums really vacuum properly? 

The vacuuming function works really well – the robot’s low profile design made easy work of cleaning under the table, the lounge, beds and other furniture. But does it do the job as well as you would yourself? Well, that’s subjective. 

A deep clean where you raise a sweat, delving into every nook and cranny and lift and furniture and objects would get a better result but the point is that with regular, automated cleans, the need for a deep clean is not only less often, it’s so much easier to tackle specific areas because everywhere else is, well, clean!

Using voice commands 

Unlike more affordable robot vacuum and mops on the market, The Deebot x1 Plus has its own built-in voice command assistant. Simply say ‘Ok Yiko’ and you can direct it to start cleaning, pause cleaning straight out of the box. This is great if you don’t have many smart home appliances.

If you’d prefer to incorporate the Deebot into an existing smart home ecosystem (such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, for example) you can do that too. I was able to personalise the vacuum’s nickname (I went with ‘Alfred’) and after making a couple of taps in my Google Home app, the Deebot now responds to commands such as ‘Hey Google, tell Afred to return to the charger’ and away the vacuum goes. 

What are the pros of a robot vacuum and mop? 

Vacuum mops are handy devices that are well worth the money if maintaining a clean floor currently feels unmanageable.  

• Some models vacuum and mop at the same time, making the task quicker and easier.
• Once you’ve downloaded the app to your smartphone, you can set an automatic cleaning schedule. So you can set it to clean while you’re asleep, while you’re at work, or just before guests arrive.
• Advanced models may come with a docking station that empties the dust canister automatically. Top of the range models even have a water refill station. 
• The DEEBOT has a ‘Home Patrol’ function which sends the machine off on a reconnaissance of your entire home. Very handy for keeping an eye on pets while you’re out or seeing what’s under the sofa without having to get down on all fours.

What are the cons of a robotic vacuum mop?

• You know how you do a quick clean up before a cleaner arrives? You have to do the same thing for a robot vacuum mop. Spend 5-minutes to make sure there are no cords lying around and lift anything off the floor that shouldn’t be there. In saying this, you’ll soon make a habit of not leaving things on the ground, which is actually kind of a pro.
• Advanced models can easily traverse minor changes in floor height, but if you live in a house that has flooring at significantly different heights (such as an older home with an extension you access via stairs or a step), you may have to manually pick up the robotic vacuum to get the entire area clean. This might be more trouble than it’s worth. Similarly, if you live in a two-storey home, you will have to lift the robotic vacuum upstairs. 
• The mopping function is great for in-between cleans, but won’t replace a traditional mop and bucket. Depending on the model you buy, the mop pad may beed to be removed, cleaned and dried after each use to prevent mildew. The Ecovacs DEEBOT x1 Omni and Dreame W10 Self Cleaning robot vacuum and mop are an exception to this rule, as it rinses and dries the mop pads automatically after each clean.
• More affordable options will have to be manually emptied and refilled, which can be annoying if your machine aborts mission mid-clean because of an empty water tank or full dustbin.
• Be warned: kids and pets may (initially) be terrified of the robot! You can get around this by scheduling the machine to run while you’re asleep or while you’re out of the house.

My hacks for getting the most out of a robot vacuum and mop

Personalise the clean: Everything about the way the Deebot cleans can be tailored to your specifications. I like to set the water flow level to ‘high’, vacuum power to ‘max’ and have set it to clean every area twice. 

doing this, but I did end up putting a drop of dishwashing liquid and essential oil directly onto the mop pad. I feel like it makes the floors come up so much nicer and leaves my whole house smelling clean and fresh. 

Carry it upstairs: I’m not sure why, but I was initially nervous to give the robot free reign upstairs. Now that I’ve tried it, I regret not doing it sooner. I live in a two-storey house, and while carrying the robot upstairs is kind of inconvenient, it sure beats lugging a steaming mop bucket up there (and back down again). The robot is excellent at getting rid of dust bunnies under beds and low furniture (it saves my back, too!). I have a baby gate installed at the top of the stairs, so this prevents the Deebot falling while cleaning. If you don’t have a gate, you can place a temporary boundary in front of the stairs the first time the Deebot cleans (it will map as it goes) and then adjust the map in the phone app to set a virtual boundary for subsequent cleans.

Get multiple reusable mop pads: One thing that might hold you back from using your robot more often is not having multiple mop pads. Invest in a bunch of mop pads from the get-go and you’ll be able to run the mop more frequently and even change out the pad for different rooms so the mop doesn’t use the same pad in the bathroom and then starting cleaning the living room (it just seems a bit unhygienic). You can also program the robot to clean the bathroom and laundry last, if that’s what you prefer. 

Essential Deebot Accessories

Previous

Ecovacs washable mopping pads (3 pack), Amazon

$24.98 (usually $30)

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Ecovacs x1Plus disposable dust bags (3 pack), The Good Guys

$29

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Air Freshener Capsule 3/pack-Bergamot&Lavender, Ecovacs

$34.90

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DEEBOT cleaning solution, Ecovacs

$37.50

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Ecovacs disposable mop pads (10 pack), JB Hi-Fi

$19

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Next

The verdict

Does the robot replace my trusty stick vacuum and mop and bucket? Not entirely. But, I’ve been living with the Deebot for a few months now and can confidently say that I hardly ever reach for them anymore. Now that the robotic vacuum cleaner takes care of the floors, my entire house is so much cleaner. 

My cleaning schedule now looks like an hour or two on the weekends tidying up, scrubbing down the bathroom, dusting surfaces and reorganising my home while the floors pretty much take care of themselves.

Having a robotic vacuum mop is kind of like outsourcing the chore to a teenager, only better. It doesn’t talk back, does a way better cleaning job and you can call out or tap a quick message into your phone to have the whole house vacuumed on demand. No questions asked. You’ll still need to deep clean every now and again, but the task is so much easier as daily dust and grime never gets the chance to build up. 

While cheaper models will get the job done, if you want a truly hands-free experience (which is the whole point of getting a robot), I recommend spending that little bit extra for a machine that can empty its own dust compartment, refill the water tank and clean the mop pads automatically. 

In the end, I’m so grateful to have Alfred taking care of the floors in my home. There’s nothing like coming home to clean, dust-free tiles without having to lift a finger. Now, when I leave my house, I try to make a habit of picking up any clutter off the floor so Alfred can have free reign while I’m away. 

The best robot vacuum and mops in Australia

01

DEEBOT T30S COMBO Robot Vacuum & Mop

$1588.99, Big W

Your search for the ultimate floor-cleaning solution is over! The DEEBOT T30S COMBO is the ultimate all-in-one cleaning hub that combines a class-leading robot vacuum with a versatile handheld for a fully integrated and seamless home cleaning experience with features like 11,000Pa suction, TruEdgeTM Adaptive Mopping, and intelligent navigation.

Key features:

• 11000Pa vacuum power adjustment
• Adaptive edge mopping technology
• 275ml dust bin capacity
• Anti-tangle technology
• Stick vacuum has mini power brush, zero tangle power floor bush, flat brush and crevice tool

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02

Ecovacs DEEBOT x1 Plus

$894, The Good Guys

Part of Ecovacs’ premium range, the DEEBOT x1 Plus has a compact auto-empty station, smart capabilities, wifi connectivity, obstacle detection, ability to mop and vacuum simultaneously and more.

Key features:

• Cleans with 5000Pa suction power
• In-built voice assistant that can respond to commands such as ‘Clean under the couch’ or ‘Clean towards my voice’
• Can automatically detect ledges to prevent falling down stairs
• Cleans in a systematic back-and-forth pattern

In a hurry? Choose Click & Collect from your nearest Good Guys and it’ll be ready for pick up from your local store in just one hour.

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03

Ecovacs DEEBOT N10 pro robotic vacuum

$379 (usually $799), Amazon

The DEEBOT N10 features TrueDetect 3D technology that uses structured light and 3D scanning algorithms to instantly detect and avoid obstacles as it mops and vacuums your home. Plus, you’ll never need to worry about it running out of battery as its Automatic Charging function sends the vacuum back to the charging dock when the battery runs low automatically.

Key features:

• Cleans with 4300Pa suction power
• TrueDetect 3D technology
• Automatic Charging function
• Vacuums and mops

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04

Electrolux UltimateHome 300 robotic vacuum and mop

$599, Appliances Online

It may be more affordable than other robotic vacuum mops on the market, but the Electrolux UltimateHome 300 is packed with excellent, user-friendly features, including Google Home compatibility.  

Key features: 

• SmartPhone app allows you to adjust mop water level and set an automated cleaning schedule
• Great battery life, a single charge will give your vacuum 2 hours run-time
• Compatible with Google home for voice activated control

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05

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacum and Mop

$1889.30 (usually $2699), David Jones

This machine will make you forget all about cleaning your floors. It self-washes, self-dries, self-empties, self-refills and self-cleans! It uses vibration technology to scrub your flooors 3000 times per minute and even has a brush for beating dust and pet hair out of carpets and rugs.

Key features:

• All-in-one docking station that empties debris and refills the onboard water tank
• Mop self-cleans and dries itself to prevent mildew and bacteria growth
• 3D obstacle recognition technology prevents accidents and collisions

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The post I tried a robot vacuum and mop and my entire house has never been cleaner appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Setting up a welcoming guest bedroom can also be accomplished on a modest budget. Good quality bedding, fluffy bath towels and some thoughtful accessories (we’ll get to those later) are the core components of every successful guest bedroom. 

Here are 6 things every cosy and comfortable guest bedroom needs in order to be ready for overnight visitors at a moment’s notice.

1. Make the bed beautiful

If you have a small guest room then the bed will naturally become the focal point. For this reason, it’s worth investing in some good quality bed linens and if possible, a headboard to really add a sense of luxury to a small space.

Mattress

If you don’t already have a bed frame and mattress, that’s the first order of business. There are so many good quality, comfortable beds available for minimal cost. Boxed mattresses are a fantastic budget option, and can usually be delivered on short notice.

Bed frames and headboards

A classic headboard and stylish bed frame will instantly make a small guest bedroom more luxurious. Check Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree for affordable second hand bed frames and headboards – what’s great about this method is that you won’t have to waste time putting together a flat pack!

Bedding

Nothing says ‘make yourself at home’ quite like a freshly made bed. Beautiful bedding will make the room inviting to your guests and allow them to have a restful night’s sleep. Ensure the bedding is appropriate for the season (don’t forget the winter doona and electric blanket if you live in a cold climate) or lightweight, breathable sheets in summer. Having extra blankets and a set of soft and supportive pillows on hand will also allow your guests to adjust the bedding exactly the way they like it.

Since this room is for guests, it’s a good idea to invest in washable pillow, mattress and duvet protectors that will keep the bedding clean long-term and from guest to guest. If you don’t expect to use your guest bedroom frequently, make sure you also place linen in dust-proof storage bags so they’re fresh and ready to go at a moment’s notice should family or friends drop by unannounced.

2. Add some soft furnishings

If you have hesitated to add too many ‘extras’ to your small guest room because you don’t want to crowd the space, you might be unintentionally making the room feel a little bare. While its a good idea to limit the amount of furniture you bring into the room, some carefully selected soft furnishings will instantly make a small room feel cosy. In fact, a set of sheer curtains are often the key to bringing some much-needed light into a small room, while a classic floor rug and couple of pretty pillows complete the space.

3. Get the lighting right

Natural light always makes a room feel bigger than it is so try to maximise the light available in your small guest bedroom. You can do this by adding a mirror to the wall (which is also a necessary item for guest rooms don’t happen to be attached to bathrooms) and by making sure your window coverings are light. Adding a skylight to the room can also solve this problem for rooms that don’t receive much light.

Once you have your natural light sorted, it’s also important to add bedside lamps to your guest room. These don’t only make a midnight bathroom-trip more comfortable but also allow guests to stay up and read at their leisure.

4. Maximise storage options

A small guest bedroom can quickly become overwhelmed by suitcases, clothing, shoes and the like. Make sure there’s a place for your guests to put it all. If you’re really short on space, you can opt for under-bed storage, roomy bedside drawers or embrace wall-mounted storage to maximise floor space. Multifunctional furniture, such as using a chest of drawers as a bedside table, can also solve this problem.

If there’s a built-in wardrobe, make sure it’s completely clear of clutter or, if you use it for storing bits and bobs, clear a generous section for your guests to use during their stay. Don’t forget to place spare coathangers in the wardrobe!

3. Fresh towels

Towels don’t travel well. Not only do they take up precious space in a suitcase, once damp, they need to be laundered pretty quickly before they begin to smell. Your guests will be so grateful that you have fresh towels that they can use during their stay. Make sure you give your guests ‘the good towels’ – aka the soft and fluffy bath towels, not the crunchy threadbare ones, and if they’re staying for more than a few days, offer to replace them regularly.

4. Toiletries

Forgetting something when travelling is almost inevitable. Usually it’s something small, but very important – like toothpaste, or a toothbrush! Placing a set of toothbrushes, toothpaste, spray deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser, hair brush, hair dryer and tissues in the room will fill a forgetful traveller with gratitude. 

5. Mod cons

In the days of old, getting into bed and switching off the light was pretty much the standard bedtime routine. These days, most people probably get into bed, plug their phone into the charger, scroll mindlessly for a few minutes (or hours – we’re not judging), before finally dozing off. Make it easy for your guests by placing a couple of multi-device chargers in the bedside drawer. 

On the topic of devices, if you’ve ever had to ask to connect to somebody else’s home Wifi, you’ll know how awkward that conversation can feel. Eliminate the awkwardness by leaving a card with the name of your Wifi network and password in it on their bedside table. Your guests will appreciate it.

6. Nice to haves

Once all of the basics have been covered, feel free to prove your status as the ‘hostess with the mostest’ with additional (optional) creature comforts. If there’s enough space in the room, set up a tea and coffee station – perfect for guests who prefer not to interact before  they’ve been caffeinated. Swap out a bedside table for a bar fridge that you can stock with snacks and drinks for your guests to enjoy at their leisure.

Creating a reading nook with a comfy armchair, books, lamp and a stack of magazines will also send the message that this room is a place your guests are welcome to retreat to any time they need privacy or simply just alone time. 

5-star guest bedroom ideas

01

Smeg Fab5 50’s style cooler in pastel blue

$1590, Bing Lee

If you’re going to use a mini bar fridge as a bedside table, it needs to look the part. Smeg’s retro style cooler will allow your guests to reach for refreshments without cramping the style of the room. It has a 3.5 star energy rating and runs silently, so nobody’s sleep will be disturbed either.

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02

Leif travel essentials in desert lime

$73, The Iconic

Make your guest bedroom feel just like a luxurious hotel suite by placing luxurious travel-sized products at the foot of the bed with a fluffy towel. Leif products not only smell divine, but are crafted without sulphates or parabens. This set contains body cleanser, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner.

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3

DeLonghi Dinamica fully automatic coffee machine

$1359.20 (usually $1699), Myer

Invite guests to start their morning slowly by indulging in a barista-style coffee that virtually makes itself! At the touch of a button, this clever machine can churn out espresso, cappucinos, lattes and flat whites with ease. 

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4

Haven Modular Armless

$699 (usually $999), Lounge Lovers

This oversized armchair with plush cushions and touchable boucle fabric will make a statement in any room. And that statement is ‘sit down, relax.’ 

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5

Home Beautiful magazine subscription (12 issues)

$85, MagShop

If you know your guests are the type to retreat into their own space, providing some reading material will be welcomed. It could be a stack of your favourite magazine, or a bookshelf lined with classics.

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6

Hands3 split detachable charging mouse pad

$48.97 (usually $69.95), The Iconic

This wireless charger is technically meant for a work desk, but you can easily detach the mouse pad and place it on top of a bedside table to create a seamless, universal charging station for your guests’ QI-enabled devices. 

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Multi-purpose guest bedroom ideas

If you live in a small house or an apartment, dedicating an entire room to the sole purpose of welcoming guests may not be feasible. Here are some ideas for creating a storage room or home office that can quickly be transformed into a guest bedroom.

Ideas for a home office guest bedroom combination

In a small home office that needs to do double duty as a guest bedroom, selecting compact, multi-purpose furniture is key. Desks that can fold down into a bedside table are an excellent choice. Today’s sofa beds are so stylish and comfortable, your guests won’t even be able to tell they’re sleeping on a fold-out. Dedicate one drawer in the room to storing away electronic work devices like laptops, keyboard and mouse when guests are using the space. 

Budget guest bedroom ideas

01

Medium Chiro Euro top pocket spring mattress

$199.99 (usually $279), Temple & Webster

If you’re setting up a guest bedroom from scratch on a budget, a mattress is the first essential you’ll need to source. Temple & Webster’s bed-in-a-box has more than 1000 rave reviews and you can get a double for under $300. Score!

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02

Balmain bed base in warm ash

$950 for a double, Koala

Setting up a guest bedroom in a hurry? Koala’s award-winning Balmain bed base looks stylish, is relatively affordable and can be completely constructed without any tools whatsoever. Same day delivery is available if you live in a metro area.

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03

Riviera 4-piece towel set in stone

$39.99 (usually $89.99), Canningvale

Ribbed towels always look extra luxurious, even if they are totally affordable (your secret is safe with us). Canningvale’s towel set comes with two bath towels, one hand towel and a face washer, and your guests will appreciate the super-soft weave and 100% cotton construction. 

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05

‘Winton’ 300TC cotton percale sheet set

$90.99 (usually $129.99), Linen House

A crisp white set of cotton sheets is always a great starting point for a guest bedroom. White sheets can be laundered over and over again without fading, so they’ll stay looking bright and new for longer. These sheets feel cool and crisp to the touch and are excellent for hot summer nights.

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06

‘Sadie’ oak bedside table

$449.99, Adairs

These beautifully constructed bedside tables feature a timeless scalloped design and are constructed from natural, solid European oak. It’s interesting, yet understated and your guests will love having a place to stash everything from reading glasses to night serum next to their bed. 

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07

Hotel Cloud collection luxury 5-star hotel quilt

$219 (usually $313), I Love Linen

If you’re determined to set up a guest bedroom that feels just like a 5-star hotel suite, a luxurious, cosy quilt is a must. I Love Linen’s faux feather down quilt has been described as a “cosy cloud” it’s that soft. At 400gsm it’s an ideal mid-weight quilt perfect for all year round. 

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The post How to turn a small bedroom into a grand guest suite appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But Scotty didn’t complete the renovation entirely on his own. Building company Nine in Six took care of the extension, while former contestants and builders Duncan Miller (from the show’s 2010 and 2013 season) and Spence Thompson (from the 2018 season) were enlisted to bring the old homestead back to life. And while the home was exempt from official judging, last year’s contestants were treated to a tour of a newly completed room each week as inspiration for their own home renovations.

After spending 13 months on the market, Scotty Cam’s Gisborne house sold for an undisclosed price on December 31st 2024. While we don’t know the final price, we know the asking price was between $3.8 million and $3.9 million. You can see the full listing on Domain.

Newsflash

In 2023, winners of weekly room reveals were treated to a night at Scotty’s Gisborne house.

The renovation not only brought the 1866 homestead back from the brink of dilapidation, but saw the addition of modern creature comforts, including Australia’s first 3D-printed building in the form of a curvaceous pool cabana.

Listing agents Evans Realty Group say the 10-acre property’s most appealing aspects include: Baltic pine floors throughout, high ceilings, herringbone brick floors, custom Christian Cole timber island bench and butcher’s block and views of Mount Macedon framed by mature oak and Moreton Bay fig trees. 

Cast your mind back to the 2022 season and you might recall that the official price guides for all the homes was $4 million to $4.4 million. For this reason, it was thought that Scotty’s house might beat Oz and Omar’s record. Auction day proved a disastrous affair, with three of five properties passing in. Sharon and Ankur’s home remained on the market for weeks until it was eventually sold to entrepreneur Adrian Portelli for $4.2 million in November, 2022.

We’re looking forward to learning what the picture perfect property was finally bought for.

The post Scott Cam’s renovated Gisborne house from The Block 2022 has finally sold appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But if, like me, you’re in the thick of your ‘toys are everywhere’ era and haven’t been able to see the actual carpet beneath the carpet of toys that gobbled up your home some time ago, it could be time to brainstorm some kids’ toy storage ideas that will help you reclaim a sense of order. It can be an overwhelming task, but we’re here to help! 

Whether you’re clawing back your living room or looking for playroom storage ideas that actually keep the room tidy, we’ve got you covered!

1. It doesn’t really matter if toys are everywhere

Let’s normalise toys being everywhere in a happy home filled with little rascals. This is a statement you may not see scrolling through social media, so I say it now in case you feel like your home isn’t up to scratch just because not every cupboard in your home is organised within an inch of its life.

To be frank, I ask myself daily whether waging a war against all of the toys in my home is even worth it. The truth of the matter is that your house is lived in and an oversupply of toys is a privileged problem to have. If you’re fine with toys being out and about, don’t change a thing!  For some reason, I can’t relax when there are things all over the floor and the robotic vacuum mop I rely on to keep my floors tidy can’t handle lots of little obstacles – so these two factors are enough to motivate me to pick up stray toys where I can. 

2. Part ways with outgrown items

The first step to getting kids’s toys to a manageable level is to say goodbye to items your kids no longer play with or that they’ve simply outgrown. Involve your kids in this process, if you can. Learning to let go of possessions is a valuable life lesson, but that it doesn’t make the task any easier, especially if your child is attached or unwilling to say goodbye.

Writing for The Conversation, psychology lecturers Shane Rogers and Natalie Gately of Edith Cowan University give the following tips for helping your child navigate the process: 

• Model the behaviour yourself by showing them how you part with your own possessions.
• If a toy feels like their friend, encourage them to concentrate on other toys that are also special. Let them know that relationships can end, and that’s okay. 
• If a toy has sentimental value, remind them that the memories attached to that item will always stay with them. 
• If a child insists that they might need the item later, reassure them that you can always replace it if needed. But, it probably won’t happen. 

How to help your child let go

If you’re wondering what to do with the toys you no longer need, consider donating them to charity or selling items in good condition on Facebook Marketplace. 

3. Get a chuck-it bucket

Breathe a sigh of relief because the hard part is over. Now it’s time to create systems that help you stay on top of the toys worth keeping. Picture this: it’s the end of the day, you’ve battled the kids into bed and now it’s time to get yourself into bed … but wait, toys all over the living room is not the first thing you want to see in the morning. So what do you do? Arm yourself with a chuck-it bucket.

A chuck-it bucket can be a lightweight bucket, laundry hamper, woven basket or eve large canvas sack and the beauty of it is that all you need to do is grab it and start chucking any visible toys into it. It’s low-effort way to clear a room of toys quickly without having to muster up the energy to put everything back in its designated place. Devote one evening a week to putting all of the accumulated toys back where they belong, or, even better, delegate this job to the kids!

Toy storage baskets to shop

01

Loire round basket, Freedom

$71.95

If your child’s main play area also happens to be the living room, splurge on toy storage solutions that blend into your existing decor. A woven basket is a great option for traditional, coastal or Hamptons style homes, and this structured design from Freedom has two sturdy handles which make it great for tossing toys into at the end of the day. 

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02

Openook XL rope and water hyacinth basket with handle

$12, Big W

Woven baskets can cost a pretty penny so, if you’re on a budget, head over to Big W. This design is made from natural materials and has a wonderful contrast detailing around the base for added interest and is only $12! It’s a steal if you need to purchase multiple baskets to contain toy chaos across several rooms in the house. 

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4. Work with what you’ve got

Before rushing out to buy cult kids toy storage furniture unit (I’m talking about IKEA’s Kallax and Trofast units; if you know you know) see whether you can save cash by freeing up storage space in furniture pieces you already own. 

This could involve donating the pile of DVDs taking up valuable real estate in the TV unit or stacking books slightly differently so you can turn one row of your bookshelf into a toy zone. Is there room under your sofa or under your child’s bed that could accommodate a slimline toy storage crate? Could you clear a shelf in a console or credenza for stashing away toys? Can you sacrifice one kitchen drawer for accommodating your child’s playthings?

Look for storage opportunities in unexpected places, too. Is there a corner of the garage you could use for keeping excess toys at bay? Is there a spot in the backyard you can set up a small store-out shed? If outdoor space is limited, a weather-proof outdoor storage box could also be a good option.

5. Toy storage furniture

If investing in toy storage furniture is a must, look for pieces that are easy for your child to open and close, have ample storage for both large and smaller items, can be reconfigured and repurposed as your child grows and suits the look and feel of your home. Multi-purpose toy storage furniture – think a desk with a hutch, or a table with hidden lego storage can also help prevent your home feeling cluttered.

Two of the most popular pieces of furniture in the kids toy storage category are IKEA’s Trofast and Kallax units – beloved worldwide for their affordability, customisability and versatility. But they’re not the only players! 

Kids toy storage furniture to shop

04

Kids’ Willow 3 drawer toy storage

$149.99 ( usually $169.99), Temple & Webster

If you’re looking for toy storage that actually blends in with your ordinary décor then don’t look past this white Hamptons style storage unit from Temple & Webster. Plus, you can simply add some cushions and the storage unit becomes a cosy seat for reading stories.

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06

Scallop bookshelf

$750, J&Furniture

Sydney-based furniture-makers Jay and Sue of J&Furniture create gorgeous custom furniture pieces, and this scalloped bookshelf is no exception. These shelves are made to order, and while the standard size is 100cm (w), 30cm (d) and 75cm (h), you can customise the unit’s dimensions and colours to suit your home. Colour samples are available upon request. 

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07

Willow Toy Box in sandstone by Tasman Eco

$399.99, The Memo

Toyboxes are fantastic for storing medium to large-sized toys. The features that set this toybox apart are: well-crafted, made completely from pine timber and comes with a 2-year warranty. It can also serve as extra seating, which is great if you’re planning to pop it in your child’s bedroom or in the living room. 

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08

Theo Kids bookshelf and toy drawer organiser

$183.99 (usually $299.99), Mocka

Need a storage unit that can do it all? This versatile piece is a bookshelf, an open display shelf and has two bottom drawers on castors your kids can move around as required. It is crafted in a matte finish to give a touch of sophistication to any child’s bedroom or playroom.

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09

Paddington bed frame with gas lift storage in cement

$959 (usually $1,199), Snooze

One way to increase the storage in your home is to invest in furniture pieces with hidden storage. This padded bed frame has a gas strut lift base which is perfect for hiding away toys as well as extra linen or winter blankets. Made from sustainably sourced timber and available in a range of colours including: ivory, grey and anthracite. 

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11

Garden locker shed in off-white

$575 (usually $908), Easy Shed

If you’ve exhausted all indoor storage options, the only way to go is … out! Compact garden sheds can help boost your home’s storage potential and keep bulky toys like bikes, scooters and cars out of the weather and out of your home when they’re not being used. This compact shed measures 2.08m x 0.97m and is available in zinc, off white, smooth cream, mist green, slate grey and monument.

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6. Keep small toys together

Now it’s just a matter of keeping all of the little bits and bobs together and organised. Small storage baskets or stackable bamboo trays can help keep cupboards in order. Don’t limit yourself to the storage section when coming up with your plan of attack. 

Clear makeup bags with zips, for example, are great for keeping smaller items like Lego, small dolls, dollhouse furniture, puzzle pieces and more organised yet visible when your kids go looking for them. Fishing tackle boxes can work as craft stations for beading projects, craft supplies, play makeup and Lego organisers (plus the handle is great for pulling them in and out of cupboards). 

Toy organisation ideas to shop

12

Clear organiser by Anko

$16, Target

Clear, zip-up bags are a game-changer when it comes to keeping like items together. Just place them in the bag, zip it up and put it in the cupboard. Your children will be able to see exactly what they’re looking for and grab it without disturbing the remaining contents of the cabinet. 

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13

Move trio cosmetic bag set in clear/silver

$20, Target

Puzzle pieces, play makeup, doll clothing and accessories, Lego pieces – this set of three clear bags is great for keeping all manner of toy flotsam and jetsam together. 

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14

Plano 6102 two-tray tackle box

$39.99, BCF

Many childhood hobbies like making friendship bracelets, beading jewellery, making origami or scrapbooking require small bits and pieces that need to be stored thoughtfully for the activity to run smoothly. A fishing tackle box with lots of little compartments and an expanding tray is a great way to keep these items organised and accessible. When your child outgrows their hobby, simply repurpose as a toolbox or … a fishing tackle box!

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15

The Cooks Collective stackable 2-piece set in bamboo

$29.98 (usually $59.95), Myer

The pantry organisation section is another great place to search for creative toy storage ideas. This stackable bamboo set is durable, aesthetically pleasing and easy for little ones to stick their hands into and get what they need.

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17

Play&Go toy storage bag

$69.95, The Memo

Are you the kind of parent who takes toys wherever you go? Then you’ll love this toy storage idea. It’s a toy storage bag that opens out entirely flat, becoming an on-the-go playmat. It’s great for toys like building blocks or magnetic tiles, because once your kids have finished with them, you simply pull on the rope and whoosh, everything is packed away and in a handy carry bag you can throw into the car or cupboard. 

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7. How to stay on top of toy clutter

Now that everything is in it’s place and you’ve showed all those toys who’s boss, it’s time to think about ways to slow the flow of toys that come into your home and maintain order. 

Here are all the things I’m trying to implement: 

• Be purposeful with the toys you buy and encourage kids to record items they want on a wishlist that they can pull out for their birthday or Christmas.
• Rather than buying new toys, consider hosting a ‘toy swap’ amongst close friends or family so items can be shared between cousins, friends and so forth.
• Join a toy library and borrow toys, rather than buying them.
• If you’re lucky enough to have really generous family and friends who make it their mission to spoil your kids, consider creating a gift registry using a platform like MyRegistry.com so they can clearly see exactly which items your child really wants and needs. 
• Set up a savings or investment account for your child and encourage family and friends to contribute to that rather than buying physical possessions. 
• Encourage your kids to take part in an annual toy declutter. 

The post Storage solutions that will stop kids’ toys taking over the house appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Neale recently spoke to Home Beautiful to celebrate the launch of his new kitchen and dining collection with Gro Urban Oasis. “Everything is designed to work perfectly together but also to combine effortlessly with what you already own,” says Neale. “It’s not a trend-driven range, it’s timeless.”

While he admits he’s “not big on interior design trends”, he did share his predictions for 2025.

Neale Whitaker’s 2025 interior trends predictions

The interiors expert talks us through what will be popular in the year ahead, particularly in kitchens.

1. Bonhomie charm

“I think we’re seeing a return to individuality, to kitchens with personality that truly function as the heart of the home,” says Neale. “It’s good to see a sense of bonhomie returning.” 

2. Colour drenching

“I believe kitchens will start to move away from the uber-sleek, hi-tech laboratories they have become,” explains Neale. “Kitchens are functional spaces but they should also feel welcoming, generous and convivial. I think we will see softer, less streamlined kitchen decor with an emphasis on colour and materiality.”

3. Personality galore

Neale says that 2024 was the year of bizarre terminology when it came to interior trends. “It was all about Urban Aunts, Mob Wives and Dopamine Decor.” We are likely to seeing the niche trends continuing this year and it’s an indication of a bigger trend which embraces individuality. “Ultimately it was about self-expression and individuality, and 2025 will continue that trend,” shares Neale. 

The 2024 interior design trends explained

In 2024 Neale Whitaker took to an Instagram reel to demystify five of the most weird and wonderful trends he saw cropping up on social media in 2024. “This year’s trends are next level,” he shared. Here, he breaks them down for us and how to make them timeless. 

1. Urban Aunt

A home styled in the Urban Aunt aesthetic is filled with curated treasures and unique objects that, quite simply, radiate personality. “Apparently we all have an aunt that we aspire to who lives in the city in an apartment that is stuffed with cool things,” explains Neale. “I never had an aunt like that but maybe you do.” 

While TikTok gave this trend its name, it has since been embraced by the likes of Neale and interior designer Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors. “These collected interiors are timeless and overall interesting spaces to be in,” she told Home Beautiful. 

One thing we love about this trend is its timelessness. Here’s how to nail the Urban Aunt look and make it last long-term. 

2. Coastal Grandma

Coastal Grandma is a ‘near relative’ of the Urban Aunt trend, says Neale. For this look think: the set of a Nancy Meyers film (especially Something’s Gotta Give) with its crisp white canvas, grand oversized furniture and breezy, timeworn textures. 

Interior designer Kathryn Borglund of House of Hanalei says she often thinks about the sets of As Good As It Gets and The White Lotus when putting together the kind of luxurious, lived-in, coastal home encapsulated by the coastal grandma trend. “They strike a balance between luxurious and subtle taste, which I believe achieves the perfect coastal aesthetic,” she says.

But, as always, Neale keeps it real. “The only thing in my grandma’s house that I coveted was my grandmother herself, that’s about it.” 

3. Mob Wife

“Yep, you heard that right, Mob Wife,” begins Neale. The dubiously-named trend was inspired by a fashion trend of the same name channeling the energy of strong female characters in films like The Godfather. “I can only assume a mob wife’s home is full of brass and bling,” says Neale. 

Furniture retailer Luxo Living say this trend is all about “getting a bit garish”, so you’ll either love it or hate it. The key to pulling off this trend is to go big and bold, embracing glossy finishes, dark hues, brass accents and over-the-top decor like crystal chandeliers, velvet and animal prints. 

4. Dopamine decor

“Dopamine decor speaks for itself; lots of bright colours,” says Neale. In other words, it’s the opposite of the all-neutral-everything (aka ‘sad beige’) trend. 

Now’s not the time to be intimidated by colour. If your home makes you feel uninspired, consider giving it a colourful revamp courtesy of bold hues including cobalt blue, red, orange and sunny yellow. The idea is to create a room that is maximalist, playful and joyful. “Have fun,” says Neale. 

5. ‘Kitschen’

Minimalist, integrated kitchens have reigned supreme for years … until now. Out with the sleek, modern kitchen and in with the “kitschen”, says Neale. A portmanteau of ‘kitsch’ and ‘kitchen’, this is the heart of the home you’ve seen popping up all over Instagram recently. 

You know the one, it’s got the ceramic butler sink, a sink skirt, open shelving, a brightly-tiled splashback, plenty of artwork and favours old-school furniture pieces like hutches and free-standing islands over custom cabinetry. 

“Kitchen minimalism … is out and we are proudly putting everything on display,” says Neale.

Trends may come and go, but Neale says the thing that ties all of these particular trends together is to “be individual. We’re seeing the end of the cookie-cutter style of decorating we’ve been seeing for a while.”

“At the end of the day, it’s about being you.”

More interior design trends to try

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3 inspiring kitchen trends we’re loving right now

Brought to you by kaboodle kitchen

The Home Beautiful 2024 Style Forecast

Your Urban Aunt called and she wants her style back

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The post Neale Whitaker’s interior design predictions for 2025 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

When I tell designer and stylist Carlene Duffy of Cedar & Suede that I think plate walls are making a comeback, she politely disagrees. “I don’t think plate walls have ever been out of style,” she says. She’s absolutely right, of course, because the practice of displaying decorative plates on the wall dates back centuries, so the track record of timelessness is pretty solid. “Lately there’s been a bit of a departure from grey and white interiors in favour of a more English-inspired, eclectic influence,” she says. “Plate walls are synonymous with the kind of interior that is ever-evolving and the result of the homeowner being a real collector.” 

Here are 6 reasons you need to create a plate wall in your home, with tips from Carlene and founder of statement homewares brand, No.22, Alexandra Pappas.

1. They’re inexpensive to create

Plate walls make an incredible feature because they’re typically inexpensive to create and many people already have a tidy collection of plates they love, but just never use, sitting in their cupboard. “Plates are one of those things you can easily just grab at a market or an op-shop,” says Carlene. “It doesn’t feel like a big art investment.”

2. You can personalise plate walls to suit your taste

If you build a collection of plates slowly, the plate wall you create is pretty much guaranteed to be entirely unique. This is a huge drawcard, especially at a time when people are really celebrating individualised interiors, says Alexandra.

“People want the things they display in their home to be customised and personal, rather than stock standard. Beautiful and unique plates are an easy way to inject your own personality and taste in your home without completely renovating or buying new furniture.”

3. They can add dimension to an existing gallery wall

If you’ve ever created a gallery wall, you may have experienced a difficult-to-explain sensation that something just looks flat. Switching up the style of frames and re-jigging the layout may help, but sometimes you need to think outside the box.

“Art is typically either square or rectangular, so if you feel like you’ve got enough of that happening in your gallery wall, plates are a nice departure from that,” says Carlene.

4. There are no rules – collect plates your eyes are drawn to

“Don’t hold yourself to any rules, because that takes the fun out of it,” says Carlene. So when you’re browsing an op-shop, makers market or a department store, buy plates that you’re just drawn to.

“You could be drawn to the colour, or happen to love a particular print, it could be that it’s something hand-painted or something that’s printed, it could be English bone china or Japanese ceramics. Plate walls are great because you can bring together what you like and add and subtract as you go.” 

Previous

Spode Italian octagonal platter

$375

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Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plate, Minimax

$59.95

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Wall plate hangers with wall hooks (12-pack), Amazon

$54.41

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Wileman early Shelley wavy-edged serving plate, Etsy

$50.02

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Capri yellow dinner plate

$33

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Disc plate hanger for walls (5-pack), Amazon

$29.77

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Next

• Consider whether you want the plates to match or look more eclectic. Some designers love working with blue-and-white china, for example, while others prefer to mix and match different patterns. 
• Avoid generic, mass-produced plates where possible. Alexandra recommends looking for styles that are hand-painted or feature unique patterns or motifs. 
• Think about your colour story. While clashing colours and patterns can definitely work, selecting plates that have a common colour can make the overall effect appear more cohesive. 
• Be inspired by the style of your home. If you love the wabi-sabi look, for example, opt for Japanese ceramics. If your home leans more ‘cottagecore’ or ‘urban aunt’ look for plates in classic colours and patterns.

How to choose decorative plates for a wall

5. They make sense pretty much anywhere

Think plate walls are reserved solely for the kitchen or dining room? Think again. “Plate walls make sense in any room of the house,” says Alexandra. “As our homes become more multi-dimensional and multipurpose, so are the ways we are styling our homes. Throw out the traditional rulebook!” 

• Above a door frame
• Above a plastered, integrated range hood
• In a bathroom where the walls are only partially tiled
• In a vignette behind a comfy armchair
• As part of a stairwell or hallway gallery wall
• In a home office

Unexpected places to display plates

6. They can evolve over time

Can’t decide which plates to display and which to use for dining? “Why can’t you do both?” says Alexandra. Plates attached to the wall with an adjustable wire rack are easy to switch out as you please. “You can use your plates one week and hang them the next,” says Alexandra. 

Carlene also loves the sense of controlled randomness a plate wall can add to a room. “Plate walls are just one of things that can evolve over time because they’re asymmetrical and a bit hap-hazard and you can add to it whenever you like. It’s a nice way for your wall to evolve.” 

Today’s plate walls tend to favour a more organic layout as opposed to a rigid, perfectly-spaced grid. To get your layout right, Carlene recommends placing the plates on the floor and seeing what works well together. “You can add and subtract if a pattern or colour just isn’t working,” she says. “But definitely lay them out before you commit.” 

Alexandra says to start with the plate you love the most and arranging the other plates to support it. “Use your favourite plate to guide how to choose and place other pieces, whether they’re matching or completely different,” she says.

How to get the right plate wall layout

How to hang decorative plates on a wall

Carlene says there are two main ways to attach plates to the wall. The first is the Safe N Sure Invisible Disc Plate Hanger which is essentially a big sticker that attaches to the back of the plate and allows you to hang it from a wall hook. The second is the Safe N Sure Traditional Wall Hanger which has an adjustable spring-loaded rack that can fit a range of plate sizes. 

No matter which method you choose, says Carlene, “Make sure you get plate holders that are appropriate for the weight and diameter of the plate, because I’ve had a few accidents.”

The post 6 reasons your home needs a plate wall appeared first on Home Beautiful.

If you’ve got kids, it’s important to create a pool with great visibility. Being able to watch from a shaded deck, cabana, or a kitchen window is one way to ensure you always have eyes on what’s happening in the water. Then there’s the pool landscaping to think about.

Here, we’ve rounded up eighteen of Home Beautiful’s most popular pool designs, which range from a mid-century-inspired oasis to an expansive family pool complete with a clever Hamptons-style cabana.

What is the most affordable type of backyard pool to install?

There’s no straightforward answer to this question. Some affordable pool types, such as vinyl liners and above ground pools are relatively cheap to install, but may equire costly repairs and maintenance down the line. One of the most popular and best value swimming pools you can install is one made from fibreglass. Fibreglass is resistant to cracks and algae growth and won’t require the same kind of upkeep as other pool types.

Does my backyard pool need a fence?

In Australia, all backyard swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence. Requirements vary from state to state, but a fence of at least 1200mm in height is a must. Gates must also be child-proof as well as self-closing and self-latching. Some states also require the display of specific CPR signage near the pool. The maximum fine for pool non-compliance in NSW is $5,500, so it’s important to get it right.

Inspiring backyard swimming pool designs

01

Tropical calm

It was to the home owner’s delight that this semi-renovated, circa 1910 Queenslander came with an existing in-ground pool. Occupying prime position under the palm trees, its a calming place to spend a hot day.

02

Queensland cool

This Queensland cottage received a complete garden makeover, with the owners installing sandstone stepping stones and travertine pavers around the pool. An idyllic outdoor seating area is also located within the pool fence to maximise space.

03

A hotel-sized swimming pool

The swimming pool at Adriana and Casey Stoner’s country home is not only stunning but super-sized as well. With its resort-like proportions, it offers a lovely water outlook from multiple spots within the house and the perfect alfresco spot to entertain during the summer months.

04

Backyard beauty

This modern timber house in Tasmania features a unique infinity style pool in the backyard. A pair of low wooden sun-loungers don’t only offer a luxurious place to rest between dips but also fit in with the home’s timber design.

05

Resort romance

Nestled between a pavilion-style pool house, gym bar and lounge area, this dreamy swimming pool is enjoyed by the whole family at this coastal holiday home. Snow pear trees grow next to the pool area, paved in aged limestone, with sun lounges from The Teak Place sourced by KWD&Co.

06

Mediterranean bliss

Taking inspiration from Tuscan villas, the pool area of Shelley Craft’s Byron Bay home oozes calm. The limestone flooring and quartz wall bring an element of Mediterranean resort-style to the space while the built-in seat with travertine rounded finger mosaic tiles creates the perfect place to relax.

07

Crisp neutrals

In this American barn-style build, a crisp white modular fence features as a bold backdrop to the idyllic pool area with a comfortable outdoor sofa from Freedom and a trio of three ‘Kumi’ pots from Green Image completing the space.

08

Federation flair

The pool zone in the resort-style entertaining area of this 1930s Brisbane bungalow was upgraded with glass fencing and the surrounding travertine was extended to increase the outdoor living space. Poolside loungers are scattered with cushions to provide a comfy vantage point on the elevated quarter-acre block to enjoy sweeping views of Brisbane City and the hinterland Scenic Rim.

09

Byron beauty

The Byron Bay hinterland drew one couple to northern NSW, with its rolling hills, village feel and generational farmers. This house in the hills was a dream come true for Ali, an interior designer originally from the UK, and Michael, a builder who together transformed a 1920s Queenslander, enhancing its size, comfort and connection to the scenic surrounds, including the new alfresco area, which overlooks rolling hills and the distant Nightcap National Park. 

10

Garden glamour

Transformed from a concrete jungle, the pool in this tropical garden in Sydney’s east is surrounded by limestone pavers for a softer look. The same limestone was used for the stepping stones and stairs that connect with the outdoor entertaining space. A kitchen and dining area were added as part of the work, with a new timber gazebo structure providing shade and channelling the view to the pool from indoors.

11

Iron maiden

“Beautiful but not precious,” was the design-mantra behind the renovation of this Mosman home, and it extends right to the home’s outside zones, including the pool area. Here the pool has been edged with limestone pavers and encased by a gently weathered deck. But the real design feature here is the iron fence, which looks minimal and chic, and is much easier to keep clean than frameless glass panels.

12

Cool cabana

The key to a truly functional family swimming pool is creating a zone for the parents to relax and keep an eye on the kids. In this Gold Coast home, a resort-style pool house meets the brief, constructed with a Colorbond roof and semi-enclosed with plantation shutters to control the amount of sunlight that streams through. “The water is a big part of our lifestyle,” says homeowner Michelle. “Our girls are in the pool all summer.” 

13

Star quality

A luxurious, resort-style pool that’s fit for AFL star Buddy Franklin and wife model/author/entrepreneur Jesinta Franklin. The expansive magnesium pool is surrounded by lush greenery and even has its own swim up bar – perfect for poolside parties. 

14

Dreamy daybed

“Take me to Greece,” was the inspiration for this pool area, explains the owner of a postwar home not far from Brisbane’s CBD. An all white colour palette of Dulux Natural White sets the scene, while ‘Glamrock Crema’ tiles from Edge Tile & Stone creates a crazy paving effect. Then to complete the look, they created an arched concrete daybed and topped it with comfy cushions covered in custom upholstery.

15

The scent of summer

You know warmer weather is on the way when fragrant star jasmine begins to bloom. A green wall – created by training jasmine vines up landscaping wire set in a diamond pattern – softens the area. “There’s a sense of slight formality with the wire work in the pool, but everything else was kept loose for joyful movement in the garden,” says landscape designer Lyndall Keating. 

16

Staycation vibes

A crisp white breeze block wall hides a vegetable patch from view and gives this pool a secluded, mid-century vibe, says homeowner and interior designer, Nikki. “Being able to see the kids in the pool from the kitchen bench is something I couldn’t imagine any other way,” she says. 

17

Pool party

With one-hectare of land to play with, the owners of this modern farmhouse just outside of Brisbane, decided to go big with their pool. “We also thought it would be so much better for the kids when they had all their friends over,” says owner Kristy. ‘Smoked oak’ decking from Millboard surrounds the pool and flows into the poolhouse, (which actually a Mimosa ‘Burleigh’ wooden gazebo from Bunnings that the team from Front Porch Properties customised). The pool also happens to be visible from the main bedroom. “It’s such a pretty spot to enjoy a view over the pool and all our back paddocks.”

18

Sideline sensation

This resort-style swimming pool is the hero of the backyard in this spectacular beachside new build in Sydney. Thoughtfully landscaped for maximum outdoor pleasure on lazy summer days, there is plenty of lush green planting to surround sumptuous outdoor furniture, while the recycled blackbutt decking runs the entire length of the pool, hugging the vined pergola and taking in a spa at one end.

The post 18 sensational backyard swimming pools appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who stays here?

They agreed on one thing: the building meant far too much to their family to fall into further disrepair. “It’s the original farmhouse and we wanted it to live on and be handed down to our kids,” she adds. Budgets were tight, so they opted to do the lion’s share of the renovation themselves, with the goal of tidying things up and making the home liveable again. But the more Georgina worked on the cottage alongside her family – husband Cameron, brother Brad, her mum Tracy and Uncle Dave, a builder – the more she fell under its spell. “I really didn’t want it to be just a white cottage,” she says. “I wanted it to stand out and be unique.”

Undaunted by the sheer labour involved in laying flooring, replacing walls and installing a kitchen thrifted from a house in nearby Bangalow, Georgina soon hit a roadblock when decisions had to be made concerning paint colours, furniture selection and infusing the cottage with personality. Having worked on a previous project with interior design studio Cedar & Suede, Georgina called on its founder Carlene Duffy for help. “The whole way she had my complete trust,” says Georgina, who didn’t bat an eyelid when Carlene suggested a brazen palette of lime green, burgundy and dusty blues accentuated by flashes of red.

Stripping the home back to its studs and making it whole again was a full-circle moment for Georgina, whose kids now enjoy a childhood like hers. “Hopefully it’ll last another hundred years,” she says

Kitchen

Georgina loves the kitchen cabinets painted in Porter’s Paints Dark Newport Blue and splashback tiled in ‘Rosa’ travertine herringbone mosaics from Burleigh Tiles . However, her favourite feature is the ‘Henley’ double fluted farmhouse sink from ABI Interiors. “None of the original cabinet doors fit that sink, so we bought similar doors from Ikea, cut them in half and glued them back together,” says Georgina. “It was so much work, but I kept saying, ‘I really want this sink’.

“The second-hand kitchen was one of the first things we bought before we even started renovating.”

Georgina, homeowner.

A corner dining booth feels inviting and maximises the space available. The ‘Newport’ round pedestal table from Abide Interiors is the hero of the home’s dining zone, while chairs thrifted on Facebook Marketplace are painted in Resene Raging Bull. “Georgina almost didn’t paint the chairs,” recalls Carlene. “I said, ‘Well, you have to paint the chairs,’ and when she did she said, ‘I’m so glad you made me paint them’.”

Living

Throughout the cottage, Facebook Marketplace finds mingle with upcycled Ikea pieces. An Ikea ‘Ektorp’ sofa in the living area is reupholstered in bold ‘Amboli Indigo’ fabric from Warwick. The armchair and ottoman are also from Ikea, and are covered in ‘Brixham Indigo’ and ‘Mojave Russett’ respectively, which are both also from Warwick. A ‘Barcelona’ pendant light from Gypset Cargo ties the whole look together.

Bedrooms

Painted in Porter’s Paints Back Country, the couple’s bedroom, known as ‘the mustard room’, showcases a vintage chest of drawers and a ‘Biscayne’ rattan bedhead in Tobacco from Naturally Cane. A ‘Kantha’ coverlet from Temple & Webster tops the linen-dressed bed (for similar, try I Love Linen).

With walls painted in Resene Mocha, the ‘rust bedroom’ is perhaps the cosiest room in the house. Curtains with classic blue stripes are contrasted with a vintage Kantha cotton floral bedspread from Etsy and bedding in marine blue from I Love Linen. An ‘Austin’ wall light from Emac & Lawton illuminates the rattan bedside table (for similar, try the ‘President’ rattan bedside table from Naturally Cane).

“They wanted to celebrate the house, and I interpreted that as ‘let’s go nuts with colour.”

Carlene, designer

The only time the cottage’s colour palette came into question was when Georgina began painting the bunk room in Resene Gingko, which appeared almost neon before the blinds were installed. Two coats of Resene Tangaroa high gloss turned a simple ‘Dante’ pine bunk bed from Luxo Living into a hero feature, while glass panes in a vintage wardrobe were replaced with fabric curtaining in ‘Amboli Indigo’ from Warwick.

Bathroom

Penny round tiles contrast with ‘Artisan Roma Piazza’ matte floor tiles, both from Burleigh Tiles, while a Roman shade in ‘Salford in Abyss’ from Warwick highlights the salvaged timber windows in the bathroom. VJ panels in Resene Double Fossil are a backdrop for thrifted art and a cane vanity mirror.

Laundry/mudroom

Vintage baskets are a pretty and practical way to add interest to the laundry walls, painted in Resene Peanut.

The rear hall serves as a compact mudroom, with patterned flooring from Burleigh Tiles leading from the threshold into the laundry. ‘Hövolm’ peg board rails from Ikea create additional hanging and storage space.

Interior design: Cedar & Suede, cedarandsuede.com.au.

Builder: David Green.

Stay: This home is available for short-term rental accommodation on Airbnb as Keltara.

SOURCE BOOK

The post A colourful renovation restores a century-old farm cottage to its former glory appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Armed with a list of must-haves helps make for a more efficient browse and others in your shopping party may have more patience if you can scan the wares efficiently and move on to the next. Here are the top 13 treasures you must keep on your hit list.

Did you know that January is one of the best times of year for op-shopping? According to a US study from Goodwill, op-shops see an influx of donations in the weeks after Christmas and New Year as people get rid of their unwanted Christmas gifts and start decluttering their homes. Spring is also a good time to hit the second-hand stores as people get into their annual spring cleans.

Tip: the best time of year for op-shopping

1. Silverware

Often dumped in together in a bin, basket or back aisle, a careful sift through for precious metals may yield the real thing – real silver will look tarnished, but polishes up a treat with a little care and baking soda.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s an egg cup, a candle holder, dessert spoons or an entire set of tableware, silver is always worth buying. Not sure if it’s genuine silver? Give it a tap – it’ll make a ringing sound if genuine.

2. Old books

These are few and far between and there are many practiced eyes ahead of you but, if you can score a first edition you’re happy to sell on, you’ve hit a payload. A collection of similar bindings or colours make a beautiful vignette and a bigger haul can become a feature.

If you don’t find any valuable old books, keep an eye out for design or coffee table books. Buying these books brand new can sometimes set you back hundreds of dollars, so if you spot a gem on the second-hand market, you should definitely snap it up.

3. Corningware or casserole dishes

Did you know that some Corningware casserole dishes are extremely valuable? Dishes with rare patterns have been known to sell at auction for upwards of $10,000. Even if you only ever come across the brand’s most recognisable (and common) ‘Cornflower’ pattern, old casserole dishes in good condition are still worth collecting. They make a great gift, especially for new parents or a neighbour knocked over by the flu. Simply bake a delicious meal in it (like this nourishing mushroom lasagne) and send it on – you don’t even need to worry about asking them to return the dish.

4. Wicker baskets

If you’ve ever tried to keep clutter at bay in your home, you’ll know you can never have enough baskets to keep it all contained. Wicker baskets are also beautiful to look at and can instantly add warmth and texture to some of the home’s most unsightly areas. Laundry piling up? Pop it in a wicker basket. Shoes collecting by the front door? Pop them into a wicker basket. Toys taking over the living room? Throw them all into a wicker basket. You get the idea.

5. Kids’ toys

While we’re on the subject of toys, it’s worth talking about second-hand toys. Duplo and wooden Montessori-style toys are so wonderful for toddlers, but collecting numerous sets can set you back a small fortune. They’re also used for only a very short period before your child moves on to the next big thing. Buying these items secondhand is a great way to save money and prevent perfectly useable toys from entering landfill.

Concerned about germs? Many plastic toys can be safely washed in the top rack of the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. If you don’t have a dishwasher, simply wash the toys in warm soapy water and, if desired, soak in a solution of Milton Sterilising Fluid for 15 minutes before allowing to air dry. Soft toys can be washed on a cold, gentle machine cycle and hung out to air dry. Alternatively, soak soft toys in a solution of oxygen bleach before hand washing, rinsing and allowing to air dry.

Other collectible vintage toys include: Polly Pockets, original Tamagotchis, Pokemon cards, ViewMasters and Cabbage Patch Kids.

6. Mirrors

It’s amazing how much a single mirror can completely change the look of a room. They create the illusion of more space and help to bounce light around a room. They also add functionality, and it’s a great idea to have a mirror positioned close to the front door so you can do a last-second once-over before you leave the house. But the best thing about a mirror? They never really go out of style. So if you see one hidden behind some bric-a-brac at your local op-shop, squeeze it into the boot of your car and take it home.

7. Interesting vessels

Old earthenware jugs, coloured glass vases, handmade pottery – all are worth collecting if you see them collecting dust on an op-shop shelf. One of the hottest interior movements at the moment is the ‘Urban aunt’ trend which involves styling your home with collected finds and interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces. Vases and urns are a great way to add sculptural beauty to your home and you can leave them empty or fill them with bunches of your favourite flowers.

While picking up interesting vessels is more of a style hunt than a treasure hunt, there are some valuables to be found. One US woman picked up a coloured glass vase from Goodwill for $3.99USD only to discover it was actually a rare example of Murano Glassware. She ended up selling the piece at auction for $107,000!

8. Collectible porcelain

Tea is literally heaven in a cup. If you agree with this statement, then you should consider collecting porcelain teaware. There’s nothing quite like brewing delicate tea leaves in a pot and sipping your favourite tisane from a vintage cup adorned with a stunning pattern. Collectible brands include Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, Noritake, Spode, Royal Copenhagen and Shelley.

9. Original art

It’s always a good idea to look up and scan the walls above the shelves – you never know, you might spot a piece of original art that just tugs at your heartstrings. It could be a tiny watercolour, a time-worn original oil painting by an unknown artist or a delicately sewn cross-stitch. When shopping for art at an op-shop, look for pieces that have been professionally framed, items with an artist’s signature and pieces that just speak to you.

10. Picture frames

Even if you don’t see a piece of artwork that you love, keep an eye out for beautiful frames. Custom frames can set you back anywhere from $150 for an A4-sized artwork, and even more if you select a complex style. A vintage frame will save you plenty – andcan always switch out the artwork later.

11. Mid-century furniture

Whilst we’ve all enjoyed this trend for some time now, there are still bargains to be had, particularly in Australian made brands, such as Parker and Knoll. The trend is moving into the 70s too and with upholsterers on every corner it’s now more affordable to revive an armchair, bar stool or lounge chairs – with cane insert panels if you’re lucky!

12. Preserve jars

These have a pretty price tag as well as charm in some cases so beware! Add a small candle and decorating with these beauties adds charm to a dining table, outdoor soiree or bedside table. Fill with cotton balls and pop on your vanity.

13. Vintage suitcases

Whilst it’s not wise to hold your breath for a Louis Vuitton, there’s great styling and storage opportunities in smaller, mainstream pieces with a well-worn look.

The post 13 things you should never, ever pass up at an op shop appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Many indoor plants fail to survive as a result of two main care blunders: overwatering, and providing either too little, or too much sunlight. So selecting a plant that needs hardly any light, and hardly any water will set you up for success. 

Another thing to consider is the ‘climate’ inside your home. Does it tend to get humid? Or, if you like to keep your air conditioner humming regularly, you may be better off selecting a plant that can tolerate a drier environment (or invest in a plant mister), creating a terrarium garden, or placing plants in the bathroom where water vapour will keep humidity-loving species happy.

Here, multi-award winning horticulturalist and landscape expert Charlie Albone shares five indoor plants that are virtually impossible to kill.

1. Mother-in-law’s tongue

“This is a hardy upright succulent that grows out in the garden as well as indoors,” Charlie says. With its vibrant green and yellow leaves they make great pot plants and are easy to propagate and easy to care for. Plant in free-draining soil and water occasionally.

2. Aspidistra (cast iron plant)

The nickname says it all! This hardy plant grows grow in shade under trees and shrubs. It’s also perfect for cooler indoor areas of your home with indirect sunlight. Its dark green leaves are slow-growing so you won’t need to give it much more room as time goes on. “You can only kill it with too much sun,” Charlie says.

3. Devils Ivy

Originating from tropical and temperate regions, this plant will thrive indoors in most climates. It grows well in full to partial shade outdoors. As indoor plants, they will do well in a brightly lit spot, however they will also grow in low-light conditions. “This is a great plant for indoor areas with low light such as bathrooms,” Charlie says.

4. Hen and chicken succulents

“Hen and chickens” is a common name for a group of small succulent plants, indicating a plant that possesses enlarged parts to store water, making them hardy and drought tolerant. “Make sure the soil is free draining and these will live forever,” Charlie says.

5. Indian Hawthorn

If you live near the beach, this is the perfect plant for you. This evergreen plant is virtually bulletproof and survives in all sorts of conditions. “A super hardy plant for full sun that can also take salty air,” Charlie says.

The post 5 plants that are (almost) impossible to kill appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While Sam herself has enjoyed many blissful escapes to her Hyams Beach property in recent years with Richard and her beloved late Labrador Retriever, Banjo, she’s also shared it with holiday goers, renting it for short-term stays on Airbnb for $1200 a night.

The beloved beach shack was on the market with a price guide of $3.2 million and went through a couple of agents, all while remaining available as a holiday rental.

Sam purchased the property, located on a pristine stretch of coastline right between Hyams Beach and Chinamans Beach in 2018 for $1.765 million and promptly refreshed the interiors, swapping out nautical decor for a chic, all-white colour palette. 

Before and after

Samantha Armytage isn’t the only Australian celebrity who has been drawn to Hyams Beach’s glorious white sand and salty sea air. INXS drummer Jon Farris once lived just doors down from Samantha’s weekender, while The Block judge Darren Palmer recently opened the doors to his Hyams Beach hideaway ‘Akora Cottage’.  

The NSW South Coast property isn’t Sam’s only waterfront abode—she also enjoys waterfront views at her property in Sydney’s Rushcutter’s Bay or retreat to her idyllic country home in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Tour Samantha Armytage’s Hyams Beach shack

To book a stay and try first-hand what a relaxing visit would be like, visit Latitude South Coast

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

The post Samantha Armytage’s idyllic Hyams Beach ‘shack’ is off the market appeared first on Home Beautiful.

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A post shared by Nagi & Dozer – RecipeTin Eats (@recipe_tin)

The news comes as Nagi’s second cookbook, Tonight: Dinners for every night of the week which is currently available to buy at Big W, is flying off the shelves.

About the property

‘Daybreak’, as the property is known, was built in c1883 and last sold in 2019 for $4.75 million.

Real estate listings show that the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is set on a 1550sqm block with a wrap-around sandstone verandah, a large swimming pool and an expansive, park-like garden.

Gazing upon the home’s romantic symmetrical facade, it’s clear that it was built according to the Victorian Gothic style, which favours ornate lace detailing, steeply pitched roofs, dormer windows and ornamental finials.

According to The Heritage of Hunters Hills Green Book, Daybreak was originally built for the Lenehan family, who called the property home until 1920. 

Prior to starting RecipeTin Eats, Nagi worked in corporate finance, a career she enjoyed but wasn’t particularly passionate about. It wasn’t long before the self-taught cook gave up her day job and put her life savings into pursuing something she really loved: cooking. In her website’s bio, she says her biggest inspiration was her upbringing. 

“Growing up, budget was tight and even though my mother worked full time, we dined like royalty because she was so creative in the kitchen. And this is why I know it’s possible to make great, fresh food even if you’re short on time and on a budget.” Nagi’s humble beginnings and love of food saw her found not-for-profit RecipeTin Meals in 2021, which produces up to 100,000 meals annually for Sydneysiders in need.

The post RecipeTin Eats founder to do $1m renovation on North Sydney mansion appeared first on Home Beautiful.

We’re looking for Christmas decorations that don’t assault the eyes or add chaos to your home, but fit right in while adding the right amount of Christmas joy. There’s a balance of natural tones and vibrant pops of colour across our best Christmas tree decorations, Christmas tables settings, wreaths and ornaments for the festive home. We love mixing new with old and hand-made decorations when getting ready for Christmas.

Big W has a habit of creating small collections of thoughtful Christmas decor that appeals to the eco-minded, junk-resisting home decorators among us, but who don’t want to break the bank. There’s plenty of tinsel out there, but there are plenty of options for the more conscious shopper as well. We’re rather focus on putting something special under the tree. Much of Big W’s Christmas collection is priced at $5 or below. And we can get behind ideas like making their decorations 100 percent glitter free. 

Last year, BIG W launched limited-edition First Nations Christmas decoration collections featuring traditional storytelling. Designed by artists from the Warlpiri and Kalkadooon communities, the range included limited-edition baubles, tree ornaments, candles, gift cards and stockings. There’s something very Australian about Christmas decor that also inspires us to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land by bringing their stories into our homes.

Here are the most covetable ideas from Big W’s Christmas range in 2024.

Big W’s Christmas Decorating Themes

There are many ways to go when decorating your house, and one fail-safe style hack is to pick a theme and run with it. Here are some reliable theme ideas for Christmas decorations.

• Classic refresh: An Australian twist on classic Christmas decorating, with hints of nature, Australian icons and summer style
• Seasonal simplicity: For those who love a timeless Christmas decor scheme, featuring earthy tones and wooden ornaments
• Nordic Yuletide: A collection featuring grey, copper and white tones. One for those dreaming of a white Christmas
• Mystical Merriment: Jewel tones, enchanting and whimsical ornaments the whole family will love.

Our top picks from Big W’s Christmas collection

01

Deluxe prelit woodland pine Christmas tree

$87-$228

No more entangling yourself in the jumble of Christmas lights up a ladder to make your tree shine! This Christmas tree has lights already installed, and comes with pine cones and extra needs to make it look more real and bushy. Yep, all your Christmases have come at once. It comes in different sizes ranging from 120cm to 240cm. Just add decorations. Or don’t!

Shop Now

02

Christmas character bon bons six pack

$20

Santa and his merry elves have arrived, and they’re sitting propped at your dining table ready to bring even more festive joy. In place of (noisy) Christmas crackers, these little bon bons – filled with the likes of puzzles, magic tricks, cards and yo-yos – are quietly opened, making them a perfect choice for audio sensitive members of the family, or for those who need a little more calm come Christmas day.

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03

Christmas fur tree skirt

$43.95

Ensure your tree looks as refined as possible by hiding the base with a plush tree skirt. At at a generous 78cm across, this fluffy design creates the perfect landing for a stack of gifts and also happens to resemble snow for that picture-perfect white Christmas look.

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04

Silvergum door wreath 

$52.51

There’s no place like home, especially when you’re greeted with this silvergum-look Christmas wreath or wall display. Adorn your front door with this simple, stylish 45cm wreath that has beautiful native bush vibes. It’s plastic, but it’s something to keep for a very long time, and use again year after year. The wreath is perfect to display as-is, or use it as a base for your own ornamentation. 

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05

Openook striped platter in green

$8

A platter that looks the part, festive wise, but can also be used year round? Ding dong. This festive platter is dishwasher safe (you’re welcome), microwave safe, and at 40cm long and 20cm wide it can hold a roast chicken or rolled roast pork, some crispy roast vegetables, or a bounty of bright cooked prawns in true Australian style.

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06

Christmas shaped cushion

$10

Simple Christmas decorations that hint to the theme without going too far are making a comeback. This soft star-shaped cushion adds a touch of festive to more minimalist homes this Christmas. The sheep-skin-look star cushion is 45cm across and is filled with recycled polyester.

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07

Wooden angel ornaments, 12 pieces

$70.31

Forget the partridge in the pear tree, these 12 wooden angles are all your true love should give you this year. Crafted from premium mango wood and measuring 11.5cm high, each angel is a beautiful piece to hang year after year.

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08

May Gibbs Christmas baubles four pack

$10.50

Add a touch of Australiana to your Christmas tree this year via May Gibbs’ classic illustrations of the gumnut babies and their friends. These nostalgic Christmas baubles are glitter free, and are just the thing to distract the kids from peeking into what’s under the tree this year.

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09

Givewrap Christmas charity wrapping paper, 6 rolls

$19.50

Feel generous and virtuous when you use this wrapping paper that keeps on giving. Half the profits of Givewrap paper is given to charities across Australia. This premium paper is 80gsm, plus it’s recyclable, and the six rolls are wrapped in biodegradable plastic.

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10

Sugarplum Fayre Christmas leaf garland

$6

This pretty rose gold leaf garland will elevate any room, adding that touch of sparkle without going full tinsel on the place. It’s made of plastic, but can be used again and again to add a pretty festive scene to the mantlepiece, the dining table, the Christmas tree. It’s 140cm long, so one can have a big impact for the price.

Shop Now

The post 10 must-have festive ideas to shop from Big W appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Maybe you’re scratching your head thinking: What architectural style is my home? Or maybe you just really love residential architecture and want to learn more. Then this quick guide to Australia’s most popular residential architectural styles – sorted from newest to oldest – is for you.

Most popular architectural styles in Australia

1. Contemporary

Company architect at Chateau Architects + Builders, Roderick McDonald, says that although contemporary Australian homes draw influence from a wide variety of design movements ranging from the traditional to the post-modern, they are also unique in that they are shaped by current trends and pop-culture. “The use of various materials, innovative features, free-form composition, large windows and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces define the contemporary aesthetic,” he says. An open-floor plan is another defining feature of the style. 

Within the broad banner of ‘contemporary’ homes are several subcategories worth noting, says Roderick. 

Coastal

“Coastal homes boast timeless styling with elegant and simple lines,” says Roderick. They tend to feature light and crisp colours, lightweight cladding and have a focus on natural materials and the end-product often feels soft, spacious and bright. 

Hamptons

Australia has taken Hamptons style – which has its origins in the US – and run with it, adapting the grand, traditional style to suit our own lifestyle and climate.  Hamptons homes tend to be large in scale with a seamless indoor outdoor connection, they will also have large windows to let in plenty of natural sunlight, crisp white walls and an interior colour scheme inspired by the coast (although the colourful Hamptons trend is also gaining traction).

Patterns, curtains, wainscoting, plantation shutters and oversized furniture complete the look. At its heart, the Hamptons look is “sophisticated, relaxed, timeless, airy and light,” says Indah Island interior designer Natalee Bowen. 

Postmodern

Postmodern homes tend to feature asymmetrical shapes and a playful use of bright colours, says Roderick. “Postmodern homes strive for a minimalist aesthetic while retaining elements reminiscent of historical styles.” 

Scandinavian

Scandinavian homes often feature high-pitched roofs, clean lines and light, timber interiors, says Roderick. “Australian interpretations of Scandinavian style incorporate bolder, darker colours externally, deviating slightly from the Nordic palette.”

Pavilion style

To spot a pavilion style home, look or a house with simple rectangular elements, a low-pitched skillion roof, large windows and open plan living areas, says Roderick. “Pavilion style homes create a spacious feel with strong connections to the outdoors,” he says.

Designer mixed materials

You may not have heard of a designer mixed materials home before, but it’s a style you’ve probably seen everywhere – including on The Block. Roderick says this style is defined by “confidently combining various materials from brick to steel and glass.” 

Australian vernacular style

Roderick has a particular fondness for Australian vernacular style. “Its use of locally sourced materials, dark corrugated iron steel cladding, rustic timber posts and beams, stone undercroft, generous glass, and raked ceilings create a harmonious blend,” he says.

In his time as an architect, Roderick says he has observed the rise of several contemporary home inclusions: 

• Curves and flowing spaces
• Dedicated studies and/or office spaces
• Wellness spaces, e.g. yoga, gyms and saunas
• Energy-efficient design and sustainable materials
• The use of low-VOC products
• Consideration of the entire life of the building and how the products used can be maintained, removed, disassembled and repurposed later.

Contemporary home trends

2. Federation Revival (1990s to 2000s) 

Visit any Sydney suburb that was developed in the 1990s to 2000s (such as Wetherill Park, Castle Hill or Menai) and you’ll find row after row of Federation revival homes. You know the ones. They have red or orange brick, pitched rooves topped with finials, bay windows and ornate gable work. Federation revival builds are also known as ‘mock Federation’ or ‘faux Federation’. 

3. Mid-century modern (1950s to 1970s) 

Mid-century modern homes typically feature organic shapes, clean lines, pared-back interiors and easy-to-live-in layouts. The fabrications are generally simple, such as concrete, timber, and steel. The most well-known architects working in this style in Australia were Robin Boyd (1919-1971) and Harry Seidler (1923-2006).

In The Conversation, Kristy Volz, lecturer in architecture at the Queensland University of Technology writes “Australian mid-century modern houses are unique with their pitched roofs in contrast to the flat roofs found in America and Europe. They introduced open plan living areas, a move away from a series of rooms connected by hallways.”

4. Art Deco (1940-1950)

This glam architecture style can be identified by geometric architectural or design elements, timber-veneer wall panelling, chevron patterns, parquet floors, stylised sunrise and floral patterns. Some art-deco buildings will also feature bands of brick, canopies or copings. This style usually paired blocky forms – arranged in geometric fashion, with curved ornamental elements and decorative motifs.

The Sydney suburbs of Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay are brimming with examples of Art Deco apartment buildings, including the Macleay Regis and The Winston on Victoria Street. 

5. Californian Bungalow (1915 to 1940)

In Australia, the Californian bungalow-style home was seen as a design that embraced a more informal and modern lifestyle. Design features typical to California Bungalows usually include a simple, single-level floorplan, front porch, sloping roof and verandah pylons.  In Australia, these homes are usually constructed from brick.

The Sydney suburb of Haberfield is home to many examples of quintessential Californian Bungalow houses.

6. Federation (from 1890 to 1915)

Federation, or as they’re sometimes known – Edwardian, homes usually have a red brick exterior and embellished wood detailing. Terracotta tiles or galvanised iron are often used on the roof of Federation homes, and decorative detailing such as stained glass or bay windows, pressed-metal ceilings, plaster ceiling-roses and cornices are seen within the homes. You will usually also see timber skirting boards and architraves.

7. Queenslander (1880s to 1930s)

Queenslander homes are perhaps the most recognisable residential architecture style in Australia. The distinctive style, which emerged decades before air-conditioners became commonplace, was largely a response to Queensland’s extreme climate, which can vary from hot, humid summers to heavy rains. 

Wide, wrap around verandahs protect the home’s interior from both sunlight and rain deluges and allow a cool cross breeze to enter via double hung windows. Timber was highly affordable and accessible at the turn of the 19th Century and the lightweight structure appealed to homebuilders who could easily adapt the floorplan to suit their needs. Raising the structure up off the ground and onto stumps allows cool air to circulate around the entire build.

Writing for The Conversation, Lindy Osborne, senior lecturer in architecture at the Queensland University of Technology says even Queenslander homes’ decorative elements have a purpose. “Battened screening and coloured glass provides privacy for occupants, while simultaneously directing breeze movement and/or reducing solar radiation.”

Stellar examples of original Queenslanders can be found in Brisbane suburbs including Paddington, Red Hill and Hawthorne. 

The family home featured in kids’ TV series Bluey, is a Queenslander.

Fun fact

8. Victorian (from 1840s to 1890s)

It’s hard to describe a singular, Victorian style of residential architecture as several design movements were developing side-by-side during this time. Of these styles, perhaps the most recognisably ‘Victorian’ homes are Victorian Italianate and Victorian Filigree homes. Victorian Italianate home tended to be quite grand in stature, and Rippon Lea in Victoria’s Elsternwick is a prime example. 

Victorian Filigree style, on the other hand, can be seen in many of the terrace homes in Sydney’s inner-suburbs including Glebe, and Melbourne’s Carlton. 

To spot a Victorian-era home, look for features such as cast-iron lacework, ornamental brick facades made from evenly-sized blocks, embellished ceilings or mouldings, decorative plaster ceilings, fireplaces, turned-timber balustrades on staircases, non-religious stained glass and ornamental features on the roof.

The post How to identify the architectural style of your house appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning something traditional, like a glazed ham or roast turkey, or want to mix it up with whole roasted cauliflower or baked salmon, there’s something here to suit everybody’s tastebuds.

Christmas mains

Choosing a Christmas main course really comes down to whether you’re a stickler for tradition or want to try something a little lighter and a little less meat-centric. Will you be making ham again as tradition dictates, or will you branch out with a succulent pork roast, or perhaps go totally rogue by serving whole roast cauliflower or sticky baked salmon? The choice is yours.

Ham recipes

Ham’s versatility makes it an Aussie favourite at Christmastime. You can either make it on the day, or make it ahead of time and enjoy it cold, mixed through a salad or served with crusty bread, dips, cheese and salad. The beauty of ham is that it’s relatively hard to mess up – it’s quite forgiving and difficult to overcook. It’s also important to store ham correctly to ensure the leftovers last as long as possible. To keep ham on the bone, wrap it in a seasoned cloth and place it in the coldest part of the fridge where it can last up to 2 weeks. For even more longevity, cut the ham into pieces and store it in an airtight container in the freezer (where it can last up to a month). 

01

Pear, Cinnamon & Clove Caramel Glazed Ham recipe

Make a celebratory statement with this show-stopping glazed ham recipe flavoured with pear, cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for Christmas lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe

02

Ginger and lime glazed ham

Combine ginger beer, fresh ginger and marmalade to make a quick and tasty glaze. This recipe also contains tips on how to store your ham correctly so it lasts as long as possible!

Get the recipe

Turkey recipes

Roast turkey is a classic, quintessential Christmas dish that dates back all the way to the 1500s. It may not be as popular as ham but it’s still a top seller. Because turkey is a relatively lean meat it’s important to periodically baste it in pan juices to prevent it from drying out. Traditional roast turkey is commonly served with cranberry sauce, roasted or mashed potatoes and steamed greens. 

03

Roast turkey with lemon, cranberry and thyme stuffing

Nothing screams Christmas dinner quite like a magnificent roast turkey in the centre of the table. This recipe features a crowd-pleasing stuffing made from lemon, cranberry and thyme, the fragrance of which will permeate your entire home as it cooks.

Get the recipe

04

Turkey, chicken & cranberry terrine

It doesn’t get much better than turkey, wrapped in bacon! This tantalising celebration centrepiece will feed a crowd.

Get the recipe

Pork recipes

The secret to a cracking Christmas? Serve roast pork. Crackling off the top of the roast pork can create more competition at the dinner table than even the most expensive pack of bonbons. To get the perfect crackling, dry out the fat as much as possible either by patting it with a paper towel or by storing it in the fridge uncovered for at least four hours or, if time allows, overnight. Apply plenty of salt to the fat before placing it in the oven.

05

Roast leg of pork with crunchy stuffing & apple gravy

Is it really Christmas Day if there isn’t a fight over the last piece of pork crackling? This classic recipe contains detailed instructions to ensure your crackling turns out crispy and crunchy. There’s even extra crispy bits, in the form of crunchy stuffing balls made from apple, breadcrumbs, walnuts and sage.

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06

Rolled roast pork loin with apple and thyme

Served with roast potatoes and a simple salad, this elegant take on a classic roast pork recipe makes for easy preparation and around half the cooking time, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the day.

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07

Roast pork with leek & walnut seasoned stuffing

This festive main will definitely lure your dinner guests to the table. The stuffing, which is made by gently sweating leek with speck, walnuts and breadcrumbs gives this pork roast a delicate, mouth-watering flavour.

Get the recipe

Seafood recipes

Getting the whole family together is a good excuse to go out and enjoy the freshest seafood you can get your hands on. Everything from prawns to freshly shucked oysters are a real Christmas treat. Planning to trek down to the fish market ahead of Christmas Day? Check out these tips for buying the freshest possible seafood.

08

Quick baked salmon with orange, dill and pistachio kernels

Served with a sweet sauce, which heroes the citrus tang of orange and the taste of dill, this delicious baked salmon has a scattering of crunchy pistachios on top. It takes less than an hour to make so it’s the perfect dish for busy festive celebrations.

Get the recipe

09

Puttanesca-style salmon traybake

This salmon tray bake has all the hallmarks of an ideal dish for Christmas Day – simple yet impressive and enough to feed a crowd. Taken from Ottolenghi’s book Comfort, it’s bursting with punchy flavour and has an element that can be made ahead.

Get the recipe

10

Garlic prawns in butter, chilli & parsley

The secret to nailing this recipe is in the prawns. Select small, sweet school prawns so that once they’re cooked you can eat the soft shells and tails. No peeling required!

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11

Honey soy marinated whole baked salmon

Salmon is at its peak in Australia in late autumn to early spring, but this succulent whole baked salmon recipe can be enjoyed any time of year. Serve to family and friends on a statement platter to form the centrepiece at a special celebration or gathering.

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12

Coriander-seed, honey and lime roasted salmon

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to a glazed ham this year, try this sticky, spicy whole baked salmon. A sauce made from crushed garlic, tamari (or soy sauce) and sriarcha give this delicate fish lashings of flavour.

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13

Dressed oysters with radish & cucumber salad

Fresh oysters always go down a treat on Christmas Day. This recipe doesn’t overpower the natural flavours of the oyster, but enhances them with a touch of vinegar and garlic which is then topped with crunchy cucumber, celery and radish.

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Vegetarian

According to Roy Morgan research, almost 2.5 million Australians are vegetarian or mostly eat vegetarian food. That’s a lot of people! Keep meat out of your Christmas main by embracing hearty salads and one versatile vegetable in particular: cauliflower. It carves just like any other traditional roast and is just as delicious.

14

Whole roasted spiced cauliflower

Cauliflower is such an amazing all-rounder. Not only is it budget-friendly, it’s also quite hearty when roasted whole. It makes an ideal centrepiece for a meat-free Christmas, and it’s sure to be so popular you might want to roast not one, but two, whole cauliflowers!

Get the recipe

Christmas sides

Ok, so the mains have been decided. Now it’s time to rally together the supporting cast of salads and vegies. With temperatures soaring in December, nothing quite beats a refreshing summer salad – or the tangy burst of freshly harvested heirloom tomatoes treated simply with a drizzle of high quality olive oil or vinaigrette. Other options include roast vegies such as potatoes or carrots to round out the meal.

15

Roasted cauliflower, haloumi and zucchini salad

Slow-roasted cauliflower and gently seared vegetables, including zucchini and asparagus, shine in this vegetarian salad which can be served either as a light meal or side.

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16

Potato, squash & pumpkin gratin

A potato bake is always a winner and is sure to please the troops on Christmas Day. This one adds squash and pumpkin for extra goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food that is perfect paired with a meat dish such as turkey or ham.

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17

Perfectly roasted gin and orange carrots

Pair your main with this dish, which combines carrots with the rich flavours of orange wedges, butter, honey and a good splash of gin. Use heirloom carrots to elevate the dish to the next level for Christmas.

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18

Crispy roast potatoes

Cook the perfect, crunchy roast potatoes with our recipe for crispy, salt and vinegar roast potatoes.

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19

Brown butter carrots with walnuts & cauliflower sauce

Sweet carrots are an excellent side dish to freshen the palette after consuming Christmas’s heavier mains. The perfect accompaniment to roast chicken, pork, turkey or ham.

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20

Heirloom tomato salad with grilled zucchini

We love heirloom tomatoes! Considered by many as the best tomatoes for growing, this simple and wholesome salad recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the lush flavour of homegrown and a level up from eating them simply with a sprinkle of salt straight from the garden.

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Christmas desserts

A showstopping Christmas dessert is always a good idea. And the best place to start is by letting seasonal fruit inspire you: fresh berries, cherries, mangoes, passionfruit, watermelon and lemons are all at their best in December. Bake them in a pie, place them atop a pavlova or sneak them into the layers of a decadent trifle. Or, keep it simple and serve a glorious fruit salad with a side of custard. The perfect palate cleanser to chase down a hearty roast.

21

Red plum and blackberry pie

This pie, featuring a vermillion pairing of juicy plums and blackberries, will sweetly round off any dinner party or special occasion meal.

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22

Cassata ice-cream sandwiches

This beautiful recipe for ice-cream sandwiches with a twist is so pretty, it’ll make a show-stopping centrepiece for a festive feast.

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23

Eton-mess cheesecake

Celebrating berries, meringue and sweet cream cheese, it’s the perfect pudding to serve at a party.

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Cherry Christmas desserts

24

Gluten-free cherry meringue pie

Light-as-air meringue tops a tart cherry filling and crunchy cookie crust.

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25

Cherry custard tart

Cherries and custard are both Christmas staples. Bring them together in this tart featuring a crumbly, pastry base. Making this dessert is a labour of love that will be rewarded with empty plates and happy tummies.

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26

Pink lady apple and cherry pie

This sweet pink lady apple and cherry pie uses frozen cherries, so it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed all year round (and not just at Christmas).

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Christmas wreath desserts

Want to take Christmas dessert to the next level? Make it wreath-shaped! For these desserts, a bundt tin is your best friend – perfect for cakes, sweet breads and even jelly. Pavlova is another dessert that can be adapted into a wreath shape, simply dollop the meringue onto some baking paper in a circle before baking it and voila!

27

Biscoff swirl bundt cake

Embrace the Biscoff trend and serve up this Biscoff bundt cake as the finale to your festive feast. Layered with crushed Biscoff, it’s served with Biscoff spread. Divine!

Get the recipe

28

Stollen wreath cake

Once baked and dusted with icing sugar, this Christmas wreath cake will look incredible in the centre of the table – and will surely complement other seasonal sweets including pavlova or a trifle.

Get the recipe

29

Pavlova wreath

Pavlova is the ultimate Christmas dessert, and this beautiful, wreath-shaped recipe deserves a spot right in the centre of the table.

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Pavlova recipes

A classic pavlova is the ultimate Australian Christmas dessert. The delicate base is the perfect vehicle for all kinds of fruits and toppings, so you can really customise it to suit your family’s tastes. One way to mix up the classic dessert is to put cherries on top – literally! And why not take it a step further by giving it an all-round black forest flair?

30

White chocolate pavlova

Looking to feed a crowd? This double-decker pavlova will please everyone with the addition of liqueur-marinated strawberries and a dusting of grated white chocolate. Pile it high for a show-stopping centrepiece.

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31

Black forest pavlova

In this fun on a traditional pavlova recipe, more-ish cherry syrup oozes its way down soft meringue peaks, melding with the rich flavours of dark chocolate and whipped cream to form the most decadent festive dessert.

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Trifle recipes

Nothing grabs more attention on the Christmas table quite like a perfectly layered trifle. In a clear trifle dish, it’s a dessert that commands attention and invites you to delve into its layers to indulge in a journey of goodness. Just be sure to dip that spoon all the way to the bottom to enjoy the naughty-but-nice liqueur-laced cake.

32

Rosé & vanilla zabaglione trifle recipe

This decadent trifle is sure to impress! And while the recipe does contain alcohol (in the form of botritys, or dessert wine) and rose jelly, these can easily be swapped out for milk and raspberry jelly crystals to create a completely child-friendly version.

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33

Limoncello sponge finger trifle recipe

A quintessentially Australian celebration dish, mastering this simple trifle recipe will give you a crowd-pleasing dessert that makes an impressive centrepiece.

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34

Grilled fruit trifle with panettone

The magic of this easy-to-make trifle is all in the assemblage. There’s no waiting for jelly to set or baking sponge cake from scratch. Simply douse panettone in Cointreau and layer in grilled peaches and generous dollops of mascarpone.

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Christmas nibbles

When the whole family is in town, there’s no shortage of mouths to feed. Keep tummies full between main meals with a selection of fuss-free yet incredibly tasty nibblies.

35

Pork scratchings with spiced apple sauce

Can’t get enough of pork crackling? Make your own (without having to do an entire roast) with this crispy, crunchy snack recipe.

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36

Grazing platter

One way to quickly and easily feed a crowd is by creating a cheese platter or grazing board. This lets everyone choose exactly what they want, and allows you to step away from the stove and kick back with a slice of cheese and a glass of vino. It’s a win-win.

Get the recipe

37

Fig and almond pastries

Portable snacks are a must at Christmas time, especially to refuel those backyard cricketers. Pile these sweet pastry parcels on a platter on the back deck and watch them disappear, demolished by ravenous kids in seconds.

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38

Smoked salmon blinis with whipped ricotta and chives

Blinis are a staple party starter for a reason. Made by topping tiny pancakes with tasty morsels, they can be delicately held in one hand and eaten easily in one bite. 

Get the recipe

39

Almond brittle truffles

Sugared almonds are often shared during celebratory events. This recipe takes the old classic and turns them into a decadent truffle you can share as a take-home gift to your guests (or simply as an accompaniment to an after-dinner coffee).

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Christmas cocktails

Don’t forget a drink to get you through it all. Christmas is a joy, but some parts of it can be stressful (particularly if you’re hosting!) An icy cold, Christmas-inspired tipple will go down a treat.

40

Frozen Cherry Christmas cocktail

This very cherry cocktail is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season. The key is to select good quality cherry cordial (Australian-owned Billson’s Cherry Cordial is a great option). Finally, don’t forget to garnish with a fresh cherry and pomegranate seeds.

Get the recipe

The post 40 Christmas recipes to inspire a memorable festive feast appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Cleaning floors isn’t exactly rocket science, but the last frontier that wet floor cleaners such as Dyson’s Wash G1 aim to conquer is the business of washing away spills and solids in one hit. It sounds oddly specific, but if you’re a passionate (read: messy) cook, have small children or indoor pets, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Take, for example, the feeding of a baby. At the conclusion of every meal, there’s a mess on the floor to contend with. It could be saucy spaghetti strands, sticky rice (that stuff spreads) or steamed pumpkin. You really don’t have much choice but to get down on your hands and knees and pick up the solids one-by-one before hauling out the mop and bucket to finish the job. Until now. Dyson’s Wash G1 is designed to pick up both wet and dry messes and wash your floors at the same time – all without using suction.

Explaining how this works isn’t easy, but I’ll give it my best shot. The cleaning head basically has two microfibre rollers that spin in opposite directions to pick up debris as they mop and polish your floors. Meanwhile, clean water flows into the head and across the rollers while dirty water is simultaneously extracted and stored in its own designated tank. Solid debris is also filtered into its own tray that can be emptied into a bin at the conclusion of each clean. But does it really work? Is it really worth the $999 price tag? Dyson graciously lent me a review model so I could put it to the test in my own home on my own timber and tile floors. Here’s what I think. 

What’s so special about the Dyson Wash G1?

Hard floor cleaners, or wet floor cleaners, are designed to make cleaning your floors a breeze. The Dyson Wash G1 essentially does the job of a vacuum cleaner (albeit without suction) and a mop in one, with the added advantage of being able to pick up chunks of food and debris like pasta, peas or pet kibble, which would normally have to be picked up manually prior to mopping. Hard floor cleaners also have a motor that ‘drives’ the device as you use it, allowing the head to glide along the floor with little physical effort from the user.

How to use the Dyson Wash G1

1. Fill the clean water tank with water. Optional: add a low suds detergent to the water. 
2. Turn on the machine and use the onboard screen to adjust the amount of water used. 
3. Watch as messes are cleaned up right before your eyes. 
4. Once cleaning is complete, place the machine back on the charging dock. 
5. Empty the dirty water reservoir and refill the clean water reservoir. Replace back into the machine.
6. Select ‘Self clean’ cycle. Empty and rinse the debris tray.
7. Every few uses, check the rollers for debris and wash if necessary.

Results from our test

I fell hard and fast for the Wash G1 once I had it out of the box and set up. It took away a pinch point that had been bothering me for such a long time: post-toddler mealtime clean ups. Now, our family could simply enjoy meals together, no matter how messy things got. Toddler’s ‘yeeted’ (slang for throwing an object with force) an entire bowl of spaghetti on the floor? No worries. Accidentally knocked a cup of milk over while getting brekkie ready? No worries. I can’t stress enough how liberating it is to not have to worry about my floors, or wrecking my knees kneeling under the table picking up food scraps.

The ease of use extended to cleaning large swathes of my home. I promptly set about cleaning the tiled floors downstairs. It probably took me less than 15 minutes to cover the kitchen, dining and living zone. It was a breeze, but I noted some small dried-on stains on the tiles that just did not budge despite setting the machine to the highest water level. If I was using a spin mop or a flat mop, a bit of elbow grease would have made quick work of these spots, but you can’t apply any extra force with the Wash G1. It just doesn’t work like that.

Then it was time to do upstairs. Weighing in at just under 5kgs, this machine isn’t exactly heavy, but it is cumbersome to lug up the stairs. However, once I got it up there, it made light work of the bedrooms and bathroom. I’d washed and dried my hair that morning, so it had its work cut out picking up loose strands. It did eventually capture the bob-length hairs, but it did take three to five sweeps to do so. To clean the floors upstairs and downstairs required about three water changes.

Once finished, I lugged it back down the stairs. I am a domestic goddess, I thought, marvelling at my sparkling floors. As I placed the machine back on the dock, it prompted me to initiate the self-cleaning function. I’ll get to that later, I told myself. Big mistake.

Everything was fine and dandy, and I was pretty much a convert. I must admit, the next morning did I wake up to a very sore arm – turns out doing the entire house is a workout even if it feels like the machine is driving itself across the floor. I found myself actually getting excited about mess on the floor. Oh yes, another chance to whip out the Wash G1. That entire first week, I reached for it over my trusty stick vac and spin mop. I got so caught up in the joy of the appliance that I made one grave, grave error: not emptying the debris tray and not running the self-cleaning function. But more on this later …

How does the Dyson Wash G1 compare to other hard floor cleaning methods?

As much as I love the Wash G1, it won’t replace your vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket or even your flat mop – despite what the marketing materials suggest. Why? Because these old fashioned floor cleaning methods are affordable, multipurpose (you can clean skirting boards, kitchen cupboards and walls with a spin mop, for example), cheap to buy and, most importantly, easy to clean.

Who will love the Dyson Wash G1?

I’m not convinced that the Dyson Wash G1 will satisfy those who already clean their floors using an old-fashioned mop and bucket. I believe those who usually reach for a flat mop or a steam mop are the most likely to enjoy the Wash G1, simply because it offers the same kind of convenience, manoeuvrability and cleaning power. The Wash G1 is also likely to appeal to those with hybrid, vinyl or wood floors, as the machine uses just the right amount of water to get your floors clean without saturating them, and the quick-dry means a perfect, streak-free finish every time. 

But the group who will love this appliance the most? Parents and pet-parents. Cleaning up after messy meal-times, and tidying up spills and little accidents, is a breeze with the Dyson Wash G1. 

I have a confession to make…

Okay, so the glossy brochure part of this review is officially over. Now let’s get down and dirty – literally. After a week of gloriously slurping up messes effort free, I began to get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Those ‘self-cleaning’ prompts? I’d ignored them one too many times. Why? Well, I was in a  rush to tidy up the kitchen and then make a start on bath and bedtime. Also, the clean tank was empty (or was the dirty tank full?) and it just wasn’t convenient to empty and refill the canisters then and there and well… life happened. Anyway, so there I was, entering the garage where I keep all my cleaning supplies and I noticed it. The smell. And it was coming from the Wash G1. 

What happens when food scraps, spilt milk and stagnant water are left to sit in a dark corner where, let’s be real, air doesn’t circulate? I’m sure you can guess. I know, I know, this was 100 per cent my fault, but I’m including this embarrassing slip-up in my review because I believe the type of person this appliance was designed for – i.e. busy people – could easily make the same mistake. Plus, the wash-up that ensued was nothing short of horrific. 

Dyson recommend emptying the clean and dirty water tanks after each clean to avoid stagnant water. They also recommend initiating the ‘self-cleaning’ cycle after each use. The rollers, brushes and base of the charging dock should also be cleaned and dried once a week.

What I should have done

Cleaning the Dyson Wash G1

Before attempting to clean the Wash G1, I watched a series of soothing how-to videos on Dyson’s website. This’ll be a piece of cake, I told myself. Here’s my first person account of cleaning the unit…

Cleaning the debris tray

First I had to slide out the debris tray. It almost sounds quaint, debris tray. But what was inside was more akin to primordial slime than debris. I couldn’t just tap the contents into a bin as I’d imagined, I had to scrape off the smelly grey sludge and scrub every nook and cranny with a detergent-laden brush. 

Cleaning the rollers

Then came the microfibre rollers. Initially I rinsed them, added a touch of gentle laundry detergent and shampooed them thoroughly. I rinsed again. But upon lifting the roller to my nose, I couldn’t deny that the distinct smell of sour milk was still there. So I popped them in a bucket of Napisan for 30 minutes before rinsing them clean again. Thankfully this removed the odour.

Cleaning the brushes

And then it was time to turn my efforts to the machine itself. I wiped down the base of the machine (where all of the rollers and brushes attach) first with a damp cloth and a slosh of white vinegar (I was desperate to eliminate the odour). Then I wiped it down with a damp cloth and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Then I hand-washed the water canisters and hand dried them before refilling the clean tank and placing it back on the machine. All in all, there were over ten different parts that needed to be pulled apart, hand washed, air-dried and reassembled.  

Drying the rollers

It’s also worth noting that the rollers take a long time to dry. It’s winter now, so the weather isn’t exactly in my favour, but I put the rollers outside at 12pm on an overcast day and they still weren’t completely dry by 4pm the following day. I don’t see this being an issue in summer but, because they cannot be tumbled dried, if you’re planning to use this appliance regularly, you may want to purchase an additional set of rollers.

Overall, is the Dyson Wash G1 worth it?

The biggest advantage that the Dyson Wash G1 has over old-fashioned floor cleaning methods is that, if there’s a mess, it’s just so convenient to grab, clean up and move on with your life. The floor also dries super quickly, which is important if you have young kids running around. If you have young children or messy pets, you may find this appliance well worth the price tag.

But, and there’s a big but, I believe any time saved using this appliance is used up again every time you have to pull it apart to wash and maintain it. The entire cleaning process – which Dyson recommend undertaking once a week – took me about 30 minutes (not including time for air-drying) and the whole time I couldn’t help but think: I should have just gotten down on my hands and knees and picked up the mess myself.

Where to buy the Dyson Wash G1

• Dyson, $999 (and when you buy directly from Dyson you’ll also receive two additional rollers valued at $49, for free)
• The Good Guys, $999
• David Jones, $999

More floor cleaning tips

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The post Is the Dyson Wash G1 really a game changer? Here’s my honest take appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Unlike renovating or painting, which can be costly and difficult to DIY, investing in fresh furniture is a renter-friendly, versatile and affordable way to completely transform the look and feel of your home. And while there is fun to be had hunting for upcycling projects on the second-hand market, if you’re looking for a specific furniture item, then shopping for furniture during Black Friday, aka the biggest sale event of the year, is the best way to get exactly what you want, without paying full retail price. 

The best part? You might not actually have to wait until Black Friday officially starts to begin nabbing deals left, right and centre. Last year, Temple & Webster began slashing prices on their extensive furniture range weeks before Black Friday began, while Ecosa also started sales early.

So, if this year is going to be anything like year’s previous, you might want to know which stores you should be keeping an eye on. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the best furniture sale deals to shop and keep an eye on this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Best Black Friday furniture sales deals you can shop now

01

Castlery

Save up to $550

This year, you can save up to $550 off storewide if you sign up to the Castlery Club. It’s hard to choose just one furniture item from Castlery because they’re all so stylish, but that’s a good thing, considering you’ll save more the more you add to cart! We’re lusting after the current outdoor range, including the Malta outdoor lounge chair and Rio outdoor teak 2 chaise lounges and side table.

The details: Up to $550 off

When: 11 November 2024 to 9 December 2024

Shop Now

02

Temple and Webster

Save up to 50%

This year, Temple and Webster isn’t limiting their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to a single weekend and expanded the 50% off sales to last an entire month. Whether you need a new bed base, outdoor sofa or office chair, you can guarantee that you will find one you love here.

The details: Up to 50% off furniture, beds, mattresses, lighting, decor and more.

When: On sale now

Shop Now

03

Ecosa

Save up to 35%

This year, online furniture and mattress retailer Ecosa is slashing up to 35% off their entire range.

This means that if you need to upgrade your mattress, your bed frame, or fill that empty corner in your lounge room with a comfy but stylish single sofa bed, such as the Sydney armchair sofa bed, it’s time to do.

The details: Save up to 35% on mattresses, sofa beds, pillows, bedding, sleep accessories

When: On sale now

Shop Now

04

Freedom

Save up to 30%

Freedom’s Blackout sale has started early, with the chance to get up to 30% off selected furniture already here. This year, we’re also hoping to get a deal on Freedom’s outdoor furniture collection.

The details: Up to 30% off

When: On sale now

Shop Now

04

Bed Threads

20% on everything and up to 35% on Bedding Bundles

The beloved bedding brand launched their furniture collection last year and we can’t wait to get our hands on their stunning range again this sale season. Pieces we’re eyeing out? The Classic Linen Bedhead and the Rattan Bedside Table.

 The details: 20% on everything and up to 35% on Bedding Bundles

When: On sale now

Shop Now

05

Lounge Lovers

Save between 20 – 60% storewide

The sofa is one of the first places guests notice when they enter your house – so is it time to give your threadbare sofa the flick? Upgrade it with a soft, durable and well-made one from Lounge Lovers, who are slashing between 20% and 60% off their items. This year, we’re eyeing off their Hampton left chaise lounge and their clever happy armchair sofa bed.

The details: Save between 20 – 60% storewide

When: On sale now

Shop Now

06

B2C Furniture

Save up to 65%

This year, you can save up to 65% on B2C Furniture’s entire range. This year, we’re eyeing the gentle curves of the Villa Natural Hardwood Dining set which can be extended to seat up to seven people. It’s currently $2962 (was $4558).

The details: Save up to 65%

When: On sale now

Shop Now

07

Mocka

Save up to 50%

Mocka has started their pre-Black Friday sale by slashing prices by up to 50%. While Mocka offers something for everyone, the brand are well known for their nursery and kids’ furniture, including the Kids Cottage Kitchen which would make the perfect Christmas gift.

The details: Save up to 50%

When: On sale now

Shop Now

08

RJ Living

Save between 20 – 40%

Design-led furniture brand RJ Living are slashing between 20 and 40% their furniture range. This year, we’re eyeing off their gorgeous stretch four seater open chaise sofa in Corduroy Forest and their cute Bonnie And Neil collection.

The details: Save between 20 – 40%

When: On sale now

Shop Now

Last year’s Black Friday furniture sales we’re watching out for in 2024

01

Eva

Did you know bedding brand Eva have an award-winning furniture collection? Last Black Friday and Cyber Monday there were plenty of savings to be made across the range, including up to $250 off their cult Everyday Sofa.

 The details: TBC

When: TBC

Shop Now

02

Kmart

Just when you thought Kmart’s prices couldn’t possibly be cheaper, they go ahead and announce their Black Friday sale is coming. We don’t know what products will be on sale but we’ll certainly be checking back to find out.

The details: TBC

When: TBC

Shop Now

10

Ikea

Black Friday sales are coming to IKEA, and if you’ve had your eye on something, now’s the time to get online and add it to your cart. Last year, all home furnishing products were slashed by 15%.

The details: TBC

When: TBC

Shop Now

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is an annual retail sale that started in the United States. The sale is known for its huge discounts and generally marks the beginning of festive season shopping.

These days, Black Friday sales take place all around the world, including Australia, where many of our favourite retailers significantly mark down their products.

What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is a big online shopping sale that takes place the first Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States.

While Black Friday sale generally take place both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, Cyber Monday is focused on online sales (although this doesn’t mean you can’t get Cyber Monday deals in store as well).

When can I take advantage of these furniture sales?

This year, Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November 2024, and continues on until Cyber Monday which falls on 02 December 2024. 

The post Revamp your home with the best Black Friday furniture sales appeared first on Home Beautiful.

This year, there are plenty of different Christmas decor styles to choose from, with Kmart dividing the collection into four themes consisting of Traditional Cheer, Festive Fun Novelty, Seasonal Sparkle and Natural Nostalgia. From Christmas pudding hand towels to foliage napkin rings and woven decorations, you’ll be hard pressed not to add something to your Christmas collection.

Here, we’ve rounded up eight of the best pieces of Christmas decor from Kmart that are elegant, affordable and a little bit fun.

Related: 9 Target Christmas decorations we’re adding to cart this year

Best Kmart Christmas decorations

01

6 traditional foliage stemless glasses

$14

With their cute Christmas foliage print, these stemless glasses are an easy way to bring a festive element to your next Christmas gathering.

Shop Now

02

Sage green fringed placemat

$3.50 

These fringed placemats bring the rattan styling trend and a touch of festive green onto your Christmas table without the need to spend a fortune.

Shop Now

03

4 pack foliage napkin rings

$5

Embrace the elegance of napkin rings with these pretty Christmas foliage versions from Kmart.

Shop Now

04

Paper rope decoration

$2 each

With their woven texture and bright white shade, these sweet Christmas tree decorations are ideal for coastal interiors and fans of more minimalist Christmas decor.

Shop Now

05

2 pack cotton pudding hand towels

$7

Bring some Christmas cheer into your bathroom with these festive hand towels, which are subtle enough not to overwhelm your space while still embracing Christmas shades.

Shop Now

06

Cotton santa sack

$5

Featuring a nostalgic print, this cotton Santa sack can be used as decoration under the tree and for handing out Secret Santa presents on the big day.

Shop Now

07

Gold look wavy edge charger plate

$1.75

For less than $2, this wavy gold plate is perfect for dishing out all of your favourite Christmas recipes.

Shop Now

08

Festive coverlet set

$40

Bring a little Christmas spirit into your bedroom or brighten up the guest room with this cute Christmas coverlet set.

Shop Now

The post 8 Kmart Christmas decorations we’re buying in 2024 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Best Target Christmas decorations to shop

01

Battery operated LED light-up white decoration (assorted)

$5 each

These sweet light-up Christmas ornaments will bring a little traditional Scandinavian Christmas magic into your home. The battery-operated LED light is also a safer alternative to candles.

Shop Now

02

Traditional foliage tablecloth

$10

With its fun Australian Christmas plants pattern, this pretty tablecloth will instantly bring a sense of Christmas cheer to your table. Complete the look with your favourite placemats, as well as red and green table decor.

Shop Now

03

Battery-operated light-up green wreath

$12

With 20 warm white LED lights and its fluffy faux foliage, this affordable Christmas wreath is just as stylish as more expensive varieties.

Shop Now

04

Christmas basket with printed liner

$8

With its traditional green and red check design, this Christmas basket is bound to come in handy in the lead-up to Christmas day. Whether it’s collecting presents under the tree or holding decor on the sideboard, it’s a cute and practical purchase.

Shop Now

05

Glowing festive scene Christmas spice candle

$15

With notes of apple, clove, cinnamon and vanilla and a fun Christmas print, this Christmas candle doesn’t just bring the smell of Christmas into your home, it works as a piece of stylish decor as well.

Shop Now

06

Battery-operated light-up green Christmas garland

$12

This elegant Christmas garland is perfect to hang along your mantlepiece or use as a piece of table decor come Christmas day.

Shop Now

07

Battery-operated light-up village (assorted)

$10

With their stylish wood material, these light-up villages are an easy way to lean into the more fun elements of Christmas decorating without it feeling too kitsch.

Shop Now

08

Letter H stocking (assorted)

$15

Whether you hang them from the mantel, the bannister or even a bookcase, Christmas stockings are a must. Ensure each family receives the correct loot by investing in a matching set of stockings embroidered with each person’s respective initial. 

Shop Now

09

100-pack luxury Christmas decorations

$12

If you’re looking to upgrade your Christmas tree decorations, you can’t go wrong with this elegant selection of silver and gold baubles —ideal to start your decorations collection or to add to your existing one.

Shop Now

Still looking for affordable Christmas decorations to complete your collection this year? Check out our fave picks from Big W’s Christmas decorations and Kmart’s Christmas decorations.

The post 9 Target Christmas decorations we’re adding to cart this year appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But anyone who has been a fan of Josh and Jenna since they first appeared, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, as contestants on The Block in 2011, would know that they have a knack for seeing potential in houses that no one else would dare to touch. 

Take their former home, Canning Cottage in inner-Melbourne, which eventually went on to win ‘Best Residential Design’ at the Australian Interior Design Awards in 2018. Before the pair worked their magic on that property, it was nothing but a tiny, badly updated, heritage-listed house with a shonky rear extension.

The move: From inner Melbourne to regional Victoria

Canning Cottage was always supposed to be the family’s forever home, but in late 2021, after months of lockdowns and separation from family, Josh and Jenna began entertaining the idea of going back to their roots and moving to the country. 

“We didn’t have a support network and the things we once loved about city life had really lost meaning,” says Jenna. That was when Josh spotted the Rutherglen homestead for sale on Facebook Marketplace. “We were first drawn to the property and from there we fell in love with the historic wine region, the food, the people and the beauty.”

Here, we track the renovation of their Rutherglen home, which was nicknamed ‘The Castle’ by the couple’s daughter Fred. “When we first drove up to the property, it had two tall brick chimneys sticking up into the air, with no roof! Its also perched up on a hill overlooking Rutherglen, so it had the presence of a castle,” says Jenna.

Finding Rutherglen homestead

“Did you know we purchased this home on Facebook Marketplace?” Josh and Jenna shared on Instagram. “It was during that time we’d prefer to forget, between lockdowns, when we were visiting our family. Josh had found a listing for an old home with no roof on Facebook, and I instantly disregarded it! However, we found ourselves at a nearby winery and decided to do a little drive-by for fun.”

After seeing it for themselves, they fell in love and arranged a viewing the next day on their way back to Melbourne. They put in an offer and the rest is history!

Josh and Jenna’s Rutherglen home renovation so far

Phase one: The ‘Shouse’

Josh and Jenna, who operate Plan Proofing, a design and renovation consulting service, knew that time was of the essence. They submitted their plans, permits and trades for the home during the settlement period. “By the time we moved up [to Rutherglen] things were moving fast!” says Jenna. 

Because the home wasn’t in liveable condition, however, the family first needed to take up residence in a large shed on the property, which Josh and Jenna also transformed into a gorgeous family home. 

“Shed life won’t be so bad. We’ve definitely lived in worse!” wrote Jenna on Instagram when they moved into the shed house in December 2021.

Phase two: The Castle house restoration

By November 2022, renovations of The Castle were well underway. “We are making great progress on the old home,” says Jenna before shooting off a list of all the jobs they’d already managed to tick off their to-do list: “We currently have a brand new shiny galvanised iron roof and bullnose verandah, all new timber double-glazed windows, internal base flooring down and the decking is starting this week!” 

Jenna says one of the reasons they were able to progress with the updates so quickly is because the home was in such great structural condition. 

“Someone knew how to build back in the late 1800s. We had to rip up old floorboards as they were rotten and damaged in areas. Lucky for us, the sub floor was all red gum which was in as good condition as the day it was laid.”

The family had also adjusted to country living, with gusto. “The space we have here is really freeing. The chickens, our family, the vegie gardens and the shed parties have really filled our cup back up,” says Jenna.

Guest bedroom

In May 2023, the couple unveiled their first completed room: the guest bedroom. “My vision for this room was to create a whimsical and nostalgic guest bedroom with the view to become Story’s [the couple’s daughter] bedroom when the time is right,” wrote Jenna on Instagram.

“We incorporated a mix of old and new with whimsical wallpaper and soft green joinery. I wanted this room to feel cosy, layered and have a sense of history.” 

Girls’ bedroom

Then in July 2023, the couple revealed Fred and Story’s shared bedroom. “The inspiration behind the colour palette was not just Freddie’s favourite colour, pink, but also the history of the home,” says Jenna, referring to the home’s original painted-brick exterior. 

The couple colour-drenched the room in Dulux Mornington, to create the room’s whimsical, warm atmosphere. “We love that the wall colour matches the skirting, it allows the generous space and fit-out of the room to shine,” says Jenna.

Rumpus room

Next was a multi-functional and family-friendly space: the rumpus room. This room was also colour-drenched, this time in a serene shade of green, Dulux Paris Creek. 

“It will be a place to play, gather, relax and enjoy,” the couple wrote on Instagram. “The very purpose of this room is to create a cosy and comfortable breakaway zone from the main living areas of the home.”

To maximise room and pack in as much storage as possible, the couple chose to include a mix of both built-in joinery and loose furniture.

Hallway

In October 2023, the couple unveiled their newly renovated hallway. “Here’s the hallway progress to date after a HUGE weekend of renovations,” the couple wrote on Instagram. The simply styled hallway features an understated, neutral colour palette and and brand new floor from Form Flooring.

While most of Josh and Jenna’s followers were amazed by the complete transformation, other eagle-eyed fans spotted a key detail missing: the original leadlight windows surrounding the door. “The stained glass was broken and not energy-efficient so we’ve replaced it with double glazing,” wrote Jenna in response to the comments. “For us, every efficiency is everything. One day we will get it replicated in double-glazed,” she said.

While it would be wonderful to see every original detail restored, if you’ve ever renovated a heritage home, you’ll understand the challenge. Supportive followers praised Josh and Jenna for reviving a home that was in complete disrepair. “You’ve made this roofless structure … into a home,” wrote photographer Sophie Marsh.

Phase three: The Extension

Jenna says she likes to think about the renovation having three distinct phases: the heritage home restoration, the landscaping and the extension. The modern wing of the home which juts out from the home’s rear was designed to maximise natural light and take advantage of the property’s glorious views. The extension contains the open-plan living room, kitchen and dining area.

Kitchen, living and dining room

Josh and Jenna unveiled the completion of the living, kitchen and dining room in November 2023. “Our extension is designed to be just right for our family — big enough for fun but not too much to handle. Easy maintenance, durability, and a connection to the outdoors were non-negotiables for us,” wrote Jenna.

Jenna says the key to achieving a harmonious open-plan space is to stick to a colour palette which helps to create cohesion between each distinct zone. “We aimed for a colour palette that compliments the landscape,” says Jenna. “Earthy neutrals throughout was our choice.”

Let’s take a closer look at each zone to find out how Josh and Jenna created a dreamy and durable family-friendly open-plan living space while sticking to their budget.

Kitchen

When planning their kitchen renovation, Josh and Jenna were stunned at how much trade prices had increased — meaning they needed to work smarter within their original budget. “Dealing with high trade prices led us to learn new skills for DIY work,” says Josh, who recommends that anyone planning a kitchen renovation should get as many quotes as possible. “Labour and material prices have risen significantly and budgets may need adjustment compared to previous expectations. We saved by handling carpentry, plumbing and painting ourselves.”

“Balancing renovating and parenting two kids was also challenging,” says Jenna. “We had to take it in turns to renovate and parent! Not sure which job was harder!”

Josh and Jenna’s kids also inspired them to ensure every detail in the kitchen — from the floor up — is durable, easy to maintain and up to the demands of daily life on a farm. Tile throughout was a no-brainer. “It’s durable, especially in high-traffic zones like the island bench and entry. It also provides a cool feel in summer and supports underfloor heating in winter,” says Jenna.

Other neat design features include an Electrolux induction cooktop that syncs with the rangehood and adjusts the speed of the fan according to the heat level selected on the cooktop.

Practicality was the driving force behind the kitchen’s design, says Jenna. “Speciality tapware like filter taps, pot fillers and taps with instant boiling and chilling functions,” were at the top of the couple’s list of must-haves.

Now that the room is complete, Jenna says she’s so glad she installed two ovens. “It’s a luxury and allows us to cook dinner and dessert simultaneously.”

“Capture every item in your kitchen renovation budget: appliances, joinery, plumbing, electrical, fixtures, carpentry, painting, heating/cooling and tiling,” say Josh and Jenna. Doing so will allow you to avoid any surprise costs that may pop up during a renovation.

Josh and Jenna’s kitchen renovation budget tip

Living and dining room

The warm, neutral colour palette flows through to the living and dining areas. To bring texture and interest to the living area, the couple used timber ‘Arava’ floorboards by @terramaterfloors to create a feature wall.

Laundry

It’s rare to find a farmhouse laundry you can genuinely describe as calming, but somehow Josh and Jenna have managed to do it! The same earthy neutrals give the space a connection to the adjoining kitchen and butler’s pantry but clever joinery and deep cabinetry conceal the room’s genius inner-workings.

“Our girls explore and play freely,” says Jenna, who encourages the kids to enjoy a free-range lifestyle on the farm. “But as many parents will know, playing outside leads to delightful laundry challenges!” Jenna says selecting a washer and dryer with smart sensors makes wash day a breeze.

The couple also prioritised bench space for treating, sorting and folding washing and a deep sink that will serve double duty as the fresh fruit and vegie washing station for goodies gathered straight from the kitchen garden.

Landscaping

One of the first big projects Josh and Jenna tackled outside is the pool, installed next to an alfresco area with a fireplace and lounge area. “Bring on summer! Sitting here, watching the sunset while the kids swim and play on the grass. THIS is what I’ve been waiting for,” they shared on Instagram.

The pair have grand plans for the home’s landscaping. “This property is about the exterior, more so than the interior,” says Jenna. “We plan to utilise the land to nurture fruit, vegetables, animals and flowers.”

They’ve even called upon landscape designer Phillip Withers to help create an “epic landscaping plan” that will complete the home’s incredible transformation. 

“Another weekend of landscaping, and I am SO excited to no longer have mud at my front door!” the couple shared, along with images of new paths around garden beds full of natives and rustic boulders. The chooks appeared to be enjoying their new setting too.  

Dedicated to doing it themselves, Josh and Jenna are trying not to bite off more than they can chew. “Instead of tackling everything at once, we’re focusing on one area at a time,” they said. The “back of house” zone, as they’ve called it, will be for their girls to play and chickens to roam. “Today’s mission is to build the trampoline for the kids!” they shared in September 2024. “Josh has been hard at work building this fence around the perimeter, and we can’t wait to see jasmine growing over it.”

The front of the house is still a work in progress at this point, when it comes to landscaping. It looks beautiful in the spring sunshine, though.

The couple have also revealed that they’re creating a reflection pond to honour the history of the property.

In a recent Instagram post, Josh and Jenna shared that their home was once a vineyard called “Motherwell Vineyard.”

“That bricked circle you see is actually the original well, which was hand-dug in the late 1800s and was approximately 5 metres deep,” the couple shared on Instagram. “We’ve been told that workers at the winery used to lower a crate of beers down the well so they kept cool for end the end of the day! At the bottom, there’s a natural spring, which was the only water source that kept the vineyard going.”

“Unfortunately the well has since been filled, but we’re transforming it into a reflection pond to honour the history.”

The couple have also recently shared an image of their completed deck, which looks particularly beautiful in the sunrise.

We look forward to seeing the landscaping come together as they complete their Rutherglen Homestead renovation.

Josh and Jenna Densten are documenting the renovation of their Rutherglen home via Instagram @joshandjenna and YouTube.

Want to see more of this renovation?

The post Before & after: Josh and Jenna’s Rutherglen Homestead revival appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Vera Meharg, group marketing executive at Luxaflex Window Fashions – who have been sharing their products and expertise for 70 years – says you’re right not to assume that all blinds do the same thing and recommends that anyone choosing blinds take these eight things into account: the primary purpose you want the blind to serve, style, light control, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, privacy, quality and who will be using the space.

Her personal favourite? “Blinds that have more than one function,” she says, “such as good light control, privacy and insulation. I also like blinds where you can control the amount of light coming into your home.”

Visually speaking, some blinds can become a gorgeous feature in a maximalist home (e.g. Roman blinds) while others are better at blending right into the background to reduce visual clutter (e.g. roller blinds). 

Here Vera breaks down five of the most common types of blinds so you can decide which type is right for your home. 

1. Roller blinds

Roller blind pros

Roller blinds are the best all-rounder. “Roller blinds provide smooth and sleek operation with many fabric choices and occupy less space,” says Vera. They can create privacy, be used in combination with curtains, can be either custom-made or purchased off-the-shelf and, above all, are relatively cheap. Some roller blinds, such as Tuiss Blinds Online’s Easi-Fit Blinds can even be installed without the need for a drill – which is a win for renters. To really control light and privacy, double blinds are a must. 

These days, there are also motorised versions of roller blinds. These roller blinds are easily integrated into your smart home set up and some versions, like Whispertech Motorised Roller Blinds, even offer voice-activated control.

The trick with roller blinds is to select them in a colour that matches the interior wall colour, so they disappear into the room, rather than becoming a feature in their own right (which is not what you want). Bunnings Pillar range of blinds come in four popular Dulux shades: Natural White, Hog Bristle Quarter, Tranquil Retreat and Woodland Grey so you can easily colour match it to suit your home.

Roller blind cons

Roller blinds aren’t without their faults, thought. One downside you may encounter with a roller blind is that the bottom rail bangs in the breeze when the window is open but the blind is closed. To stop this from happening, ensure the weight discs are correctly installed, use felt stickers to dampen the sound of the rail hitting the window frame or even install magnets (window magnets are available on Amazon) on both the window frame and the rail to inhibit movement. 

Vera says that another downside is the amount of light they can let into a room, “they’re not the best option when it comes to blocking out light, they can leave large light gaps.”

2. Roman blinds

Roman blind pros

Roman blinds are a popular choice for window furnishings right now, because they offer the best of both a curtain and a blind. In some areas of the home, curtains just aren’t practical or won’t look quite right. A Roman blind creates the same kind of softness and opulence without all of the cumbersome drapery. Plus, sewing your own Roman blind is a relatively easy DIY project.

Roman blinds come in a wide variety of fabrics and weights, which means you can choose lighter, sheer fabrics where privacy is not an issue, or heavier textiles for privacy, or if you need to protect furnishings from the harsh afternoon sun.

Roman blinds have been spotted in homes designed by the likes of Anna Spiro, Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors and Maggie Fulton of Jam Interiors.

Roman blind cons

Roman blinds can lack versatility, especially when it comes to privacy and light control. “They can only be lifted up and down, which means they don’t have the versatility of blinds where you can tilt the vanes to give you more flexibility,” says Vera. “Roman blinds that are operated manually with a cord may not be the best option for child and pet safety,” she adds.

3. Honeycomb blinds

Honeycomb blind pros

Tucked neatly into your window frames, honeycomb blinds – also known as cellular blinds – are one of the best ways to get a streamlined look with all the features of thermal insulation, light and noise reduction and a plethora of contemporary colour choices, without all the extraneous fixtures and fittings. The cellular structure traps air inside the honeycomb pocket to form an energy-efficient barrier to prevent penetrating heat or cool air from outside. The streamlined look and superior fit inside your window frame without messy cords make it safe for children, leaving your walls and floors clear for furniture and easy cleaning.

Honeycomb blind cons

While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from with honeycomb blinds, fabrics tend to be plain so not the place to make a statement with your window coverings. Regular dusting and a light vacuum of all types of blinds are recommended, but the concertina design on honeycomb blinds can make a deep clean difficult. Spot cleaning can be done with a mild detergent.

4. Venetian blinds

Venetian blind pros

Venetian blinds are often overlooked for roller blinds or Roman shades, but Architectural Digest writes that at one point in time, they were a hallmark of American high society. Despite this, Venetian blinds (especially timber ones) are still a practical and stylish window treatment. 

Venetian blinds are easy to clean, and give you complete control over how much light enters your home without compromising on privacy. If you select Venetian blinds in the same colour as the window frame, you can even make the blind ‘disappear’ by pulling it all the way open to let sunlight come flooding in. “Depending on the material, they can also be more durable,” says Vera.

Another reason to love Venetian blinds is the aesthetically-pleasing shadows they cast across a room.

Venetian blind cons

Some downsides to Venetian blinds to consider include their lack of insulating properties and their tendency to accumulate dust. “The slatted design may allow light to pass through and are usually operated with a cord which may not be intuitive for everyone,” says Vera.

5. Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds were invented in the 50s, enjoyed a heyday in the 80s and then quickly went out of style. Despite being a complete eyesore – yes I said it – they continue to be installed in ‘renter grade’ homes because although they make every space feel like a dull and dated office, they do serve the practical purpose of allowing you to create privacy and block out glare. 

If budget is the main reason you’re considering installing vertical blinds, try one of these other affordable (and more stylish) options instead: honeycomb or cellular blinds, curtains or Tuiss Blinds Online Privacy Sheers.

Vertical blind pros

Vera says that one area where vertical blind excels over other options is “expansive doors or windows.” The slide-to-open motion matches the movement of the door, which makes entering and exiting the home much easier than if the opening were to be covered by, say, a roller blind running the entire width of the door. But, be sure to consider the stacking options.

Vertical blind cons

Practical downsides to vertical blinds include their tendency to get tangled in gusts of wind and considerable light leakage, even when the vanes are closed.

6. Panel blinds

Panel blind pros

Large windows and sheer curtains are a match made in heaven, but at the end of the day, not everyone loves curtains. A great, minimalist option that does away with petty pleats, pelmets and tie-backs is the panel blind. 

Panel blinds emulate the softness of a sheer, but can be stacked to maintain full access to sliding or large stacker doors without having to opt for harsh vertical blinds. They’re designed for minimalist homes (panel blinds in bright colours or patterned fabrics are hard to find) and would look wonderful in a Japandi-style interior. 

Panel blind cons

Panel blinds can, however, obscure a beautiful view, warns Vera. “The width of the panel may cover an entire pane of glass, which may not be the best for those who want some view through. Also, the tracks that the blinds run along will need to be cleaned regularly to ensure smooth operation,” she says.

Selecting blinds for your home can be a daunting task. Here are Vera’s tips for selecting the best blinds for your home:

• Always talk about your window covering requirements with an expert, who can help you identify the best options and flag any concerns
• If you’re building or renovating, think about window coverings early. “By discussing your needs early, you can ensure power is placed where it is needed, if you’re looking at motorised or automated window covering solutions. There’s also the option to recess window coverings or install them behind a bulkhead for a contemporary look.”
• Window coverings are an investment, so you want to make sure you’re selecting products that are made from higher quality materials to ensure a longer lifespan
• Don’t forget to consider safety, especially if you have young children. “Look at cordless operation options of motorised solutions.”

How to choose the right blinds for your home

The post 6 of the most popular types of blinds explained appeared first on Home Beautiful.

There are two types of dehumidifiers available in stores: desiccant dehumidifiers and compressor humidifiers. Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online says selecting the best dehumidifier will depend on your home and the climate you live in.

Here, we run through the different types of dehumidifiers, find out whether dehumidifiers can get rid of mould, and round up seven of the best machines to prevent dampness from wreaking havoc in your home.

The best dehumidifiers 2024

01

Delonghi Tasciugo Aria Dry 21L dehumidifier

$599, Amazon

Best for: A hard-working dehumidifier you can control with your phone

Crisp air is at the touch of a button with this dehumidifier by Delonghi. Removing up to 21-litres of excess moisture from the air and efficiently removing bacteria and odour within your home, a comfortable abode for the cooler seasons is most definitely on the cards. Plus, you can connect it to the brand’s dedicated Aria Dry app to control various functions and settings to suit your needs. 

Key features:

• Can remove up to 21-litres of excess moisture from the air per day.
• Helps to eliminate odours, bacteria and allergens
• Can be integrated with Apple home and connect to Wi-Fi.

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02

IW25-5 in wall dehumidifier

$3499, IXL Appliances

Best for: managing indoor humidity

Unlike portable dehumidifiers, this unit from IXL Appliances is plumbed directly into your wall. This means you won’t need to empty a moisture tray, ensuring a fuss-free solution to your home. This wall dehumidifier is perfect for those who are in the middle of renovating their home.

Key features:

• Built-in design
• Fuss-free dehumidifying solution
• Operation adjusts automatically depending on humidity levels

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03

Breville The Smart Dry Plus dehumidifier

$499, The Good Guys

Best for: Removing excess moisture from large spaces

Fitted with a two-stage filtration system featuring carbon filters, The Smart Dry Plus dehumidifier by Breville eliminates not only moisture within the air but also smoke and unpleasant odours. Plus, with Amazon Alexa and Google Home compatibility, this model will fit seamlessly into any modern smart home. 

Key features:

• Can cover a room of up to 50sqm
• ‘Laundry mode’ can even help you dry laundry indoors quicker on a rainy day
• Sleek compact build

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04

Ionmax desiccant dehumidifier

$350.83, Amazon

Best for: Quiet dehumidifier

Eliminate musty odours and prevent mould or mildew growth on wet and muggy days with this handy dehumidifier from Ionmax. With seven litres of moisture extraction capacity and easy-to-use controls at the top of the unit, keeping your home fresh is a breeze.

Key features:

• Can remove up to 7L of moisture per day
• Purifies air with silver nano technology
• 2-year manufacturers warranty

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05

Ausclimate Cool Seasons Premium 10L desiccant dehumidifier

$462, Appliances Online

Best for: Sensitive Choice approved

Made for the tricky Aussie climate, this high-powered yet lightweight and compact unit is a dehumidifier and a dryer all in one. Using state-of-the-art desiccant technology, the Cool Seasons dehumidifier removes moisture from the air in temperatures as low as 1°C.

Key features:

• HIgh-powered yet lightweight and compact design
• 12-hour automatic timer function
• Continuous drainage means there’s no need to manually empty the reservoir

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06

Pursonic Smart Touch X3 dehumidifier

$69.95 (usually $149), Myer

Best for: Keeping moisture at bay in wardrobes and small rooms

Perfect for the home office or study rooms, this compact unit from Pursonic uses thermo-electric technology to cool your home. Plus, its slimline design means you can tuck it away easily when you’re not using it. 

Key features:

• Small and portable
• Great for preventing mildew on clothing
• 12-month manufacturer warranty

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07

Pursonic Smart Touch X3 dehumidifier

$131.99, Amazon

Best for: Ultra-quiet technology

This dehumidifier from Amazon is portable and easy to use for small to medium-sized rooms. Plus, it’s also great for ensuites to ensure the moisture from your bathroom doesn’t linger too long into the bedroom after a shower.

Key features:

• Noise levels fall below 33dB
• Auto shut-off feature
• Integrated handle makes carrying the unit from room to room a breeze

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Compressor vs desiccant dehumidifiers

“Compressor dehumidifiers, also known as refrigerant dehumidifiers, draw air in, cool it to condense water into a water tank, reheat it, then expel the warmer air back into the room. This makes them ideal for warmer areas,” says Colin. 

Desiccant dehumidifiers, on the other hand, “use a wheel to absorb moisture from the humid air, while an internal heater heats the damp sections to condense  the water into a tank. Since they don’t utilise a compressor, desiccant dehumidifiers often have a lower noise level when compared to other models. 

Do dehumidifiers get rid of mould?

Dehumidifiers can purify the air and remove excess moisture that can lead to mould growth, but they won’t get rid of the mould itself, says Dee Carter, professor in microbiology at the University of Sydney. “They are a treatment but not a cure. But they are good for times when there is uncharacteristic mould growth.” 

Signs you need a dehumidifier

“There are several signs that high humidity levels are having an impact on your home,” says Colin. “You’re likely to find water stains on your walls or windows, smell a musty scent in a specific area, and find small amounts of mould beginning to appear. You may also notice windows beginning to look foggy.”

Choosing a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers come in various shapes and sizes. Portable or mini versions are great for smaller rooms, while larger units are perfect for the lounge. Nonetheless, a dehumidifier works to control a room’s, well, humidity by removing excess moisture in the air. And, by doing so, it also helps eliminate odours, prevents mould growth and ultimately makes your home more comfortable to live in. 

Like a breath of fresh air for your home, these are the best dehumidifiers you need on your radar for the wet and muggy season ahead. 

The post 7 of the best dehumidifiers to help combat damp homes appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Broadly speaking, there are two main types of portable air conditioners available on the market. The first are evaporative coolers, which are often cheap to buy and run (starting at about $150). The second are refrigerated portable air conditioners, which are more expensive to buy upfront but are simply more effective at cooling the air, especially in humid climates. Each type has its own set of pros and cons. 

Evaporative portable air conditioners

Evaporative portable air conditioners or evaporative coolers are a great budget option for those who live in an area with hot, dry summers. We won’t get into the technical nitty-gritty about how they work, but essentially, they turn hot, dry air into cool, humid air. Because they add moisture to the air, they are less effective in humid environments and could make a room feel stuffier than it was to begin with. 

According to a 2023 market report, 13 per cent of Australian homes use evaporative coolers. Evaporative coolers are attractive because of their low running costs, low up-front costs and the fact that it’s a relatively eco-friendly way to cool your home. They are recommended for use in hot, arid climates, including, for example Carnarvon, WA, Alice Springs, NT and the Queensland hinterland. 

Portable evaporative air conditioners often have a water tank that needs to be filled regularly to remain functional. Some portable coolers, including Devanti’s portable air cooler come with ice crystals to help cool the air.

Best evaporative portable air conditioners 2024

01

Honeywell evaporative cooler

$399, Big W

Cool a room inexpensively with Honeywell’s environmentally friendly evaporative cooler. Has an automatic timer function, sleep mode, anti-dust filter and is remote-control operated. 

Key features:

• Evaporative cooling system
• Anti-dust filter
• Sleep mode available
• Remote-control operation

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02

Dimplex Electric 6L evaporative cooler with air purifier

$179.10, Kogan

Dimplex’s evaporative air conditioner will cool your home and purify the air while it’s at it. You can cool your home just the way you like it with a selection of three cooling settings and three purification settings. Remote-control operated.

Key features:

• 3 cooling settings
• 3 purification settings
• 24-hour timer
• Remote-control operation
• Evaporative cooling system with air purification

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03

Devanti Evaporative portable air cooler

$119.95, Catch

Harness the natural cooling properties of water with this affordable evaporative cooler by Devanti. The machine comes with ice crystals to help cool hot, dry air and can also be used as a humidifier. It comes with a detachable dust filter and remote control and has three-speed settings.

Key features:

• Air cooler and dehumidifier in one
• Ice crystals to enhance cooling performance
• Adjustable louvres
• Remote-control system
• 3 speed settings
• 3 modes – normal, natural and sleep
• 8L water tank capacity
• Detachable dust filter

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Refrigerated portable air conditioners

Refrigerated air conditioners transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors via a refrigerant. Refrigerated air conditioners can cool a room regardless of humidity levels or the temperature outside. While this process is extremely energy efficient, the unit will eventually begin to pull hot air from elsewhere in the house, which makes portable units less energy-efficient than their permanent two-part reverse cycle units. 

Refrigerated air conditioners often come with a window kit, which allows the unit to expel hot air outdoors.  

Best refrigerated portable air conditioners

04

Omega Altise 2.6kW portable air conditioner

$548, Betta

This popular, affordable portable air conditioner has hundreds of positive reviews. It features soft-touch controls, a 24-hour timer, and three modes – cool, fan, or dehumidifier – for an efficient cooling experience. 

Key features:

• 24-hour timer
• 2 fan speeds, 3 cooling modes
• Dehumidifying mode available

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05

Olimpia Splendid 4.7kW portable air conditioner

$1199, The Good Guys

With a sleek perforated profile, Olympia’s splendid refrigerated air conditioner looks cool and makes your home cool too. Not only does it have 3 cooling speeds, it also has sleep and eco settings to help you ensure it functions as efficiently and quietly as possible. 

Key features:

• Remote-control system
• 3 speed options
• Sleep and Eco modes available for additional comfort

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Are portable air conditioners worth buying?

A portable air conditioner is worth buying if you are a renter living in a home without a built-in cooling system.

If, however, you own your home, you may find more value in forking out for a permanent air conditioning unit. Here’s why. The average cost of a portable refrigerated air conditioner is $600-$1500. According to HiPages, the average cost to install a permanent reverse cycle air conditioning unit ranges from $600 to $1500 depending on the size of the room you need to cool and the type of unit you select.

In 2021, Choice reported that portable air conditioners can cost twice as much to run as a split-system air conditioner of the same size. Then there’s the fact that portable air conditioners are designed to do one thing: cool. Reverse cycle air conditioners have year-round value, with the ability to cool in summer and warm in winter – all while keeping running costs low.

If you are a landlord, installing an air conditioner may improve the rental yield of your property, as many tenants are willing to fork out for a home with air conditioning.

Pros of a portable air conditioner

• Renter-friendly as they can be used right out of the box and require minimal installation
• Can be moved from room to room as required
• Some units are relatively cheap to buy upfront
• Many have smart capabilities or WiFi connectivity that allows you to control the unit remotely or from a phone app

Cons of a portable air conditioner

• Are not as energy-efficient to run as a permanent reverse-cycle air conditioning unit
• Are often loud to run and may not be suitable for light sleepers
• Some portable air conditioners need to be positioned close to a window to allow hot air to be expelled from the room. If you have an externally vented portable unit, you will forfeit some or all functionality of that window.
• May only have the ability to cool a room (as opposed to reverse cycle units that can both heat and cool).
• Evaporative coolers have a water tank that needs to be refilled regularly
• Evaporative coolers don’t function well in climates with high humidity levels

The post Stay cool with the best portable air conditioner units money can buy appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Investing in a warm quilt cover for winter in a rich hue will not only create a moody, wintry ambience, it’s also super important if you’re a bedding renegade who prefers to sleep without a cumbersome top sheet. Because the quilt is directly in contact with your body, it’s important to select a cover in a material that feels soft and cuddly without making you feel stuffy and overheated. 

A warm quilt cover in a material like jersey cotton, flannelette, cotton velvet, chenille or even corduroy will boost the weight and insulating properties of an existing doona. When buying a warm quilt cover, it’s always a good idea to opt for 100% natural fibres such as cotton, linen or Tencel, where possible, to ensure your bedding feels cosy yet entirely breathable. 

While summer bedding is often light, white and airy, it’s an unspoken rule that winter bedding can be a bit more daring in terms of colour palette, pattern, fabric and texture. Tartan, checks, prints and waffle weaves are all welcome at this time of year for creating a layered bed that feels plush and inviting.

Best warm quilt covers for winter 2024

01

Organic cotton crinkle duvet set

From $195, Koala

Best for: Classic cotton

There’s something so elegant, inviting and cosy about crisp white gauze cotton. Maybe it boils down to the fact that the material is super soft to the touch and has a nice weight to it, or perhaps it has something to do with the way the fabric catches light and shadow in a way that makes even the most simply styled room feel sophisticated. In any case, this crinkle cotton duvet by Koala is exceptional, made from organic cotton that has been GOTS certified. 

Sizes: Queen and king.

Colours: Ocean salt.

Key features:

• Crinkle cotton texture
• GOTS certified
• Warm white colour

You can currently score up to 30% sitewide at Koala this Afterpay Day.

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02

Pure linen quilt cover in Cactus

From $201, Montauk Style

Best for: A nod to nature

Inspired by the tones of desert cacti, there’s nothing prickly about this warming 100% linen quilt cover. With long-fibred textures that keep you warm all year round, style up the dusty green tones with charcoal homewares for a touch of moody sophistication, neutral linen accents or textured throw cushions, then add crisp white sheets in the warmer months. Constructed from French flax and pre-washed for instant gratification to your slight and slumber. 

Sizes: Double, Queen, King, Super King.

Colours: Powder Rose, Mustard, Red Dirt, Cactus, Storm Grey, Classic Navy, Milkcloud White, Natural, Bed of Roses, Glacier, Manhattan Grey, Vintage Denim Blue, Almond, Darkest Hour.

Key features:

• Zip cover
• 100% French flax
• Pre-washed

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03

Linen duvet cover in navy

From $340, Cultiver

Best for: Luxurious linen

Good quality linen is the trans-seasonal all-rounder that’s worth every penny. To give your room a cosy winter update, opt for a linen quilt cover in a deep, moody hue like this classic navy colourway from Cultiver.  The 100% European flax linen is 165gsm, which means it feels soft but substantial to the touch. It’s also OEKO-TEX certified, which means no dyes or harsh chemicals were used during its production. 

Sizes: Queen, king and super king.

Colours: Available in 17 colours including white, sage, pencil stripe and natural. 

Key features:

• 165gsm European flax linen
• Wintry, deep navy hue
• OEKO-TEX certified

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04

Noni gingham quilt cover in natural

From $279, Country Road

Best for: Gorgeous gingham

Winter is the perfect time to embrace a little bit of pattern, and gingham has to be one of the most popular patterns of the moment. Country Road’s ‘Noni’ gingham quilt cover in neutral feels completely timeless, and can be layered with other neutral pieces or even with classic white sheets. It’s made from a blend of 55% cotton and 45% linen, so you get the softness of cotton with the durability of linen. Reviewers are raving about this duvet cover, with one even claiming “It is one of the best natural fabric quilt covers I’ve bought. The mixture of cotton and linen make it soft, easy care and lightweight and, of course, it looks great.” 

Note: Matching pillowcases sold separately.

Sizes: King

Colours: Natural, pecan, mineral blue, fawn and charcoal sand. 

Key features:

• Timeless gingham pattern in neutral shade
• Made from a blend of cotton and linen
• Soft and breathable

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05

Oatmeal marle quilted quilt cover

From $180, Sheet Society

Best for: Lovely layers

Quilting on quilting on quilting … If you’re the kind of person who always feels cold, you’ll know the importance of layers – many layers. And that’s what makes Sheet Society’s quilted jersey quilt cover so genius. Not only is it made from the same cuddly material that makes your favourite jumper so special, it’s also got three-ply quilting, meaning it’s extra thick and extra warm. Get in my shopping cart, now! 

Sizes: Single, double, queen, king, super king.

Colours: Grey marle, oatmeal marle, eucalypt, charcoal and powder blue. 

Key features:

• Three-ply quilting
• Soft, stretchy jersey material
• Made from 100% cotton

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06

Corinne Forest quilt cover set

From $76.99 (usually $109.99), Linen House

Best for: Fluffy flannelette

We’re not here to judge whether you use a top sheet or not, but if you are a sans top sheet sleeper, a duvet cover made from super soft flannelette will be an absolute gamechanger come wintertime. Flannelette – made from 100% brushed cotton – is the ultimate comfort bedding. It’s soft, it’s cosy and feels like a big hug to sleep in. 

Sizes: Single, double, queen, king and super king bed.

Key features:

• Fully reversible printed flannelette duvet cover set
• Comes with matching pillowcases
• Made from 100% cotton

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07

Darcy Corduroy quilt cover in powder blue

From $180, Sheet Society

Best for: Cosy corduroy

Corduroy is currently enjoying a major comeback on the fashion scene, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this sumptuous, soft fabric in your home, too. Sheet Society’s ‘Darcy’ corduroy range comes in a variety of colours, but it’s this soft powder blue that’s captured our hearts. Corduroy’s fluffy texture and gentle ribbing is perfect for keeping warmth in, yet the 100% cotton construction allows air to circulate freely.

Sizes: Double, queen, king and super king.

Colours: White, terracotta, blush, moss, powder blue and midnight.

Key features:

• Ribbed, velvety texture
• 100% cotton corduroy
• Top side is cotton velvet, the underside is Eden cotton

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08

Luxury velvet quilt cover in clove

From $299, Aura Home

Best for: Totally touchable velvet

Aura Home’s luxury cotton velvet quilt cover is so soft that the online product description comes with a disclaimer: “This beautiful quilt cover is so luxurious; you may find yourself spending more time in bed.” Challenge accepted. “Holy wow,” writes one reviewer of this heavenly velvet quilt cover, while another says despite their softness, they’re surprisingly easy to care for. Not sure how to style velvet? Velvet’s opulence goes surprisingly well with the laid-back luxury of crisp linen. 

Sizes: Queen and king.

Colours: Clove, slate, caper, Indian teal and merlot.

Key features:

• Made from 100% cotton velvet
• Easy to clean using cold, gentle machine wash
• Incredible hand feel

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09

Layla quilt cover set in pink

From $239, Myer

Best for: Coquette core

Love it or hate it but ‘coquette core’ (think: frills, ditsy floral patterns, and clashing pastel hues) is currently enjoying a moment – particularly in the boudoir. This duvet cover’s exaggerated, romantic ruffles scream softness and texture, but if you think about it, all of that gathered cotton voile kinda equals extra warmth. So if you’re ready to overhaul your bedroom’s style and make it feel warmer at the same time, this is the duvet cover for you.

Sizes: Single, king single, double, queen, super king.

Colours: White and pink.

Key features:

• Gathered cotton voile makes grand statement
• Gives bed volume and drama
• Available in white and soft pink

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The post 10 warm quilt covers that will make you feel snug as a bug this winter appeared first on Home Beautiful.