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baby nursery decor

Little wonders: how to prepare a nursery

Expecting parents have a lot to consider when waiting for a baby to arrive. There are hospital bags to pack, car seats to install, baby showers to plan, and diapers to buy – and that’s all before there’s a tiny human to raise! However, one of the most exciting tasks to ponder before your newborn arrives has got to be the baby nursery decor; the design, theme, and purchasing all the essentials. 

The nursery is about to be a place where you’ll spend many hours of your time for feeding, changing, or putting your little one to sleep (or should we say attempting to). So, you’ll want to invest some much-needed time, effort, and funds into ensuring your nursery is decked out exactly how it should be. 

We want you to have one less thing to worry about when your newborn arrives, so we’ve compiled everything you need to know into one place. Read on to learn all about navigating your new nursery.

Baby Bunting Boori 3 Tier Changer $269, Baby Bunting Ergopouch Cocoon $49.95, Baby Bunting Living Textiles Cotton Rope Storage Set $39.95, Baby Bunting Owlet Baby Monitor $249.99, Baby Bunting Zazu Nightlight $59.95, Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Pete Pretzel $29.95, DecoRug Luka Shaggy Colour Rug from $199, Forty Winks Boori Corindi Cot $649, Freedom Evie Rocking Chair $1,299, Freedom Mornington Dresser $1,699.

 

Designing your baby nursery

There are four main factors to consider when designing your nursery – the placement of the cot, glider, changing table, and storage drawers. 

The cot should be positioned first and should be placed away from any windows or doors to limit temperature changes, air drafts, and light exposure. Next up, place your glider (aka feeding chair) into a corner nook, ensuring it has enough space around it to rock. Once the cot and chair are placed, slot the drawers and changing table in the leftover space. 

Tip: For those who are working with a smaller space, we recommend using your chest of drawers as a changing table as well. 

Now that all the key pieces are appropriately placed, it’s time to sort out the lighting. Having a dark room will promote the release of melatonin (the hormone that helps us to both fall asleep and stay asleep). So, be sure to purchase block-out blinds as these will keep the room dark for both nap time and night time. You’ll also want to limit any artificial light such as baby monitors – place these away from the cot so that the light isn’t in the baby’s line of sight when they’re in the cot. 

Baby nursery décor

Now onto the fun part – the baby nursery décor! Before getting carried away with an elaborate theme, it’s important to keep in mind the top priority of a nursery and that’s for it to be conducive to sleep. You’ll want your newborn to be exposed to as little stimulation as possible, so avoid using too many decorative pieces that can distract them. Refrain from placing toys or hanging mobiles in and above the cot, in fact, we recommend no toys in the cot until four months of age, which also happens to be the optimal time to introduce a comforter. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t have a super stylish baby nursery – you can still stick to a colour palette so the room is cohesive with the rest of your home. Start with a neutral base for the furniture and then add accent lighting, wallpaper, artwork, rugs, and more. Even if tastes change, your accent pieces can easily be swapped out while keeping large investment pieces the same. 

Tip: incorporate thick pile rugs and drapes throughout the room to help absorb outside noise. 

The essentials

Lastly, it’s time to ensure you have all the essentials for a functional nursery. First up, it’s important to baby-proof the room – secure blinds and electrical cords, keep any medicines out of reach, and set up a baby monitor. 

Next, purchase a white noise machine (this will help silence your baby’s built-in alarm clock by drowning out all outside noises during vulnerable phases of light sleep), a swaddle (to make your baby feel safe and comforted), a dim nightlight (to help navigate night time feeding), and of course, nappies, bedding, toys, and clothes. 

There you have it! We hope this helps you prepare accordingly for your newborn with baby nursery decor. Be sure to download our first-time parent nursery checklist here to better prepare you for the arrival of your little one.

5 Reasons You Need To Visit Outdoor Living At Aspley Homemaker City

There is no better location in Brisbane to shop for your Summer backyard entertaining needs than at Outdoor Living Aspley. Summer in Queensland is the perfect time of year to embrace the outdoors, get outside and enjoy the sunshine and long, leisurely days. Creating the perfect outdoor oasis that feels like you are on holidays at all times is easy with a few simple tips and tricks. Today we are sharing with you our top recommendations for furniture and styling pieces to create the perfect outdoor living and dining area in your own home. Outdoor Living Aspley is a one stop shop for all your outdoor furniture needs, so be sure to check them out next time you are at the centre.

Outdoor Umbrellas

A summer essential for all Queensland homes, especially those with a pool is an outdoor umbrella. To protect you and your family from the heat and unwanted sun exposure an outdoor umbrella is the perfect addition to your backyard. Outdoor Living Aspley has a range of umbrellas in a variety of colours to create either a simple and chic look or a fun pop of colour. From a small umbrella that allows shade for a couple or a large umbrella that can protect an entire dining table, they have got you covered. We love the Canter Leaver Shelta Umbrella in French Grey for a practical and stylish edition to your backyard.

Outdoor Seating

Entertaining at home during the Summer months is a Queensland tradition and you’ll find most of us in the backyard of a Sunday afternoon relaxing with family and friends. When entertaining at home, adequate outdoor seating is a high priority and options for lounging, sitting and conversation zones must be considered. Outdoor Living Aspley has a huge range of seating options in a wide variety of colours, fabrics and materials to suit any design style. They have beautiful outdoor sofas, armchairs and modular pieces to create the perfect lounging zone on your outdoor patio. Or if you are in need of some bar stools, day beds, sun lounges or dining chairs they have got you covered too.

Outdoor Cushions

Cushions are often thought of for living rooms and bedrooms only and sometimes forgotten in the outdoor decorating space. Outdoor cushions are the perfect addition to any patio or alfresco space as they add a sense of comfort and blend the indoors with the outdoors. Outdoor Living Aspley has beautiful cushions that are purpose made for outdoor use and are specifically designed for marine conditions, UV protection and are water repellent. This means they can stay outside all year long and you won’t notice any colour fading or mould. We love the camburi yellow throw cushion that would be the perfect addition to any outdoor sofa or daybed this Summer.

Outdoor Fire Pits

To create the ultimate outdoor oasis and luxurious entertaining space, we recommend adding an outdoor firepit to your home. Not only do they create a beautiful ambience and look amazing, but they also encourage friends and family to gather around and enjoy quality time together. An outdoor fire pit is the perfect cosy addition to your Summer soiree to end the night in a relaxing way. Outdoor Living Aspley offers a  variety of styles and materials, so whether you are looking for a sleek, modern design or a traditional cast iron look, they have got you covered.

Outdoor Plants

Lastly, our final tip for decorating an outdoor area is to add plenty of greenery through outdoor plants. Plants are no longer restricted to garden beds and the perimeter of the backyard, we are seeing beautiful potted plants becoming more and more popular in outdoor designs. We suggest grouping three large pots in varying sizes in the corner of the alfresco area holding tall plants such as a bird of paradise or palm. Add greenery to your tables by potting a large bowl with some succulents and moss for a centrepiece that lasts all year round. Not only do outdoor plants bring life and vibrancy to a space, they also add a pop of colour and statement to your alfresco.

alfresco dining

How to master alfresco dining this summer

Nothing beats the classic Australian backyard family BBQ. The sun is shining, the sausages are sizzling, and the tongs are at the ready. Whether it’s a weekend ritual or a special celebration, there’s nothing quite like spending time outside during the summertime. This year, we think it’s about time to skip the restaurants and create a stunning alfresco scene in your own backyard instead. Here’s your ultimate guide to alfresco dining.

Products: Bed Bath N’ Table Panama Stripe Outdoor Cushion $29.95, Eureka Furniture Brighton Dining Chair $849, Eureka Furniture Vendale Oval Dining Table $2,099, Freedom Olive Tree Garden Pot $269, Freedom Soho Cutlery Set $59.95, Provincial Home Living Avery Goblet $12.95, The Furniture Shack Bondi Indoor/Outdoor Bean Bag $329, The Lighting Superstore Mette 47 Rattan Shade $218.

1. Invest in staple pieces

When it comes to outdoor dining and entertaining, it’s important to invest in the big pieces – we’re talking about your dining table, chairs, barbecues, and additional lighting features. These items should be strong enough to withstand the great Australian outdoors (even if they’re under the protection of a patio ceiling). We recommend opting for timber, oak, or steel tables and likewise for chairs. If your dining chairs have plush cushions, ensure they are removable so they can be brought inside during those pesky summer storms. It’s also a good idea to keep these larger pieces cohesive – opt for outdoor dining sets where the sofa, table, and chairs all match.

2. Quality over quantity

Out with the old, in with the new! It’s time to update your dining essentials this summer – we’re talking about cutlery, luxe glasses, and a set of simple ceramic plates. Having good quality dining essentials will make all the difference when entertaining – after all, no one likes paper plates or plastic cups. The best part? These items are going to last for seasons to come so there’s no need to replace them anytime soon!

3. Decorative accents

Now that you’ve got staple furnishings and necessary tableware, the rest is all about showcasing your personal taste and style. Stock up on outdoor cushions, vases, plants, and even sun lounges that match your aesthetic. We’re loving the coastal style this summer (read all about it in our Summer Trend Report).

4. Change up your tablescape

You’re likely to have more than one outdoor dining experience this summer, right? So why not have a few different tablescape options to choose from? Be sure to keep your cutlery and glassware the same but change up your tablecloth, table runner, placemats, and centrepiece. By doing so, you can easily create a completely different feel.

We recommend having one minimal tablescape – this could be a white tablecloth, neutral table runner and placemats, and pillar candles. Another easily achievable tablescape theme is modern retro – create this aesthetic through burnt orange, yellow, and dark green hues.

Tip: mix and match across tablescape themes to create a whole new feel.

It’s officially time to embrace summer with an alfresco dining experience! Remember to play with an array of colours and patterns to suit the ambience of your outdoor dining area and most importantly have fun and soak up the good vibes with your friends and family.

summer outdoor furniture trends

Top four summer entertaining trends

Summer has finally arrived and with the change of season comes a new appreciation for our outdoor spaces! There’s no denying that the weather is close to perfect and we think that calls for a celebration of our hard-working front yards, backyards, patios, and other open-air spaces (you know, the spots that are dedicated to entertaining).

With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that outdoor trends are starting to rival the number of indoor trends! Keen to know more about the latest craze in the interior space (or should we say exterior space)? Below we’ve gathered some of the top outdoor entertaining trends.

Front yard focus

Enhancing front yard areas is becoming more popular than ever before and rightfully so. This space is so often forgotten about, yet it’s the very first area your guests will see upon arrival. We’re seeing front yard makeovers everywhere and they’re certainly upping the curb appeal of houses as a whole.

So, what are some key elements to incorporate in an on-trend front yard? For starters, manicured lawn is a must (no explanation needed). You’ll also want to think about symmetry –frame your front door with potted plants or incorporate symmetry into your landscaping. Rid the space of unwanted weeds and dirt (yes, time to pull out the weed killer and pressure cleaner). Lastly, if you have the space, consider adding a seating area. This could be a singular floating chaise or a pair of outdoor armchairs.

Tuscan design elements

Dreaming of summertime in Tuscany? Why not create the same feel at home? Tuscan-style décor is in with its warm colours, natural elements, and a touch of rustic charm. This trend is all-encompassing, so to successfully pull it off, Tuscan additions are required to all areas of your outdoor space. Invest in wall hangings, ceramics, sculptures, terracotta pottery, and wrought iron furniture. Plant a variety of traditional plants like rosemary, olive trees, and lavender, and lastly consider an overall colour scheme – stick to olive greens, deep oranges, and even maroon.

Outdoor rooms

Much like the concept of open floor plan living, we’re seeing a trend develop where larger outdoor spaces are being divided into distinct areas or “rooms.” This includes outdoor kitchens, the use of pergolas, and contemporary poolside styling. Backyards now house multiple sections for seating, dining, and relaxation, rather than a single focal point.

Tip: if you’re struggling to create a divide between sections, look to the earth! Break up the areas by changing the flooring or ground texture. We recommend the use of gravel, tiles, and fresh grass.

Bold colours

Go bold with colours and say goodbye to muted hues with bright tablescapes, outdoor rugs, cushions, and statement furnishings. Minimalism is out and maximalism is officially back in!

We’re expecting to see splashes of colour everywhere this summer (indoors and out). Naturally, the Pantone colour of the year, Viva Magenta, continues to be a beloved shade this year. But hues of yellow and orange are also at the top of interior designers’ lists.

Keen to discover more summer trends? Read our Summer Trend Report online now and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with retailer offers, professional decorating advice, and more interior inspiration.

bedroom makeover cosy soft furnishings and warm hues

Bedroom Makeover Ideas at Homemaker Aspley City

The bedroom is a space that we spend the majority of our time in when we are relaxing at home, so today we are sharing our tips alongside Snooze Aspley for refreshing this space and creating the ultimate sanctuary. After a long day at work, there is nothing better than unwinding in a space that feels comfortable, tranquil and like an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There are many elements that need to be considered when designing a bedroom, from the mattress to the bed linen to the lighting and more. Today we are sharing with you our top tips for what to consider when making over your bedroom and ensuring you select the perfect pieces to invest in.

Start With The Mattress

When planning your next bedroom makeover we recommend heading into Snooze Aspley for all the inspiration you need. The best place to begin is by choosing a quality mattress that suits your requirements and provides comfort and longevity. There are a few key things to consider when selecting a mattress, most importantly the feel. Whether you are a lover of an ultra firm mattress or like to cocoon into a plush feel, Snooze has an option for you. Some other things to consider when selecting a mattress are the people who will be using it, the mattress topper feel, your sleeping positions, whether you use the bed to watch tv or read and of course, the size.

The Perfect Bedroom Suite

Once you have selected your perfect mattress, it is then time to choose some beautiful furniture pieces to pair it with. Whether you are after some small bedroom ideas to make the most of the space or are looking for a statement bedroom suite, Snooze Aspley has you covered. Bedroom furniture can include the bed frame, bedside tables, tallboys, dressers and more. Snooze also have a great range of customisable beds that allow you to select the best option for your bedroom needs. There are options to include drawer storage underneath, expandable trundle beds and bedheads in a variety of fabric options and styles.

Invest In Beautiful Linen

Decorating your bed with beautiful bed linen would arguably be the most fun step in a bedroom makeover. Selecting the perfect quilt cover and pairing it with decorative cushions in your favourite colours can completely transform a space. Firstly, head into Snooze Aspley and pick up your quilt insert and pillows of choice, then choose from a number of other amazing retailers we have at the centre for beautiful bed linen. We love the look of a neutral quilt cover paired with patterned European cushions and 3-4 decorative cushions in your favourite colour. Or go bold with a patterned quilt cover in gingham, paisley or a coastal print paired with cushions in one or two shades featured in the design. To finish it off we love adding a throw blanket or two underneath your cushions for a styled and cosy look.

Creating The Vibe

When embarking on a bedroom makeover you can’t forget the finishing touches in the bedroom to create the ultimate relaxing oasis. Add statement lamps to your bedside tables with a warm globe to create a soft and serene atmosphere. We also love creating a vibe by using a signature scent in the bedroom from a candle or reed diffuser. When selecting a scent for the space it is best to go for subtle notes such as citrus, sandalwood or freshly washed linen. Lastly, to create a personalised touch we suggest styling the bedside tables with a beautiful tray, a stack of your favourite books or a lovely, framed photo with a vase of flowers.

A bedroom makeover should be an exciting and fun experience and here at Aspley Homemaker City we look forward to helping you on this journey. We have a plethora of retailers that specialise in your bedroom needs such as Snooze, Sleepys, Beds n Dreams, Pillow Talk and Forty Winks. If you would like a helping hand with selecting the right pieces for your bedroom, then be sure to book in for your free styling session with our resident stylist today!

deck the halls to decorate your space candles, wreath, mini christmas tree, cushion, candle

Deck the Halls: How to Decorate Your Space With Style This Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and as Christmas 2023 rolls around, we’re eagerly awaiting the chance to hang out with our favourite people, soak in the festive vibes, and enjoy the holiday cheer. But with all these family gatherings and merry celebrations on the cards, it’s also time to get your abode ready to entertain.

Need some ideas? Here’s the ultimate roundup of essential Christmas home decorations to get you through the holiday season – from festive décor to tableware, we haven’t forgotten a thing.

deck the halls to decorate your space candles, wreath, mini christmas tree, cushion, candle

Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Antler $14.99, Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Dinner Candles Textured Metallic Set of 4 $9.99, Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Protea Wreath $89.99, Freedom Glasshouse Fragrances Candle $59.95, House Alex Liddy Mode Set of 4 Coupe Glasses $79.99, House Ecology Peace Sauce Jug $21.95, Pillow Talk Habitat Christmas Mariah Hanging Star Decoration $7.95, Pillow Talk Habitat Gnome Sweet Gnome Christmas European Pillowcase $34.95, Provincial Home Living Festive Village Tealight Holder $59.95

Tableware

Want to upstage your 2022 Christmas tablescape? Then a few new additions are a must! Plus, who doesn’t love setting the table for the holidays? It’s a festive and fun activity, especially when the entire family gathers around to indulge in a feast afterwards!

First and foremost, a centrepiece! This year, we recommend keeping it simple by opting for a humble candle or some fresh flowers arranged in a gorgeous jug vase. Keep in mind that larger centrepieces are often removed once everyone is seated and the food is served, so consider a reasonable height to ensure it can stay on the table.

Next up, glassware! Yep, it’s time to ditch the paper cups (apologies to the clean up crew!). But glassware truly makes all the difference; it will transform your table from drab to fab, adding a touch of luxury and opulence to a day full of celebration and unity.

The rest of your table should follow a theme – whether it be woodlands, traditional, or vibrant colours. Be sure to complete the look with placemats, ceramic plates, cutlery, napkins, and even name tags.

Home scents

Often overlooked, yet undeniably essential – we’re talking about holiday home scents, of course! There’s no doubt that Christmas somehow has an aroma, a nostalgic combination of freshly baked sugar cookies, gingerbread, cherries, and pinecones.

So, what better way to fill your home with festive spirit than with a distinctive scent that encapsulates Christmas? We recommend the Glasshouse Fragrances White Christmas candle – it smells divine! Burn the candle throughout the season and then when Christmas rolls around next year, find a new festive scent to fill your home with!

Traditional décor

It wouldn’t be Christmas without some traditional décor! We’re talking about Christmas trees, wreaths, tree hangings, and other novelty motifs. Be sure to keep all the pieces within an overall theme – even if it’s just a colour scheme like pale green, pink, and gold. This way your home will feel cohesive from when your guests walk through the door all the way through to the dining area and living space.

Subtle additions

It’s important to note that Christmas home décor doesn’t necessarily have to be cliché. In fact, it could be super subtle with the ability to be repurposed throughout the year. How? Choose throw blankets and pillows that stick within your colour scheme but don’t have any Christmas messaging or symbols. We recommend the same approach when it comes to decorative accessories. For example, the Bed Bath N’ Table Antler screams Christmas when seen next to other festive pieces, but when styled in another season, it could have a completely different feel to it.

We know that planning for Christmas home décor can be a really big deal! Everyone wants their home to feel stylish and welcoming all while maintaining that festive vibe. Luckily, achieving this balance is simpler than ever this year with Aspley Homemaker City. Find all your fave holiday home décor essentials under one roof. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy decorating!

Looking for more home inspiration? Join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

colourful bedroom

Get the colour psychology lowdown for interior design

Have you ever stepped into a room and felt a wave of emotions wash over you – be it a hospital, theatre, or even your living room? Well, this phenomenon has everything to do with the interplay of colours within the space you’re in (also known as colour psychology).

Colour psychology is pivotal in the interior design industry and understanding how it works is something that many industry experts have mastered. But being able to decode colour psychology isn’t just for the pros, anyone can do it! Keep reading to find out what colours evoke certain emotions and how you can use colour to create various atmospheres and moods within your home.

Shades of blue

When the colour blue comes to mind, you probably think of clear skies or the ocean, right? Both of these subconsciously influence a person’s mood because they’re affiliated with fond memories. So, when blue is utilised in interior design, it triggers a sense of calm, serenity, and relaxation, and even more so in the lighter shades. Darker hues evoke feelings of confidence, trust, loyalty, and dependability.

So, how to incorporate these into your space? Blue is best used in bedrooms and living spaces because you want these areas to feel calm and inviting. Use light shades of blue as a dominant colour in your bedroom by adding a blue coverlet to your bed or a pastel blue feature wall. When decorating your living room, we recommend using deeper shades of blue in various decorative accoutrements – think vases, artwork, and throw cushions.

Shades of green

Green is one of the more versatile colours and can be brought into almost every room in some way. Similarly to blue, green also evokes feelings of calmness because it has strong associations with nature. Green is thought to be tranquil and promotes growth, renewal, prosperity, and regeneration.

The best way to bring green into your space is through textural pieces like plants, rugs, and fabrics. Opt for statement furnishings in rich green velvets like dining chairs or sofas, add in a variety of foliage from hanging plants to petite succulents, and opt for contemporary Moroccan rugs with speckles of green throughout. The best part? Green can be added to any room within a house or apartment and even the most subtle additions can make all the difference.

Shades of red

Red can be a daunting colour to add to your space but it’s a real game changer! Red symbolises a range of emotions often depending on its intensity and contexts, but some common interpretation of the colour includes passion, energy, warmth, comfort, and creativity.

Shades of red are more suitable for kitchens where creativity is key. Ultimately red works best as an accent feature but be sure to balance with neutrals to prevent the space from becoming overwhelming. We also recommend creating a gradient by using various shades like maroon, burgundy, and rose instead of sticking to one stark shade only.

Shades of yellow

Radiant and cheerful, the colour yellow exudes warmth and sunshine which is why it’s often associated with youthfulness, energy, and fun.

Consider featuring yellow in nurseries or kids rooms because it is the ideal gender-neutral choice. When integrating yellow tones, it’s important to strike a balance where the shade is used in conjunction with other colours and design elements to create a harmonious environment. We recommend opting for a yellow ceiling accent or removable wall decals. For a more subtle yet impactful approach, add yellow fitted sheets to the bed to create a soft pop of colour in your bedding.

Shades of pink

To conclude, our final colour is pink – which is also the Pantone colour of the year, viva magenta! Pink has recently made a resurgence in interiors, especially dusty pinks which have been seen in a slew of Pinterest-worthy interiors. The shade often evokes romance, elegance, and harmony.

There’re so many ways to incorporate pink into your interiors but one of the best ways is through lighting. Look for pink-hued lamps, lampshades, or pendant lights to add a subtle glow of colour to your space. We also recommend introducing pink through bathroom accessories like towels, shower curtains, and bathmats.

As you decorate your home, keep in mind that colours do more than just look pretty – each colour can also help create the mood you want. So, whether you like calm blues, nature-inspired greens, bold reds, happy yellows, or elegant pinks, enjoy picking shades that resonate with you and the feelings you wish to welcome into your home.

Looking for more home inspiration? Join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

stylish dining room decor

How to experiment with style this spring

There’s no denying that your home is like a blank canvas and you’re responsible for painting it. But what if you find yourself drawn to more than one artistic style? Well, you’re not alone, and with so many styles out there (rustic, traditional, coastal, minimalist and the list goes on) it can certainly be difficult to stick with just one. Perhaps you might love the opulence of vintage décor while your partner leans towards a more minimalist aesthetic. Sound like you? Then you may have found yourself wondering if it’s possible to mix and match interior trends, while still having a home that feels cohesive. The answer is a surprising yes! Keep reading to find out how to blend decorating styles and transform your space into your own. Spoiler: the secret is all about balance, repetition, and compromise!

Find the perfect balance

Blending decorating styles isn’t about throwing random furnishings and décor pieces together, it’s about striking the right balance. Start by identifying the main style you want to embrace – this will serve as your anchor, providing a base layer amidst the other various styles. Let this chosen style guide your larger furniture choices and overall layout. Once you’ve established your foundation, it’ll be easy to layer in elements from other trends and styles. Some great foundation trends include traditional, minimalist, and industrial, whereas great layered styles could include art deco, coastal, and rustic. Why? Because the foundation styles are more about the furnishing and colourings and the additional layered styles are all about small décor pieces.

Embrace repetition

Repetition is essential when it comes to blending interior styles because it’s going to create a theme that runs throughout your home, making the space feel purposely designed rather than disjointed. To ensure your space feels cohesive, simply incorporate repeated patterns, colours, and textures across various rooms. This could be a large statement like wallpaper in a standout print, or it could be in the subtle details like light fixtures or handles.

The art of compromise

Compromise doesn’t always mean sacrificing, it means creating a space that honours various tastes (which is especially important when decorating as a couple). Be sure to opt for pieces that bridge the gap between your preferred styles, ones that won’t overpower the other. For example, steer clear from any major statement furnishings and rather find common ground, even if this means the piece is more pared back.

Although it’s clear there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all approach to home styling, if you stick to these three simple rules then your home is going to look and feel amazing! By embracing balance, repetition, and compromise you’re bound to achieve a space that reflects your taste. Remember, your home is your canvas so blend, experiment, and enjoy styling it!

Looking for more home inspiration? Join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

fathers day gifting

The Dad Deals: Your Father’s Day Gift Guide

Not quite sure what to get that hard-to-buy-for man in your life when September 3rd rolls around? Here at Aspley Homemaker City, we’ve taken the stress out of gift-giving once and for all with our completely customised Dad Deals – all bundled up and ready for purchase! Below are the ultimate gift bundles for every dad in your life – the home chef, fitness guru, DIY-er and everyone in between. All you have to do is screenshot the bundle that best suits your dad and head in centre to purchase.

Cooking Dad

Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Yarn Dye Tea Towel Set of 3 $14.95, Freedom Arden Paddle Board $69.95.

Dads who know their way around the kitchen are simply the best. Why? Because nothing beats a delicious home-cooked meal! This year we think the cooking dad deserves a little extra love when Father’s Day hits, a means of saying thank you for all those meals. And what could be a more fitting gesture to express gratitude than gifting more items to cook with? We’re loving the Gozney Roccbox Portable Pizza Oven from Barbecues Galore bundled with a round pizza board from Freedom, and some essential tea towels from Bed Bath N’ Table. The perfect gift for the perfect home chef!

DIY Dad

Products: Frame Today Camel Square 300×300 mm Picture Frame $99, Freedom Grevillea Pot $24.95, Howards Storage World IS Gift The Auto Collection 24 Piece Tool Set $29.95.

What to get the dad who is constantly fixing things around the house or undertaking DIY projects every second weekend? More things to create and build with, of course! The DIY-er is bound to love a brand new 24-piece tool set from Howards Storage World to add to his (probably already very large) tool collection. Another great idea is to undertake a project together like painting a pot plant. We’re also loving photo walls at the moment so why not pick up a few frames from Frame Today to get started? The secret is to utilise a variety of different shapes and sizes. Be sure to customise the frames with meaningful family photos. The best part? Dad can use his new toolset to hang them up!

Fitness Dad

Products: JB Hi-Fi BlendJet Portable Blender $79, JB Hi-Fi Fitbit Charge 5 Fitness Tracker $269, The Good Guys Beats Studio Buds+ $269.

Fathers who are always maintaining an active lifestyle will love a fit-focused gift – and we’re not talking about more gym clothes or fresh sneakers. This year, consider something a bit more unconventional, like a portable blender from JB Hi-Fi (ideal for his morning smoothies!). Bundle the blender with a fitness gadget like a Fitbit from JB Hi-Fi or sport headphones from The Good Guys and complete the ensemble with a gym membership to Element Fitness. This bundle will make his day!

Homebody Dad

Products: Bed Bath N’ Table Silk Pillowcase $79.95, Sheridan Outlet Ultra-Light Bathrobe $90, Snooze Microfibre Double Mattress Topper $188.

Dads deserve a little TLC too! After all, robes and silk pillowcases weren’t exclusively designed for mothers. So, if your dad relishes in a leisurely Sunday morning lounging in bed, perusing the newspaper, or binge-watching Netflix then he likely values the cosiness of his bed and the luxury of quality home attire. Sheridan Outlet’s Ultra Light Bathrobe is sure to impress the homebody dad as well as a pure silk pillowcase from Bed Bath N’ Table. Complete the bundle with a mattress topper from Snooze (the secret behind those Pinterest-worthy cloud-like beds).

Organised Dad

Products: Freedom Beck Coat Hook $79.95, Howards Storage World High Road StashAway Hanging Car Bin $34.95, Howards Storage World Tooletries The Harvey & Oliver Shower Set $55.95.

The father with a knack for organisation is the one constantly reminding you to tidy your room, unload the dishwasher, or take care of your laundry – sound familiar? If so, then this bundle is tailor-made for him! The organised dad will appreciate any clever home enhancements, the sort that, after having for just a few weeks, you can’t fathom how you managed without. A car bin or hanging shower set will bring a grin to his face come Father’s Day or for a more subtle approach, opt for a stylish coat hook from Freedom (a remedy for cluttered entryways!).

We know it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for Dad year after year when Father’s Day draws near, but if you’re aiming to astonish him this year then these bundles are sure to hit the mark. Happy Father’s Day!

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how to spring clean your wardrobe, designer wardrobe

How to: spring clean out your wardrobe

Now that spring has arrived, the annual urge for a wardrobe reset is officially in full swing. We bet you’ve already noticed the pile of mismatched shoes or those half-hung coats, right? Well, those are the unmistakable signs telling you it’s about time for a spring clean.

But let’s be honest, tackling a wardrobe clear-out can be a little overwhelming – we find ourselves asking where to start, what supplies to buy, and most importantly, what to cull. But no worries, here at Homemaker The Valley we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled the best steps to make the whole process easier. Simply follow our guide below and your wardrobe will be in top shape before you know it.

Step 1: Categorise First things first, it’s time to empty your wardrobe and categorise. This means you need to set aside a good chunk of time dedicated to spring cleaning your wardrobe. Take everything out and lay it on your bed or a clean surface. Then, sort your clothes into categories – think tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. This is going to help you assess the quantity of each category and will make the next step a whole lot easier.

Step 2: Declutter Decluttering might just be the most difficult step, but it’s also the most crucial. It’s time to decide what you want to keep and what you want to donate, sell, or discard. If you get stuck, here are some questions to guide you: Does it fit? Have you worn it in the past year? Is it damaged? Does it match your current style?

Step 3: Donate and Sell Time for more categories! Separate the items you no longer want into two piles – one will be donated and the other will be sold. Clothes in good condition can be donated or given to friends and family. High-quality or barely used items can be sold through a consignment store, online platform, or even a garage sale.

Step 4: Clean and Organise Now that you’ve narrowed down your wardrobe, let’s clean the space. This is when all your hard work starts to pay off – the end is in sight! Be sure to dust the shelves, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum the floor (simple, but super effective!).

Step 5: Storage Solutions Your wardrobe should look like an empty canvas, which means it’s time to consider some storage solutions. Look at the space holistically and compare its size to the amount of clothes you need to fit in. If you’re looking to optimise the space, then a trip to Aspley Homemaker City is a must. Howards Storage World has a wide range of clothes hangers, drawer dividers, and hanging rails that are ideal for wardrobe organisation.

Tip: if you have limited closet space, consider rotating your wardrobe seasonally. Store out-of-season clothing in vacuum storage bags from Howards Storage World to free up some space.

All that’s left to do now is pop everything back into place and there you have it, the ultimate guide to spring cleaning your wardrobe! Remember, if you make an effort to keep your wardrobe neat and tidy, then the spring clean will get easier and easier every year.

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