Love our looks? Bring them home now with these easy updates

DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM OUR FOUR KEY LOOKS FOR 2019, WE SHOW YOU HOW TO UPDATE YOUR INTERIORS TO KEEP THEM RIGHT ON STYLE

Revitalising your interiors to keep them up to date doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated, especially when the trends of tomorrow are as stunning as the four we’ve fallen for. Here’s our compilation of 25 on-point decorating ideas that will inject new life into the spaces you love.

“I love the look of a PICTURE SHELF above a bed. This is a great way to really ADD IMPACT to a room”~ Kristie Hill, Colourcube Interiors

1 STEP UP THE BEDHEAD

“If you have an ensemble bed, you can change up the bedhead to update the look or style of your bedroom as frequently as you like,” says interior designer Kate Cooper of Kate Cooper Interiors. “If you’re handy, you could even have a go at making your own. Search for DIY bedhead projects on Pinterest or YouTube and be inspired.”

2 TREAT A WINDOW

Take your window covering – particularly in the bedroom – to fashionable new heights by injecting colour or pattern. Minimal budget doesn’t have to mean minimal style. An eye-catching pattern will let your window covering act as the feature wall in a room. Try Luxaflex’s Signature Print Collection for inspiration.

3 BE BOLD

Turn a tired-looking bedroom on its head by opting for vivid paint colours, inspired by our Retro Pop look. A deep and vibrant hue on the walls will really change your outlook. “When used well, it can literally turn an interior from pedestrian and dull into something jaw-droppingly beautiful,” says interior designer Angela Steyn of Angela Steyn & Co Interior Design. Try ‘Shepherd’s Warning’ from Dulux’s Legacy range that packs a pink punch.

4 SHOW IT OFF

Take cues from our Homeward Bound trend and create vignettes that tell your family’s own personal story. Collected pieces always start a conversation – make a date to re-tweak and restyle displays.

5 ADD A FOCAL POINT

Sometimes all it takes is one statement item – such as the artwork in this Minted Interiorsstyled space (left) – or a stand-out period piece to set your makeover in motion. “There are some beautiful contemporary furniture pieces that have taken their roots from the best of mid-century design and often their inclusion is enough to give a retro twist,” says interior designer Angela.

6 GO GREEN

Take our Homeward Bound trend one step further and add greenery and foliage that reflect our rugged landscape. “Mother-in-law’s tongue is incredibly hardy and has a beautiful, sculptural shape that always looks dynamic,” says Angela. Devil’s ivy is also a perfect plant for the beginner green thumb. Melissa King, horticulturist and Northcote Pottery ambassador, advises: “Opt for a wide mixture of plants, including ones with large leaves to help catch air pollutants.”

7 PLAY WITH PATTERN

Whether subtle or striking, each of our new-season looks incorporates pattern and print – and soft furnishings are a good place to start. “One of the easiest ways to reinvigorate a space is by changing cushions and throw pillows,” says Home Beautiful’s acting creative director Julia Nadin. “Be brave and mix and match colourful patterns or opt for a similar tone throughout and vary the textures and shapes.”

8 EMBRACE THE BLUE

Fallen for our Bold Ambition trend? You’re not alone. “The world’s love affair with indigo started as early as 4000BC in Peru, and nothing has changed,” says stylist Riza Taylor of Villa St Interiors. “The blue-indigo spectrum of colours is one of the most prevalent in our surroundings, so we’re generally very comfortable with it.” A dramatic way to feature this dark, moody hue is to zone a space in the highlight colour, as seen in this dining space. Framed by a white arch and imbued with gold touches, the room has all the hallmarks of a modern classic for the future.

9 INVEST IN ART

Capture the essence of the Australian landscape with a soul-stirring work and look for artists who embrace the colours of our country’s heart, such as photographer Kara Rosenlund or painter Jenie Fawckner. “What better way to pay homage to our great land than through artwork?” asks interior designer Kristie Hill. Adds Riza Taylor of Villa St Interiors: “It doesn’t have to be expensive – Etsy provides beautiful Australian flora and fauna instant-download print options.”

10 PRETTY UP WITH PINK

If there is one direction that overrides all others in our Refined Romance aesthetic, it’s blush. “You want to get the right tone so it goes with the other colours in your room,” advises interior designer Kate Cooper. Carpet and soft furnishings are a great starting point. “Our Luxe Palette collection features warm pinks, soft blues and refreshing pastel greens,” says Kara Norris, Carpet Court’s chief marketing officer. “And it’s super soft.”

“Anything that crosses the THRESHOLD of your home should speak to you on a PERSONAL level” ~ Angela Steyn, Angela Steyn & Co. Interior Design

11 BUILD CHARACTER FROM BELOW

Nothing matches the dramatic impact of a well-chosen floor covering, so consider a new rug to refresh your room – though it needn’t blow the budget. “There are loads of polyester-cotton blends and upcycled options that have the look of expensive Persian rugs, but are more practical,” says interior designer Riza. Choose wisely, as this will set the style for the entire space.

12 LOOK TO YOUR LIGHTS

Introduce a little bit of luxe to your space with pendants that take texture cues from our Homeward Bound trend. “Replace oyster lights with a pendant or cover them with a wicker shade,” suggests interior designer Angela Steyn. Try the rattan ‘Firefly’ pendants from Cotswold Furniture to nail the look. In the bedroom, hang them low beside the bed to replace your lamp, or in the kitchen, install a set of three above the bench.

13 SPLASH OUT WITH COLOUR

For a quick fix to bring your bathroom on trend, paint over old tiles. “You’ll have a new look at a fraction of the cost,” suggests Kristie. If you’re crushing on blush, try specially formulated White Knight tile paint in Pink Parlor from Bunnings, and pair it with brushed brass fittings for a bathroom inspired by our Refined Romance directive. Looking for a more subtle approach? Stick to whites for the walls, charcoals on the floor and let your decor do the talking.

14 MIRROR, MIRROR

Replacing an old mirror is the simplest way to revamp a dated bathroom and add some signature style. For a burst of colour inspired by Retro Pop, try the ‘Arabesque’ mirror from Xavier Furniture in Teal. But, if it’s the elegance of Bold Ambition you’re after, opt for West Elm’s ‘Metal Framed Round Wall Mirror’ in Antique Brass.

15 TURN TO TAPWARE

Replacing taps and fixtures in the bathroom is another easy update for functional spaces. You might not paint the wall midnight to capture the old-world charm of our Bold Ambition trend, but instead consider swapping your tired taps for Meir Australia’s round ‘Jumper’ valve wall top assembly taps and wall spout in Tiger Bronze (above), guaranteed to achieve a level of grandeur in the wash zone.

16 AWAKEN THE SENSES

The most accessible way to embrace the luxe appeal of our Refined Romance aesthetic is with texture. Choose of-the-moment terrazzo-look vessels and introduce marble-look side tables that will update your look in an instant. “Adding a single piece such as a coffee table can really transform the style of an existing space,” says Home Beautiful’s acting editor, Katrina O’Brien.

17 MAKE THE OLD NEW

We spend a lot of time in front of the bathroom vanity, so consider yours carefully. Upcycle a vintage timber sideboard to embody our Homeward Bound look – and simultaneously score points for sustainability. Scour vintage stores and op-shops for the perfect piece, then get creative with a new sink and tapware. Try Methven’s ‘Blaze’ basin mixer in Chrome for a modern touch, or Reece’s Posh basin set for something a little more traditional.

“We’re seeing a move towards deeper tones that speak of bravery and glamour, teamed with beautiful old-world golds” ~ Patricia Seoudi, Luxaflex

18 LAYER UP

Be inspired by Bold Ambition to add depth, drama and personality to the bedroom. “Choose one main colour, then add accessories in tones either side of the colour spectrum,” says interior designer Kristie Hill.

19 GIVE YOUR LAMPS SOME LOVE

“If you have lamps in your bedroom, try re-covering them in a beautiful new fabric – this can update the entire look of the room,” says Riza of Villa St Interiors. “Lamps frame the bed and help centre the space – they should be about the same height as your bedhead and cast light from underneath, not through the top.” Opt for the ‘Fountain Ikat’ fabric in Ink from No Chintz to bring in the moody blues.

20 BUILD ON YOUR BEDDING

Linen converts will tell you that once you’ve invested in linen bedding, you’ll never go back. The texture, muted colours and lived-in loveliness of linen make it the perfect choice for any bedroom scheme – especially to re-create the Homeward Bound aesthetic. “Look for a natural quilt cover as your base,” says Kristie, and dress it with throws and cushions in shades of rust and terracotta.

21 STICK IT

Make your boudoir a retro vision with removable wallpaper. There’s no mess and, when you’re on the move, you can simply peel it off and take it with you. We can’t go past the vibrant vintage vibes of ColorRay’s ‘Around The Circle’ design.

22 TELL A STORY

Turn your bedroom wall into a gallery of collected pieces and treasured artworks. “Look for pieces that have similar washed tones and a palette that’s drawn from the colours of the earth and bush,” says HB’s Katrina. “Our Homeward Bound trend is all about capturing your own story in a comforting and beautifully warm way.” Outline each artwork you wish to display on large pieces of paper and play with the shapes on the floor before committing to the wall space.

23 ADD COLOUR & COMFORT

Let’s face it, you spend a lot of time standing at your kitchen island, so adding softness underfoot by way of a floor rug is both a functional idea and a great way to add a lovely decorating layer. A well-considered rug can add a soft swathe of colour to your space – and the ‘Atrium’ runner in Barker Navy from Carpet Court ticks all the Bold Ambition style boxes.

24 SINK IN

Stand-out sinks are trending now – and it’s easy to see why. Opt for something custom-made (as pictured, right) or invest in a stylish ‘Pill Basin’ from Nood Co – it’s available in Charcoal and Dusty Grey (or even Musk and Blush Pink, if you’re coveting our Refined Romance look). Team with a complementary feature wall and pendant light to seriously up your glam game.

25 SPRUCE THE SPLASHBACK

Go big with your kitchen splashback and make a statement by extending your tiling from benchtop to ceiling. Then re-grout in gold to add the opulence of Bold Ambition. Deep blue cabinetry completes the on-trend look.