Furnishing your home in Australia

READ this if you're about to start furniture shopping in Australia !!!

If you've recently purchased a property or are moving into a new unfurnished rental, you'll probably need to start furniture shopping if you haven't already started!

Unless you're going to shop at a bulk store (eg Ikea) that keeps a massive amt of stock ... most furniture pieces (eg. dining tables/ sofas etc) take 6 to 8 weeks to get made up!!!

Anything that's made in Australia will require this lead time and ordering imports from overseas (eg Europe) might take up to 3 to 4 months... so don't leave it to the last minute to go shopping!

As a general rule, it's best to shop for basics (eg dining table, dining chairs and sofas) as soon as possible. Work your way back 6 to 8 weeks and give yourself time to actually shop (eg 2 weeks). This means you should be shopping for furniture at least 10 weeks before and not just before you're going to move in!

Don't make the same mistake so many new homeowners or first time furniture buyers make.

My neighbour just told me she spent the whole day shopping for a sofa when she is actually moving into her new rental tomorrow!!! Wat?!!!

Now she's got to deal with being furniture-less for at least 2 months!

The earlier you get your orders done, the more prepared you'll be and in case there is a delay in getting the keys to your new place, most stores will be able to store furniture for you in their warehouse so long as you give them ample notice. (Double check this before you buy, to be sure)

*** It's always a good idea to buy AUSSIE-made so you can rest assured on the quality and do your bit to provide jobs for the community. That plus, longer warranties and better quality in general.

Design hotels are so underrated - Casa Camper Barcelona

How often have you stayed in a hotel and found the design so unique that you wish that was in your home. 

Instead of just admiring ... take inspiration from these clever design / boutique hotels and create an ingeniously smart home of your own... 

Casa Camper hotel (Barcelona) offers a unique concept style where you get two rooms to play with. One is your bedroom and the other is a lounge to entertain guests or just hang out in.

An illuminated door number helps guests find your home even in the dark. Integrate this outside your home or have a light shine down on the number for added drama!

What better way to create a chill out lounge area than with a hammock by the window! A blown up map of your favourite city makes for a fantastic wall print! For added versatility and to maximise space in a small home, opt for a pull out settee or sofa bed so friends can crash at yours anytime!

A vertical garden outside the bathroom makes for a relaxing option to a high wall and adds privacy. For a contrasting effect opt for red walls and one long wall hanger for maximum towel drying space. Oh and i love the practicality of having a wall-hung magnifying mirror!

I heart old-school anything! Seen here blown up vintage photos of shop fronts for an eclectic appeal

A custom-made shower plate tells guests which way is hot or cold.

Design hotels are so underrated - The LA Standard

Design Hotels are so Underrated! 

It's never easy building or running a hotel! Most people just think about the price, location and value for money... but if you break it down, so much goes into running a hotel.  

Add design to the equation and you've got an even bigger task.  Someone actually has to work out every little aspect that will make the design hotel work as the perfect destination while keeping within the brief, colour scheme, mood and allow ample space for guests to sit back and admire the work of art.  


Take a minute to think through some of these hints and tips for a home with spunk and character!

The Standard in LA ( there's nothing merely standard here)

Forget simple stripes and turn to warped wall prints that go across on wall and continue with the same striped curtains for maximum impact! A low occasional chair in a geometric print works wonders as an accompaniment while a single Compobili storage unit is perfect as a low-rise side table. These versatile hard-workers look great in bathrooms and as bedside units as well.

Pool pods offer the ultimate in chic, outdoor appeal. You probably won't be able to fit this into a balcony or smaller backyard but you can still opt for bright coloured furniture in futuristic shapes for a unique buzz. Try the Bubble Club sofa by Starck for starters.

Wall-hung sinks against a mirrored wall creates an instant super-size-me appeal. Now all you need is a cheeky print on the inside boundary wall and you're guaranteed to make heads turn!