DESIGNER TIPS Anna Williams, Your Beautiful Home, NSW

Focal points and functionality

+ Living area “A television may be an essential part of a family home, but you don’t want it to be the focal point of your space. I painted a wall in Taubmans All Black to make the TV less dominant, and also to highlight the beautiful grain in the timber-veneer joinery.” + Kitchen “Benchtops are a major decision — they are often the key visual feature in the room but need to be easy to maintain. In my house, a benchtop has to deliver on both aesthetics and function. Natural marbles are a stunning choice, but require more ongoing care. Choosing a surface that is resistant to scratches and stains, and which allows hot pots and pans to be placed directly onto it, is essential for me so I installed a Dekton surface.” + Dining area “Always think about whether you are ready to look after a perfectly polished dining table. Dining tables get a lot of wear and tear in a busy family like ours. We love a polished table, but I deliberately chose a design that will still look great in years to come when it’s dented and marked!”

+ Main bedroom “A main bedroom benefits hugely from a considered wall treatment behind the bed. There are so many options here — wallpaper, fabric, timber, panelling and colour. It’s a lovely way to create something you enjoy in a space that is very personal.” + Bathroom “The bathroom basin is now an opportunity for creative expression, thanks to the many styles on the market. I encourage all my clients not to miss this style opportunity. There are many ceramic, solidsurface, concrete and even metal options.”