Budget Beautiful: My Favourite Affordable Interior Picks That Pack a Punch

With the ever-rising cost of living looming like an uninvited guest at a dinner party, I thought I’d jump online and share a few of my favourite budget-friendly finds. Because let’s be real — a gorgeous interior shouldn’t come with a side of financial ruin. You can have champagne style on a beer budget, and these little gems prove it.

1. The Humble Gladom Side Table – IKEA

The Ikea Gladom side table. The reigning queen of budget style.

Let’s kick things off with a classic: the Gladom side table from IKEA. This unassuming little number is wildly versatile — pop it beside the bed, next to the sofa, or even pair it with an ottoman or a lower coffee table for a luxe-looking nesting moment. The sky’s the limit, and at a tidy $19, it’s an absolute no-brainer.

They come in a variety of colours (bring back the bright red and yellow, please, IKEA gods), and they just work in so many spaces. Flexible, affordable, and kind of a design chameleon.

2. H&M Home Cushions — Stylish and Sturdy

H&M Home Cushions are bang-on trend and cheap enough for the dog to destroy.

Next up: H&M Home, specifically their cushion covers. With prices ranging from $15 to around $50, these are ideal if you’re after high-style, low-stress soft furnishings. Especially if you’ve got a dog like mine — Pedro the cushion destroyer — who likes to ‘nest’ in them. These ones I don’t mind him wrecking quite as much.

Pair them with their responsibly sourced feather-down inserts (also about $15) for a plump, designer look without the designer price tag. Polyester inserts are there too, if down's not your thing. And honestly, H&M Home is a bit of a goldmine for unique, interesting decor pieces — far more chic than your average “live, laugh, love” situation. (But hey, if that’s your vibe, I’m not here to judge.)

3. Hollowlight Pillows – Bed Bath & Table

The Bed Bath N Table HollowLight Pillow. The answer to every budget conscious stylist’s prayers.

While we’re still on the cushion train — I can’t go past Bed Bath & Table’s Hollowlight pillows. These are a styling essential in my book. I’ve probably bought hundreds over the years. No shame.

They’ve got that high loft for a plush, polished look and ring in at about $30 each. Totally fine for sleeping, but where they really shine is in your bed styling. You know, the excess pillow situation your partner complains about? “Babe, why do we need all these pillows?” Because we do, John. That’s why.

4. Paint – The DIY Power Move

Highlights from the Dulux 2025 Colour Forecast. Images courtesy of Dulux Australia

Finally, the ultimate bang-for-buck interior move: paint. A few tins and a weekend of effort can completely transform a space. Want drama? Go deep and moody. Need energy? Try something zesty and bright.

If you’re stuck for ideas, Dulux’s annual colour forecasts are worth a scroll. Bree Banfield and her team put together the most delicious palettes — a great launchpad if you want to be bold but don’t know where to begin. Dulux also breaks down all the how-tos: surface prep, paint types, tools — the lot. And worst-case scenario? If you hate it… just paint over it. You’re never more than a weekend away from a reset.

So there you have it — a few of my fave low-cost styling staples that deliver big impact. Interior design doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful — it just has to be clever. And if you’re looking for more budget-friendly tips or need help making a space feel special without splashing too much cash, you know where to find me.

Future Nostalgia: Transforming a Tired Family Home into a Sophisticated Sanctuary.

Utilising the existing layout, expansive use of walnut veneer paneling was used to create the feeling of a truly bespoke, high spec kitchen.

A Metricon Glow-Up

In the early 2000s, Metricon homes were the epitome of family living. These spacious but conservatively designed houses provided flexible living for countless young families so it’s no wonder they dotted the suburbs of Melbourne in abundance. One such dot, a two-story, four-bedroom, three-bathroom off-the-rack home located in leafy Malvern East, had been a beloved haven for two decades. But as the years passed and the children grew up, the home began to show the ravages age at the hands of 3 active kids. It was time for a refresh—one that would reflect the family's journey from the happy chaos of youth to a more refined, adult elegance.

The Client's Vision

The family wanted to breathe new life into their home, transforming it into a sophisticated and stylish space. Tired of the original safe beige palette a more mature and dynamic aesthetic was the goal. Their brief to DMP Creative was simple yet ambitious: create a home that felt grown-up, using colour and texture to inject sophistication whilst maintaining character and warmth.

Initial concept moodbaord. Warm hues and natural textures formed the overall creative direction.

Design Inspiration: Mid-Century Meets 1970’s Eltham

DMP Creative drew inspiration from American mid-century architecture and the distinctive designs of Alistair Knox, a renowned architect known for his work in Eltham during the 1960s and 70s. Knox’s designs were celebrated for their earthy materials and harmony with the natural environment often using expanses of rustic mud brick and reclaimed materials. This approach perfectly aligned with the family’s desire for a home that felt both sophisticated but relaxed enough to host many functions from 18th birthday parties to large family Christmases.

Rough, rustic tiles surround the newly created fireplace designed to invoke the use of hand crafted brick by celebrated architect Alistair Knox.

The Transformation

With the help of Ardele Construction, DMP Creative set out to bring this vision to life by incorporating a rich palette of materials and colors. Key elements of the renovation included:

1. Warm Walnut Veneer: The extensive use of warm walnut veneer paneling added a sense of minimalist elegance and natural beauty to the home. This material was chosen for its rich, warm hues and was used on mass to create a feeling of refined earthy luxury.

2. Micro Cement: Micro cement was used to create sleek, contemporary surfaces in most bathrooms that were both durable & visually striking whilst being kind to the wallet. Its smooth, seamless finish provided a modern contrast to the natural textures of the other materials.

3. Earthy Green Paint Tones: Earthy green tones were employed throughout the home to evoke a sense of calm and connection to nature. These hues complemented the walnut veneer beautifully, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Pops of rusty red and orange were deployed to add a spicy contrast; a world away from Metricon’s “safety beige”.

4. Textured Brick Effect Tiles: Textured brick effect tiles were used in the family room to add depth and rustic charm, providing a tactile contrast to the highly refined walnut veneer surfaces. These tiles drew inspiration from Knox’s signature use of mud brick and recycled materials, blending rustic techniques with modern design.

5. Brushed Brass Accents: Highly refined brushed brass accents were strategically placed to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. These elements provided a polished counterpoint to the earthy materials, ensuring the overall design felt balanced.

Creating Impact with Rich Colours and Furnishings

To stay within budget while achieving maximum impact, DMP Creative used rich colors in both the design and furnishings. Bold, deep hues were chosen for walls whilst key pieces of artwork, decorative accents and furniture pieces also got the colour treatment with tactile but durable materials such as velvet, distressed leather and linen. This approach allows the family to imprint a new history without being precious of the new whilst infusing the home with high impact design vibrancy sans extensive structural changes.

The guest bedroom again uses expanses of walnut paneling to create a concealed wardrobe and entry into the adjoining ensuite.

The end result

The transformation of this early 2000s Metricon home shows how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a tired space without breaking the bank. By embracing rich colors, varied textures, and timeless materials, DMP Creative created a sophisticated, grown-up sanctuary that perfectly reflects the evolution of its residents. This rejuvenated home is now a beautiful, warm, and inviting space that stands as a testament to the family's journey and the power of inspired design.

Style like a pro: Decision Fatigues

Plan your strike. Get your colour palate locked and loaded.

No, not a typo.  I am indeed using dramatic military vernacular for this particular topic.  The topic that is the never ending despotic tyranny of “consumer choice”.  

Hundreds, thousands of choices. All marvellous. All waiting for you to meticulously sift through to find THE perfect piece for you home.  Before you know it, you have 157 grey modular couches on your short list with not even a glimmer of a final decision…Sound familiar?  Those of you that have attempted to DIY their own interiors will know what I’m putting down and it’s something I hear quite often from my clients.  They thought “how hard could this be?”  They donned the fatigues, unholstered their credit cards and waded into the swampy (but oh so pretty) marsh of the homemaker centre only to met by a formidable barrage of choice, running at them like hungry Raptors in a jurassic cornfield. Panic sets in, the white flag hastily goes up and suddenly that old ratty couch isn’t so bad. 

I’m a Libra (not an astrophysicist) and decision making is oft fraught and laborious.  Don’t even picture me sitting hunched over the menu like a mad scientist trying to decide which entree to order whilst my fellow dinner guests slowly loose their will to live.  Yet burdened with this terrible affliction, I work very happily in a profession where decision making is king.  But how?!  How do I efficiently pull together a coherent concept, choose furniture, paint colours and battalions teeny weeny little decorator objects without succumbing to design paralysis?  

Put down that Ikea catalogue and read on my dear Comrades, your lounge room needs you.

Laser Like Focus.

You know that look your pet gives you when you’re scoffing pizza on the couch?  That’s focus.  Those steely determined eyes, watching and studying every minutiae of movement, intricately tracking that slice of pizza from the box to your face (and probably down your t-shirt).  Body motionless but tense, ready to strike when opportunity falls from your mouth.  Doubt that you will accidentally drop an entire slice on the floor is never entertained.  Success will be theirs. If not by your careless greasy hands then certainly by the sheer telekinetic power currently being employed by Walter the Puggle.

Be like Walther the Puggle at dinner time when entering the furniture store.  FOCUS. You know you want a modern light grey modular lounge.  “Of course!” says the sales assistant who promptly walks you over to the most perfect and comfortable grey modular you’ve ever seen. GET. IT…..But wait! The sales assistant seductively asks “But have you seen these…?” Your hairs prickle with curiosity, the sales assistant gestures their arm like a tv game show hostess and suddenly a savanna of couches is revealed, all different, all beautiful.  None being a grey modular couch. Now, you’re questioning your plan. Those hours you scoured instagram, measured the room, argued with the other half, gave Walter a bit of pepperoni and said it was the last one, re-measured, given Walter another bit of pepperoni and finally agreed to a solution have now gone.  Hastily surrendered in the face of new and completely different options.  Why? Because they’re simply there.  

Remember, pizza box, face.  Don’t be distracted! Be like Walter. You knew what you wanted and it’s here, waiting for you. Perfect…the store has metaphorically dropped THE most perfect slice of pizza on the floor.  Be. Like. Walter. Snaffle it now without hesitation knowing in your heart it’s what you wanted in the first place and it’s perfect for your house.  Let some other gormless schmuck be ravaged to death in the sofa savanna.  You have the inside scoop, you haven’t won the war yet but the first battle can be notched up as an allied win.

Spidy Senses.

“Let’s just make sure there’s not a better option”  …I hear this a lot. And as Paul Keating once said, this concept “is a shiver looking for a spine”.  Usually mine.

Choosing fabric and colour samples can be overwhelming.

Sure, getting the best option is super important. But that best solution is something you’ve probably already discovered when pulling together your overall colour scheme. Sitting in a showroom with a sales assistant helpfully hovering like an impatient Blackhawk chopper (desperate to make a sale) whilst you’re engaged with a weapons grade toddler tantrum is not the time to start exploring an entirely new design concept.  Then the sales assistant parks a troop carrier of fabric sample books and proceeds to lob grenades of designer fabrics at you in an effort to be “helpful”. Suddenly you can’t decide between the teal velvet, hot pink corduroy or cobalt blue boucle.  What happened to light grey?!  Put down all the other sample books that aren’t grey…Except maybe the one with the cobalt boucle.  Maybe we should just have a look…

I won’t lie, once you have “the colour” locked in, then there’s “which shade?”.  Even talking humble grey we have a kaleidoscope of choices.  Shark grey, charcoal, flint, pavement, graphite, smoke, pewter…I could go on. I won’t.  I do have a client at the moment who delights in the unnecessarily fruity names we creatives come up with for simple colour names.  I’ll admit, it’s become quite a fun game to come up with increasingly ludicrous names for our colour palate and highly recommended to lighten the mood…But I digress.

There’s only one piece of advice I have here.  Trust. Your. Gut.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve laboured over 50 shades of porpoise (not a typo, a legit colour) with clients just to end up selecting the first one that caught our eye…only now it’s dark outside.  Now, I’m not saying don’t look at the various shades, it’s your duty! But if you thought light grey was the colour, then look at the light grey options. Don’t even bother looking at the darker shades. Choose from the handful you do want, not the gazillion you don’t.

In closing.

I guess the nutshell sales pitch here is trust your judgement and your plan and remain focused.  You decided a light grey modular was the right choice weeks ago, then built a whole room around it.  Don’t go a changing now just because you saw a lovely but totally unsuitable day bed.  Approach everything from here on in with blinkered determination to succeed in the face of choices overload.  Trust me, I’ve been there and done the alternative many times before learning this particular war game. And once you engage these strategies, you’ll be sitting on your new couch eating pizza with Walter in peaceful bliss in no time.

Happy styling!

Dave xx

On another note, Ii’s my hope that these blogs give you practical info to help style your own master piece, intended to be delivered a light and entertaining way.  How am I doing?  If you love it, share it with those you know would love it too. If you hate it or want to me to discuss a particular topic, don’t be shy!  I love all feedback so send me a message.  I have a 3 part series outlining the entire design process which should be a good summer read…and helpful too!  Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to get all the latest info AND 10% off your first purchase.

Style Like A Pro: The bed

Layering colours and textures

My lack of discipline boarders on the pathological.  There, I said it.  This is a fact verified by my local Crossfit gym (sorry guys, I promise I’ll see you soon) and my local wine shop (sorry guys, I promise I’ll stop bothering you…one day).  But in the broad litany of self imposed rules that get regularly broken, there is one that remains like a shining beacon of sanctimonious smugness.

I make my bed.  Everyday.  Ok fine, 363 days a year.  The other 2 days are those in which I feel too mean spirited to dislodge my peacefully slumbering cat.  Every morning I not only make the bed, I style and plump and fluff as though a photoshoot were about to happen.  For me, this sets the tone for the day and my mindset.  No matter what potential bin fires to threaten my zen, at least I’ve made the bed #adulting.  If afore mentioned bin fires escalate to full blown crises, there’s always the luxury and embracing comfort that is crawling into a beautiful bed after a crap day….with wine.  And chocolate.  And the Cat.  I digress.

So, how do you style your own insta worthy boudoir?  Here’s how:

You’ll need:

2 European pillows

4 Standard pillows (2 will be “sleeping” pillows)

1 doona (more on doona’s later)

1 plain sheet set and doona cover set 

2 Euro pillow cases 

1 or 2 scatter cushions 

1 throw or quilt/comforter

Sounds like a lot but once it’s all in place it certainly won’t look like that.  Choose high loft/high profile options as you want billowy goodness.  Buy the best quality you can afford, unfortunately the tantalisingly cheap bedding isn’t great.  And that’s not me being a bougie stylist either.  Both from a function and design perspective they perform terribly…and terrible performance in the bedroom should always be avoided.

Choosing colours:

Mixing and matching colours can be hit and miss, even for us pros.  To ensure a hit, pick out a few colours from an artwork or if you’re using a doona cover with patterns, select 1 colour from the pattern and use it for the sheets and another colour or 2 for the scatter cushions, euro pillow cases and throw.  Voila, design cohesion.

Texture:

You don’t have to use lots of colours, or any in fact.  Simple white or monochrome is still super fabulous but bring it to life with a combo of textures.  Think, smooth cotton sheets, chunky knit throws and tactile velvet.

Assembly:

First up? The sheet set which is is pretty straight forward. 

Second, the doona and throws.  I usually go one of two ways here.  If I’m using a throw, I’ll lay the doona on the bed, position the throw towards the end (but not all the way) then fold the top of the doona back to the foot of the bed (over the throw) and then back again to the top of the now folded doona…kinda like a “Z”.  If I’m using a quilt or comforter, I will lay that down on the bed first and fold to the top about 1/3 down, then fold the doona two or three times and lay that at the foot of the bed (you can fold this in a way so when you get into bed, you can just grab the top and pull up rather than going to the hassle of unfolding then laying it back on the bed….basically, another Z fold).

Finally:

The pillows.  The standard pillows you use for the basic pillow cases in your sheet set are your “sleeping” pillows (if you use some fancy ergonomic bamboo pillow as seen on TV? Put that in the wardrobe….nobody got time for that).  You want to hide the sleeping pillows a little bit as they tend to get a bit messed up.  My go-to pillow combo is euros sitting fluffed and upright up the back, the “sleeping pillows” then the decorative standard pillows (rocking the pillow cases that came with your doona set) up front and showing off.  Either stack the standard pillows on top of each other or prop them up like a filing cabinet.  I NEVER have pillows sitting on the doona, they sit on the sheets.  Dunno why but to me, it looks a bit boring and you loose some of that puff we’re trying to infuse in the final look.  Give the scatter cushion/s a puff up and place in the centre in front of your pillow stack.  if using down cushion inserts don’t forget the chop…it can be quite satisfying on a Monday morning…

And you’re done!  I know it sounds like a lot of bother but really, after the first couple of makes, the bed sorta starts making it myself.  For me, this entire process at home in the morning takes maybe 5 minutes?  No lie.

The doona:  Further on doonas as they’re important.  The high loft doonas are the best with goose and duck down considered the gold standard….and they’re lovely.  But, unless you’re sure the down is ethically sourced avoid them.  You don’t even wanna know what happens to the poor feathery guys supplying the filler and who wants to sleep under all that bad karma?  I love micro fibre down guilts.  They’re luxe, puffy, warm AND cruelty free.  If you have a “hot” partner, a good solution is using 2 doonas with different warmth ratings.  Put each in a different cover and use one in place of a throw. or comforter  This is also a great solution for summer when you don’t need the warmth but still want that high loft effect.

The haters: For reals.  Lots of people get mystifyingly fussy about using lots of pillows on beds (and couches). Sadly, the shade is likely to come from a source surprisingly close to home by way of your significant other.  “Why do we need so many pillows, we only have one head, wah wah wah.”  Whatevs.  I say do your thing until they can pack the dishwasher properly…

Happy styling, Peeps!

Dave xx

The Art Of Giving, Made Easy

Beautiful gifting, made easy.

It’s something we all love and appreciate.  Yet somewhere along the way this societal ritual has become a bit lack lustre.  I’m talking about gift giving.

Before I continue, I will confess that I too have been found guilty on many occasions of hurriedly grabbing a gift card from the servo on the way to a birthday dinner.  Justifying it as “but this way they can get what they want”.  No. Not really. It’s lazy and vaguely disrespectful. There, I said it and I’m sure with some soul searching you’ll agree too.

A beautifully wrapped gift is one of life’s el-primo delights.  So much so that there’s a gazillion you tube videos unwrapping and unboxing luxury packages that we devour by proxy in a strange voyeuristic ritual to scratch an itch via an empty facsimile of the real experience.  And it doesn’t really seem to matter what the actual gift is, it’s the excitement and delight of finding out that’s the fun.  Not mention that little warm glow you get knowing someone cares enough about you to go the trouble and effort to wrap it, just for you.  You could literally gift me a used vacuum bag and I’d love it a much as a Louis Vuitton wallet if it was wrapped to perfection....the former gift idea is not recommended, however.  The latter, yes please. Hint hint.

All that said, I don’t think not caring is the issue  This crazy busy, non-stop digital world is the prime suspect.  We just have so much on our minds, so many things to do that thinking about what to get, buying it, wrapping it and finding the time to give it in person is one thing too many on the daily to-do list.  Sadly just getting it done is the name of the game in the 21st Century and gift giving is not immune.  Of course you can buy stuff online and select “gift wrap” and move on with your life but you never know just what the final product will look like.

When designing the products for my online store, the packaging was considered at the same time.  It was important for me to offer that beautiful experience as an integral part of the product experience whether it was a gift or not.  Every product comes beautifully packaged and ready to gift - as is.  But for me, it wasn’t enough for the product to be beautifully presented only to be let down by the harsh utilitarian reality that is postage.  Because let’s face it, we still need to buy something quickly online and ship it direct to the receiver. But why should the “gifting” experience be sacrificed?  This is why my experience begins with the actual postage box.  From start to finish, I wanted a luxurious, exciting experience. From the customer feedback I’ve received? Mission accomplished!

Next time you need to show someone you care (and yes, you should include yourself in that category), swing by my website and take a look.  With an option for handwritten messages at checkout, trust that my OCD vis-à-vis presentation has your back and your gift receiver will be delighted and forever full of gratitude…Plus, you’ve just up upped the stakes for your own birthday.  What? There’s nothing wrong with taking out a bit of gifting insurance…

I’m currently working on site functionality to offer physical gift cards boxed and shipped, but for now, digital gift cards are available and a perfect option for those someones in your life who have everything.  Digital gift vouchers can be used for any product in the store….or, wait for it…DESIGN SERVICE!!  Mmmm hmmmm, that’s right.  Your gift can be put towards a design consult meaning you also gain bragging rights for your love one’s new and stunningly beautiful lounge room…But remember it’s not about you (but really, it is).

If you know someone in your life who could do with a little help in the gifting department, share this blog with them as a gentle hint.

Until next time peeps, happy gifting!

Dave xx

Style Like A Pro: The coffee table

A well styled coffee table is a marvellous thing.  And an absolute essential in the interior decorating caper.  We’ve all seen those stunning coffee tables in magazines, maximalist masterpieces literally groaning with a rich bounty of gorgeous little things.

But wait, there’s no room for anything else…like my wine.  Extremely limited studies show* that if you have to sit and hold onto your glass whilst binge watching Netflix you drink 2-3 times more.

* me.  at home.  alone.  don’t judge.

The good news is, it’s pretty easy to combine beautiful style AND functionality in this area.  And I really don’t get to say that often.  Here’s how to create your dream coffee table:

1) Layout:  When I’m putting together a vignette (fancy designer term for putting stuff on a table), I usually will start with the shape of the coffee table itself.  If it’s square, I layout items to fill a square foot print.  Rectangle table, a rectangle foot print.  Round?  Anything goes!  I usually then pick a large book and build from there.  Adding a decorative tray, magazines and a trinket box (more on this later) leaving gaps for other items like candles and vases….It’s like a glamorous game of tetras…

2) Height:  Height is very important.  Whilst a mix of high and low items is essential, anything too high and it will just get in the way of conversation or (most importantly) the TV.  I generally won’t go much higher than 30-40 centimetres, including floral arrangements.  To achieve different heights, a really simple way is adding another coffee table book or magazine to the pile.

3) Layering:  Now you have your general layout, what ties it all together is the sprinkling objet d’art or layering.  Little glass bowls full of sweets, small sculptures, a scented candle (a must in my household) and of course a vase of flowers or a small plant can be nestled in around things.  There’s really no rule here, just be prepared to have a play to see what works.  If you get really stuck, grouping items into 3’s is a go-to design rule.

I mentioned a trinket box earlier?  A decorative box is essential for a coffee table.  You’ve spent all this time creating a masterpiece only to have your significant other dump car keys and a fist full of change slap bang in the middle of your fabulous styling moment.  A decorative box is the answer to store all those ugly bits and bobs associated with real life along with the inevitable wood pile of remote controls we all seem to have these days.

Still a bit unsure?  All of my homewares have been selected to work within this very framework, so creating your own coffee table masterpiece is super easy.  Of course, if you need some advice I’m always here to help!  Now, get to styling and remember to tag me on insta (_dmpcreative) or use the hashtag #dmpcreativeinteriors so I can check out and share your handy work!

Happy styling Peeps!

Dave xx

Colour me happy. Daring to be different with paint colour.

Colour me happy.

Choosing paint colours with confidence.

Lately I’ve been looking at ways to steer clients away from safe colour palates and into something more adventurous.  This is usually greeted with some trepidation and I get that, I really do….especially when talking wall colour.

There’s a lot of “rules” around this.  Don’t use dark colours in a small rooms, it will make it look smaller.  Play it safe for open living areas and stick with a light neutral so it’s not too overwhelming or clashes bla bla.  No wonder people get spooked and yes, some are certainly valid.

The thing is though, paint is a relatively cheap thing in the grand scheme of renovating and is one of those elements that makes a HUGE impact on the final result. I’m not sure why people don’t mix it up and change this more often as it’s one part of decorating you can easily do yourself without the expense of a trade professional.

One of things I’m really loving at the moment is using multiple shades of the one colour.  This is proving to be quite the hit with my more nervous clients.  Doing a feature wall in the darkest shade and then the other walls in a lighter version delivers the drama and excitement without the full commitment.  I guess it harks back to the bold feature wall of the 90’s.  The difference here, the other shades help temper that impact rather than having a feature wall stand boldly (and garishly) on it’s own as the rest of the room cringes away.

A good place to start choosing the colours is to look for a main colour, and then grabbing the 2 shades on either side.  Taubmans paint samples are great for this as they have 3-4 variants of the one colour on the one sample chip.  You can see straight up how they sit together.  I would probably not do the darkest and lightest together.  Darkest and middle.  Or middle and lightest.  Basically, you don’t the difference to be too severe and jarring. Make sense?

The next step is getting sample pots of all 3 and start painting!  Make sure you do a larger sample (say 50x50cm square) and do that in various points in the room to see how the colour reacts to ambient and natural light.  You’d be amazed how the colour can change from one part of the room to the next, from one time of day to the next.  It’s also important to remember, the existing wall colour will influence the new paint samples so a couple of coats and waiting for it to dry is best before deciding.  If that all sounds too hard, Dulux have A4 sized paint samples you can blu-tac to the walls which is super easy and quick.  

Now you’ve made the decision, go forth and create your dream space!

Check out my insta feed to see some experiments in colour and materials…and hopefully some inspiration!

Dave xx

Turning that interior design problem into an opportunity!

Beginning a property make over can seem a bit daunting.  Where do you start…more importantly where do you stop?

Whilst all of us would love to rip everything out and start again with a cache of high-end finishes and designer knick-knacks, more often than not that is not possible.  It’s at this point many people give up. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing to get great results.

Refreshing a Docklands crash pad for a country based client recently, this very dilemma was front and centre.  The apartment itself was built in the early 2000’s without a single update during that period and was beyond tired.  Think 90’s Australian boy band video clip…but I digress. Without the budget, a new kitchen, new bathrooms and new flooring wasn’t an option.  It is a holiday home after all.

Fortunately, the carpet was in good knick but not exactly a forecast colour trend.  Similarly with the window furnishings.  Not bad enough to replace, but not up-to-the minute fashion either.  Making the best of what we had was simply how this was going to have to work. 

This may seem like a huge compromise.  In fact it was the opposite.  These constraints became the basis of the colour palate and the launching pad for the whole design concept.  Using forest greens, leather, linen, stone and dark wood, the concept was to bring rugged, rural Victoria to Melbourne and give it a chic city-slicker makeover.  Add some carefully curated decorator and new light fixtures to the dated kitchen and bathrooms (along with a much needed deep clean) and voila! What was once a problem was now a considered colour and design, transforming the space from the post long term tenanted apocalypse it was at the beginning of the refresh.

My point?  It boils down to glass half full vs glass half empty.  A problem vs an opportunity… plus a handful of other self-help metaphors you can choose from.  Anywho, don’t be so quick to think “this is all too hard” and just give up. More often than not, a little bit of creative thinking can make any space an aspirational masterpiece…without inviting financial ruin. Life is too short to live in a space that brings you down! 

Of course, if you’re really stuck this is where we can help!  A consultation can be anything from the full enchilada or just a friendly nudge in the right direction :)

Dave

xx