What would I buy at IKEA?

I visited IKEA at Logan recently to see what I would potentially recommend to a client looking for some design on a budget. As I browsed, I wondered, what would I buy at IKEA? All credit to the merchandisers who create IKEA’s showroom – there’s lots of clever staging and some great colour schemes. But…

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Choosing the Right Metals for Your Renovation: A Simple Guide

What metals should I choose for my renovation? It wasn’t that long ago that hardware options were pretty much limited to just three finishes: brass, polished chrome, and brushed stainless steel. Today, the choices have expanded dramatically—and like anything, more options can create more confusion. Here are some questions to help you decide: Cool or…

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When the light hits just right

Repulse Bay House, Hong Kong

Have you noticed that light is the first thing you feel in a room—before the furniture, before anything else? In Northern Australia, light is both a gift and a guest—one you must welcome, but also manage with care.Especially in summer, it’s early, strong, and bright. To shape it, you need to understand it. Too much…

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How to make downsizing work for you

A new couch is paired with a Persian rug

So, you’ve decided to move into something smaller and more suited to your current lifestyle. It’s a big step — and can feel daunting as you look around at your accumulated possessions. What should (and shouldn’t) you take with you? Clean Slate Perhaps you’re considering a ‘clean slate’ approach. This can be fairly drastic, and…

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What are your home goals for 2025?

With the new year nearly upon us, now is the time to set some goals for your home for 2025. Decluttering Are you just needing a big tidy up? It’s amazing how much difference bringing order to your home can make. Read my guide to decluttering without regrets Leverage the enthusiasm of starting a new…

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How to de-stress Christmas

Christmas decor

What are the best ways to get ahead on Christmas and have a more enjoyable time with your family and friends? Here are a few suggestions from my Christmas playbook, all of which involve getting a head start on planning and shopping: Create a to-do list To do lists are your best tool when there…

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How do I update my heritage home?

Classic Queenslander

If you are fortunate enough to own an older heritage home, you will probably be aware that this type of property poses special challenges. How do you update it and at the same time honour its architecture? Challenges The good news is that you have an asset that has outlasted fashion trends and with careful…

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Why AI will never design your dream kitchen

An AI-generated kitchen

Recently I have seen some gloriously detailed images online of dream kitchens bathed in perfect light looking oh-do-desirable and achievable. Upon closer inspection I have realised that the images are AI generated. There are usually two giveaways. One is the slightly fuzzy appearance which cannot be attributed to natural lighting but could be the result…

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14 Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid

Bathrooms are generally the second most expensive room (after the kitchen) to build or makeover. Whether you are renovating or building, here are fourteen mistakes I have seen in bathroom design to avoid: 1. Too Clinical While we want our bathrooms to be practical, we also want to avoid making them look like what you…

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