Right on time

Always a trusty go-to when in need of a gift, and one of Kylie and Kerena’s personal faves. The Horse has you covered for watches and leather goods.  Classy and timeless designs that will have Dad looking schmick, without breaking the bank!

Image Source: The Horse

Getting summer ready

Quintessentially Aussie, Budgy Smugglers are part of  the Australian culture.  With the warmer months just around the corner, these fun and colourful men’s swimmers will be sure to brighten Dad’s day.

Image Source: Budgy Smuggler

Not just for the surfers

You don’t need to be a surfer to love this brand.! Keel Surf & Supply also have some great gift ideas ranging from blokes candles and fragrance diffusers to leather goods, cool Artwork, books and sunglasses.  Check out their accessories range.

Image Source: Keels Surf & Supply

Bringing the outdoors in 

With a focus on organic, natural, and sustainable products, Pony Rider is a great option for anyone who loves quality products that align with a beautiful brand story and ethos.  Be sure to check out their cushions – great for more manly spaces.

Image Source: Pony Rider

Skincare – for men with faces…

If the man in your life is like some that we know, it can be hard to get them into a skincare regime.  It has to be quick, easy and almost thoughtless!  Cue skincare genius Zoe Foster-Blake and her Go-To Skincare range for men: Bro-To! Clean, uncomplicated and it works! 

Image Source: GoTo Skincare

A Gift that keeps on Giving

It’s what’s on the inside that counts!   Whether it’s a home office, man cave or just a space to call his own – why not spoil Dad, Poppy or Hubby this year with something truly unique and everlasting.  A Designbx Package will be memorable for years to come!

The post Fathers Day gift ideas Dad will love! appeared first on Designbx.

Saturday sessions……we don’t like to break tradition, so this Saturday whilst we are chatting to these amazingly talented female superstars, Kerena and Kylie are sipping on a Grenadine Margarita, because – why not!  And, they are super pretty!  Thanks for the recipe The Margarita Mum!

Image Source: The Margarita Mum 

Curatorial + Co

Sophie Vander is as passionate about art as they come.  She started Curatorial + Co with the purpose to make art accessible to all Australians – a curated collection of exclusive one-of-a-kind and limited edition works by artists and designers from across the globe.

With art from both established and emerging artists, Curatorial + Co has created a necessary connection between artists , collectors, designers and their potential clients.  Presenting painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramic works as well as multimedia and textile art pieces, the scope of the Curatorial+Co. collection is vast and inspiring, and all works are exclusive to Curatorial+Co.

What is your favourite room at home?

My entry.

What design style is this room/space?

It’s in the original half of our 1930’s art deco home. The beautiful curve of the banister is in its original condition, and we’ve added art and lighting elements to make it more contemporary.

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s such a grand welcome into our home but its simplicity of form is what draws you in. Letting the architecture speak for itself is what gives it a quiet confidence. Sometimes all you need is the architecture, and art.

“Art can change a room completely. It can elevate it, it can change the mood, it can tell a story”               

SOPHIE VANDER – FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Maybe the slight orange tone of the banister varnish! But I really don’t want to touch it as it’s important to the history of the home.

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Art, of course! Art can change a room completely. It can elevate it, it can change the mood, it can tell a story. I don’t understand rooms without art. For me there is something missing, a coldness. It’s not a home until that important personal element is there.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The addition of our huge Isabelle de Kleine work on paper brings what could have been a stuffy 90-year-old space into the now. If we’d put a traditional art deco hall table there, or tried to match the era, it wouldn’t work. Isabelle’s painting has such incredible soul that it feels very much at home. I love walking in every day and seeing it.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

Curatorial+Co. represents Isabelle de Kleine and you can find her work on our website. The art deco chair was sourced from a local auction house for $35! We stripped the orange varnish, stained it black and recovered in teal velvet. The chandelier is from Douglas and Bec.

Sophie’s Entry – It’s divine! 

Malawi Cane + Coastal Drift

Born from a desire for authentic and classic furniture, Malawi Cane has been trading in South Africa since 2012, and in Australia since 2017. 

The Australian operation is headed up by Monique, who was born in Malawi; and loves nothing more than seeing genuine Malawi product in homes around the world. Sharing the beautiful stories behind the craftspeople who skillfully weave each piece, preserving centuries-old traditional weaving methods, and ensuring the artisans and their communities are supported fairly through their trade of Malawi Cane furniture.

Image Source: Realestate.com

What is your favourite room at home?

It’s a tough contender….the laundry room (it’s frickin’ amazing), or this one….our in-built balcony off the master bedroom, over-looking the Tasman Sea…the latter wins due to the family time it brings us (the laundry room just remains a personal fave!)

What design style is this room/space?

Rustic-luxe beach house

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

Due to it’s location (only accessible from the master bedroom), it’s a space that’s only ever truly experienced by the family….generally between 5-7am….an east-facing house will do that for you!  We spend our first hour of the day here….enjoying coffees, warm milks, cuddles, bird-watching, whale watching, and all things that happen around sunrise.  It’s a moment in our days that non one else can interrupt.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Allow us to spend more time here!  Or install a coffee machine!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

It’s about having one unique stand-out piece (of art or furniture…but don’t do both – they will fight) And then ensuring there are personal elements that tell a personal story to your life.

“When styling your home, be sure to think of a style that fits your personal life and history, you need to connect with the aesthetics in your home, as well as being able to add those personal touches that tell a story to your life.  It will enable you to genuinely feel “at home” and to guests, your home will feel more relaxed.  My husband and I have always inter-twinned our lifelong heritages of Africa, Europe and Australia in all of our homes, and our daughter understands her heritages.  And don’t forget to have a few hints of fun spotted around your home…there should be a few locations where  you walk around a corner and something winks at you“.

MONIQUE RYAN-MUSACCHIO – FOUNDER + DIRECTOR MALAWI CANE 

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The Malawi Traditional Hanging Loveseat – it’s the prototype of my original design for my business, Malawi Cane….so much emotional connection with the artisans who hand-weave these pieces from my country of birth.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

Malawi Cane!

Grace Garrett

Homewares Queen Grace Garrett has worked in the design industry over twenty years.  Grace has a style that is dynamic, modern and bold. Her collections are inspired by her travels, and the journey of life experience. The first collection Beauty of Asia was created whilst living in Asia. Grace now has a number of collections under her belt.

Featured in Australian House & Garden magazine’s Top Women in Design, her textiles are regularly seen in a number of other major interior design publications.  Grace’s collections include wallpaper, cushions, beach towels, beach bags, rugs, candles, dog beds….the list goes on, there is nothing this women can’t do!

What is your favourite room at home?

My bedroom

What design style is this room/space?

Mix of Modern / Tribal inspired design.

“Your decorating doesn’t need to be matchy-matchy but there needs to be an underlying theme/colour scheme to tie each space together”

GRACE GARRETT – FOUNDER 

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s MY space to relax and unwind. I love the cocooning vibe, the mix of textures, Metal, Timber, Linen, fur – the cultivar linen sheets, the beaded chandelier over the black 4 poster bed and the dark moody artwork. Its the one room in the house that I don’t have to share.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Have it on the other side of the hallway. It’s currently on the street side – which can get noisy – and maybe double it in size

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Your decorating doesn’t need to be matchy-matchy but there needs to be an underlying theme/colour scheme to tie each space together. Mixing textures is also key to creating an interesting space so it doesn’t feel cold or sterile.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

My Bed – We all spend a lot of time in bed – so beautiful linen and comfort are key – I also love the grand statement the 4 Poster bed makes. It adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the room along with creating a focal point.

Are you looking to Refresh or Transform your space at home and not sure where to start?  Designbx offers a FREE no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation and a convenient online booking system – link below.  We hope you enjoyed part one of our “behind the scenes” tour – keep an eye out for part two coming soon!

The post Australian designers favourite room at home – part 2 appeared first on Designbx.

What is your favourite room at home?  So here’s the truth – we couldn’t provide the amazing range of furniture and homewares, (not to mention the pricing) in the designs for our clients without our creative, genius, friendly, generous and beautiful supply partners! 

To continue the theme of our recent blog post: Made in Australia, we sat down for a cocktail (virtual of course) with some of these creative and talented teams to chat about their fave rooms at home and what design means to them.  They have also been kind enough to tell us how they created their looks, so you can go about recreating these in your own home OR, call on the Designbx experts to do it for you!

Confession: Kerena and Kylie with a Ginger Citrus Spice Margie on a Saturday afternoon chatting with these talents = heaven!

Image Source: The Margarita Mum 

Designer Boys Collections

A long way from the first series of The Block, Gavin Atkins (Gav) and Warren Sonin (Waz) are the Founders of Designer Boys – a wholesale art business that collaborates with new and established artists from across the globe. 

With an emphasis on artwork inspired by nature, Designer Boys artworks are not mass-produced and are all beautifully hand-framed here in Australia.  Think rich colours, exquisite textures and beautiful finishes – Designer Boys are a Designbx fave!

What is your favourite room at home?

Our stunning 12 metre hallway which connected the front door to the main living with sweeping views over the Byron Bay hinterland. The house was a derelict 120 year old farmhouse on 60 acres that we transformed into a stunning country home.

What design style is this room/space?

Luxe Farmhouse with a touch of Potts Point opulence (where we use to live before we moved to the country).

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

It’s the first impression of what to expect from the rest of the house. We wanted the hallway to feel warm and welcoming with a beautiful ambience. It’s the room we decorated first as it would set the decorating style for the entire house.

“It was a labour of love and it’s important to stick to your innate style to make it truly your home. And don’t follow trends… Go for a layered, eclectic look to create a vibe of comfort and style. And when we sold the house several years ago, the new owners loved the look and feel so much they bought everything!”               

GAV AND WAZ – FOUNDERS OF DESIGNER BOYS

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

Absolutely nothing. It was perfect and showcased our personal style.

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

We loved the 12 metre hall rug custom made for the length of the hallway. We adored the strong geometric pattern and the masculine tones.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

The 1.2 metre high Buddha. This has been part of every property we have lived in and it always prominent feature. It always brings us good fortune and energy. Back on the first series of the Block, we could take one thing from our home and we transported our Buddha in to our ‘Block’ apartment to bring us good fortune.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

The Rug Establishment for the rug, Andrew Martin fabric for the lights and Bloomingdales custom made the lights.  Mirrors and safari wall decoration from Mezai.

Gav and Waz’s 12 meter Hallway in the Byron Bay Hinterland

Eadie Lifestyle

“Beautifying your life with affordable luxury”  This is something Founder of Eadie Lifestyle Trudie Cox also sticks to in her own home.

Eadie Lifestyle creates timeless, quality home furnishings and easy to wear lounge wear. All textiles are developed in-house exclusively, and design, manufacture and wholesale of the range to the best retailers across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & the USA.

Eadie creates styles that are beautiful, functional and made only from natural fibres – they are passionate about making your house your haven.

What is your favourite room at home?

My open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room. It’s warm, friendly, cosy and perfect for casual living and entertaining. If the walls could talk, they would reveal many fun times.

What design style is this room/space?

A combination of industrial/urban, mixed with boho eclectic. I love mixing different design styles together. I think it makes the space interesting and not too uniformed.

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

The bones of my house are unique as it’s a 100 year old warehouse conversion in an industrial suburb that is starting to gain popularity as a residential area. It’s interesting, unpretentious, welcoming and oozes character. Originally, the building was home to a motor mechanic and car showroom. There are lots of little treasures including the hardwood beams, gorgeous chunky rusty bolts and imperfection everywhere, which makes it perfect for me.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

The (lack of) heating and cooling. I am in the middle of developing it further and can’t wait to install AC!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

Well in terms of my space, it’s the very industrial bones, teamed with my bits and pieces I’ve collected from various parts of my life and travels. It’s a combination of hard and soft, cool and warm, commercial and very homely. I guess the combination takes people by surprise when they walk in, as the exterior of the property is a very old, weathered warehouse frontage. I love the discreetness and unexpectedness of it. I like surprises and individuality in interior schemes. You can tell when someone has put their heart and soul into an interior, it stands out in an authentic way and I think that is interesting.

“Style tells a story about who you are and your individual journey. I don’t follow trends or rules. I enjoy mixing sophisticated with rustic. I love pieces that remind me of my travels or have sentimental value”.

TRUDIE COX – FOUNDER EADIE LIFESTYLE

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

Ah, that’s easy. It would be my very treasured bust sculpture of Brett Whitely. I have had it for years and I adore it. It gives the space beautiful energy. When I saw it in a shop on the North Coast, it literally stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t for sale at the time, but I asked the store owner to contact the local artist and ask her if she would contemplate selling it to me. It was love at first sight and the love affair still prevails many years after. It was. a labour of love for the artist, and I promised her I would look after it forever.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

The Sofas in my living area are from Curious Grace and Maison Est. They are comfy, not precious and great for high traffic areas. I have a partner,  3 teenage daughters, and 2 dogs. It’s a busy household that always has people dropping in, wine in the fridge and music playing. I want everyone that is here to feel comfortable and at home, and these are perfect. Of course, Eadie Lifestyle cushions are everywhere! A fair bit of my artwork is original and commissioned by local up-and-coming artists. Some of my favourite pieces are by Sydney based artist Aaron Kinane, who is now incredibly successful. I bought these pieces from him before he was well known. It’s been exciting to see his career flourish. I also love my round dining table. I cherish loved ones sitting around a round table, sharing great food and conversation. Everyone is included. It is super heavy, made from oak and takes about 4 men to move. Again, it’s not precious, we don’t use tablecloths or placemats, and it doesn’t;t matter if a splash of red wine or two hits the surface. I also love my long concrete kitchen benchtop. It was hand-poured by a local tradesman (and friend), and we didn’t over polish it. The finish has texture and a bit of grit, which compliments the industrial feel of the space. I have simple backless stools underneath and it has become the heart of the house. We spend a lot of time around our kitchen bench.

Darcy & Duke

Darcy & Duke is that touch of elegance and luxury you didn’t know you NEEDED in your life.  Think plush furniture and homewares with a touch of velvet and gold, stylish and functional armchairs and ottomans with a hint of opulence.

Designbx recently chatted with Founder of Darcy & Duke Rachel Han to find out what is your favourite room at home?  Located in Melbourne, Rachel and her team curate and design collections which aim to inspire, and provide a point difference to what’s currently in the market.

What is your favourite room at home?

My bedroom

What design style is this room/space?

Modern

What is it about this space that makes it special, memorable or unique?

The high ceilings and natural light create calm….and the view of course.

If you could change one thing about this room what would it be and why?

I would definitely upgrade from a Queen bed to a King!

What do you think – in terms of design, style, decor – makes a room stand out?

The heart of the room is in the structure and finishes.  We moved in 18 months ago and haven’t purchased any furniture for this room yet. We moved our existing furniture in and made the best of it.

What is your one favourite item or element of this room that makes it so special to you?

 The chairs by the window, it is a calm and serene area to escape and relax.

From where did you source the pieces in this room/space?

That’s easy – all items were sourced from Darcy and Duke!

Are you looking to Refresh or Transform your space at home and not sure where to start?  Designbx offers a FREE no-obligation 15 minute phone consultation and a convenient online booking system – link below.  We hope you enjoyed part one of our “behind the scenes” tour – keep an eye out for part two coming soon!

The post Australian designers favourite room at home – part 1 appeared first on Designbx.

Image Source: Better Homes and Gardens

‘Every man and his dog’ are currently self-isolating thanks to COVID-19. In fact, levels of pet ownership and adoption have skyrocketed thanks to people spending extended periods of time at home. This means a sudden need to ensure our homes are set up to accommodate ourselves and the pets we love.

Many clients ask us to consider their pets when we compose our designs. And this is set to become more and more common. In fact, there are some amazing techniques, products and solutions that can help you create a beautiful space for you and your fur babies where everyone can comfortably coexist.

Space and Scale

Planning your space is key to seamless interior design with pets in mind. Think about what access you want your furry friends to have around the house. Are you a “no pets on the couch/bed” kind of home? Or more relaxed about who you cosy up with on a cold winter night? These kinds of boundaries will help you design your space accordingly. For example, will your pet’s bed be part of the bedroom, hidden away in the laundry, or do you need to integrate it into a living area so it’s safe and cosy for them, and not disruptive to you – either in terms of location or style. 

Thankfully there are a lot of super stylish pet beds and design ideas you can use to repurpose existing spaces in the home. If you have a staircase, a great option is transforming the area under the stairs into a pet-friendly zone. These spaces are often small, warm and dark, which is the perfect combination for some serious snuggling. We’ve seen and created some great solutions for clients, including under-the-stairs bed boudoirs, and even transforming laundry cupboards into cute kitty hideaways.

Image Source: Tail and Fur

Image Source: Airtasker

It’s also important to ensure any pet additions to your home are in line with the scale of your living arrangements. For example, if you have a small apartment we wouldn’t recommend a multi-storey scratching pole. It will look out of place and dwarf your other furniture, as opposed to complementing, or even disappearing into, the surroundings.

Materials are Key

Stain-resistant and hard-wearing materials are key when it comes to interior design with pets in mind. The last thing you want is Fido making a doo-doo on your new Oriental rug. Materials that are easy to wipe clean, scratch and odour resistant and stain-proof will be your saving grace if and when an accident happens. (This is especially important if you’re trying to toilet train a puppy or kitten!)

In terms of natural fibres, think leather, quality linens and wool. The key is fibre construction – the tighter the fibres, the more resistant it will be to stains and odours. If you prefer to opt for synthetic materials, Nylon, Olefin, and Acrylic are also good choices. But our best tip is to make sure you invest in protective measures like scotch guarding and using semi-gloss wall paint to extend the life of your soft furnishings and to ensure any dirty marks are easily removed – Selleys Sugar Soap Wipes from Bunnings are great for this! It’s also a good idea to opt for hard surface floors (like tiles or floorboards). But when it comes to carpet and rugs, choose a shade similar to that of your furry friend so that shedding isn’t so obvious between vacuums. 

Material choices are also key when you think about storage – as pet accessories often come with a range of odours. Natural fibres are always best – they breathe and won’t build up as many nasty smells or bacteria as synthetic fibres. You should also consider items that are easy to clean to help keep the bugs and smells at bay.

Designbx Co-Founder Kylie has two fur babies at home

“A great tip if you are allowing your furry friends to be sofa enthusiasts with you and don’t want to have to move around soft furnishings (such as cushions and throws)  due to dog fur, use quality linen as the fur doesn’t stick”.  Try Eadie Lifestyle for soft furnishings.

Image Source: Pet House Superstore

Storage Solutions

Like us, pets can come with a lot of “stuff”. Toys, food, leashes, grooming supplies, those adorable little jackets they wear in the winter – check out this funky range that Country Road have just launched… between the necessary items you need for your pet and the extras we tend to accumulate, storage is key when designing with pets in mind. 

When organising your space you need to think about two factors above all else: Function and style. Simple solutions are often the best. Think hooks inside your cupboards to store small items like leashes, or small baskets for those random bits and pieces. You could even have a designated pet drawer in the kitchen or hallway where everything is stowed neatly away. For items your companion requires more often – like toys – a good solution is a stylish basket or bin that will blend with your surrounding furniture.

Image Source: Digs Digs

Feeding and Playtime

Feeding and watering solutions are as diverse as our furry friends. From dry to wet food, messy bird seed, having a constant supply of fresh drinking water. But having messy pet bowls in the middle of the kitchen is anything but sleek and stylish. Using items that are the same colours and textures as your home style is key to ensure they blend into the space.

Thankfully there are a number of stylish solutions on the market that will match to your colour scheme and requirements. Head to your local pet shop, or even seek out some cool and unique designs at your local craft markets. If your design style is more eclectic and vintage than sleek and minimalist, op shops are also a great option. Who knows, you might even find some pre-loved china to really give your furry friend the royal treatment. 

When it comes to toys, again, blend is your friend. Choose colours and textures that match or complement your style. If you have a cat and you prefer your furniture clawmark-free (hello everyone), a scratching post is an absolute must. But never fear, these items have come a long way in terms of design, so you can offer kitty a scratching solution while still maintaining your sense of style.

Image Source: Houzz

Toilet Time

Litter trays… It’s the first rule of real estate here: Location, location, location. No one wants to see and smell the contents of a kitty litter tray as soon as they enter a home. So short of popping the tray in the laundry or a bathroom not frequented by guests, there are actually some very clever ‘hidden litter boxes’ on the market. And by giving kitty some privacy you can also hide away the mess and odour. 

As for dogs, a doggy door is a good idea so your canine companion can relieve themselves whenever required (and away from your newly mopped floorboards). Dog doors have also come a long way from the plastic flaps of the past. Today there are stylish options you can easily incorporate into any home design or style aesthetic.

Image Source: Hey DJ Angles

The key with any interior design with pets in mind is to blend function with style. You want the item to blend in with your existing colour palette and layout, without taking away from its core purpose – making your pet comfortable and happy.

We hope our tips prove helpful and that you continue to enjoy quality time with your pets at home. We’d love to see some pictures of your pet-friendly designs and styling solutions. Follow us on social and tag us in your posts #designbx

The post Interior design with pets in mind appeared first on Designbx.

Go Floral

Give the gift of Mother Nature with some signature or bespoke blooms from the lovely team at Wild Forager.  I’ve bought so many flowers from here, and there’s nothing cliche about gifting flowers that have been curated in such a thoughtful and unique way.  Or for something a bit different and longer lasting, check out their floral wreaths.

Luxury Textiles

Our girl Grace Garrett is the go-to here.  I was introduced to Grace through Designbx and have several of her cushions in my home, along with a couple of her luscious candles.  We often use her products in our designs – her style is like nothing else.  Designed in Australia, using beautiful and quality fabrics. 

A Lush Gift Hamper

Holly and the team at The Good Gift Co do the mother of all gift hampers.  I’m not talking about one of THOSE hampers you get full of crappy stuff you won’t use (or eat).  It’s full of lush, great quality products – things you would actually want yourself.  When you buy from The Good Gift Co, you also support #buyfromthebush

Mother Earth

Conscious gifting is such a beautiful way to share the love with both your Mum and Mother Earth at the same time.  Seed and Sprout have everything you could possibly need to start the plastic-free journey at home, like I did when I had my daughter late last year.   Mum’s veggies will taste so much better naked – aka, plastic free!

Baking From the Heart

If your Mum’s a bit of a sweet tooth, it’s time to mix it up from the boring old box of chocolates.  I’ve been fortunate enough to try some of these delightful treats from LoveLaurenxx – home baker extraordinaire.  How adorable are these Spa Girl Cookies!  Feet up, cuppa and one of these cuties – yes please!

Dress Ups

It can be a bit risky buying clothes for anyone, but you can’t go wrong with luxury linen clothing from the beautiful Eadie Lifestyle collection.  It’s so versatile and can be worn all year round.  Quality linen is a great investment and can be dressed up or down.  These pieces make you feel a million bucks!

A Gift that keeps on Giving

Ok, so I can’t finish our gift-guide without a little plug for Designbx, but honestly one of our packages is perfect for the Mum who has everything.  Completing a design package with us will give her hours of fun and excitement.  Everyone has a room in their home that bugs them and needs design help – even if it’s a new set of linen and some cushions to refresh!

The post Mothers Day gifts – send love from a far in 2020 appeared first on Designbx.

Here we take a look at what Australian designers and craftspeople are doing, and list our favourite Australian materials and designers. We’ll show you how you can bring a touch of the local into your own home.  And we showcase those products and designers 100% made in Australia. 

Our co-founder Kerena Berry articulates it perfectly

“Australians have a refined and fairly minimal approach to structural design but tend to shower the home with personality through finishing touches. We crave connection with the landscape around us and build to blend with the environment wherever possible. Oversized windows and clever design promotes the passion we have for bright and light spaces. As a whole, we are drawn to open plan living and social-focused spaces, regardless of the size of the home. As a community, we’re also becoming more environmentally conscious, which is informing our architectural and design choices. For example, many are installing water tanks and solar panels as common practice in new buildings and restorations.”

Here at Designbx we always make an effort to support local and Australian designers and products. Given the current state of the design and style economy, this is more important than ever. And supporting Australian suppliers also has unique benefits for our customers. It enables us to keep quality control high and we’re able to work with far shorter lead times than is standard in the industry. Plus it means we can create custom designs at affordable prices to fit client needs, style profiles and personalities.

Our top picks for Australian design and designers

• • Pony Rider:  Sustainable, authentic and limited edition textiles and homewares. Local to the stunning Northern Beaches of Sydney.
  • Crafted Furniture: Quality Australian-made furniture that won’t break the bank. Australian-owned and operated, this business focuses on supporting Australian designers and delivering quality products in short lead times, which is rare in the industry.
  • Kara Rosenlund: Acclaimed photographer, “stylista” and designer. Kara’s work has been her become a lifestyle brand in her own right.
  • Curatorial+Co: Sophie Vander is an art curator and her business supports up-and-coming artists, ensuring their original art is both affordable and accessible – something we’re passionate about at Designbx.
  • Antonia Mrljak: An outstanding artist who is contemporary pointing. We adore her work and our founder Kerena personally owns a few pieces that are proudly on display in her own home.
  • Armadillo & Co: Co-founders Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst have a long history of giving back to the community. They built Armadillo & Co on the principles of sustainability, Fair Trade and social responsibility.
  • MRD Home: Craig Miller-Randle is the owner and creative director of wholesale homewares business MRD Home. He has the rare ability to be able to design for various categories around the home, cleverly weaving trends into his design while still ensuring they suit everyday purposes.  He’s also a plant guru and lover and his Instagram is seriously swoon-worthy.
  • There are too many to do them justice here, so we’ve also listed some of our other favourite local designers here.

Our favourite made in Australia materials

Australian designers and designs are very much dominated by natural products. Australians love hard timbers with durable strong finishes – some of the most popular include:

• Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)
• Spotted gum (Corymbia maculata)
• Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis)
• Brush box (Lophostemon confertus)
• Grey ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra)
• Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon)
• Tasmanian oak (Eucalyptus regnans)
• Victorian ash (Eucalyptus Delegantensis)

We also love natural stone to feature in our buildings and design elements.  The expansion of Sydney and the protection of sandstone habitats in national parks means this iconic Australian product is becoming rarer and more expensive than ever. In fact, it sometimes demands prices of up to $10,000 per square metre. But other popular Australian stone means there are still more affordable options available, including Granite from the Bathurst region in New South Wales, Marble from Angaston in South Australia and Black Gabbro from Black Hill, north-east of Adelaide, South Australia.

Why Australian designers and designs are so well regarded around the world

Australian designers are highly regarded globally for being innovative, environmentally conscious, and forward-thinking.  The environments that we build in are second-to-none – we are truly spoilt by our surroundings. The views and locations we have to design with often make design easy. When you’re considerate of your environment and work with the flow of nature to amplify – as opposed to distracting from what’s around you – the designs can be truly astounding.

Top design styles popular in Australia 

Australians love to be a little unique, and locally we’re seeing more and more homes blending two to three design styles. Top design styles in Australia are scandi, coastal and industrial. Australians generally like a more personalised, eclectic style, but they also seek harmony in the designs and furnishing of their homes.  So our role as interior designers is becoming more and more valued, as it’s often hard to successfully blend styles without a keen design eye.  

In addition, lighting is extremely important to Australian design. As a general rule, we crave natural and warm light in our homes., and colour palettes and material selections play a huge part in creating this ambience.  

The impact of reality TV on Australian design

Reality shows like The Block and Grand Designs have done a lot in terms of showing people what is possible with design. They’ve also done a great job at educating Australia about the kind of budgets required for great design. 

People now know that budget is key, and that’s where clients see value in our service at Designbx.  They give us a budget and we can create a full solution within that. Previously we’ve seen people buy individual items without a “vision” for what they want. They would then run out of money before they’d completed the job. We would see piecemeal rooms, never quite completed, and clients coming to us in frustration. We’re proud to be able to blend accessibility and affordability to create the sort of homes Australians love living in.

As part of the Designbx design process, we put our money where our mouth is when using Australian made designers and products.  During the project briefing phase, we give our clients the opportunity to choose Australian-made and sustainable products. Often these items will come at a premium cost, however, our designers are always working hard to source local products within the leanest lead times and at competitive prices.

The post Made in Australia: Interior design gets local appeared first on Designbx.

But first maybe we should talk about why these gadgets are so important. Anyone paying their electricity bill knows that energy is a big expense. In fact, Australian households are directly responsible for approximately one fifth of all of our Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

It’s estimated the average Australian household generates seven tonnes of Greenhouse Gas Emissions every year, hammering our planet and our bank accounts.

Vampire Power

It’s often the tiny, unnoticed issues that will get us in the end. This rings true for energy consumption. The energy trickle, or “vampire power” is our home’s silent killer.

Most of us think we’re doing the right thing by turning off the lights and TV when we exit a room. What we don’t realise is that even when we turn electronics off, they’re usually still in standby mode which means they’re draining electricity and pumping up our power bills even when we’re not using them.

Vampire power sucks a staggering billion dollars a year from Australian residents, and accounts for nearly 10% of our energy consumption.

Fortunately we have a simple and streamlined option that will save your power without any inconvenience of having to reset electronics everytime you want to use them. Using smart plugs and smart power boards can have a major impact on your consumption.

For instance, the Trickle Saver senses when your electronics are in standby mode and automatically deactivates the current to that outlet, which puts an end to the standby power drain. It also senses when you want to use the device again and automatically switches the circuit back on. It does all of this without interfering with other electronics still in use.

Smart Thermostats

Image Reference

We can’t talk about eco-friendly homes and tech gadgets without mentioning smart thermostats. We introduced you to Nest, Google’s smart thermostat, in our last piece, and it’s a truly great option. But as the technology advances, competition in the marketplace grows which is great news for us consumers. The prices are coming down as functionality and usability gets better.

One of the best smart thermostats is new kid on the block, Ecobee. While the company is a savvy startup, its CEO says its function is not to take on the various tech behemoths like Google, but to focus on what it does best while giving users the ability to integrate its product with the technology they use every day.

The newest model comes with Amazon’s Alexa voice control already integrated into the system but it also works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Samsung SmartThing. It has a sleek touch screen interface that can be operated from home or from a smart device and it boasts remote sensors that ensure every room in your home is being heated or cooled to your desired temperature.

Smart thermostats are a great way to go whether you want to closely monitor your energy consumption, or manage where and when different zones of your home are either heated or cooled.

As many Aussies jump onto the renovation trend, we’re seeing an increase of homes that maintain their heritage, usually in the front. Our vintage homes were typically designed to keep the home cool during the summer months, but 100 years ago there was less of a focus on keeping the home warm during the winter months. Smart thermostats can solve this problem by pushing heat to the front of the home in the winter months, maintaining a comfortable temperature in whatever room you move to.

Let’s Talk Lighting

Sustainability in the home has really gained traction in the past decade or so. Initially swapping out lights for energy efficient LED bulbs was rightfully one of the first things people did to green up their spaces. LED lights have many benefits including longevity and low energy consumption–25,000 hours of use compared 1,000 hours from an incandescent bulb.

Unlike their outdated halogen counterparts, LEDs do not generate a lot of heat. This means you can put them near plants and other sensitive materials without risk of damage. By swapping your halogen bulbs to LED, Co2 pollution is cut by a remarkable 40%.

But let’s face it, LEDs weren’t always the prettiest. They often had a weird swirly design and emitted a cool, bluish hue. Fortunately, those days are gone. Now you can have your energy efficiency and your ambiance too! Lighting designers are making their creations integrated for LED use, and they give off a warm glow like their older counterparts. For places that still need to be brightly lit, LED covers those spaces too. We no longer need to rely on those terrible fluorescent bulbs, chock-full of mercury, to illuminate our spaces. LEDs aren’t full of toxic chemicals, and since they rarely need replacing, you don’t have to worry about them piling up in landfills. A win-win for eco-friendly home appliances!

Solar Water Heating

Finally, another large energy suck is our hot water. How bad is it, you ask? Conventional water heating accounts for 25% of Australian household energy use.

Installing a Thermodynamic hot water system could end a lot of our water heating woes. Solahart, the Western Australian solar company that got its renewable start back in 1953, pioneered commercialised solar hot water and has sold over a million of the systems in 70 countries.

As the cost of power is on the rise, solar water heating is a superior alternative. It cuts water heating power consumption by 50-90%. While there may be many reasons to cut down on hot showers (like protecting our water as well as our skin and hair from drying out!) water heating doesn’t have to be one of them.

All In One Place

Image Reference

With all these smart gadgets, you may or may not feel like you need a central hub to control them all. Many items come with integrated Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to connect them to a hub in order to control them remotely from a smart device. Others may be bluetooth enabled, making the need for a smart hub more paramount.

If you go down the smarthub route, the Samsung SmartThings Hub might be your best bet. It works with most smart home devices and it has a super added benefit of a backup battery that most hubs do not.

It’s no secret that we love the Samsung Frame here at Designbx. It solves so many design challenges that we face with integrating TVs into a beautiful aesthetic. The frame comes with its own stand-alone smart tech perks, including having the Samsung SmartThings technology integrated into it, which means one less thing to plug into your router.

Call In The Pros

Image Reference

If all of this seems like a bit too much for you to set up your eco-friendly home appliances alone, don’t be afraid to call in the professionals to do it for you. If you’re in the NSW area, Home Automation Specialist could help you out. They’ve synced smart spaces all over the area, from residential to commercial to  offices. You can rest assured that your home will keep all of its charm without turning into something out of a Sci-Fi movie, unless of course, that’s what you want.

Krista Collard is the founder and principle of Sustainable Staging and is a writer and designer for Designbx. She has worked in media and communications for environmental advocacy groups 350.org Australia and the Sierra Club in the US and continues to advocate for all things sustainable.  

The post Gadget guide – how to make your home eco-friendly appeared first on Designbx.

Image Reference

Eco green design

As climate disruption continues, consumers are also becoming much more conscious of their contribution to the problem. Actively engaging with our politicians by demanding policy reforms that curb our carbon footprint is as important as ever. Importantly, becoming environmentally efficient in our own homes now, also makes a major difference in turning back the clock on climate change.

Gone are the days of installing energy efficient light bulbs as the only option to go green. Many felt as if they were being forced to sacrifice style for sustainability.  Eco-friendly engineering has exploded over the last decade and our options for small footprint homes ranges from composting to eco green design in the home. We are now able make everything in our homes more efficient and eco-friendly, at a more affordable price tag.

1. Efficient energy- Solar panels

Even the most enthusiastic supporters of solar power have been shocked about how fast the cost of solar is falling. In the last five years alone, the price of large scale solar has fallen by 58% in Australia. Unless you’re a fossil fuel company, that’s really great news. Even Royal Dutch Shell has been forced to admit that the energy sector will be dominated by solar this century.

From a design perspective, Tesla has changed that game too. Solar panels have shed their dark and bulky appearance for a sleek aesthetic that blends seamlessly with all types of roofing, including terracotta tiles. Pundits may make the argument that the solar market is getting overcrowded, with IKEA now looking to bring rooftop solar panels and installation services to its Australian stores. As long the solar power is regulated, the more the merrier!

2. Bamboo

No longer the “Poor Man’s Timber”, Bamboo is becoming one of the best building materials. Its abundance and steady growth rate make it the number one eco-friendly and durable choice. Designers and engineers are getting hip to its versatility and are continuously exploring new ways to incorporate the material. Everything from common floorboards and cabinets are now available in eco-friendly bamboo. Times are changing with full buildings entirely crafted from bamboo, taking notes from ancient Chinese architecture. Designers and architects are even going so far as to showcase its uniqueness instead of hiding it.

Image Reference

Bamboo’s reputation as a fast grower is pretty common knowledge. You need something that will grow quickly enough to block out the neighbour’s weekly barbecues? Bamboo is there for you. But what might surprise you is that  bamboo can grow up to a metre in a single day and be harvested in half the time of even soft woods. As a bonus, it neutralises four times the amount of carbon as many other trees, making it perfect for eco green design. 

In China, bamboo is a low carbon alternative to plastic, yet engineers find difficulty in making it a viable option. Recent advancements in heating and bending the plant have taken off. New products are coming into the market, with everything from speakers to hairdryers. Developed from mixing resins with bamboo fibres, the creation is one that is stronger than reinforced concrete with the benefit of being biodegradable.

Image Reference

3. Sustainable timbers

When it comes to timbers for eco green design, bamboo isn’t the only game in town. In fact, there are over 70 timber varieties grown in Australia that boasts the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp of approval. FSC is rigorous in its sustainability standards, and is the largest and most well respected eco-certifying program of its kind. Its website offers information on everything from sustainable Australian timbers available to a list of retailers for purchase.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly hardwood timber flooring, Australian Solar Timbers (AST), located in New South Wales is a great place to go. AST was started by two ANZAC soldiers in 1919 and has been offering sustainable timber ever since. They are the largest users of solar kiln technology- a practice that harnesses the sun’s power to quickly and efficiently dry out timber- and the company prides itself on being pioneers in local Forestry Stewardship.

Image Reference

3. Beefing up on energy efficiency

From a dollar and cents standpoint, it’s cheaper to go green. You are more likely to receive better quality construction, and lower utility bills with green energy. Not only will adding these features make your neighbours envious, it will stand out to potential buyers if you choose to sell your home.

Most buyers are searching for a turn-key property, and they will pay more for a property that includes smart-home technology. In fact, when asked in a 2016 study byColdwell Banker, 54% of home buyers said that if they were given the choice between two identical homes and one had “smart technology” upgrades, they would pay more for the smart home. Those numbers increase for parents with children in the home and millennial buyers to 59% and 61% respectively.

Real estate brokers are following these trends and are highlighting these benefits in their marketing efforts. Appraisers believe that high costs justify taking smart upgrades into account, which result in higher valuations for smart homes.

Image Reference

Investing in things like efficient appliances and timers for your lights are all great options to smarten up your home. Invest in energy saving technology like Nest, which allows you to adjust your air conditioning and other features from your smartphone. These investments could save money now, make money in the future and make you a better steward of the environment.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be offering useful and practical tips on how you can be environmentally savvy in the home.  

Krista Collard is the founder and principle of Sustainable Staging and is a writer and designer for Designbx. She has worked in media and communications for environmental advocacy groups 350.org Australia and the Sierra Club in the US and continues to advocate for all things sustainable.  

The post Eco green design in the home appeared first on Designbx.