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.

Some Australian designers have opened up their homes to photographers, filled with their own featured pieces, and own interior design savvy-ness. 

Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson, Victoria

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Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson designed their own home in Eltham, Victoria. They designed their own range of indoor and outdoor furniture and homewares under the Pop and Scott Workshop Cooperative, Their pieces are ‘rich with life, colour and texture, yet simple and timeless’ which is displayed in their home. In this house; textile styling, the strategic layering of rugs, linens, patchworks, with a side of pom poms create a warm and eclectic interior throughout, also reflected in their range of works which adorn the home. In The Design Files, Poppy says, ‘only use furniture and objects that you love,’ as this allows the home to be warm and welcoming.

Anna Spiro, Stradbroke Island

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Anna Spiro collaborates with her brother Sam Spiro on Anna Spiro Textiles, which was born from a passion of textiles, pattern and colour which is evidently displayed throughout her Stradbroke Island home, not far from Brisbane. The range she provides are exclusive, hand made onto fine Belgian linen.

Sleek, white walls complemented by crisp, colourful decorations make the home feel fresh, yet modern, especially sticking to the island feel and is a clear reflection of her own works and passion.

Jeff Swinyard and Kimberley Tan, Perth

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Jeff and Kimberley run Studio Atelier, a practice in Perth, Western Australia, that brings architecture and interiors together to create a journey and achieve client vision. Their practice provides conceptual design and development. They took upon a dilapidated Victorian terrace, and created a vintage yet modern feeling space through usage of Victorian furniture and artworks throughout found in local thrift shops, complemented by a mix of timber and iron furnishings, and modern trimmings to the decor. This pays homage to the historical aspect of the house whilst creating a home.

Designbx | Designers and their Homes | www.designbx.com

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As proprietor of luxury boutique hotels around the world, British designer Kit Kemp is an expert on bedroom design. Her signature style is an explosion of colour and a mix match of fabrics, yet the rooms remain elegant and refined by balancing strong colours with gentle. Beds are king-sized, with upholstered headboards that reach the ceiling.  Large bedside tables at the side of the bed are paired with ottomans at the foot. Extra seating is provided, complete with large diameter tables.  Heavy drapes on windows work as privacy and block out blinds, but also made from meters of sumptuous fabric for a luxe feel.

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As you would expect from an interior designer to Hollywood stars; Kelly Wearstler’s interiors are dramatic.  Furniture is big and bold, as are the sculptures and artwork.  Her materials palette includes a mixture of onyx, marble, polished stone, mixed metals, leather, silk and fur.  Mirrors behind lamps are used to reflect light around the space and create interest.  Carpet works well in master bedrooms, creating softness underfoot as well as softening acoustics.  Whereas some designers might be included to go with subdued carpeting, Wearstler specifies carpets and rugs that can be strong in colour and pattern.

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In the quieter scheme of things is another British designer, Ilse Crawford.  Human needs and desires are top consideration when designing spaces for clients.  This is evident in the tactile nature of her materials that include cane, timber, leather and velvet.  Lighting levels are kept low, save for large pendants installed from the ceiling, creating interest when viewed from all angles of the room.  With a mantra of appealing to the human senses, often a fireplace is included in the design.  Providing warmth, light, comfort, the fireplace is the ultimate luxury in a master bedroom.

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Whatever your style, you can use these techniques to create a master sanctuary of your own. 

Never far from a measuring tape, Donna Vercoe- Designbx designer is a Vancouver transplant who now calls Sydney home. When making the leap to Australia, she changed gears from working as a pool designer in the construction industry to studying colour and design. She now works as an interior designer, collaborating with clients to ensure their design fits their style, as well as fitting into their space. When not taking measurements, she can be found with a camera in hand, eyeing up details to share on Instagram.

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Kristy Withers form Incy Interiors shares how an average day looks in her creative world.

When did you start this venture? I started Incy 5.5 years ago when my son was going into his first ‘big boy’ bed and I couldn’t find a bed anywhere that I liked and wasn’t super expensive so I decided to create a range of my own.

Talk us through the early days… The early days were tough because I found out I was pregnant the same time I launched the company. This was very exciting as we had struggled to fall pregnant but also wasn’t great timing. I knew I had 9 months to grow the business and get things under control.

What does it take to build a successful business? With any success comes lots of hard work! Building a successful business means making sacrifices. You don’t earn much if any money initially, you work every waking hour and lots of the time you are doing it on your own. It really does take commitment and nerves of steel!

What’s your advice for any emerging business? Make sure you are passionate, know your numbers and can make then work and go for it!

What would an average day at Incy Interiors look like? There is no typical day for me but the day generally starts at 5.30/6.00am when my husband’s alarm goes off. The kids generally come in for a snuggle before starting the day and then we start the crazy rush of getting dressed, breakfast, bags packed, etc before getting out the door at 7.45am. We have a 30 minute travel and then two school drops offs on either side of town and I try to be in the office by 9am. The day then varies wildly. I may be doing anything from marketing plans through to financial forecasts, entering orders or talking to customers. We have no egos at Incy so everyone pitches in and does what needs to be done. I leave the office 5.30ish and either pick the kids up from my sister’s (who is our nanny and lifesaver) or head home where the kids will already be. Then the crazy rush of baths, dinner, homework, stories etc begin. Our kids have a bedtime of 7.30pm so by the time I have cleaned up and put washing on it is generally around 8.30ish. I then either flop on the lounge and watch tv, have a bath (and glass of wine) or open up my laptop. Bedtime for me is generally 10ish and then it all starts again!

The Incy store family

Who or what has been the greatest inspiration for Incy Interiors? My son was the original inspiration for starting Incy but my entire family are the reason I keep doing what I do. It also helps that most of them work at Incy.

Tell us about some of your favourite (projects/collections/milestones) One of my favourite projects is something we are working on at the moment and that is our new store in Bathurst. . It is in the most amazing old converted flour mill. We have a HUGE space and we will have not only a retail store there but also our offices and our first ever Incy outlet. We are opening on 23rd July so please come and visit if you are in the area. Any pointers on how to streamline and simplify the running of successful business? I actually need this advice myself. I have created a super complicated business model that most certainly doesn’t make it easy for me so if you get this advice, can you please pass it on?

Which global markets influence your company? Right now we have a presence in 7 international markets – NZ, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, UK, Canada and USA. We have recently launched ourselves into the US so it is our major focus for 2016, this was a huge project that involved changing the products to meet US standards, finding warehousing, setting up logistics, new companies, etc.

What’s the secret to finding great staff for the Incy store? Go with your gut. I always hire based on attitude over skill. If you have the right attitude you can learn anything whilst all the skills in the world don’t matter if you have a bad attitude.

What are the three words your company lives by? Honesty, integrity and passion

Incy Interiors is a preferred supplier for Designbx interior design online projects. 

The post Incy Interiors: Interview with Kristy Withers appeared first on Designbx.

It’s the time of year when the woman who suffered agony to bring you into this world becomes a selfless martyr and begs you not to spoil her on Mothers Day. She doesn’t want you to fork out loads of cash or go to too much trouble. She’ll be happy with a card and a call. We’ve been around long enough to see how this will play out, and let’s face it; unless she made you wear Crocs beyond the age of twelve or still tries to remove dirt from your face with tissues and saliva, she deserves the best!

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 When she begs us not to spend too much money, what she’s trying to say is she wants a Mothers Day Hamper from Bockers & Pony. You can safely put the violin away and get to the arduous task of choosing which hamper will pay for those hours of child labour. We all know it’s a debt that can’t be repaid but makeup, chocolates, luggage and Moet will definitely be a step in the right direction.

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Let’s not forget how many sleepless nights she spent while she was worried sick about you, especially during your troubling teenage years. Perhaps you’re still depriving the poor woman of winks. If so, at least let her burn the midnight oil in style. Masini & Chern have a beautiful range of robes and PJs that will make sure Mum is fashionably concerned.

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Flowers are always welcome but getting a single arrangement delivered is so five years ago. Besides, as the flowers wilt they become a reminder that you haven’t called her. Bloombox Co. offers nifty subscriptions that ensure your mother sees your relationship as loving, colourful and perennial.

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This is a particularly effective option for the problem child in the family. Amazingly, Designbx has gift vouchers that could buy your mum a complete online interior design solution for less than a subscription for flowers. She might express her personality by creating a bedroom boudoir, or next time you see her she could be wearing an exotic scarf and sipping Moroccan coffee in her Boho Chic living room. It’s probably the most fun present you’ll ever give her although you may find yourself sitting in her beautiful new kitchen wondering why you didn’t just buy a voucher for yourself. A Designbx voucher definitely wins the prize for the most unique Mothers Day gift.

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Do you have one of those modern mums who’s always on the go? You know the type: they know more about art, politics and technology than you. Don’t worry; you don’t have to slow her down by dropping a sedative in her Chardonnay while she’s focussed on her salad nicoise. A subscription to Collective Hub magazine via the MagShop may be a more ethical distraction, but of course there is the likelihood she’ll end up being even more knowledgeable.

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If you want mum to fawn over you, jewellery is a pretty safe option. In the mum world it wins status points. She’ll be at lunch with one of her mates and lean back so the necklace catches the sunlight, and then be forced to explain how you bought it for her as a Mothers Day gift. Her unfortunate friend, who only got a card due to overuse of tissues and saliva, will be green with envy. Dogeared has a great range of stunning and elegant necklaces hand-picked for mums. You can always think laterally thanks to Kikki-k’s happiness journal. It’s perfect for mums who like to keep track of events. It’s not just a blank journal. It features inspirational and organisational notes to help your mum live a more enriched life. Chances are, the first entry will be an account of receiving the journal from you as a gift. Great brownie points!

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For a mother with class, there’s The Daily Edited’s selection of Mothers Day gift packs. Personally monogrammed purses, wallets and cases come in a range of subtle colours, and packs come with make-up, flowers or sweets. If you’re waging war against your siblings to win Mum’s favour, you’ll be hard to beat. We don’t want to know too much about Mum’s love life, but if she’s going to strut her stuff, she may as well make us proud (oh wow, that already sounds wrong). It’ll be tough for her to escape the keen eyes of all those foxes out there (silver or otherwise) when she’s wearing something tantalising from the Shoes of Prey collection.

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Regardless of which choice you make, get online to make sure you order early enough, and chase up the gift with a call or visit on Sunday.Forgetting Mothers Day can result in the silent treatment, detailed stories of pregnancy and childbirth, or becoming the runt of the litter. But above all, make an effort on her special day because you love her.

Designbx  |  “Becoming the favourite child: Mothers Day gifts that will win mum’s heart”  | designbx.com

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