IDEAS, INSPIRATION & CREATIVE LIVING

Modern maximalism is an excellent option to consider if you want to create a unique and personalised space that feels like home.

Design experts and industry leaders all agree that white is becoming a thing of the past. Well that's music to my ears! As a creative designer with a passion for colour and eclectic spaces, I couldn't be happier! The white palette which was once a symbol of sophistication is now being replaced with bold colors, textures, and warm tones. Home design is ever-evolving as homeowners’ tastes change and new technologies develop. One home design trend that will be disappearing in 20

'Super creatives' use The 7 'elements of design' to get results and knowing how to use them is the difference between a great designer and a mediocre one. After 25 years in the industry, the principles have become second language and knowing how to work with them is the secret behind unlocking potential and taking advantage of unique opportunities for any project that I work on. The elements include light, line, space, form, colour, texture and pattern; keeping them balanced

As the pandemic forces us to re-evaluate our homes, can interior designers help us build a better world or have a better life? By definition, the role of an interior designer is to create beautiful, comfortable and functional interiors by manipulating space, layout, light, colour, materials and furniture – all while keeping clients’ wishes and constraints front of mind. But are interior designers essential? As pandemic-containment measures prioritise goods and services that a

Renovation shows are fun to watch and they make it look all so easy. In reality, they rarely show the meticulous months of planning that goes into a renovation before the first hit of the hammer to start the demolition. Planning the design is the key to any renovation and whilst it’ll feel like you’re planning for months and months before you even begin the renovation, once you’re in the thick of it, you’ll be thankful that you took the time. Along with planning, budgeting th

"We wish to thank you for the wonderful work you did with our apartment - we just love it. We can't thank you enough! You are truly talented and so easy to work with. I keep wandering around going “I love it I love it”. It was an interesting journey as i knew I had to get out of my comfort zone but we completely trusted your brilliance. Please use us as a reference. Happy to talk to anyone wanting to use your services." Sometimes, it's kind of sad when a project comes to an e

I've been painting again and I've just finished this one which is fairly large measuring 1500 x 1200. Vibrant and fun, it depicts a garden scene! Those of you that know me, know that I love the garden and many of my paintings include nature. I hope you like it. If you'd like to check out more of my paintings click here.

Interior Designers are in fact creative types by nature and love to imagine, dream, explore and follow our intuition. That being said, there are some principles that guide us to ensure a great result for our clients. I hate to break it to you, but interior designers don’t really follow a secret decorating rule book. The principles of design are the closest thing we have to a rule book but typically once a designer learns these principles, he or she is

Kitchen splashbacks serve an obvious practical purpose, protecting your walls and cabinetry from moisture, heat and the mess that comes with cooking. But they’re also an opportunity to add a touch of drama and fun to the space. Think carefully before opting for glass or a plain tile, there's so much more out there! This is an important decision which can make or break the final design. When I see a totally plain splashback with no texture and a very neutral colour, I can't

What's the difference? ... and how to choose one.... Putting together a scheme, choosing the right finishes or re-envisioning a space – these are the things that keep us up at night and can put the brakes on even the most exciting of projects. This is where an interior designer comes in; bringing with them a trained eye, design contacts and the ability to turn your vision into reality. But working together on a reno or build is a long and intimate process, so it’s important

A clever tile selection can make a huge difference to your project! If not chosen carefully, tiles can date a property within 6-8 years, sometimes less! Tiles are a popular choice in the Mid North Coast because of our gorgeous temperate climate. They are a cool, low maintenance, easy care option. I am a lover of timber floors but I still do tons of tile selections for both residential and commercial clients for their bathrooms, splash backs and flooring. The trick is to mix

Don’t be afraid to leave ‘matchy matchy’ decor behind! Modern interior design begs for an element of whimsy.

Spend your renovation budget wisely. Interior design tips on how to keep your budget under control.

Some think interior design is all about playing with fabrics and furnishings, making everything pretty and perfect. And some think that desi

With the increase in apartment living, especially in the Port Macquarie CBD, and the size of many homes shrinking, space now comes at a premium. But armed with these visual tricks and design ideas, you’ll be able to style small spaces to make them appear larger than they really are. Here’s how. Large windows, sheer coverings Large windows are one of the most effective ways of creating the illusion of space. Instead of restricting your gaze to a room’s parameters, windows e

Clients ask me all the time which window covering they should choose. It's a good question and the myriad of choices can be super confusing. Read on to see what's available and use your interior designer to help with the finishes or for further advice to help you make the right choice. The main considerations when choosing window coverings are: > Light control > Heat retention or reflection > The right visual result - styling to suit the decor or personal tastes. > Privacy

Decorative Lights can add so much interest and appeal to both domestic and commercial properties alike. There are so many different ways to approach this part of a design project....ahhh, the choices are endless... Spend Money where it matters! It's interesting for me to see how people interpret their lighting plans. Lighting especially pendant lights are a great opportunity to express yourself. What a shame to lose that opportunity through fear! I have seen these lost oppo

Adequate sleep is vital to health and happiness, but many of us just don't get enough sleep and relaxation. A well designed room can hel

Old and new mixes of furniture, how to get it right.

When you look at a professional colour selection fan deck or go to the paint shop to browse the colour ranges there...it can be daunting to say the least right? Some people say it's downright intimidating! I'm not surprised they feel that way! The Dulux colour wall at the Inspirations Shop in Port Macquarie (Cnr Barton Cres and Lake Rd) is where I recommend that you go for a preview of colours or to buy your Dulux quality paint. They will give you the friendliest and most pe