With an almost endless amount of options, renovating can be a daunting task. It can be especially tricky to know what you should be investing in and where you can save some dollars. To help you avoid some sleepless nights going over all the figures and options in your head, we’ve put together our top tips on where to save and where to splurge when renovating.

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• Laminate bench tops can be a third of the cost of a stone bench top and still boast heat and scratch resistance plus come in a range of beautiful finishes that often mimic a stone look. 

• You can save on benchtops by splurging on a wood or stone island to contrast the laminate bench in the rest of the kitchen.
  

• Invest in timeless, quality fittings, not just the cheapest available, as you want all your hard work to stand the test of time. Repairs and trade call-backs can get expensive.
  

• Look for energy efficient LED lighting options for your bathroom or kitchen as this will save you money long term.
  

• Don’t move existing plumbing or electrical fittings. Often it is changes to plumbing and electrical work behind walls that add complexity and cost to your renovation. On the flip side, a perfect layout adds value to your home, so if it absolutely needs to move, then move it!
  

• Opt for large format tiles. With large tiles there is less grout to keep clean making them the cleaner’s choice. They are also easier and cheaper to lay and can make your bathroom feel larger.

For cost effective, contemporary bathroom designs, check out our simple, fast and fun Shop The Look solutions!

The post Where to Save and Where to Splurge When Renovating appeared first on Designbx.

Curatorial+Co is essentially an online art gallery that sources paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and ceramic works, along with multimedia and textile art pieces, from around the globe. Designbx and Curatorial+Co were both conceived from the same philosophy – allowing design and art to be available to everyone, no matter how time rich or poor, and no matter their budget.

As well as making art affordable, Curatorial+Co aims to increase the profile of emerging and existing artists in a cultural exchange between Australia and the rest of the world. Their carefully curated offering is vast, and customers are buying from a collection that is exclusive to Curatorial+Co. While predominantly an online service, Curatorial+Co also hold pop-up exhibitions to allow customers to experience art in person and to meet the artists.

Sophie Vander is the founder and director of Curatorial+Co. Sophie is a UNSW College of Fine Arts graduate with a relentless passion for art and design. After 10 years working overseas gaining experience in curating, interior design and journalism, Sophie now lives in Sydney where she brings her insight and enthusiasm to Curatorial+Co. Sophie consults with clients on art commissions, hosts pop-up exhibitions and fosters creative talent.

Designbx recently chatted to Sophie Vander about the Curatorial+Co concept:

What gave you the idea to start Curatorial+Co?

I saw a shift in the way people viewed art but not a way in which people could buy art. There was a big gap between places to buy ubiquitous art prints and the high-end white-box art galleries. Curatorial+Co. came from a desire to show that original artworks by emerging artists from all over the world are a great way to move on from the art print and develop your knowledge about art and your own personal taste.

What makes Curatorial+Co unique?

Before us, there wasn’t really somewhere in between for the person ready to start an original art collection to view and buy accessible, curated works. The majority of our buyers come back again and again because they trust our aesthetic and art quality. They also generally don’t have the time to do the research that is sometimes required, so Curatorial+Co make it very easy to find beautiful pieces at accessible prices, all in one place online.

Tell us about the artists you represent:

We are still a young gallery so currently have 18 artists in our online stable. Every day I go in search of new artists who are creating innovative and interesting work to add to our online collection. We would love to double that number, but it’s more about quality than quantity, so we’ll see how that goes!

We also have a multitude of artists who produce commissioned works for our art consultancy clients, depending on a client’s budget and preference for a particular space. These artists range from emerging, all the way up to established – we have a huge talent pool to draw from.

Do your artists have anything in common with each other?

Generally our artists are emerging or mid-career so we can keep the price of works online accessible. Emerging doesn’t always mean young either! Many of our artists are creators who have started later in life and found their ‘thing’. The work they produce is some of my favourite as there is confidence, surety and a true sense of self that very young artists don’t always have.

What do you look for in an artist?

I like to work with artists who a take a traditional medium and turn it on its head. There must be a level of innovation or individuality; they should have their own style. You should know their work the minute you see it, but you should also see them developing and pushing and moving forward in their practice, but really it comes down to the work itself.

How do you find new artists you would like to partner with?

Initially it’s a gut instinct when I come across their work – it generally grabs me instantly and takes my breath away for a moment (I love it when our buyers have the same reaction!). Instagram is my best friend when it comes to discovering new talent as it’s a wonderful tool to find new artists who are not yet on anyone’s radar.

How did you come to partner with Designbx, and what excites you about this relationship?

I read a newspaper article about what Kerena, Emily and Kylie were doing to turn the interior design world around and make it more accessible. It really gelled with what I am trying to do with the art world so it was a natural fit. Everyone is so time-poor these days, yet we still want our environments to be gorgeous, meaningful and personal. We crave beauty and calm in our spaces to offset the stresses that surround us, and we need ways to make this happen without adding more stress to the equation.

I am so excited about how Designbx and Curatorial+Co can work together to help make that happen for everyone who craves more art and design in their lives.

We are super excited to offer our customers the first Curatorial+Co artist – Australian photographer Anita Beaney. In her current works Anita focuses on the mesmerising power of the sea and the sky.

Our professional interior design team can help you to select and incorporate a beautiful art piece that complements your room, design style and looks fabulous! Either select an online interior design package or get in touch for more information.

Shop the Look 

The post Affordable, unique artwork for home interior styles appeared first on Designbx.

But why is it the most boring space in the house? Does it need to be ‘the space style forgot’? Here at Designbx we’ve decided to think about the humble laundry more laterally. Given the time we spend in that small room, shouldn’t we be making it as visually pleasing and functional as possible? Maybe all this time we’ve been torturing ourselves unnecessarily. Is it possible to actually want to spend time in the laundry? This was a challenge we had to accept!

Firstly, laundry fittings, plumbing and appliances have come a long way. Pull-down mixer taps, deep laundry sink bowls, mould-resistant wall finishes, and custom storage solutions are a few of the modern laundry items that are becoming the norm rather than the exceptions. Combine them with a fresh take on aesthetics, and suddenly you’ve got some unexpected bling that might make chores a little less challenging.

1. Modern laundry

Rather than distracting the eye from equipment, it’s the more functional items in this striking design that provide the pop and dazzle. The quality of curved chrome tapware, especially the pull-down tap, draw the eye and make a real impression while adding convenience. Custom cabinetry provides concealed storage, and the monochromatic colour scheme becomes a canvas where you can add your own bling courtesy of a floating shelf dressed with ornaments or plants.

Shop the look 

2. Scandi laundry

Everyone’s mad about Scandi this year and the interior design style’s love of minimalism is perfect for the laundry. The brushed rose tapware contrasts beautifully with matte black and chrome while the oak timber mirror, floating shelves and tough bench tops deliver the raw finishes that are a trademark element of the Scandi look. Last but not least, how about those geometric splashback tiles? Stone, timber and ceramic finishes, brought to life by a natural palette – that’s why we love Scandi.

Shop the look

3. Traditional Chic laundry

You may not associate a laundry with elegance but this design is about to change your opinion. In fact, this space is about to become a real show-off and start demanding attention. Classic European décor and well-detailed pops of luxe combine to add an air of refinement. The sophisticated tapware goes beyond function to become a chic feature. Brushed rose, the patterned floor tiles and curved tapware become the focus. But it’s hard not to fall in love with that free-standing bath.

Shop the look

4. Shop the Look Laundries – from bland to grand

Using the three styles above, it’s possible to take a room that begs you to close the door, and make it a dazzling space that you’ll gladly include in the tour when friends visit. From ugly duckling to beautiful swan, it’s time to stop hiding the laundry and give it the same design love applied to the rest of your home.
Visit Shop the Look for more ideas on pre-fabulous interior designs!

The post The Luxe Laundry– Designbx’ ready-made style boards take the bore out of your chores appeared first on Designbx.

Modern and minimal bathrooms are still the design styles of choice. As we head further into the new year, design trends will become playful and the home’s decorative décor will spill into your bathroom.

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2017 and 2018 will bring loads of personality with texture, colour and quirky accessories. Wall mounted book stacks, ottomans, built-in modular shelving and quirky towel hangers are just a few of the ways bathrooms will reach beyond their functional role to become eye-catching spaces.

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Bring an element of playfulness to your bathroom by mismatching the tiles, using dark and bright colours together, and a collision of colour in similar hues. Combining multiple types of tiles is a simple way to get a totally customised bathroom. Pair a monochromatic palette for striking visual impact, and play around with layers of subway, hex and square tiles for a cool bathroom makeover.

Don’t be afraid to use darker tiles in your small bathroom, especially if you paint the cabinets to match. Contrast with natural textures, like a jute rug and a wood-framed mirror. This is the Boho style at it’s best!

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Also, be brave and wallpaper your entire bathroom. Yes you heard it right! It’s never been more on-trend than this year. It will bring instant character into the room. Just make sure to use proper damp area wallpaper, and of course, have it professionally applied.

With bold tile patterns, colourful wallpaper and quirky light fixtures playing a key role in bathroom decor, it’s important to keep things in balance with minimalist cabinet shapes. Clean white cabinets with simple handles and tapware ensure the space won’t feel too crowded, no matter how small your bathroom is.

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If you wish to have a more tranquil vibe, try matte black showerhead and taps. It looks stunning paired with pastel walls, modern cabinetry and vintage accents.

Last but not least, don’t forget to include green, living plants into your bathroom ambiance. Plants are not only a fashionable garnish but also enhance the atmosphere, freshen the space and appeal to your sense of smell. As we always say, bring the outside in!

So there you have it – a few innovative bathroom design trends that will help you create a space with a definite wow factor. Of course, this does create one issue: now it will be even harder to get people out of there!

The post 2017 Interior design trends – Contemporary bathroom design leading the way for home interiors appeared first on Designbx.

The younger they are, the more likely you’ll spend nights with them wedged between you and your partner instead of being trained to sleep independently in their own room. Not only does it prevent you from watching Game of Thrones; it also cancels the production of more children. In a way, choosing a cheap bed for your child reduces the usefulness of your own bed.

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Barring nightmares, there shouldn’t be any reason your kid can’t enjoy their haven. It should be a case of crawling between the sheets, settling in and—depending on their age—falling asleep a few pages into a bedtime story, a few songs into their favourite album, or midway through Facebook messaging.

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There should be a little sigh of relief once they feel the comfort of a quality bed, especially since they’re exhausted after spending the past 12 hours bouncing and crashing their way through another day, probably leaving a trail of destruction.

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Unfortunately intelligent parents are often unable to put two and two together when it comes to associating their child’s poor sleeping habits with a poor quality bed or mattress. We’ve all seen the horrible pine models with no springs and thin mattresses, lavishly covered with fun sheets and a novelty bedspread to overcompensate for cheap furniture that have a negative impact on a kid’s welfare.

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Sturdy beds with quality mattresses are crucial, and if you buy a beautiful unisex bed that’s built to last, it becomes an heirloom to be passed down from one grateful child to the next. Good beds not only help kids get to sleep but help them stay that way until the morning. They support rather than twist backs and necks, encourage and train a healthy posture that will last into adulthood, and ensure allergies and asthma aren’t exacerbated.  

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Making a choice of bedding should start with your feelings about a new bed. If it’s a big decision and a special treat for you, shouldn’t you assume the same applies to your kids? They need plenty of sleep (in their own rooms!) to make sure they wake up happy, energised and ready to spend the day undoing all the good work of adults.

The post Sleepless nights, for the wrong reasons – how to keep your kids in their own beds. appeared first on Designbx.

Without lowering ourselves to the use of terms like nudge nudge, wink wink (oh dear, too late), it’s obvious the master bedroom is the setting for decadence whether it be intimate moments, post party lock-ins (drawn curtains and movie marathons) or pure unadulterated laziness (mmm, laziness). As long as the kids don’t invade your lair, you can enjoy some deserved self-indulgence.

After completing your hectic schedule, the bedroom is your ultimate escape. It only needs to be relevant to you and your partner, which gives you the freedom to express who you are and reflect the room’s primary use. We won’t speculate as to goings on in your room (we don’t judge here at Designbx) but we suggest you select colours, pattern and textures that appeal to your senses.

With that in mind, here are some of our fave brands. What tickles your fancy?

Hunting for George is an adaptable choice that suits most styles, with throws and accessories completing the look. Brand Director Lucy Glade-Wright believes the key to the perfect choice of linen is a style that has longevity. “Choose something that you love and will continue to love years later,” Lucy suggests.

The other key factor is colour selection, which is a key consideration for the company’s designers. “Colour is like music. It can trigger an emotional response that prompts memories and ideas. Colour is often the first thing we look towards for inspiration,” says Lucy.

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As for the kids, getting linen selection right can create a captivating world that is comfortable yet stimulating. Be daring, have fun and tap into your child’s imagination. You’re not the only one who should have a haven that expresses your personality.

Top kids’ linen brand, Little Ones, recognises the fact that children are developing their own styles from a young age. The designers specialise in Retro and Modern Eclectic styles with explosive colours and energetic patterns. The wonder of a fair can be enjoyed in the safety of a kid’s hideaway.

Cleverly relevant to both genders, Little Ones delivers escapism while optimistic colours create a reassuring environment. A key to the brand’s success is meticulous attention to the most important details, ensuring materials are of the highest standards of quality and safety, including being Oeko-Tex certified.

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Looking to cut down on shopping time? Kip & Co.’s Boho, Modern Eclectic and Coast styles are designed for everyone in the family. Their bright boutique bedding offers dazzling choices for folks with their eyes on bold choices, and the brand’s styles encourage customers to layer and mix patterns.

“The Stardust collection has something a bit fantastical and magical about it,” says Hayley Pannekoecke, of Kip & Co. “It’s also got a very feminine soft colour palette that works with the season’s stone fruit, soft rose, burnt brandy, grape and silver.”

They even do bassinet sheets, pyjamas and overnight bags, so Kip & Co. can be on the go with you! For adults and kids alike, it’s comforting to connect bedroom styles and adventures in the wide world, especially with beautiful leather or canvas bags. According to Hayley, “They’re the perfect accessory for the memory-making wanderer.”

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Probably the most exciting new arrival to the Kip & Co. range is velvet. Hearing Hayley explain the sensation of sleeping on velvet makes it an easy sell. “Velvet pillows have basically changed my life!” she insists. “There’s something about the depth of colour and texture of velvet. As we move into winter, it’s the ultimate friend to keep you snug at night.”

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A ‘forward-looking approach’ gives the designers an edge, and while they are capable of extravagance and daring colours, customers can also enjoy subtle, muted textures. Experienced globetrotters but proud of their hometown, Aura insists ‘yes, it’s little bit Scandinavian, a little bit Indian, but it’s also a whole lot of Melbourne.’

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Specialising in Coast and Industrial styles, Sheets on the Line probably wins the prize for best brand name. The idea for the business was hatched over a cup of coffee in Steve & Deb Clifford-Ames’ favourite café. Remarkably, by the end of the day, the light bulb moment had expanded to become a grand scale and vision.
Filling a void left by traditional manufacturers’ failure to deliver daring, affordable products, the couple not only provided a vibrant array of alternatives but also provided a more environmentally friendly option.

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Like Designbx, these brave businesses are part of the design revolution that gives every Australian an opportunity to express their personality through design. Whether you’re creating a stylish boudoir or creating a fun world for the kids, there’s no shortage of quality bed linen.

Designbx  |  Between the sheets- choosing the right bed linen  |  designbx.com

The post Between the sheets – choosing the right bed linen appeared first on Designbx.

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.