Style Q&A: Shelley Craft The TV personality answers style questions

TV PERSONALITY AND CARPET COURT AMBASSADOR SHELLEY CRAFT ANSWERS SOME OF YOUR MOST PRESSING STYLE QUESTIONS

“If you’re not ready to commit to patterned wallpaper, start by opting for a playful duvet with matching shams, or a set of prints to hang above your bed” ~ Shelley Craft

1I’m going for a modern luxe vibe in my bedroom, but I have old pine flooring, which doesn’t work with my colour scheme. What

are my options? Cara, St. Ives, NSW. Try using a rug as a way to layer the hardwood flooring in your bedroom. Alternatively, laying a carpet will offer the luxurious look and feel you’re after. High-quality carpets possess thicker, softer yarns, and are commonly used to create a sense of opulence in rooms like a bedroom or home office. Look at products like Carpet Court’s 100 per cent wool Gaia Wool range, which has a luxuriously soft feel and is resistant to pile crushing.

I want to create an urban feel in my home. How can I achieve this? Laura, Samford, QLD.

Less is more. Remember that the pieces you buy are as important as how you style them and the space around them. Furniture pieces should make a bold statement, but at the same time be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential to a modern aesthetic. As for the colour palette, opt for neutrals, blacks and whites.

What’s the best way to feature pattern and prints without overwhelming a space? Lisa, Burnside, SA.

Introduce pattern into your home in a way that feels comfortable to you.

The most important thing when sourcing pattern is to not be shy. If you really, really love it – it could be a classic Chinoiserie for wallpaper, chevrons on a rug in a rainbow of colours, a lattice print on an armchair – you’re likely to always love that design.

I love the look of timber floorboards, but they’re high maintenance. Are there other options? Annie, Prahan, VIC.

It can be hard choosing flooring for high foot-traffic areas. What looks good might not necessarily provide the appropriate durability. Vinyl options are a great alternative to timber flooring as they are easy to clean and maintain and can recreate that natural wood look you love.

I am looking to purchase a few key pieces. What are the best items to invest in? Claire, Dalkeith, WA.

One of the most important investment pieces would be the sofa. You spend so much time in the living room, whether you’re entertaining or watching TV. Spending on artwork you love can be very expensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment, as you build your art collection over the years. A good rug will stay with you forever. You can place it in your living room now, move it to your bedroom later – until some day you’ll be passing it down to your children.

We are having a big celebration for my husband’s 50th. How can I get our home guest-ready? Moreen, Forrest, ACT.

Preparing for a party is about more than just decluttering and tidying. While a party doesn’t call for a whole renovation, adding small styling touches can transform your home, making it comfortable and inviting. Try flower arrangements, photographs and candles as low-cost ways to add glamour.