Category Archives: Aspley Styleboard

cosy living room

Creating a Nostalgic and Nature-Inspired Interior Space

The Apothecary design trend embraces a blend of natural materials, vintage accents, and a nostalgic charm to create a cosy and inviting interior space. Inspired by nature and rustic aesthetics, this trend features on earthy colour palettes with deep greens and browns. We’ll show you how to infuse this nostalgic trend into your home by incorporating elements such as natural materials, vintage accents, earthy colours, and wooden furniture.

1. Natural Materials and Rustic Charm Apothecary design emphasises the use of natural materials to create a connection with nature. Incorporate elements such as reclaimed wood, and stone accents to add a rustic touch and enhance the earthy ambiance. A table from Freedom can feature a wooden rustic charm that is perfect for any space. These materials evoke a sense of warmth and bring a cosy and inviting atmosphere to your space.

Consider incorporating natural fibres like jute, rattan, or sisal in rugs, baskets, or lampshades. DecoRug has a great selection of jute rugs in different sizes to suit all spaces. These elements add texture and enhance the overall natural aesthetic of the room.

2. Vintage Accents and Nostalgic Touch Vintage accents play a key role in this trend, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm. Look for antique or vintage-inspired furniture pieces, such as a distressed wooden chest or a vintage apothecary cabinet with multiple drawers, which you can find at Provincial Home Living. These pieces not only provide ample storage but also serve as focal points, adding character and charm to the space.

Display vintage glass bottles, apothecary jars, or old medicine containers on shelves or as decorative pieces. These items not only contribute to the aesthetic but also offer storage for smaller items such as spices or dried herbs.

3. Earthy Colour Palette To enhance the natural and rustic feel of the Apothecary design trend, opt for an earthy colour palette. Deep greens and browns are prominent colours that reflect the beauty of nature. Consider painting accent walls or incorporating these colours through furniture upholstery, cushions, or rugs. You can start with a statement armchair from Eureka Furniture which encapsulates the trend perfectly, and serves as a great starting point.

Additionally, muted tones such as warm beiges, and creamy whites can be used as a backdrop to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. These colours provide a neutral foundation for the other elements to stand out.

4. Wooden Furniture and Storage Solutions Wooden furniture is a cornerstone of this interior design trend, adding warmth and a sense of nature to the space. Invest in sturdy wooden pieces such as a farmhouse-style dining table, that you can find at Nick Scali, a rustic wooden desk, or a wooden coffee table. These furniture items not only offer functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Emphasise storage and organisation by incorporating furniture with built-in storage options. Look for sideboards, buffets, or shelving units with drawers and compartments, allowing you to keep your space tidy and clutter-free.

5. Elements of Nature Bringing elements of nature into your space helps create a soothing and serene environment. Decorate your space with potted plants, dried flowers, or botanical prints, like our favourites found at Pillow Talk. These natural accents add freshness, colour, and life to the room.

Consider incorporating soft lighting with warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy ambiance. Hang vintage-inspired pendant lights or use table lamps with fabric shades to add a gentle glow that complements the earthy colour palette.

The Apothecary interior design trend blends natural materials, vintage accents, and a sense of nostalgia to create a cosy and inviting interior space. By incorporating these elements, you can transform your home into a warm and rustic haven. Embrace the charm and storage-focused approach of Apothecary design to achieve a space that is both functional and visually appealing, allowing you to relax and connect with the beauty of nature within your own home.

bedroom décor

4 Steps to Pinterest-worthy Bedroom Décor

There’s a reason we love interior-designed spaces, and there’s no denying that interior stylists have an uncanny ability to make any space look luxe, inviting, and comfortable (especially when it comes to bedding and bed styling). They certainly know all the tricks of the trade, from the latest interior trends, right down to choosing the perfect pillows. But have you ever tried to recreate a perfectly- styled bed in your bedroom without the help of a stylist? The outcome is never quite the same. So, here at Aspley Homemaker City we set out on a mission to uncover the best ways to achieve that effortlessly- styled, yet totally Pinterest-worthy bed. The best part? All you have to do is follow the four steps below and your room will look like it’s straight out of a magazine in no time.

Step one: what lies beneath matters

A luxurious bedroom starts with a comfortable mattress. We’re talking about the type that you’re already subconsciously sinking into with just one glance. But if you’re not quite ready to replace your mattress, then opt for a mattress topper instead. Mattress toppers are a great (and affordable) solution to add the comfort you need for a good night’s sleep whilst also helping contribute to the overall plush look that is synonymous with a Pinterest-worthy bedroom.

Secondly, mattress and pillow protectors are a must all year round, particularly as our weather warms up. We recommend opting for a bamboo material because it’s naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and thermal regulating. You can find a variety of options from Bed Bath N’ Table.

bedroom décor

bedroom décor

Step two: invest in quality sheets

Quality sheets are the hug you didn’t know you needed! Sheets not only feel great but when you purchase the right set, they’re bound to last throughout the seasons. We recommend steering clear from plain white sheets and going for a fun colour and pattern instead. Pair your bold sheets with a plain coverlet for a playful contrast that will suit any room. For those who are not a fan of ironing, we hear you! Try linen sheets from Bedshed to achieve that unmade bed look that interior stylists always master.

Step three: choose the right bed cover

It’s time to roll away the heavy feather duvet and embrace a lightweight coverlet. This lighter counterpart to a duvet is cooler in the warmer weather but is still heavy enough for those who love being snuggled under a blanket. For neutral lovers, embrace a textured coverlet or quilt cover to, add a subtle sense of luxury to your bedding. If you really want to finish off that luxury look, buy a size up in your coverlet or quilt – allowing the edge of your bedding to touch the floor.

Step four: layers and textures are a must

Finally, the ultimate way to achieve that Pinterest-worthy bedroom is with layers and textures! What better way to add more texture to your room than with throws and cushions? They’re always making an appearance on interior trends lists. So, here’s how you can use them:

Throws

  1. Enhance your bedding by casually draping a lightweight throw at the foot of your bed.
  2. Avoid being too meticulous in its arrangement to achieve a more relaxed and inviting look.
  3. Add visual intrigue to a plain knit throw by opting for one with tassels.
  4. For a laid-back luxurious appearance, consider a 100% cotton throw with raw edging.

Throw cushions

You either love them or hate them, but cushions are here to stay – having become a staple in trend interiors! To create a luxurious and comfortable look, be sure to mix and match cushions in similar tones and various textures. Whether you choose velvets or linens, a mix of both is sure to create a visually pleasing vignette. We recommend cushions with feather fillings to provide a plush and inviting feel.

Voila, you now have your own bedroom that looks like it came straight from a Pinterest board. No need to search “interior stylist near me,” instead follow our guide and head to Aspley Homemaker City for all the necessities! Once you’ve stocked up at all the furniture stores in Aspley be sure to share your new bedroom with us on Instagram – we’d love to reshare it! Don’t forget to tag us @aspleyhomemakercity.

decluttering

Decluttering Guide: 5 Dos & Don’ts

We’ve all been there; over time our homes build up with clutter, and before we know it, there’s not a spare cupboard or shelf in sight!

Decluttering and re-organising the home can often feel like a daunting or insurmountable task, but it doesn’t have to be. With our helpful decluttering tips, you can feel empowered to transform your space into a clean, clear, and organised haven – now, and into the future. From using Pinterest for inspiration to investing in functional furniture and finding long-term storage solutions, we’ve got you covered. Read our decluttering guide below to get started on your journey to a clutter-free, stylish abode.

DO: Create a Pinterest Board for Inspiration

The First DO in our decluttering guide? Find some inspo! Pinterest is an amazing tool that provides endless inspiration for every aspect of your life, from health and wellbeing to style and fashion to interior design and home organisation. We recommend creating a dedicated board for decluttering and organising your home. Fill it with images that resonate with your style and inspire you to declutter without sacrificing aesthetics. You could even break this down further by creating separate boards for decluttering separate rooms. What is it about the spaces that inspire you? It could be the rattan boxes they use for odds and ends, the blanket box they use for toys, or the way they store their makeup brushes and toiletries. Once you have your ideas, make a list of the storage pieces, breaking the list down into what you need for each room for ease of tackling your decluttering project (we suggest taking on just a single room at a time). Head to Howard’s Storage World to pick up all the items you need. Soon you’ll feel more motivated to organise all the other rooms in your home as well and decluttering will be a breeze – and enjoyable!

DO: Invest in Functional Furniture

One of the most effective ways of decluttering and organising your home when you’re short on storage space (or space in general), is to invest in furniture that’s dual purpose. Storing your linen inside a bed frame with drawers, blankets inside an ottoman, and your favourite magazines and books within your coffee table are all great ways to declutter home areas and overcome a lack of storage space, while ensuring you aren’t giving up on style. Freedom has a fantastic selection of functional furniture that will not only suit any aesthetic, but also get you excited about decluttering and organising your home. This is also a clever way of getting rid of unwanted items too – if you forget you have the toys, linen, knick knacks once stored away, or don’t use them over the next 12 to 18 months, it may be a sign it’s time to sell, donate or bin!

 

DON’T: Overcrowd Your Countertops

The first DON’T in our decluttering guide: clear those countertops! Your kitchen counter can sometimes become one of the most cluttered areas in the house. This could be for a variety of reasons, but to help declutter your countertops, one of the best things you can do is minimise that which lives on your countertop by giving it a home – and styling everything that needs to stay!

Remove any mail, catalogues, paperwork or other household items out of your kitchen and find areas to house whatever’s left. Create a coffee corner for your coffee machine and mugs or place your utensils in a small utensil holder if your drawers are already full of kitchen necessities. Try to source storage items that match your countertop or kitchen style, while also providing ample space or functionality. If bench space is at a premium, think of ways you might be able to move things elsewhere – opt for paper towel holders that can be attached under cupboards, and coffee pod rails or spice racks on the inside of doors.

House also has an incredible selection of drinkware, glassware and dinnerware to help make your kitchen look super chic.

DO: Implement Long-Term Storage Solutions & Practices

After decluttering your space, focus on sourcing long-term storage solutions and decluttering methods you can implement to maintain or managed your organised home ongoing. This step must always be done last, so you know the exact number of solutions you need and what your home is lacking, and the exact size and space of where you will be storing them. If you love glass jars or containers for your pantry or fridge, we recommend being consistent by sticking to one style of clear jar in varying sizes (rather than accumulating containers of all styles, shapes and sizes – unless that’s your aesthetic).

Baskets in cupboards are a great way to keep like-minded items together to avoid any unnecessary clutter – decide if you prefer baskets with lids, or without, and what style will best suit your space and it’s desired function. You may even want to implement a practice of going through these every 3 to 4 months to see if there’s anything in them you need to throw out.

Howard’s Storage World, Freedom and Provincial Home Living have a great range of storage solutions perfect for decluttering. For more permanent solution, Kitchen Connection can help with kitchen redesign, and storage solution inserts such as corner storage solutions, wireware, rubbish, recycling and clutter solutions and sink accessories. We suggest you scroll through the Aspley Homemaker City website for more decluttering and home organisation tips and tricks before you head to the centre.

DON’T: Chuck Everything Into a Box & Forget About it

Last but not least in our decluttering guide: Don’t feel tempted to just chuck stuff into a box or drawer if that’s not a good home for it. If you don’t have good decluttering practices in place, it can be all too easy to open a door or drawer, shove your clutter in, and hope to never see it again.

Find common-sense homes that will help you remember where things are, and don’t be afraid of the label maker! There’s nothing worse than coming back to something you’re forgotten about in your fridge or pantry and wondering what it is (or used to be), or rifling through unmarked boxes for that international power adaptor the night before an international flight.

Decluttering Your Home Made Easy at Aspley Homemaker City

Decluttering and organising your home can be a stress-free and enjoyable process – provided you put some practices in place and make a plan. Use Pinterest for inspiration, invest in functional furniture, find long-term storage solutions, and style your countertops for a clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing home. With the help of Aspley Homemaker City’s fantastic retailers and the dos and don’ts in our decluttering guide, you’ll become a decluttering pro in no time, achieving a clean and highly-functional living space. Get started today and you’ll enjoy a clutter-free home in no time!

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Interior Decorating Trends?

Question 1: In which 20th century decade were rattan and cane furniture most popular? a) 1990’s b) 1920’s c) 1970’s d) 1930’s

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Question 2: What colour timber is most popular in the Scandinavian design trend? a) Oak and pine b) Merbau c) Spotted gum d) Teak

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Question 3: Frank Lloyd Wright was a renowned architect popular during which era? a) Art Deco b) Mid-century Modern c) Post-War d) Rococo

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Question 4: I am opulent, glamorous and bold in my style. I use a lot of geometric shapes and love metallics such as gold and silver. Which interior design style am I? a) Hamptons b) Art Deco c) Mid-Century Modern d) Bauhaus

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Question 5: What are the most popular accent colours in the Hamptons design style? a) Red and orange b) Pink and purple c) Yellow and Brown d) Blue and Green

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Question 6: Who is a popular furniture designer that has replicas made of their work to this day? a) Charles and Ray Eames b) Phillipe Starck c) Hans Wegner d) All of the above

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Answers: Question 1: C – 1970’s

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Question 2: A – Oak and pine

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Question 3: B – Mid-century modern

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Question 4: B – Art deco

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Question 5: D – Blue and green

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Question 6: D – All of the above

How To Easily Incorporate Feng Shui Into Your Home

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy for creating balance in our home in relation to the natural world. By using specific decorating and design techniques to ensure your home’s energy is connected to nature and free flowing you can create a peaceful environment both physically and spiritually. Not only do these techniques create a calming home, but they are also thought to increase your quality of life and bring in health, happiness and wealth. If you’d like to learn some simple and easy ways to achieve a mindful home through Feng Shui then read on for more details!

Use The Five Elements

One of the key decorating rules when creating a home that embraces Feng Shui is to use a balance of the five elements. The elements include wood, fire, earth, water and metal and each represent different areas and qualities of life. Adding these to your home can be done through the colours and shapes that they represent. For example, if you wish to promote wealth and family use blues and green in your soft furnishings and columnar and rectangular shapes when selecting furniture and home décor. It is said that to create a fulfilling life your home must include pieces from all five elements to ensure it is balanced.

 

 

 

Create a Calm Entryway

The front door is seen as a very important space in feng shui as it represents not only metaphorically, but physically where energy enters your home. The entryway is a space that is a first impression for not only guests, but yourself and your families as you return home for the day. The space should be kept neat and organised with minimal excess and unnecessary items. We recommend using a decorative tray like one found in Bed Bath N Table to collate clutter such as keys and mail and using baskets from Freedom to store shoes neatly.

 

 

 

 

 

Check Your Doorways

Doors are very important when it comes to feng shui as they are seen as ‘portals’ for energy. We want to be able to have free flowing positive energy coming into and running throughout our house and encourage symbols of expansion and space. Ensure you remove any clutter or furniture from around doorways to fix this issue and allow for free-flowing energy.

 

 

 

 

 

The Command Position

The command position refers to furniture items that are placed in a way that allows you to be in command, of yourself, the situation and metaphorically of life. The most common items you should have placed in a commanding position in your home are the desk, bed and stove. If these items are in command, you will be able to see the door, without being directly in line with the door. This allows your mind, on a subconscious level to be put at ease as you are aware of your surroundings and environment.

 

 

 

A Balanced Bedroom

There are a few areas of the bedroom that can create a good flow of energy and symbolise balanced feng shui. Firstly, the bedroom should be decorated in neutral colours to promote a restful and deep sleep. Beds should also never be placed firmly against a wall and should always have a bedside table on each side to provide support. Ensure the underneath of your bed is clear and not used as storage, unless it is soft items such as excess linen or cushions. Lastly, it is thought that grouping items in twos such as artworks above the bed, pillows and chairs promote loving, harmonious energy.

 

 

Let us know if you’d like to learn more about Feng Shui and how it can be used when decorating your home. If you’d like to implement any of the above tips or want help with sourcing the right organisational pieces for your space, then be sure to book in for your free styling session with our resident stylist. Simply head to the ‘Styling Inspiration’ tab on our website.

6 Tips For Selecting The Perfect Sofa

Sofas are a key piece of furniture in any home and any living room. They are used for lounging, relaxing reading, watching tv, napping and spending quality time together as a family. No matter what your living situation, the sofa is an element of the lounge room that needs to be versatile, durable, long lasting and of course, comfortable. Today we are sharing with you our top tips to consider when you are shopping for your next big sofa purchase!

Tip 1 – Think About The Number Of Seats Required

Above all else, when purchasing a sofa, functionality must be top of the priority list. The first thing to consider is how many people live in the home and would be using the sofa at the one time. Pending space and room dimensions, we suggest opting for a sofa or sofa combination that can seat the maximum number of people at any given time.

 

 

 

 

Tip 2 – Configurations

Before purchasing your next sofa, look at the living room as a whole and take measurements of the space. This is your chance to think outside the box and look at options for a new configuration within the space. Could you opt for an L shaped sofa that fits a large number of people, do you prefer two separate sofas, or would you like a sofa and two individual armchairs? The options are endless when it comes to selecting a new lounge for your living room. Stores such as Plush also allow you to ‘customise’ your sofa and choose the number of seats, the configurations, the shape and whether you’d like it to recline or not.

 

 

 

 

 

Tip 3 – Fabric or Leather

The age-old decision that we find most of our customers struggle with – “Should I choose fabric or leather?” The answer depends on your individual circumstances, durability requirement and style preference. A common mistake we see often is the assumption that leather is more practical and long lasting. Leather is a great choice if you are after something easy to clean and durable if the correct thickness and grain is chosen. However, fabric sofas have come a long way in terms of manufacturing and there are now plenty of hardwearing options for fabric sofas too! Not to mention various warranty options and cleaning packs our friendly staff can talk you through to provide you with peace of mind when purchasing your sofa.

 

 

 

 

Tip 4 – Shape

An obvious step in the sofa selecting process is thinking about what shape and style you’d like to go for. Structured and square-armed shapes can suit design styles such as Contemporary or Hamptons whereas a more rounded and relaxed looking sofa is perfect for a Coastal home. Choosing a sofa that sits directly on the floor (i.e., No exposed legs) can create a casual and relaxed feel whereas an exposed leg can give a slightly more formal aesthetic. The shape of the leg can be very important in a sofa too as this can determine whether the sofa is a modern, mid-century or Scandinavian design style for example. If all these aspects seem a little overwhelming, then be sure to book in with our resident stylist, Eliza and she can help you narrow down the best style and shape of sofa for your space (book via the ‘stylist’ tab on our website).

 

 

 

Tip 5 – Comfort

Sofas are one of the few items in your home that we 100% suggest seeing, touching, sitting and feeling in person. Testing out the comfort levels and sitting on sofas is an important part of the selection process. We all have our priorities when it comes to sofa comfort, much like a mattress and this varies from person to person. Some people prefer a pillowy soft sofa they can sink right into, whilst others favour a firmer and more supportive feel. The height of the individuals using the sofa is to be taken into consideration when it comes to seat depth and back height too. Head into our many retailers this weekend and have a seat on countless sofas to see which feels best for you!

 

 

 

 

Tip 6 – Colour

Lastly, our final tip is to consider the countless colour options when choosing the perfect sofa for your space. Sofas are often the largest furniture item in the room and therefore set the tone for the entire space. Choosing a dark coloured sofa may be practical in terms of cleaning, but they can often feel heavy in a room and create a smaller feeling space. Light coloured fabrics work great to brighten up a room and are perfect for an airy and relaxed feel but do require more care to ensure they look fresh for a long time. We often find there is a happy medium when selecting a sofa colour and customers lean towards a more mid-toned grey, beige or greige colour that is universal and works with many design styles.

Quiz: How well do you know the history of Australian homes?

Here at Aspley Homemaker City we love Australian Homes and more specifically Queenslander Homes. And we know you do too! So, we thought we would create a fun quiz to kick off the new year and test your knowledge on Australian Homes!

1. Which was the first known style of Australian home? A) Queenslander B) Colonial C) Workers Cottage D) Victorian

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2. What is a key feature of a Federation style home? A) Pressed metal ceilings B) Return verandas C) Timber fretwork D) All of the above

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3. What defines a Queenslander style home? A) Made of timber originally painted green, cream and maroon B) Traditional fretwork to 30% of the façade C) A high set house made of timber with a veranda D) A two-story dwelling with a veranda that wraps around the entire house

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4. What year was the current oldest standing home in Australia built? A) 1770 B) 1793 C) 1826 D) 1842

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5. Why are Queenslander homes built so high? A) To withstand flooding B) To create more airflow and reduce heat C) To avoid pet infestations D) All of the above

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6. Which home style was most popular around 1900? A) Federation B) Victorian C) Colonial D) Gothic

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7. Where did the Tudor style house originate? A) Germany B) United States of America C) England D) Scotland

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8. Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving home was built in? A) 1846 B) 1798 C) 1807 D) 1839

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Answers: Question 1: B – Colonial

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Question 2: D – All of the above

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Question 3: C – A high set house made of timber with a veranda

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Question 4: B – 1793

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Question 5: D – All of the above

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Question 6: A – Federation

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Question 7: C – England

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Question 8: A – 1846

 

6 Hacks For Keeping An Organised Home In The New Year

If you are like us, one of your new year’s resolutions is to have a more organised and structured home. In today’s post we are sharing our top hacks for not only implementing organisational solutions but staying on top of them long term. We have so many handy tips and tricks we’ve used time and time again and suggestions on the perfect storage solutions that will transform your home life. Read on to find out more!

1. Start The Year Fresh

The festive season is one of abundance, decadence and overflow, so it is no wonder we all feel like cleansing and minimising once the new year rolls around. For most people the start of January can be a calm time where work is quiet, and you can reset both yourself and your home. We suggest setting a day aside to have a thorough declutter of the highest traffic areas of your home such as the kitchen, pantry, wardrobe, kid’s bedrooms, playrooms and garage. Sort through all items and get rid of anything that has not been used recently, has been replaced with something new or that no longer brings you joy. By starting off the year with a declutter and organising day this allows you to head into the new year with a fresh perspective and a clear mind.

 

2. Create A Drop Zone

Creating designated drop zones in the home allows for clutter to be contained to one area and avoids it building up throughout various areas of the home. We recommend creating a ‘drop-zone’ that is separate from the kitchen or living area in a space such as the entryway, home office or towards the garage. Create a drop zone by using items such as baskets, in-trays, boxes or containers and label them with each family member’s name. You can pick up some beautiful baskets from Freedom or some great storage containers from Howard’s Storage World that would be perfect for this. The key to keeping drop zones under control is to dedicate a couple of minutes each week to sorting through and actioning any items that need to be actioned and putting things away that have a separate home.

 

3. Go Label Crazy

Labels are a lifesaver when it comes to organising your home. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing, but they help each member of the family know where items belong. We recommend labelling key areas of the home that are constantly having items picked up, put back, used, and taken in and out. For example, categorise your pantry using wire baskets for different food types and use swing tags to label. The linen cupboard is another great area of the home to use beautiful baskets to categories like-minded items such as sheets, quilt cover sizes, towels and more.

 

4. Purchase Your Storage Solutions Now

December is the perfect time of year to pick up a bargain as the Christmas and Boxing Day events are in full swing! If you have the time, we suggest making a list of items such as baskets, containers, drawer dividers and turntables and heading in store to grab yourself a saving. We love Howard’s Storage World for all our kitchen, wardrobe and bathroom storage solutions and Provincial Home Living and Freedom for gorgeous baskets.

5. Set A Timer

When thinking about decluttering and organising your home it can often become overwhelming as you do not know where to begin. As the saying goes, the easiest way to achieve something is to ‘just start’. We love setting a timer to either 15 minutes or 30 minutes and having a ‘fire round’ of decluttering, picking up items that are lying around, sorting a drawer or deep cleaning an area that has been neglected. You will be surprised how much you can get done in a short amount of time if you set your timer, put your phone on silent and pop on some inspiring music to get motivated!

 

6. Lock In Maintenance Days In Your Calendar

Implementing organisational solutions in your home such as categorising, labelling and decluttering is the first step in creating an organised home. The second and arguably most important step is to ‘maintain’ the spaces long term. Having an organised home is not a matter of ‘setting and forgetting’, rather a system that is put in place and maintained regularly for optimum performance. Maintaining your organisation solutions simply means to set aside time in your calendar every quarter to check in on the systems put in place. This can include going through the pantry and throwing away expired foods, sorting through each family members in tray and ensuring all items are put back in their designated category baskets in the linen cupboard and playroom.

6 Tips For Designing Fun & Inspiring Kid’s Bedrooms

Children’s bedrooms are the perfect space in the home to have fun and go bold with colour, patterns, style, and themes. Today we are sharing with you our favourite tips for creating spaces that are both fun and inspiring for your little ones. We are also sharing recommendations on which stores at Aspley Homemaker City you’ll find the most amazing kid’s pieces for your convenience.

1. Have Fun With The Walls

A great way to make a big impact in a kid’s bedroom is to have fun with different colours, textures and patterns on the walls. This could be as simple as painting a brightly coloured feature wall in your child’s favourite colour or adding wall decals to create a beautiful scene. We also love the look of wall cladding in either VJ panelling or wainscoting and painting it in a subtle colour tone for a bespoke look. If you are renting or find it hard to commit to something long term, then why not try removable wallpaper or removable decals? There are so many great options that are perfect for someone who loves to switch up their decorating often or want something that can be easily removed down the track.

           

2. Choose Smart Large Pieces

We all know children get bored of things easily, change their minds often and require constant stimulation. When designing and decorating your child’s bedroom we recommend choosing the larger furniture pieces such as the bed, tall boy and bedside table in a neutral-coloured timber or white colour. This allows you to have fun with soft furnishings, quilt covers, artwork and decorative accents depending on your child’s current interests and favourite colours, saving you time and money in the long run. We recommend heading to stores like Forty Winks to check out their timeless furniture range and Pillow Talk for some on-trend and inspiring decorative pieces.

           

3. Create Inspiring Displays

Children love to have their favourite items on display and showcase what’s currently bringing them joy and inspiration. Embrace this by creating a designated area to display their favourite books, toys, crafts or whatever else they are loving at the moment. We love using floating shelves and bookcases to display their favourite items and allow for easy rotation when refreshing the space. We recommend heading into stores like Freedom and Howard’s Storage World to see their innovative and stylish storage solutions to suit any room.            

4. Get Creative With Lighting

Lighting is one area of a child’s bedroom that can often be overlooked when selecting fun and inspiring pieces. Pendant lights, wall sconces and bedside table lamps are great places to bring in colour, pattern, and an interesting texture to the space. We also love adding neon wall lights that pair with the bedroom theme in shapes such as clouds, butterflies, surfboards, or flowers. Get creative by switching up lamp shades on floor lamps or bedside table lamps to add a pop of colour to the space. Head into The Lighting Superstore, Pillow Talk or Freedom to check out their great range of lighting this weekend!

           

5. Create zones

Children’s bedrooms are used for a variety of activities and are not just limited to sleeping. It is essential to lean into these activities by creating specific ‘zones’ throughout their space to keep them inspired. We suggest creating a reading zone complete with bookshelf and a comfy chair or bean bag where they can relax and chill out. We also love creating a ‘play’ zone which can include a mat, baskets for toys and storage solutions to keep clutter categorised and contained. Then of course this leaves the ‘sleep’ zone which will have a comfortable bed, bedside table, lamp, and sleep spray for ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep.

           

6. Focus On Joy

At the end of the day, a child’s bedroom should fill them with joy and be a space they love spending time in. Focus on decorating the space in a joyful way by incorporating their favourite items and using their favourite colours and patterns to inspire them daily. Kid’s rooms are the perfect place to go bold when decorating and we always recommend avoiding a minimalist style where possible. Head into Aspley Homemaker City this weekend to see the amazing range of bed linen, storage solutions, kid’s furniture and toys that will bring them so much joy and inspiration in their bedroom.

Preparing Your Home For The Warmer Months

Spring has officially arrived in Brisbane, and we couldn’t be happier to see the flowers blooming, warmer days and sunshine in the evenings. With the beginning of the new season and the approaching Summer ahead, now is the perfect time to have a Spring refresh and update your home accordingly. Like a breath of fresh air, today we have a few simple tips and tricks you can do this weekend to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead and wave goodbye to the cold winter days!

Have A Refreshing Spring Clean & Declutter

As cliché as it is, Spring really is the perfect time to have a deep clean and organise of your home. The changing of the seasons is a good reminder to complete the tasks we have been putting off all year such as cleaning flyscreens and windows, sorting out kitchen cupboards and pantries and wiping down those ‘out of sight’ surfaces such as skirting boards, light switches, and ceiling fans. Spring is also the perfect time to have a declutter of your storage areas in the home as you will need to store thicker quilts, flannelette sheets and warmer blankets away for next Winter. We recommend heading into Howard’s Storage World for all the organisational inspiration you need to kickstart the decluttering process in your home.

 

Update Your Soft Furnishings

Brisbane Summers are unlike anywhere else and the last thing we want on a sunny, humid day is fluffy cushions or woollen blankets. Ensure your soft furnishings are reflective of the temperature and use fabrics such as linen and cotton for a lightweight and breathable feel. We love Pillow Talk and Bed Bath N Table’s beautiful range of cushions and throw blankets that are perfect for updating your home this Spring. When selecting your soft furnishings for the new season we recommend choosing colours such as sage green, pastel blue or a soft cream for a refreshing look.

 

Switch Out Your Scents

If you have been reading the Aspley Homemaker City blog for a while now you will know we are huge lovers of home scents and believe they can make a huge difference in the home. By switching out your home scent each season you can completely change the feel of the space and evoke a desired atmosphere depending on the setting. We love using scents such as freshly washed linen or patchouli in the entryway to welcome your family and guests into the home. In the kitchen we suggest using a fresh scent such as gardenia or lemongrass and lime to create a clean and calming feel. Reed diffusers are a great option for these areas as they keep the spaces smelling beautiful all day long. We recommend heading into Provincial Home Living or Bed Bath N Table to pick your perfect scent this weekend.

Add Greenery & Repot Plants

Embrace Spring in your home by adding some fresh new greenery and plants to bring life and colour into your spaces. Whether you are opting for real or faux, we suggest adding beautiful, large floor plants such as fiddle leaf figs, olive trees or birds of paradise to the corners of living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms. These create a focal point in a room, provide a pop of colour and draw the eye upwards by creating height. Freedom has some gorgeous faux plants that require no upkeep and could fool even the keenest gardener. We also love adding trailing plants to bookshelves, floating shelves and surfaces that are in need of some life and colour. Spring is a great time to re-pot any existing plants you have indoors or outdoors and ensure they are thriving with new soil and the perfect sized pot.

 

Update Your Outdoor Furniture

In preparation for the upcoming entertaining season, now is the perfect time to think about updating your outdoor furniture. If your pieces are looking a bit tired and worn, why not try something new like a beautiful outdoor lounge suite or fun bar table and chairs combination. The Furniture Shack have a great range of outdoor furniture and can provide you with advice on what pieces would suit your space, lifestyle and entertaining needs. If you’re in need of a new BBQ, storage solutions or shade umbrellas, then check out Outdoor Living for all your outdoor needs. We also love adding large, durable outdoor rugs and colourful cushions to our outdoor areas to make them feel like an extension of the indoors.

     

If you would like some more help with choosing the perfect outdoor furniture pieces, soft furnishings or organisational solutions for your home this Spring, then be sure to click here or head to the ‘Styling Inspiration’ tab on this website to book in for your free styling session with our Resident Stylist, Eliza.