ASK AN EXPERT
Have a pressing design question? We source answers from professionals with great advice
QOur hallway tends to be a dumping ground for backpacks, shoes and random knick-knacks. What stylish solutions can I implement to turn it into a welcoming and functional space?
Elle, via email
This is a common problem — shoes and bags cluttering up the entry is an issue in most homes I visit, which is why mud rooms are becoming so popular. However, if redesigning your entrance isn’t an option, the problem can be remedied with clever storage solutions. Start by selecting a piece of furniture to help store some of the items that end up on the floor. A stylish console with some drawers and a shelf along the bottom is a good option. Or you can use baskets with lids to hold shoes and smaller bags. If you have the space, a buffet can work wonders, too. Style the wall space above these storage pieces with an amazing artwork or mirror, then finish with a lamp or a few decorative pieces on the tabletop. ELISE COOPER, FREEDOM INTERIOR DECORATOR
QWe
always host a big Christmas lunch at our house, but lately my fridge hasn’t been up to the task. I’m looking to buy a new one that can accommodate my love of cooking and entertaining. What style do you suggest I go for?
Will, via Instagram
For year-round entertaining, you can’t go past a French-door fridge. Ranging from compact yet spacious to large and expansive, there’s a style to suit every entertainer’s needs. With flexible interior options and movable shelf storage, they are great for storing everything from a leg of ham to a croquembouche with room to spare. Many ranges also come with a ‘soft freeze’ option that allows meat to stay fresher for longer, and removable shelving that can double as ice buckets for serving drinks — perfect for the festive months. GARY BROWN, SENIOR BRAND MANAGER – HOME APPLIANCES, HARVEY NORMAN
QMy
outdoor area is looking a little sparse and I’d love to turn it into an entertaining space for the holiday period. What are some ways I can transform my existing patio into something more useable? Antonia, via email
By adding a solid wall to your outdoor patio, you can create a permanent kitchen and barbecue area that can be used all year round. Depending on the space you have to work with, you can set up dining and lounge options so the area becomes another liveable section of the home, bringing the outdoors in or the indoors out. We can custom design an outdoor addition to suit the customer’s specific needs, using products such as our Breezeway roof, which gives more height and better air flow. LYN SKEWS, APOLLO PATIOS
Q My home doesn’t get a lot of natural light and I think it’s affecting my sleep and energy. I’ve read that automated lighting can help – what does it do and what are the benefits?
Sam, via Instagram Using automated lighting has numerous health benefits. Perhaps the most important is its ability to regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythm by mimicking the sun’s colour shifts. By removing sounding alarms and embracing a sunrise-like feature to gradually brighten your room, your body instinctively feels as though it’s waking up with the sun. Similarly, in the evening, by slowly dimming your lights at bedtime, it creates the perception of the sun going down, inducing your body to sleep. LIFX’s Day & Dusk feature is app controlled and works on all of our lights [see left]. It knows your time zone and matches it to each season. This leads to better health and wellbeing. MARC ALEXANDER, CO-FOUNDER AND CTO OF LIFX