Category Archives: Aspley Styleboard

4 Steps to Pinterest-worthy Bedroom Décor

There’s a reason we love interior-designed spaces, and there’s no denying that interior stylists have an uncanny ability to make any space look luxe, inviting, and comfortable (especially when it comes to bedding and bed styling). They certainly know all the tricks of the trade, from the latest interior trends, right down to choosing the perfect pillows. But have you ever tried to recreate a perfectly- styled bed in your bedroom without the help of a stylist? The outcome is never quite the same. So, here at Aspley Homemaker City we set out on a mission to uncover the best ways to achieve that effortlessly- styled, yet totally Pinterest-worthy bed. The best part? All you have to do is follow the four steps below and your room will look like it’s straight out of a magazine in no time.

Step one: what lies beneath matters

A luxurious bedroom starts with a comfortable mattress. We’re talking about the type that you’re already subconsciously sinking into with just one glance. But if you’re not quite ready to replace your mattress, then opt for a mattress topper instead. Mattress toppers are a great (and affordable) solution to add the comfort you need for a good night’s sleep whilst also helping contribute to the overall plush look that is synonymous with a Pinterest-worthy bedroom.

Secondly, mattress and pillow protectors are a must all year round, particularly as our weather warms up. We recommend opting for a bamboo material because it’s naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and thermal regulating. You can find a variety of options from Bed Bath N’ Table.

Step two: invest in quality sheets

Quality sheets are the hug you didn’t know you needed! Sheets not only feel great but when you purchase the right set, they’re bound to last throughout the seasons. We recommend steering clear from plain white sheets and going for a fun colour and pattern instead. Pair your bold sheets with a plain coverlet for a playful contrast that will suit any room. For those who are not a fan of ironing, we hear you! Try linen sheets from Bedshed to achieve that unmade bed look that interior stylists always master.

Step three: choose the right bed cover

It’s time to roll away the heavy feather duvet and embrace a lightweight coverlet. This lighter counterpart to a duvet is cooler in the warmer weather but is still heavy enough for those who love being snuggled under a blanket. For neutral lovers, embrace a textured coverlet or quilt cover to, add a subtle sense of luxury to your bedding. If you really want to finish off that luxury look, buy a size up in your coverlet or quilt – allowing the edge of your bedding to touch the floor.

Step four: layers and textures are a must

Finally, the ultimate way to achieve that Pinterest-worthy bedroom is with layers and textures! What better way to add more texture to your room than with throws and cushions? They’re always making an appearance on interior trends lists. So, here’s how you can use them:

Throws

Enhance your bedding by casually draping a lightweight throw at the foot of your bed.
Avoid being too meticulous in its arrangement to achieve a more relaxed and inviting look.
Add visual intrigue to a plain knit throw by opting for one with tassels.
For a laid-back luxurious appearance, consider a 100% cotton throw with raw edging.

Throw cushions

You either love them or hate them, but cushions are here to stay – having become a staple in trend interiors! To create a luxurious and comfortable look, be sure to mix and match cushions in similar tones and various textures. Whether you choose velvets or linens, a mix of both is sure to create a visually pleasing vignette. We recommend cushions with feather fillings to provide a plush and inviting feel.

Voila, you now have your own bedroom that looks like it came straight from a Pinterest board. No need to search “interior stylist near me,” instead follow our guide and head to Aspley Homemaker City for all the necessities! Once you’ve stocked up at all the furniture stores in Aspley be sure to share your new bedroom with us on Instagram – we’d love to reshare it! Don’t forget to tag us @aspleyhomemakercity.

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Interior Decorating Trends?

Question 1: In which 20th century decade were rattan and cane furniture most popular? a) 1990’s b) 1920’s c) 1970’s d) 1930’s

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Question 2: What colour timber is most popular in the Scandinavian design trend? a) Oak and pine b) Merbau c) Spotted gum d) Teak

Question 3: Frank Lloyd Wright was a renowned architect popular during which era? a) Art Deco b) Mid-century Modern c) Post-War d) Rococo

Question 4: I am opulent, glamorous and bold in my style. I use a lot of geometric shapes and love metallics such as gold and silver. Which interior design style am I? a) Hamptons b) Art Deco c) Mid-Century Modern d) Bauhaus

Question 5: What are the most popular accent colours in the Hamptons design style? a) Red and orange b) Pink and purple c) Yellow and Brown d) Blue and Green

Question 6: Who is a popular furniture designer that has replicas made of their work to this day? a) Charles and Ray Eames b) Phillipe Starck c) Hans Wegner d) All of the above

Answers: Question 1: C – 1970’s

Question 2: A – Oak and pine

Question 3: B – Mid-century modern

Question 4: B – Art deco

Question 5: D – Blue and green

Question 6: D – All of the above

How To Easily Incorporate Feng Shui Into Your Home

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy for creating balance in our home in relation to the natural world. By using specific decorating and design techniques to ensure your home’s energy is connected to nature and free flowing you can create a peaceful environment both physically and spiritually. Not only do these techniques create a calming home, but they are also thought to increase your quality of life and bring in health, happiness and wealth. If you’d like to learn some simple and easy ways to achieve a mindful home through Feng Shui then read on for more details!

Use The Five Elements

One of the key decorating rules when creating a home that embraces Feng Shui is to use a balance of the five elements. The elements include wood, fire, earth, water and metal and each represent different areas and qualities of life. Adding these to your home can be done through the colours and shapes that they represent. For example, if you wish to promote wealth and family use blues and green in your soft furnishings and columnar and rectangular shapes when selecting furniture and home décor. It is said that to create a fulfilling life your home must include pieces from all five elements to ensure it is balanced.

Create a Calm Entryway

The front door is seen as a very important space in feng shui as it represents not only metaphorically, but physically where energy enters your home. The entryway is a space that is a first impression for not only guests, but yourself and your families as you return home for the day. The space should be kept neat and organised with minimal excess and unnecessary items. We recommend using a decorative tray like one found in Bed Bath N Table to collate clutter such as keys and mail and using baskets from Freedom to store shoes neatly.

Check Your Doorways

Doors are very important when it comes to feng shui as they are seen as ‘portals’ for energy. We want to be able to have free flowing positive energy coming into and running throughout our house and encourage symbols of expansion and space. Ensure you remove any clutter or furniture from around doorways to fix this issue and allow for free-flowing energy.

The Command Position

The command position refers to furniture items that are placed in a way that allows you to be in command, of yourself, the situation and metaphorically of life. The most common items you should have placed in a commanding position in your home are the desk, bed and stove. If these items are in command, you will be able to see the door, without being directly in line with the door. This allows your mind, on a subconscious level to be put at ease as you are aware of your surroundings and environment.

A Balanced Bedroom

There are a few areas of the bedroom that can create a good flow of energy and symbolise balanced feng shui. Firstly, the bedroom should be decorated in neutral colours to promote a restful and deep sleep. Beds should also never be placed firmly against a wall and should always have a bedside table on each side to provide support. Ensure the underneath of your bed is clear and not used as storage, unless it is soft items such as excess linen or cushions. Lastly, it is thought that grouping items in twos such as artworks above the bed, pillows and chairs promote loving, harmonious energy.

Let us know if you’d like to learn more about Feng Shui and how it can be used when decorating your home. If you’d like to implement any of the above tips or want help with sourcing the right organisational pieces for your space, then be sure to book in for your free styling session with our resident stylist. Simply head to the ‘Styling Inspiration’ tab on our website.

6 Tips For Selecting The Perfect Sofa

Sofas are a key piece of furniture in any home and any living room. They are used for lounging, relaxing reading, watching tv, napping and spending quality time together as a family. No matter what your living situation, the sofa is an element of the lounge room that needs to be versatile, durable, long lasting and of course, comfortable. Today we are sharing with you our top tips to consider when you are shopping for your next big sofa purchase!

Tip 1 – Think About The Number Of Seats Required

Above all else, when purchasing a sofa, functionality must be top of the priority list. The first thing to consider is how many people live in the home and would be using the sofa at the one time. Pending space and room dimensions, we suggest opting for a sofa or sofa combination that can seat the maximum number of people at any given time.

Tip 2 – Configurations

Before purchasing your next sofa, look at the living room as a whole and take measurements of the space. This is your chance to think outside the box and look at options for a new configuration within the space. Could you opt for an L shaped sofa that fits a large number of people, do you prefer two separate sofas, or would you like a sofa and two individual armchairs? The options are endless when it comes to selecting a new lounge for your living room. Stores such as Plush also allow you to ‘customise’ your sofa and choose the number of seats, the configurations, the shape and whether you’d like it to recline or not.

Tip 3 – Fabric or Leather

The age-old decision that we find most of our customers struggle with – “Should I choose fabric or leather?” The answer depends on your individual circumstances, durability requirement and style preference. A common mistake we see often is the assumption that leather is more practical and long lasting. Leather is a great choice if you are after something easy to clean and durable if the correct thickness and grain is chosen. However, fabric sofas have come a long way in terms of manufacturing and there are now plenty of hardwearing options for fabric sofas too! Not to mention various warranty options and cleaning packs our friendly staff can talk you through to provide you with peace of mind when purchasing your sofa.

Tip 4 – Shape

An obvious step in the sofa selecting process is thinking about what shape and style you’d like to go for. Structured and square-armed shapes can suit design styles such as Contemporary or Hamptons whereas a more rounded and relaxed looking sofa is perfect for a Coastal home. Choosing a sofa that sits directly on the floor (i.e., No exposed legs) can create a casual and relaxed feel whereas an exposed leg can give a slightly more formal aesthetic. The shape of the leg can be very important in a sofa too as this can determine whether the sofa is a modern, mid-century or Scandinavian design style for example. If all these aspects seem a little overwhelming, then be sure to book in with our resident stylist, Eliza and she can help you narrow down the best style and shape of sofa for your space (book via the ‘stylist’ tab on our website).

Tip 5 – Comfort

Sofas are one of the few items in your home that we 100% suggest seeing, touching, sitting and feeling in person. Testing out the comfort levels and sitting on sofas is an important part of the selection process. We all have our priorities when it comes to sofa comfort, much like a mattress and this varies from person to person. Some people prefer a pillowy soft sofa they can sink right into, whilst others favour a firmer and more supportive feel. The height of the individuals using the sofa is to be taken into consideration when it comes to seat depth and back height too. Head into our many retailers this weekend and have a seat on countless sofas to see which feels best for you!

Tip 6 – Colour

Lastly, our final tip is to consider the countless colour options when choosing the perfect sofa for your space. Sofas are often the largest furniture item in the room and therefore set the tone for the entire space. Choosing a dark coloured sofa may be practical in terms of cleaning, but they can often feel heavy in a room and create a smaller feeling space. Light coloured fabrics work great to brighten up a room and are perfect for an airy and relaxed feel but do require more care to ensure they look fresh for a long time. We often find there is a happy medium when selecting a sofa colour and customers lean towards a more mid-toned grey, beige or greige colour that is universal and works with many design styles.

Quiz: How well do you know the history of Australian homes?

Here at Aspley Homemaker City we love Australian Homes and more specifically Queenslander Homes. And we know you do too! So, we thought we would create a fun quiz to kick off the new year and test your knowledge on Australian Homes!

1. Which was the first known style of Australian home? A) Queenslander B) Colonial C) Workers Cottage D) Victorian

2. What is a key feature of a Federation style home? A) Pressed metal ceilings B) Return verandas C) Timber fretwork D) All of the above

3. What defines a Queenslander style home? A) Made of timber originally painted green, cream and maroon B) Traditional fretwork to 30% of the façade C) A high set house made of timber with a veranda D) A two-story dwelling with a veranda that wraps around the entire house

4. What year was the current oldest standing home in Australia built? A) 1770 B) 1793 C) 1826 D) 1842

5. Why are Queenslander homes built so high? A) To withstand flooding B) To create more airflow and reduce heat C) To avoid pet infestations D) All of the above

6. Which home style was most popular around 1900? A) Federation B) Victorian C) Colonial D) Gothic

7. Where did the Tudor style house originate? A) Germany B) United States of America C) England D) Scotland

8. Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving home was built in? A) 1846 B) 1798 C) 1807 D) 1839

Answers: Question 1: B – Colonial

Question 2: D – All of the above

Question 3: C – A high set house made of timber with a veranda

Question 4: B – 1793

Question 5: D – All of the above

Question 6: A – Federation

Question 7: C – England

Question 8: A – 1846

6 Hacks For Keeping An Organised Home In The New Year

If you are like us, one of your new year’s resolutions is to have a more organised and structured home. In today’s post we are sharing our top hacks for not only implementing organisational solutions but staying on top of them long term. We have so many handy tips and tricks we’ve used time and time again and suggestions on the perfect storage solutions that will transform your home life. Read on to find out more!

1. Start The Year Fresh

The festive season is one of abundance, decadence and overflow, so it is no wonder we all feel like cleansing and minimising once the new year rolls around. For most people the start of January can be a calm time where work is quiet, and you can reset both yourself and your home. We suggest setting a day aside to have a thorough declutter of the highest traffic areas of your home such as the kitchen, pantry, wardrobe, kid’s bedrooms, playrooms and garage. Sort through all items and get rid of anything that has not been used recently, has been replaced with something new or that no longer brings you joy. By starting off the year with a declutter and organising day this allows you to head into the new year with a fresh perspective and a clear mind.

2. Create A Drop Zone

Creating designated drop zones in the home allows for clutter to be contained to one area and avoids it building up throughout various areas of the home. We recommend creating a ‘drop-zone’ that is separate from the kitchen or living area in a space such as the entryway, home office or towards the garage. Create a drop zone by using items such as baskets, in-trays, boxes or containers and label them with each family member’s name. You can pick up some beautiful baskets from Freedom or some great storage containers from Howard’s Storage World that would be perfect for this. The key to keeping drop zones under control is to dedicate a couple of minutes each week to sorting through and actioning any items that need to be actioned and putting things away that have a separate home.

3. Go Label Crazy

Labels are a lifesaver when it comes to organising your home. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing, but they help each member of the family know where items belong. We recommend labelling key areas of the home that are constantly having items picked up, put back, used, and taken in and out. For example, categorise your pantry using wire baskets for different food types and use swing tags to label. The linen cupboard is another great area of the home to use beautiful baskets to categories like-minded items such as sheets, quilt cover sizes, towels and more.

4. Purchase Your Storage Solutions Now

December is the perfect time of year to pick up a bargain as the Christmas and Boxing Day events are in full swing! If you have the time, we suggest making a list of items such as baskets, containers, drawer dividers and turntables and heading in store to grab yourself a saving. We love Howard’s Storage World for all our kitchen, wardrobe and bathroom storage solutions and Provincial Home Living and Freedom for gorgeous baskets.

5. Set A Timer

When thinking about decluttering and organising your home it can often become overwhelming as you do not know where to begin. As the saying goes, the easiest way to achieve something is to ‘just start’. We love setting a timer to either 15 minutes or 30 minutes and having a ‘fire round’ of decluttering, picking up items that are lying around, sorting a drawer or deep cleaning an area that has been neglected. You will be surprised how much you can get done in a short amount of time if you set your timer, put your phone on silent and pop on some inspiring music to get motivated!

6. Lock In Maintenance Days In Your Calendar

Implementing organisational solutions in your home such as categorising, labelling and decluttering is the first step in creating an organised home. The second and arguably most important step is to ‘maintain’ the spaces long term. Having an organised home is not a matter of ‘setting and forgetting’, rather a system that is put in place and maintained regularly for optimum performance. Maintaining your organisation solutions simply means to set aside time in your calendar every quarter to check in on the systems put in place. This can include going through the pantry and throwing away expired foods, sorting through each family members in tray and ensuring all items are put back in their designated category baskets in the linen cupboard and playroom.

6 Tips For Designing Fun & Inspiring Kid’s Bedrooms

Children’s bedrooms are the perfect space in the home to have fun and go bold with colour, patterns, style, and themes. Today we are sharing with you our favourite tips for creating spaces that are both fun and inspiring for your little ones. We are also sharing recommendations on which stores at Aspley Homemaker City you’ll find the most amazing kid’s pieces for your convenience.

1. Have Fun With The Walls

A great way to make a big impact in a kid’s bedroom is to have fun with different colours, textures and patterns on the walls. This could be as simple as painting a brightly coloured feature wall in your child’s favourite colour or adding wall decals to create a beautiful scene. We also love the look of wall cladding in either VJ panelling or wainscoting and painting it in a subtle colour tone for a bespoke look. If you are renting or find it hard to commit to something long term, then why not try removable wallpaper or removable decals? There are so many great options that are perfect for someone who loves to switch up their decorating often or want something that can be easily removed down the track.

2. Choose Smart Large Pieces

We all know children get bored of things easily, change their minds often and require constant stimulation. When designing and decorating your child’s bedroom we recommend choosing the larger furniture pieces such as the bed, tall boy and bedside table in a neutral-coloured timber or white colour. This allows you to have fun with soft furnishings, quilt covers, artwork and decorative accents depending on your child’s current interests and favourite colours, saving you time and money in the long run. We recommend heading to stores like Forty Winks to check out their timeless furniture range and Pillow Talk for some on-trend and inspiring decorative pieces.

3. Create Inspiring Displays

Children love to have their favourite items on display and showcase what’s currently bringing them joy and inspiration. Embrace this by creating a designated area to display their favourite books, toys, crafts or whatever else they are loving at the moment. We love using floating shelves and bookcases to display their favourite items and allow for easy rotation when refreshing the space. We recommend heading into stores like Freedom and Howard’s Storage World to see their innovative and stylish storage solutions to suit any room.

4. Get Creative With Lighting

Lighting is one area of a child’s bedroom that can often be overlooked when selecting fun and inspiring pieces. Pendant lights, wall sconces and bedside table lamps are great places to bring in colour, pattern, and an interesting texture to the space. We also love adding neon wall lights that pair with the bedroom theme in shapes such as clouds, butterflies, surfboards, or flowers. Get creative by switching up lamp shades on floor lamps or bedside table lamps to add a pop of colour to the space. Head into The Lighting Superstore, Pillow Talk or Freedom to check out their great range of lighting this weekend!

5. Create zones

Children’s bedrooms are used for a variety of activities and are not just limited to sleeping. It is essential to lean into these activities by creating specific ‘zones’ throughout their space to keep them inspired. We suggest creating a reading zone complete with bookshelf and a comfy chair or bean bag where they can relax and chill out. We also love creating a ‘play’ zone which can include a mat, baskets for toys and storage solutions to keep clutter categorised and contained. Then of course this leaves the ‘sleep’ zone which will have a comfortable bed, bedside table, lamp, and sleep spray for ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep.

6. Focus On Joy

At the end of the day, a child’s bedroom should fill them with joy and be a space they love spending time in. Focus on decorating the space in a joyful way by incorporating their favourite items and using their favourite colours and patterns to inspire them daily. Kid’s rooms are the perfect place to go bold when decorating and we always recommend avoiding a minimalist style where possible. Head into Aspley Homemaker City this weekend to see the amazing range of bed linen, storage solutions, kid’s furniture and toys that will bring them so much joy and inspiration in their bedroom.

Preparing Your Home For The Warmer Months

Spring has officially arrived in Brisbane, and we couldn’t be happier to see the flowers blooming, warmer days and sunshine in the evenings. With the beginning of the new season and the approaching Summer ahead, now is the perfect time to have a Spring refresh and update your home accordingly. Like a breath of fresh air, today we have a few simple tips and tricks you can do this weekend to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead and wave goodbye to the cold winter days!

Have A Refreshing Spring Clean & Declutter

As cliché as it is, Spring really is the perfect time to have a deep clean and organise of your home. The changing of the seasons is a good reminder to complete the tasks we have been putting off all year such as cleaning flyscreens and windows, sorting out kitchen cupboards and pantries and wiping down those ‘out of sight’ surfaces such as skirting boards, light switches, and ceiling fans. Spring is also the perfect time to have a declutter of your storage areas in the home as you will need to store thicker quilts, flannelette sheets and warmer blankets away for next Winter. We recommend heading into Howard’s Storage World for all the organisational inspiration you need to kickstart the decluttering process in your home.

Update Your Soft Furnishings

Brisbane Summers are unlike anywhere else and the last thing we want on a sunny, humid day is fluffy cushions or woollen blankets. Ensure your soft furnishings are reflective of the temperature and use fabrics such as linen and cotton for a lightweight and breathable feel. We love Pillow Talk and Bed Bath N Table’s beautiful range of cushions and throw blankets that are perfect for updating your home this Spring. When selecting your soft furnishings for the new season we recommend choosing colours such as sage green, pastel blue or a soft cream for a refreshing look.

Switch Out Your Scents

If you have been reading the Aspley Homemaker City blog for a while now you will know we are huge lovers of home scents and believe they can make a huge difference in the home. By switching out your home scent each season you can completely change the feel of the space and evoke a desired atmosphere depending on the setting. We love using scents such as freshly washed linen or patchouli in the entryway to welcome your family and guests into the home. In the kitchen we suggest using a fresh scent such as gardenia or lemongrass and lime to create a clean and calming feel. Reed diffusers are a great option for these areas as they keep the spaces smelling beautiful all day long. We recommend heading into Provincial Home Living or Bed Bath N Table to pick your perfect scent this weekend.

Add Greenery & Repot Plants

Embrace Spring in your home by adding some fresh new greenery and plants to bring life and colour into your spaces. Whether you are opting for real or faux, we suggest adding beautiful, large floor plants such as fiddle leaf figs, olive trees or birds of paradise to the corners of living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms. These create a focal point in a room, provide a pop of colour and draw the eye upwards by creating height. Freedom has some gorgeous faux plants that require no upkeep and could fool even the keenest gardener. We also love adding trailing plants to bookshelves, floating shelves and surfaces that are in need of some life and colour. Spring is a great time to re-pot any existing plants you have indoors or outdoors and ensure they are thriving with new soil and the perfect sized pot.

Update Your Outdoor Furniture

In preparation for the upcoming entertaining season, now is the perfect time to think about updating your outdoor furniture. If your pieces are looking a bit tired and worn, why not try something new like a beautiful outdoor lounge suite or fun bar table and chairs combination. The Furniture Shack have a great range of outdoor furniture and can provide you with advice on what pieces would suit your space, lifestyle and entertaining needs. If you’re in need of a new BBQ, storage solutions or shade umbrellas, then check out Outdoor Living for all your outdoor needs. We also love adding large, durable outdoor rugs and colourful cushions to our outdoor areas to make them feel like an extension of the indoors.

If you would like some more help with choosing the perfect outdoor furniture pieces, soft furnishings or organisational solutions for your home this Spring, then be sure to click here or head to the ‘Styling Inspiration’ tab on this website to book in for your free styling session with our Resident Stylist, Eliza.

Our Top Kitchen Organisation Hacks

The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home and as such is required to be not only a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space, but a functional one too. Whether you are cooking dinner, packing lunches, emptying the dishwasher, or doing homework with the kids, the kitchen functions for all types of activities. In order to keep the space functioning well and to avoid frustration, the kitchen needs to have systems and organisation tools in place. Today we are sharing with you our favourite tips, tools, and products to help you organise and create flow in your kitchen.

Create Zones

The working triangle is a common term used when designing kitchens as it refers to where the dishes are done, the food is stored, and the cooking is undertaken. Zones can also be created in other ways in the kitchen such as in your pantry, cupboards and drawers. To ensure breakfast time runs smoothly as a family and cooking dinner is a breeze, we recommend setting up zones within the pantry to enable this. Group like-minded items together such as cereals with spreads and pastas and rice with spices, sauces and oils. This saves you time in the long run as you know where everything is and can easily access the items you require. Zones can also be created within your cupboards and drawers by storing cooking items such as pots and pans near the stove and plates, bowls and glasses near the dishwasher for easy access when unloading. Create zones in your kitchen this weekend and thank us later!

Use Baskets And Containers To Categorise

Baskets and containers are one of our favourite tools to use when organising a kitchen and pantry. In the pantry we suggest grouping likeminded items together and dedicating a basket for each category. The most common categories to use and are snacks, cooking, meal kits, baking, rice and noodles and of course backstock. Freedom and Howard’s Storage World have some gorgeous baskets that would up level any pantry and create a beautiful look in your home. Clear or white containers are great for areas such as under the sink where you can group items together such as cleaning, dishwashing, paper towels, sponges, and bin bags. Our biggest tip is to ensure you measure each space before purchasing to make sure you are buying baskets that fit correctly and utilise the space properly.

Label

To create the ultimate Pinterest and Instagram-worthy organised kitchen and pantry you cannot forget to use labels. Labels not only look pretty but allow for each member of the family to know where to put things, helps with maintaining systems and makes it easy to know what items you require when creating your shopping list. We suggest adding labels to items such as decanted pantry staples in containers or jars, the categories of each basket of food products and the containers for your under-sink storage. Swing tags, acrylic tags or clips are best for baskets with handles whereas printed vinyl labels are perfect for containers.

Drawer Dividers

Drawer dividers are the saviour for any kitchen drawer, and we love using them to up level our kitchen organisation. The utensils drawer is the perfect place to use drawer dividers as you can sort by likeminded item and this in turn allows you to avoid rummaging around for the utensil you are looking for. They are also great for drawers that house your zip lock bags and food wraps to ensure these are stored in a neat and organised way. Other areas you can use drawer dividers in the kitchen are if you store your Tupperware, plates, bowls and pots and pans in drawers. Howard’s Storage World have some great options, so be sure to head in store to check out their range soon.

Maintaining Systems

Once you have implemented your organisational systems in your kitchen and pantry it is essential to spend a little bit of time every few months to maintain them. Like everything in life, maintenance is the key to ensuring things run smoothly and avoids any build up. We recommend that at the beginning of each season you complete a once over of your kitchen drawers and cupboards to ensure all items are in their correct zones and nothing has been moved or shuffled around. We also suggest checking your fridge and pantry for expired foods and throwing out any items that are out of date or donating items that will not be used.

We look forward to seeing you soon at Aspley Homemaker City and helping you with all your home organisation needs. If you would like any advice on ways to organise and what storage items would suit your needs, simply click here book in for your free styling session with our Resident Stylist, Eliza.

How to Choose The Right Sofa

Sofas are one of the biggest investment pieces you’ll ever make when styling your living room and take up a large amount of floor space, so getting the right sofa for your space is absolutely essential. Not only do you need to consider the size of the sofa you want to purchase, but you also need to think about the sofa’s shape, size, upholstery, colour, and whether a Nick Scali sofa is the right one for you or if Freedom has what you need.

With so much to think about, choosing the right sofa for your living space can feel a bit overwhelming. So, to help you find the perfect piece, we’ve created a quick and easy guide to choosing the right living room sofa for your space. So, without further ado, here are the key things you need to consider when purchasing your next living room sofa.

The size of your living room

It might seem obvious, but one of the key mistakes people make when choosing a sofa for their living space is buying one that’s either too big or too small. When considering the right sofa for your living room, make sure you measure the area you’re wanting to put it in first. You’ll need to make sure there’s enough space for people to walk past or around the sofa once it’s in position and whether it’ll obstruct any window views.

Also, when you’re measuring your space, try to take into consideration any other furniture you have in your living room, such as coffee tables, floor lamps, entertainment units and bookshelves. You’ll need to make sure that people can walk around all your other living room furniture as well when your new sofa is in place. Finally, don’t forget to measure the doorway! The last thing you want is to have to return your dream sofa because it can’t fit through the door.

If you’re short on space, consider a sofa that’s raised off the floor with narrow arms, to create the illusion that your living room is larger than it is. Nick Scali has a great range of sofas like these that’ll make your space feel incredibly roomy, despite the small floor area.

The shape of sofa you need

The shape of the sofa won’t just be dictated by the size of your living room. It’ll also need to ensure it aligns with not just your lifestyle, but your aesthetic as well. Think about the overall concept of your space as you explore different sofa shapes. Do you want a sofa you can stretch out on? Does it need to accommodate several people? Is it for a formal living room or a bustling family space?

Modular sofas are an incredibly popular shape, as they offer both comfort and flexibility. You can stretch out at one end and curl up with a good book at the other end (if you include a chaise), it’s large enough to seat multiple people and can also help frame your living space. Freedom has a great range of modular sofas available in so many different colours and styles, however those with a smaller living room may find a modular sofa slightly too big for their space.

If your living room floor area is a bit tight, instead of opting for just one living room sofa in a specific shape, it may be beneficial for you to invest in two smaller sofas. Nick Scali sofas are always a good choice when it comes to chic living room furniture, and they also have great two-seater sofas with slim legs that you can place in your living room to make it both spacious and stylish.

Your sofa’s upholstery

When considering the upholstery of your sofa you have two main options: leather or fabric.

Leather sofas may have a higher price tag, but they’re easy to clean and durable. They may show signs of age after a few years of use, as well as the usual stains, scratches and creases every sofa is susceptible to, however the great part about this is that, like a fine wine, leather sofas tend to get better with age as they’re more comfortable and give your space a bit more character.

Fabric sofas tend to look cosier than their leather counterparts and have a wider range of colours, patterns and textures to choose from. We’re talking everything from the on-trend boucle to linen, velvet and or just good old woven fabric. These sofas tend to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter, whilst leather is generally cool all year round, they are also more difficult to clean and are less forgiving when it comes to stains.

If you’re leaning more towards a fabric sofa, Freedom have living room sofas in so many on-trend textures. We recommend getting your sofa Scotchguarded before it’s delivered, for an extra layer of protection.

For leather sofas, you may want to cast your eye over Nick Scali’s sleek selection or pop into La-Z-Boy to check out their range for a leather sofa with built-in recliners.

Your budget

Finally, when it comes to choosing the perfect living room sofa, you’re definitely going to have to consider how much you’re able to spend. Sofas can range from $200 to $20,000, with designer and bespoke pieces even exceeding those numbers, so when you’re shopping for a new sofa, the biggest questions you’ll probably want to ask yourself when considering your budget is whether you’re looking for a new sofa or a forever sofa.

If you’re looking for a forever sofa, you’re going to want to invest in a piece that’s durable and high-quality. Sofas are one of the most used items of furniture in your entire home and often must survive jumping, long periods of sitting, spills, and the odd relocation or two, so when browsing for a forever sofa, pay close attention to the quality of the fabric, craftsmanship, internal cushioning, springs, webbing and stitching, as well as the price tag.

If you’re simply looking for a new sofa to replace one that’s reached the end of its long life, then you can probably afford to be more lenient when it comes to craftsmanship, although it’s still important to make sure your sofa is durable and will last a long time.

If you’re unsure about how to check a sofa’s quality, you can book a consultation with our Aspley Homemaker City stylist, who’ll help you work out what to look for.

Shopping for the perfect living room sofa shouldn’t be overwhelming. So, if you’re not sure about which sofa to choose, just follow our guide and soon you’ll be relaxing on a new piece that not only feels comfortable, but also looks amazing in your space.

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