Nobody likes sitting in the dark – except if you’re in a movie theatre filling your mouth with handfuls of popcorn! But, that scenario aside, light is integral to our lives and life in general.

When we think about room lighting, two types generally come to mind; natural and artificial light. There are many ways to create the perfect lighting in the rooms of your house – and once you have achieved that, all the other internal features can be built on that.

Let the sun shine in

How many times have you read on a sales brochure “light drenched” or “filled with abundant natural light”? Humans love sunlight and there can be nothing more attractive and appealing than natural light. There are many factors that determine how much sunlight lights up your home: which way it is facing, time of day, season and position on the block. While these factors are out of your control, you can enhance the sunlight that you do get. These include window size, window coverings, skylights and using mirrors. Strategically placed mirrors can reflect sunlight into dark rooms and corners, placing mirrors opposite windows can increase the light, and placing mirrors among bright surfaces (think stainless steel and shiny art pieces).

Turn it on

Lamps, chandeliers, down lights, spotlights, candles, dimmers… the options are almost endless! Walk into any lighting store and you’ll be inundated with a range of lighting options. But there are a few tips to keep in mind before picking that ‘funky’ $5000 lamp!

Firstly, before you buy anything, be aware that every room needs a mix of light sources and at different levels. In addition, appropriate task lighting for the specific jobs you are doing (working on a computer, cooking, reading etc.)

Thinking of specific rooms, have a look at the hallway. It’s the first room your guests see so it needs to be inviting and gentle but well lit. If there is natural light, enhance this and do not close off any light sources with blinds or curtains. Good choices for hallways are side lighting or if you’re lighting from above, lights should be hung evenly to illuminate the length of your hallway.

In the lounge room focus in lighting up different areas, maybe in three of the corners to create specific areas for sitting in or reading. Use a combination of ceiling and floor lighting. Add a dimmer to any overhead lighting to create the right ambience for any situation.

Dining areas need to have light focused on the dining table. A chandelier above the table will create the right feel, but don’t have it too bright! In addition candles (real or battery-powered) are always a nice touch.

Women love applying their makeup in the bathroom and it’s also where men do all their grooming! Overhead lighting needs to be bright and sidelights flanking the mirror give the perfect illumination. I wouldn’t recommend lamps in bathrooms due to safety.

Cooking needs bright and plentiful lighting, so downlights, overhead lighting and pendants are a good choice for the kitchen. A great tip is to add under-cabinet lights and even lights along your splashback. A windowsill in the kitchen is a great place to add a few pots of herbs and enhances the sunlight in the room.

And finally, the bedroom! Warm, subtle lighting and of course side lamps are a must. Adding lights in wardrobes are a great touch and help you pick out your favourite shoes.

As with all interior designs, stay true to your style and stick with elegant pieces rather than what’s #trending.

Whether we like it or not, the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover” gets thrown right out the window when it comes to real estate.

It only takes about 30 seconds for a buyer to decide whether or not they are interested, so it is crucial that the first impression is the best you can make. If you liken it to a job interview, would you ‘sell yourself’ wearing dirty clothes, unbrushed hair and questionable hygiene?

As the exterior of a house is the FIRST thing buyers see, it is one of the most defining factors on the number of visitors who come to an open house, how many views it gets online and ultimately if a property sells and for how much. The only exception is if the property is being sold as a complete knockdown.

So what does the exterior reveal about a property?

Well, despite the obvious, the exterior reveals the aesthetics. The style of the house, the era it was built, any architectural features and materials used.

Looking beyond the actual house, the gardens, any additional structures (such as garages, carports etc.) and fences/gates are also swept in during the first impression.

What the exterior also reveals is the tone of the property. In other words, what you’d expect to find in the inside (and what may be lurking in the backyard). Messy, rundown outside = messy rundown inside.

What can you do to improve that first impression?

I know what you’re thinking, Expensive. But not necessarily.

Yes, you will have to spend money, but without sounding clichéd, it is the only way to make money. A little spent widely will yield a much larger sum back.

On the cheap

Gardening: In most cases, unless you are planning to completely re-plant the whole garden, this will cost you a big tub of elbow grease. Rack the leaves, pull out the weeds, mow the lawn and trim those hedges and trees.

Clean: If you haven’t got a high-pressure hose, hire, borrow or buy. Wash down your house, scrub the driveway and clean out any balconies or verandas.

Remove: You know that old trailer sitting out the front of your house collecting rust? Get rid of it! If there is any junk lying around, broken pot plants, garbage – clear it all out and take it to the dump! Better still, if there’s a council clean up, all you have to do is put it out front to be collected.

A bit more expensive

Roof: How often do you look up? Broken tiles or mould on your roof is a big turn off. If there are any structural problems, these will show up on the building inspection, so repair or replace your roof if needed and reap the benefits.

Windows: They are the eyes to a home; so if they are looking weary or are damaged, have them replaced. It is vital from a safety perspective that all windows are intact and secure. If you have second storey, windows need specific safety features.

Paint: Yes, house painting is expensive, but the difference a new coat of paint can have on a house is astronomical. Choose a neutral shade and ask advice before embarking on this task. You can try to DIY, but hiring a professional here is best.

Just remember, first impressions count. So make it the best one possible!

It seems that contemporary design has been in the grip of stainless steel for what feels like decades. Actually, it has been decades – four to be precise. But, as we know, design trends have a use by date, and it’s time to give this one the flick… at least for the moment.

It’s not that I don’t like stainless steel, (however I DO know quite a few Mums who are forever polishing off sticky kids finger prints from the stainless steel fridge), but the warmer tones of brass and copper create a much more inviting atmosphere.

Recently, I have changed my cutlery set over to the gold/brass look after a recent visit to Japan and I’m adding other pieces around the home as well. I love how these gorgeous tones evoke class and elegance.

Photo: Home designing

But let’s backtrack a little. For those of us old (young) enough to remember, brass and copper were very much in vogue in the 1970’s and even before that in the Victorian era until it lost its popularity. It even made a peek in the mid 20^th century, but by the 60’s again had disappeared.

In recent years, we have seen a rise of organic modernism – meaning the use of items that induce those feelings of luxury and texture only found in organic materials such as wood, stone and leather. Brass and copper share this same quality. What I also love is that they add an element of romance to any room.  Little touches of brass authenticate a room giving it a classic style.

Where to use brass and copper

Bathroom: Taps, shower screen doors, showerheads, bathroom accessories such as soap dishes. For a bold statement, how about a copper bathtub?

Kitchen: Pots, saucepans, kettles, utensils all look amazing and are naturally germicidal and antimicrobial. But for a big impact, a kitchen splash back, door handles or a light fixture. Maybe even a sink.

Photo: Leedy Interiors

Bedroom: Bedside table lamp, drawer handles, vases.

Living areas: Lights, vases, ornaments, photo frames and pieces of art.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your existing style. Small changes can make a big and beautifully luxurious impression. Antique shops are a great place to pick up vintage pieces, as is your granny’s attic!