EXPLORE all the trends – from styling to sell, the importance of art, the latest design trends, the iconic feature wall and many other ideas including what’s the latest out there…. This section will help you dress your home, throw new ideas at you and inspire you to experiment with “tried and tested” guidelines that I’m sure will arm you with the best advice to sell your property and enjoy life.
Styles & types of windows |
17.02.15 |
There is an incredible range of home windows available to suit nearly any function and personal aesthetic choice. In addition to traditional sliding and hinged styles, you can choose to install a skylight to increase natural light into your home or louvres to maximise ventilation.
Different styles of windows provide different opening areas, which will vary in importance for individual needs. Larger opening areas will increase ventilation opportunities while smaller openings will provide improved security.
It’s also useful to consider energy-efficient styles and maintenance needs when making your home window selection. Hinged windows generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows, therefore increasing their energy efficiency. In contrast, sliding windows are an ‘easy to maintain’ option only requiring an occasional clean of the tracks and glass.
You may find that you need different window styles throughout your home depending on design preferences, the direction that your windows face and your local climate. New window styles are being developed all the time, however below is some useful information on common window styles.
Our Love Affair with Property |
13.02.15 |
According to the investment bank Credit Suisse, Australians are the richest people in the world. So it’s no wonder we have a love affair with our properties. Take a look at some more damning evidence to prove that our true love this Valentine’s Day is in fact our own bricks and mortar.
Valentine’s Day |
13.02.15 |
(Sing along to the tune of ‘My Favourite Things’ )
“Cupids and roses and boxes of chocolates, love notes and kisses and champagne-filled goblets…”
Photo: www.huffingtonpost.com
Yes, it’s that time again; you know the one, between Christmas and Easter? A day for lovers and love; Valentine’s Day of course!
Now before you think I’m being all ‘bah-humbug’ (or whatever the Valentine’s day equivalent is), I actually DO celebrate 14 February and like to make it a special day for my loved ones. While many people are disenfranchised with the commercialism of the day – and let’s face it, it’s hard not to feel slight nausea at the superfluous ‘redness’ in the shopping centres. But, if you can ignore all that stuff, then Valentine’s Day can be a wonderfully special day.
Photo: www.messina.com.au
So buying a dozen roses will be the equivalent to a down payment on a house! But, think outside the square. A potted plant in a beautiful vase will last longer and become a part of your home. Orchids and mini bonsai trees are lovely and ornamental. Red roses are clichéd anyway. If it’s impossible to buy a gift for that special person, be creative and think what a lovely gesture it would be to take the kids out for day, or book a plane ticket so your wife can visit her best friend or how about take a cooking class? Whatever the gesture, a little thought can go a very long way, just don’t leave it till the last minute! Words are powerful and writing down your feelings in a card or composing a love note has become a dying trend.
Photo: www.messina.com.au
For the past few years I’ve held a Valentine’s Day dinner for my friends whose partners are away on business. And, these dinners have been a smashing success! Secretly nobody likes being alone on Valentine’s Day and it makes it extra lonely when you know your loved one is far away. Each time I’ve hosted, the nights have been great fun and it’s also a fabulous excuse to get together with friends you haven’t had the chance to catch up with. The secret is to keep the food theme indulgent and decadent (think fantastic desserts from Messina and lots of bubbles). This year, I’ll be hosting a dinner for friends and couples who are Valentine’s Day humbugs. I’m sure by the end of the night; I’ll have a roomful of converts!
Embrace the day, it’s only once a year – a besides, love DOES make the world go round!
New Year, New Style |
05.02.15 |
Now that festive period is over, let’s think about the home and the emerging new trends for 2015. Many people see the beginning of a new year to have a fresh start for their bodies, minds, careers, health, fitness etc… but how about your home? There are some exciting trends emerging in 2015 that are modern; fresh twists on reliable classics. Whether you’re thinking of a complete overhaul or a small spruce up, take a look at what’s making waves in interior design.
It sounds like a foodie catchphrase and many people associate ‘fusion’ with a jumbled up mess! But, done the right way and with taste, fusion design can be uniquely eye-catching. Think mixing traditional materials and antiques with contemporary designs or carved wood and industrial metal details. Bending textures creates movement and interest. Mixing patterns breaks the norm and adds an unusual twist to any room. Constructing a one-of-kind design is the perfect way to reflect your inner style and tastes. Just remember to keep it understated rather than flamboyant. Small touches are perfect to give a hint and preferable to saturation. Aim for vivid and memorable not garish.
Forget about the knick-knacks and your old Aunt’s teapot collection, decorating your home can be as easy as using natural resources. If you’re going for the modern look, stone, wood, and metal add a beautiful and understated charm. If you like the look and feel of wood, invest some time in finding the right pieces whether it is salvaged wood, different colours, exotic timbers or rustic pieces. The natural shades can be subdued or quite striking. If you like the look and feel of stone, again there is a plethora of shades and textures. Granite, marble, sandstone, slate, limestone – so much to choose from! Stone pieces exude luxury and opulence. They team well with silks and velvet furnishings. As for metal, bronze and gilded pieces can make bold, bright statements to brighten up any space. Just be mindful to keep these pieces to a minimum so as the impact is not lost.
As we’ve noted before, changing the mood of a room can be easy as buying a pot of paint! There’s nothing like poring over colour charts (swoon) to find JUST the right shades. For modern rooms cold shades of brown colours and hints of leafy. Trends for 2015 include mustard yellow and mauve, all light and deep purples, rich blue and soft pink.
We live in an age of recycling and this can spill over into our interior design. There’s nothing wrong with recycling pieces, ideas and trends but make sure you add a new twist to make it fresh. Mixing recycled pieces with new ones can be interesting. Pulling out old artworks and rearranging them can be make a huge difference to the ambience of a room.
Trends are always evolving so it’s vital to stay fluid and open-minded. Sometimes, the most surprising thing is finding out and what YOU like and are drawn to. Try something new and you might discover more about yourself!
SELLING homes is not just a career; it is an art form – one that is carefully honed over years of life experience and knowledge. And, I can proudly say, that I still absolutely love what I do – day in, day out.
For over 30 years, I have immersed myself in real estate and have built an untarnished reputation in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, among my peers and with my clients – many of who are my friends. People say I exude positivity, and I accept this as the highest compliment.