Tag Archives: living room

Bring the beach home

When it comes to interior design, opinions are as divided as ever. Trends come and go, leaving us wondering what’s in and what’s out. Styles that once dominated the scene are now seen as tired and dated, while others that were once dismissed are suddenly the epitome of trendy.

One style that often sparks debate is coastal décor. At its heart, this look is all about creating a calming space with natural materials, evoking that easy breezy summer vibe. But when it’s done wrong, it can feel more kitschy than coastal.

The good news? We’re here to steer you away from the clichés. Here’s your guide to three of the best coastal trends that will turn your home into a serene, stylish retreat – minus the gimmicks. Keep reading to discover how to make coastal décor work for you.

 

Luxurious Hamptons:

Bed Bath N’ Table Chunky Throw $49.95, Eureka Furniture Aruba Rope Table Lamp $149, Eureka Furniture Hamptons Tigerlilly Artwork, Freedom Easton Coffee Table $1,149, Pillow Talk Avery Ruffle Oblong Cushion $34.99, Provincial Home Living Chandler Cabinet $3,499, Provincial Home Living French Armchair $1,099, Provincial Home Living Ansie Planter $69.95.

A luxurious Hamptons home embodies timeless elegance, blending classic coastal charm with upscale sophistication. Picture airy, light-filled spaces with high, coffered ceilings and crisp white walls, creating a serene backdrop. The décor leans into natural textures like rattan, driftwood, and linen, balanced by plush furnishings in muted tones – think soft creams, dove greys, and hints of navy and blue . Statement lighting, like large lantern-style fixtures or crystal chandeliers, add a touch of glamour without overshadowing the relaxed vibe. In the living room, expect deep, cushy sofas draped with lightweight throws, paired with accent chairs in nautical stripes or textured upholstery. The kitchen is typically expansive, with shaker-style cabinetry, a marble island, and polished nickel or brass hardware. Open shelving or glass-front cabinets display artisanal ceramics, glassware, coastal photography, and sculptural décor.

 

Rustic coastal:

Bed Bath N’ Table Fruit Bowl Framed Canvas $49.95, Bed Bath N’ Table Katina Tall Vase $99.95, Freedom Retreat Fabric Sofa $2,999, Pillow Talk Hamptons Woven Storage Trunk Range $149.95, Provincial Home Living Bengal Stripe Linen Cushion $139.95, Provincial Home Living Connor Coffee Table $1,199, Provincial Home Living Millicent Linen Throw $199.95.

On the other hand, the rustic coastal trend is all about embracing natural beauty while keeping things unpretentious. Picture a sun-drenched space where weathered wood meets soft, breezy fabrics, and everything feels lived-in yet thoughtfully curated. At the heart of this style are raw materials—think reclaimed wood beams, distressed finishes, and handwoven textures. slipcovered sofas in light, breathable linen, offset by a reclaimed wood coffee table. Accent chairs might feature natural fibres like rattan or wicker, bringing in that earthy, seaside feel. Pops of colour are subtle, often inspired by the surrounding landscape – soft blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beiges that echo the shoreline. Décor elements like driftwood-framed mirrors, nautical rope accents, and woven baskets add character without feeling overly styled.

 

Coastal boho:

Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Wood Base Hurricane Straight $74.95, Eureka Furniture Farmhouse Round Table $574.50, Freedom Mist Corduroy Sofa $2,069, Freedom Polina Decorative Bowl $39.99, Pillow Talk Muse Elodie Kilim Rug $359.95, Pillow Talk Muse Norway Knitted Wall Hanging $199.95, Sheridan Outlet Shaws Cushion $49.99.

For those who enjoy a bit of creativity, coastal boho is for you! It’s a style where laid-back beach living meets artistic, bohemian flair, creating a space that feels effortlessly chic. Layered textiles are key here – think macramé wall hangings, quirky rugs, and breezy, sheer curtains that let the natural light pour in. Furniture is often low-slung and comfortable, with oversized floor cushions, rattan chairs, and daybeds draped in throws, inviting you to relax. Plants are essential in coastal boho décor – think towering palms, leafy ferns, and cascading vines that add life and movement to the room. Shells, coral, and sea glass are often sprinkled throughout, subtly tying the space back to its coastal roots without being too on-the-nose. The overall vibe is casual and organic, with a mix-and-match approach that feels collected over time. A Moroccan pouf might sit next to a woven hammock chair, while soft linen pillows in playful patterns or pastel hues are scattered across a sectional. It’s a space that encourages lounging, gathering, and connecting.

There you have it! Whether you’re drawn to Hamptons décor, rustic coastal charm, or the laid-back, eclectic vibe of coastal boho, there’s a coastal style for every taste. The key is finding the one that resonates with your lifestyle and home aesthetic (while avoiding the clichés that can make the look feel forced). By embracing natural materials, thoughtful details, and a relaxed, easy breezy vibe, you can transform your home into a coastal retreat that feels authentic and inviting!

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

coffee table blog

The coffee table edit

The coffee table – it’s the central hub of our lounging, snacking, and Netflix-binging habits, and yet, it’s often the most neglected when it comes to styling. But no more! We’ve created the ultimate guide for coffee table styling tips, meaning your living room will never be the same. From the rule of three to making a vignette that’s both stylish and functional, we’re sharing our top tips and tricks to help you take your coffee table game to the next level. The best part? You can create a Pinterest-worthy coffee table with pieces found under just one roof – Aspley Homemaker City, of course!

 

Find your table

Before moving into the nitty-gritty of styling, be sure to begin with the foundation – the table itself. Whether you’re after a sleek glass surface or a rustic wooden slab, your coffee table is the canvas for your styling, so be sure to consider shape, size, and style. Round coffee tables are great for smaller spaces whereas rectangular shapes are best for larger spaces. When deciding on size, it’s recommended that your coffee table should be two-thirds the length of the adjacent sofa.

 

Rule of threes and placement

Now that you have your table sorted, let’s move on to the golden rule of styling; the rule of threes. This is a design concept that’s all about grouping objects in odd numbers to appear more visually appealing. When grouping three items together we recommend arranging your object to form a triangle, with the tallest item at the apex. This kind of formation will create an equilibrium and make the coffee table super balanced.

 

 

Dior coffee table book, candles, vase, coffee table living room decor

Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Sidney Ceramic Vase $79.95, Eureka Furniture Castel Coffee Table $749, Freedom Dior Catwalk By Brumby Sunstate $119, House Amalfi Set of 2 Pillar Candles $34.95, House MyHouse Retro Candlestick $24.99, Pillow Talk Muse Marina Tray from $69.95, Provincial Home Living The Art of Home $54.99.

 

Book stacks are a must

Books are one of the best coffee table accessories – they add height, texture, and a dash of entertainment. But don’t just throw any old book on the table. Consider colour coordination, size variation, and title selection. You’ll want the books selected to reflect your interior style as well as personality, so opt for ones that appeal to your interests whether that be fashion, cooking, or lifestyle.

 

Think about height

Take your styling to new heights (literally) by adding various heights to your table arrangement. You can do this by stacking objects like books and boxes, incorporating pedestals and risers to elevate smaller items, and adding greenery like flowers in large vases.

With these coffee table styling tips and tricks, you’re ready to transform your coffee table into the centrepiece of your living room. So go ahead, get creative and make your space a true showstopper. For all your homeware needs and inspiration, head to Aspley Homemaker City – your one-stop destination for making your house a home.

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

living room ideas

How to cosy up your living room this winter

There’s no denying that the living room is one of the most lived-in areas of a home, especially during the winter months when it needs to be ready for two things; hibernating and hosting. Whether you find yourself curling up on the sofa with a warm blanket, a favourite book, or in front of the flickering glow of the TV with friends and family, your living area should be gearing up for a busy season ahead. This means it’s time to spruce up the space with winter home decor!

So, to get you inspired, we’ve rounded up five tips to cosy up your living area – from the right lighting to use to the best accessories to style with. Keep reading and prepare to feel toasty. 

 

Eureka Furniture Cove Folding Screen $679, Eureka Furniture Sorghum Pot $89, Freedom Malvern Table Lamp $229, Freedom Niah Coffee Table $1,299, Nick Scali Lenxy 6 Seat Corner Terminal Sofa POA, Pillow Talk Habitat Piscina Check Fringed Floor Rug $299.95, Pillow Talk Habitat Sebal Seagrass Woven Star Wall Hanging $22.95, Plush Elanor Swivel Armchair POA, Sheridan Outlet Caral Cushion $79.99, Sheridan Outlet Millbrook Faux Fur Throw $329.95. 

 

Use warm colours

First up, consider the colour palette – we recommend choosing warm and inviting colours such as deep reds, earthy browns, or warm neutrals like beige and cream. These shades will make the space feel warmer than it actually is and help make your living area feel cosier. This is because warm hues are associated with passion, joy, and playfulness making them a good choice for rooms that see a lot of activity. 

 

Incorporate ambient lighting 

Set the mood with the correct lighting. During gloomy days when you need to get work done, then a natural glow or overhead white light can be energy-boosting and help you stay focused. When nighttime arrives and you’re wanting to relax, a warm light will help you unwind. We recommend using soft, warm lighting to create a cosy ambience in your living room. Opt for table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights with warm-toned bulbs rather than harsh overhead lighting that is more suitable in the daytime. You can also use candles to add a flickering, comforting glow.

 

Add layers 

The secret to a cosy living room? Layering! There’s nothing quite like sinking into a plush sofa with soft cushions and warm throws to snuggle up in. Be sure to opt for a mix of throws and cushions in chunky knit, faux fur, wool, and linen fabrics. The blend of textures will not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also contribute to a delightfully snug environment, promising both style and comfort. 

 

Decorate with natural elements 

Since we’re bound to be spending more time inside during winter, why not bring the outdoors in as much as possible by using natural-inspired décor? Think driftwood, branches, stones, and botanicals. By incorporating these organic touches, you can create a serene atmosphere that reconnects you with the great outdoors. 

 

Create cosy seating 

Design your own reading nook within the living area for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Select a plush armchair, cosy cushions, and a soft ottoman for added comfort. Arrange the reading nook furniture thoughtfully to maximise the cosiness. We recommend having the chair face towards the warming glow of a fireplace or out the window. This arrangement invites you to sink in and escape into the pages of your favourite book. Watch us create a reading nook here.

With these winter home decor ideas, your space is about to become the heart of your home this winter. Don’t forget to swing by Aspley Homemaker City to gather all the essentials. Let’s make this winter your cosiest yet!  

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

 

Image: Bed Bath N’ Table

living room colour schemes

Three winter colour palettes you’ll love

Selecting the right living room colour scheme for your home is going to set the tone for the ambience of your space, making this one of the most crucial design decisions. From wall paint to furniture fabrics, the colours you choose impact how you feel in your space. 

 

How to choose a living room colour scheme

Warm hues create a sense of confidence, making them perfect for entertaining areas like dining rooms, while cooler tones promote relaxation, ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. This phenomenon is known as colour psychology, and we’ve got all the details you need to know right here.

In this guide, we showcase three winter living room colour schemes, each evoking a range of emotions, from snug and welcoming to refreshing and invigorating. Keep reading to find your perfect match!

 

Bright and vibrant colours

When the winter blues start to set in, it’s only natural to crave the warmth of summer. So why not add vibrant colours that radiate energy and vitality into your home? With bright hues reminiscent of summer, you can create a space that feels lively without sacrificing comfort. Opt for thick textures like wool and faux fur to add layers of cosiness and pile up the cushions and throws. 

DecoRug Lomond Striped Rug $499, Eureka Furniture Vieste Left Hand Chaise Sofa $7,299, Freedom Cosh Table Lamp $69.95, Freedom Urban Road Campari Spritz Canvas $599, Pillow Talk Muse Charlie Check Vase $24.95, Pillow Talk Muse Trio Decorative Vase $39.95, Pillow Talk Sundays by Pillow Talk Airlie Outdoor Coffee Table $199.95, Sheridan Outlet Naut Throw $349.99. 

 

Natural and warm colours

For those who lean towards a classic winter aesthetic, an earthy colour palette is for you. Rustic browns, soothing greens, and creamy neutrals evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia that’s hard to resist. Be sure to embrace traditional winter patterns like tartan and flannel to add a timeless charm to your space. With this palette, you’ll create a space that feels like the warm hug of home.

Eureka Furniture Grange Coffee Table $999, Freedom Aero Fabric Sofa $2,299, Freedom Coast To Coast Home Taylorp Floor Lamp $389, Pillow Talk Habitat Aurora Abstract Wall Art $149.95, Pillow Talk Habitat Axel Medium Checkered Floor Rug $299.95, Plush Alder Armchair POA, Provincial Home Living Nomad Footed Bowl $139.95, Provincial Home Living Talia Basket $69.95. 

 

Faded and muted colours

Faded and muted tones offer a subtle yet sophisticated option for winter interiors, particularly if your home leans towards a more minimalist aesthetic. Soft pinks, sage greens, and muted greys serve as winter’s interpretation of pastel hues. These gentle shades evoke a sense of freshness, perfectly complementing the crispness of the winter season. 

Freedom Wonboyn Ceiling Pendant $399, Nick Scali Nora 3.5 Seat Sofa POA, Nick Scali Papilla Coffee Table $1,899, Pillow Talk Habitat Washed Gradient Framed Canvas Wall Art $249.95, Pillow Talk Knute Sculpture $16.95, Provincial Home Living Parisi Bud Vase $89.95, Provincial Home Living Yashi Cushion $74.95. 

Shop your favourite furniture and decor at Aspley Homemaker City

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of bright colours or the timeless feel of earthy tones, there’s a winter colour scheme to suit every style and mood. So go ahead, experiment with different hues and textures, and transform your home into a cosy retreat with products from Aspley Homemaker City.

For more home inspiration, join the Homemaker Collective to stay in the loop.

winter living room inspiration light grey couch

Winter Living Room Inspiration From Freedom Aspley

With the changing of the seasons comes the perfect time to switch up your soft furnishings and décor items in your home. We recommend heading into Freedom Aspley to check out their latest cushions, throw blankets and cosy items in the latest colours and trends to suit any interior design style. As the days get cooler it is important to rotate your soft furnishing items in the bedroom and living room to a thicker and warmer fabric to ensure we stay warm throughout winter. If you are feeling uninspired and an entire living room redesign is in order, Freedom Aspley have you covered for this too with the latest styles and finishes to suit your needs. Read on to find out our favourite ways to update your home this Winter and our top recommendations you can implement today.

 

Soft Furnishings

One of the easiest and quickest ways to update your home this winter is to switch out your cushions and throw blankets to create a more winter themed living room. When styling your living room for the cooler months we recommend opting for softer and chunkier textures in your soft furnishings. Textures such as faux fur, chunky knitted wool and beautiful thick cottons will give you a luxurious and cosy feel within your space. We love the Snowy Throw Blanket from Freedom Aspley in the smoked wood colour that is so on trend this season. Colours such as rich browns, burnt orange, soft beige and deep olives are huge this winter, so be sure to incorporate these when updating your soft furnishings.

 

Stylish Accent Furniture  

When undertaking a living room redecoration or redesign it is important to think about the smaller accent furniture that finishes off the space. Often, we focus on the sofa and occasional chairs and leave the coffee tables and side tables as an afterthought. Freedom Aspley is the perfect place to visit when searching for living room inspiration as the store is laid out with settings and combinations that help you envision the pieces working together in your own home. This season we are seeing natural stone coffee tables and side tables growing in popularity for their wow factor and textural design. The Porteno Coffee Table is one of our favourite pieces as it is a natural travertine paired with a rich teak wood in a round shape, which makes it perfectly on trend this Winter season.  

 

Decorating and Styling

The living room is the perfect space in the home to test your styling skills and use a variety of home décor pieces to create a look that perfectly reflects you and your taste. As the living room has a number of different surfaces, we recommend taking the opportunity to add home décor pieces such as books, vases, trays and candles to up-level the space. For the coffee table we love placing a beautiful tray with a vase, coasters and candle inside and a stack of thick coffee table books to the side for a styled look. Entertainment unit styling can be kept simple by placing a beautiful vase with faux flowers on one end and sentimental framed photo on the other. We love heading into Freedom Aspley to see what’s new in home décor and styling as they regularly release new and on-trend pieces.   

 

The Finishing Touches  

Lastly, when decorating your living room for winter it is important not to forget about lighting and artwork. Both aspects help to set the mood for the space and create a signature aesthetic and vibe upon entering the room. We suggest adding a tall floor lamp to the corner of the room or above an occasional chair to create a beautiful moment and focal point within the space. Add large artwork to blank walls within the living room in a style and colour palette that sets the tone for the space and brings your personality to the room.

 

Shop Your Dream Winter Living Room Pieces at Freedom Aspley

Create the cosy and comfortable living room you’ve been dreaming of this Winter by heading into Freedom Aspley for all the inspiration you need. Be sure to check out their living room merchandising and take note of the beautifully styled homewares and cosy soft furnishing combinations you can replicate in your own home.

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.