HOSTING THE BIG DAY - 4 TIPS FOR HOSTING CHRISTMAS

The big day has finally come and this year you will be hosting Christmas in your home. This is always a proud yet very daunting moment. People you love are coming over for one of the biggest celebrations of the year… Where do you even start?

We’ve put together our top 4 tips for hosting Christmas so you can sit back and enjoy your day with family and friends.

1. Set Up The Day Before

Christmas morning is for sitting in your PJs opening gifts and having brekky with your nearest and dearest. No one wants to be running around moving furniture and setting tables. So, we recommend doing everything the day before so you can enjoy your Christmas morning.

2. Ensure Your Home Is Festive

If you volunteered or have been nominated to host Christmas, decorations are a must. We are talking table settings, bon bons, Christmas colours and of course Christmas music… Did someone say Michael Bublé? Finally, ensure your tree is central in the house and has plenty of room around it for gifts.

3. Prepare Games

Nothing says an Aussie Christmas like backyard cricket! If you don’t have the space or couldn’t think of anything worse than playing cricket in the middle of summer prepare some games for around the table. Cards, trivia, or a gift exchange game to name a few. It’s one way to ensure everyone is having fun and the day is filled with laughter.

4. Allocate Tasks

Hosting Christmas is a huge responsibility so the least your guests could do is contribute to lunch. Be organised and allocate different dishes to each family. And don’t forget ice!

Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect! Christmas Day is about spending time with your loved ones and creating memories. If you burnt the potatoes or forgot cucumber for the salad, it’s ok! No one will even notice. Sit back and enjoy making memories.

CREATE A CHRISTMAS TABLESCAPE

Christmas is all about spending quality time with loved ones and the meals you share. So what better time than Christmas to style your dinner table with festive delights?!

When we had the honour of styling the first product photoshoot for Just A Glass, we got thinking. Just A Glass are Australia's first full range of vegan, low preservative, premium single-serve wines that are proudly Australian made and owned and bottled by solar power.

Using a few simple techniques, we were really able to show off the Australian made products they have to offer. With a few tweaks, the same tips will show you how to transform your ordinary dining table into an aesthetically pleasing Christmas wonderland!

Flex your festive flair but don't go overboard for a beautiful and relaxed Christmas table with these top tips.

Tip 1: Keep It Simple

Avoid using tall arrangements as you want to be able to see and chat to your guests from across the table.

Tip 2: Get Running

Consider using Christmas wrapping paper as a table runner for a really thrifty but effective table style. To make it look great, use a good quality paper and measure the length of your table to make sure you have about 20cm overhanging on either end.

Tip 3: Layer and Decorate

Decorate the runner festively. Layer it with native greenery such as eucalyptus or wattle leaves. Arrange these in vases of various heights, remembering we don't want our decorations to get in the way of our view of the other side of the table.

Tip 4: Centrepiece Creativity

A centrepiece doesn't always have to be laid in the middle of the table. If space is a problem, try hanging a beautiful ornament above your dining table. In the spirit of Christmas, why not try a wreath?!

Tip 5: Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to mix things up! Add a combination of tea light candles and/or battery operated fairy lights dotted across the centre. Instead of tea lights we have even used blueberries in the past, which can give the same effect. For the finishing touch, tie cloth napkins with pretty ribbon or twine and add cinnamon sticks or rosemary for a final touch. Not only will your table look beautiful, but it will smell wonderful too!

Being able to create a relaxed but beautiful environment for this festive season doesn't have to be difficult. Try to resist going overboard and just have to remember to keep things simple and stylish.

MINDFUL FESTIVE FLAIR - MAKING CHRISTMAS MEMORABLE

SWEET SENTIMENTS, SERENITY AND PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS

The holiday season is finally here — which means it's time to deck the halls, bring out the Christmas cookies and embrace all things merry and bright! But while it's called the most wonderful time of the year for good reason, it's sometimes all too easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday preparations. Chances are, your to-do list is as long as the big man's himself.

Before Santa slips down the chimney, you've got a Christmas tree to decorate, Christmas activities to do and so many gifts to buy. We can't blame you if, by the time the big event finally arrives, all you want to do is sit back with a little eggnog and watch all your favourite Christmas movies.

In light of this and in the wake of COVID-19, be sure to shine a light on wellness. Indulge in all the merriness of Christmas, but take this as a reminder to also take care of you and your home physically, mentally and emotionally over December and January. Take time out and think about how you can celebrate with your friends and family in ways that involve sweet sentiments and magical memories. Because that is the true spirit of Christmas.

MAKING IT MEMORABLE

it has been a difficult two years where we as a nation have been in and out of lockdowns. so it is no wonder that now more than ever families are wanting to make a memorable and magical Christmas.

Here are some tips to help bring Christmas cheer into your home through easy decorating, which will create the perfect backdrop for gathering and celebrating this festive season.

Tablescapes

A tablescape can be as simple as a run of garland and a few candle votives, or it can be an elaborate setup that mirrors the style of your tree. Generally, the small details make for a magical table, such as place cards so everyone feels welcome, and nice napkins.

Ornaments

A traditional colour palette of red, gold and silver is always timeless. Then there is the minimal Nordic look marked by bead garlands and handmade wood ornaments, or a glam metallic tree adorned with bronze and brass tones and lots of ribbon and trimmings. This year, black is a popular accent colour, as is simple white and silver combo that has a winter wonderland feel.

The Main Event

The tree! Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a tree! Fortunately, there are so many styles and price points here, so there is something for everyone. Go for the most beautiful and affordable tree you can, of course looking for a tree that will last a lifetime if you can.

Wreath

Don't forget the front door! It could be a beautiful native wreath, a flocked snowy wreath, a glittery wreath or simple greenery. Real or faux, they make a beautiful statement and add that festive touch to your home's entry.

Lights

Again, there are so many styles here to choose from. Are you going for a cool white, warm white or coloured lights for a more nostalgic look? Most stores sell battery lit strings of lights in these options at an affordable price. If you do go the battery route, to help keep the cost down, try to buy batteries in bulk.

CHANGING KITCHENS AND THE CABINET FINISH

These days, a kitchen is just as important for cooking and entertaining as it is for the overall value of a home and there are many factors to consider when planning to build or renovate your kitchen.

At Melissa Lunardon Interior Design, we have seen and designed kitchens of all shapes and sizes – some that have included impressive audio visual; polyurethane kitchen pantries large enough to house cattle; professional café nooks and cocktail corners; live ‘green walls’ that stretch from floor to ceiling with plants and herbs; and the list goes on. But regardless of the size, shape or colour of these kitchens, the one thing that can ruin any perfect arrangement is an unsuitable finish.

Here we discuss popular kitchen finish options and how to choose the one most suitable for your kitchen project.

What Exactly is a Kitchen Finish?

Kitchen finishes are the coating used on items such as cabinetry and benchtops. They range from natural materials like stone and timber to other manmade products like polyurethane kitchens, laminate and melamine. With a huge range of choices available, it is quite easy to get swept away in the sea of options, neglecting the big picture. When choosing a finish for your kitchen cabinetry, there are a few fundamentals that should always be considered first. These include:

• Intended use – the main uses of your kitchen (cooking, entertaining, storage, etc)

• Household demographic – who lives here/is going to live here (families, older couple etc)

• Interior design – what finish will work best with interior aesthetics

• Budget – what you have to spend

When choosing your kitchen cabinets, the most important decision you’ll make is not the colour, size, style or handle types, it’s the cabinet finish. The cabinet finish you choose can create a dramatically different look regardless of the material the cabinets are made of. We’ll walk you through the options you can choose from and some of the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Textured Melamine

Laminex and Polytec have a great range of textured melamine in a range of plain and timber looks that give the appearance of timber veneer. This is an affordable option and has a beautiful grain to touch. You can play around with the direction of the timber grain and run it horizontal or vertical.

Sheen Melamine

If you are after a slight gloss to your kitchen, a sheen melamine board is a great alternative to achieve a gloss kitchen. Keep in mind with any lighter colours, you will notice a thin black edging.

Ultra Matt Melamine

This fantastic new product is a revolution to the industry! You can create the look of a matt 2-pack high end kitchen with this affordable ultra matt product. Laminex call it AbsoluteMatte and Polytec called it Legato.

This velvet smooth finish is fingerprint resistant, is great for a handless kitchen and creates a contemporary look. Most people find it intriguingly tactile and we love that it also features antibacterial protection for added peace of mind in the kitchen.

Vinyl Wrap

Vinyl Wrap is made by stretching a thin sheet of vinyl over a cut and routed piece of MDF. First, glue is applied to the door and edge and then the vinyl is vacuum sealed to the door so you get a seamless look with no visible edges. Its thermoformed surface makes it resistant to the usual knocks and bumps of a busy household and is easy to keep clean. Vinyl wrap gives you the flexibility to introduce a range of profiles and is available in gloss, matt or textured finishes in various colour profiles.

2-Pack

2-pack is a paint finish that is sprayed on just like a car. Due to being a paint finish, the colours are endless as you can colour match to pretty much any paint brand. The finish is quite seamless and is available in many more door profiles than vinyl. Vinyl doors aren't as crisp as profiles on 2 pack doors. Do keep in mind the hard corners on a 2-pack kitchen can be prone to chipping.

Timber Veneer

Timber veneer is real timber, sliced very finely and pressed onto an MDF board. It is a renewable and sustainable resource. It has been used for many years, and the timeless beauty of antique furniture attests to the lasting quality of veneering art.

Decorative Veneer is produced by slicing or peeling selected logs to an approximate thickness of 0.6mm. You can select from a range of ways the timber is cut, as it provides many grain patterns and finishes. It’s durable and can be sanded back if damaged or scratched.

Timber veneer is a premium finish and can be quite costly, but combine it with vinyl or 2-pack to balance the budget and keep a cohesive look. Use veneer in low-impact areas such as vertical surfaces (cabinet doors, for instance).

Your Cabinetry

We know that kitchens have morphed from cooking quarters into entertainment meccas that project life into the rest of the home. At Melissa Lunardon Interior Design, we have seen and designed kitchens of all shapes and sizes. But regardless of the size, shape or colour of these kitchens, the one thing that can ruin any perfect arrangement is an unsuitable finish. Let us help you choose the best finishes to suit the purpose of your new kitchen, who’s going to be living there and how much money you want to spend. Because your future memories deserve it.

CREATING THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS - TIPS AND TRICKS FOR DESIGNING THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

Looking to create the kitchen of your dreams? Here are our top tips and tricks for designing the heart of your home.

Start Smart

No matter what the scope of your kitchen project is, the most important step is the first step! It is highly recommended you take the time to start your project off on the right foot and do not rush. If you're in a hurry, it adds twice as much stress to the project.

It is not always easy, but when going into a renovation or building project try to enjoy the process. To facilitate that, it is really important to interview professionals and find a designer and a general contractor that can help you execute your project according to your budget, timeline and vision. Any kitchen project is an investment, and the professionals to guide you along the way should be included in that investment, too. A new kitchen really is a team effort so focus on finding the right people to bring your vision to life.

See Everything in Person

While there are lots of bargains online, do not be hasty and ensure that you see everything in person before making a major decision. You can really tell the quality and features better when you can touch, feel, and see how everything works in person. Work with your Designer and take your time to find exactly what you want!

Invest In Quality Cabinetry

Cabinetry is the most important investment in a kitchen because cabinets are a product that you will literally use every day. They are also difficult to replace down the line (unless you want to completely re-renovate your kitchen). It is therefore recommended you try to purchase the best quality cabinet that budget permits.

Choose Smart Appliances

Depending on budget, smart appliances are worth considering. Many have truly game-changing features. For example, touch technology can open doors with the tap of an elbow. These days you can even get a smart range hood that offers guided cooking apps to assist while you cook, streams music and video, and can even record a video of your stovetop while cooking.

Build An Island

Kitchen islands are still very much in style and are far from a fad. If space permits, a new or renovated kitchen absolutely needs an island. You may even consider outfitting the island with power and plumbing to make the space more usable. It's also better for resale.

Prioritise Flooring

Flooring is often an afterthought in renovations but that doesn’t mean it should be. While wood is the number one flooring choice for kitchens today, tile should not be overlooked as it offers some advantages over wood. For example, when your dishwasher overflows or the garbage disposal has a back-up, tile will handle the water.

With radiant heat becoming more economical, tile is now a cozy selection. Also, tile can solve matching wood issues. With natural wood and driftwood on-trend in today’s kitchens, the floor needs to blend or match to the wood cabinetry selections. Tiling your floor is a great way to enable multiple tones and materials to work together.

However, if resale is a concern, consider installing hardwood instead of tile as it provides a clean and seamless experience from your main floor living space. If the flooring is a major issue, wood tile is certainly worth considering because it has the look of hardwood with the durability and benefits of ceramic tiles. Just make sure the grout lines are very thin or the aesthetic changes completely and certainly not for the better.

Don’t Forget Lighting

There are lots of ways to light a kitchen and while this might feel like a minor detail, it is anything but. Lighting is always a worthwhile investment and literally can change everything. Examples include extra pot lights, under counter lighting and pendant lighting over the island. These specific task lights make the space come alive and if you can put the pendants on a dimmer, this will make all the difference.

White Kitchens Still Prevail

Style trends tend to happen in cycles and the bold colours that you might love one year can become stale as your family evolves. But you can't go wrong with a white kitchen coupled with mostly neutral and classic finishes. Most people find that any variation of white keeps the feeling classic, clean and modern. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have colour in your kitchen. Choose bright stools, window treatments, art, and other décor to help personalise the space with colour.

HEART OF THE HOME - WHY YOUR KITCHEN MATTERS SO MUCH

The kitchen is the space where families gather to create and share, which is why the room should be both functional and comfortable. Gone are the days of small, poky closed-in cooking spaces - the kitchen is the heart of the home and the epicentre for entertaining in 2021.

Whether your kitchen is being built from the ground up, demolished and rebuilt or getting a weekend facelift, kitchen renovations are a large commitment at every level. They also tend to require a larger financial investment than other rooms in your home. It is therefore essential that you choose the right finishes and appliances not only for you as the current homeowner, but also for your homes resale value.

Execution throughout the project from measuring to installation is equally important. After all, just one mistake can add thousands of dollars and weeks onto a build or renovation.

That is why it is so important to consider the best way to design a kitchen, to define your desired style, and to look at the type of ideal flooring for kitchens to help you get your dream kitchen today and for years to come.

VICTORIAN HOME RENOVATIONS - SYMPATEHTICALLY RESTORING PERIOD GLORY

When bringing back a home’s former period glory, it must be restore sympathetically. Whether it is an extension or simply sprucing up the place, the heritage of the building must be respected— even the most simple ones.

We are the first to admit that Victorian houses can be a nightmare to renovate! Small mistakes can cost thousands and many people fall into the trap of thinking “the cheapest option will do”. Sadly, this can very efficiently serve to devalue a house quite significantly. When it comes to Victorian house renovation, do it once, do it right. Here are some tips to help.

Victorian Design

Victorian domestic architecture and design has an innate passion for ornamentation. Think ornaments on doorbells, windows and even gutters. Nowadays, these are the sought-after original features estate agents love. Victorians digested classic styles, such as Classic and Gothic, and regurgitated some of the most charming buildings in Australia. A bit wacky, a bit eccentric and always flamboyant. The opportunity to restore these beauties and bring the Victorian era into the modern age is an absolute privilege.

Research

Take time to research and discover the history of the house. Once you know important details such as the year of construction or the architect, you can picture the house within its historical context. The Victorian era spans for over six decades, with design trends emerging and disappearing. So knowing the specific details will narrow down your options.

Respect The Period

If you have to replace architectural features always choose those that correspond to the right period. For example, the number of panels on a window, joinery details and fireplace style are all unique to their eras (Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian etc.) Don’t spend thousands on new windows only to find later that they’re the wrong style.

Let Go Of Perfection

Victorian houses are wonky. They always will be. You can re-plaster every wall for that sharp finish, but the windows are still different sizes and the rooms don’t have square angles. But that is okay. Don’t obliterate the weird and wonderful. Embrace it and make it a feature. A little crack in the ceiling is like a grey hair of wisdom.

Restore Original Features

Original features are closely linked to the value of the house so removing them may mean the value will decrease. Do your house a favour and repair or reinstate them. Keeping traditional architectural features is also a great way to maintain a home's distinctive character, giving huge personality and appeal. This will also will help limit the scope of work in renovation projects and assist in keeping budget in line. Giving a classic building a facelift and adapting it to serve new purposes is better for the environment than destroying it to start anew, as well as respectful of history.

Think Long-Term

What is the aim of your Victorian house renovation? Maybe you plan to do up the house and sell. Or extend to accommodate a growing family. Regardless of the final goal, think beyond trends. Invest money where the real value is. It's all about finding a happy medium and harmoniously blending the old with the new. The most successful renovations are the ones where the old and the new speak to each other by way of elements, scale, colour and materials. For instance, you might choose new materials in a contemporary design but match the scale of the old design and use the same colours.

TIME TO TIDY UP - ORGANISATION IDEAS TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE TIDY

Being organised sometimes feels like a task that is never really finished. We need a library of tips, tricks, hacks and good habits to actually achieve an organised way of living. Moreover, we need good design to facilitate it all! It's hard to stay on track if the 'bones' or organisation are missing, so be sure to consider this essential element in your renovation or build designs.

Whether your wardrobe is in need of its annual overhaul, or you're building, or just looking for new tactics to get your bathroom cabinet in tip-top shape for the season ahead, here are some ideas to help you achieve a tidy and put-together home for Spring and the year ahead.

Be an Open and Closed Case

You want to achieve a balance of closed and open storage solutions so that you can show off your favourite collections while also having a place to stash the less aesthetic things. In the living area, consider a closed built-in media cabinet that conceals technology, We love the custom-built cabinetry of this home in Williamstown, Victoria, which gives plenty of storage while staying clean, uncluttered and strikingly elegant. As the designs of Melissa Lunardon consistently show, simplicity is sophistication.

Make Your Walls Work Harder

Since the home is no longer just the home, but the office, gym, school, cocktail bar and more, it's more important than ever to make every bit of space count. Wall-mounted storage options are great since they take up a much smaller footprint in your floor plan than traditional storage options. You should also think vertically—not just horizontally—across shelves, creating tiers to squeeze more space out of your storage.

Hook Up with Better Hangers

Wardrobes are specifically for storage, so why is it that they seem to be our messiest home zone?! It is usually because you not using space to its best advantage. Try using slim hangers so you can fit more on each hanging rod without feeling cluttered. Matching hangers will also make your space look beautiful, and a less crowded closet will mean you are more likely to put things back in their place and maintain the orderly system.

Be Smart About Bins and Baskets

Many gravitate to containers, baskets and bins when they start to think about organising, but you need to be smart about which ones you opt for. The types of bins you use can have a huge impact on how successful your storage is. We love using bins on shelving to operate as makeshift drawers. Clear bins are king in the pantry because they allow you to see at a glance exactly what you have and how much.

In spaces where creating an orderly environment is key, like the linen closet, consider non-transparent bins. Grouping bedding or towels together is the name of the game in those spaces, and the less you see when you open the door, the better. Let labels do the work, and seek to create a clean, cohesive look.

LIKE-MINDED FOR THE WIN - MELISSA LUNARDON SHARES HER ADVICE FOR CHOOSING A DESIGNER

"Find someone likeminded. Whoever you hire, they are likely to be in your life for a while, and you will be having some intimate conversations with them — from everything to do with how big you can make your mortgage, to where you keep your underwear.

"Finding a designer who sees the world similarly to you, and that you feel you personally connect with, will smooth communication and collaboration in your project. It will also free you up to be honest and open. Some homeowners find it tricky to confront issues when they happen. "They are worried they will offend their designer, or be seen as difficult. It’s your money, your time, your investment — and ultimately it’s your home.

"The conversation may feel awkward to begin with, but if you’ve done your homework, and found the right designer for you, they’ll appreciate your honesty and openness. Because designing your home will be a privilege they value and respect — and your opinion will matter."

SPRING CLEAN YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN - EASY WAYS TO FRESHEN UP YOUR DECOR

We all have an aesthetic and style we love. It might be modern lines and graphic contrast. Perhaps you prefer more rustic and eclectic designs. Maybe you love an airy Coastal Hamptons look. No matter what your style, don’t feel trapped in a one-look-wonder with the same decor you’ve had for years.

We get it – you have devoted a great deal of time to achieve a home that reflects your personality! It can be challenging to part with some of those elements that brought your home to life. Fortunately, you don’t have to completely start from scratch when you freshen up your design. A fresh touch for Spring can easily be achieved with a few minor tweaks.

The first step in this process is to simply open up the windows and take in the fresh air. Shine a little light on your room and see if anything pops out as needing a little love. Attempt to look at your home through new eyes, then try some of these ideas to brighten and update your design.

Update Wall Art

If you have had the same statement piece hover over your fireplace for years, it’s time to change it up. The instant refresh a new art piece can bring to a room is remarkable. New art can also help boost your mood and inspire creativity, which is something we could all do with right now. Love the original piece and don’t want to take it down? No problem, just add to it for a ‘gallery’ look. An assortment of photos and paintings surrounding your favourite artwork gives you the refresh without losing the original. Achieve an eclectic look with a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, or keep it simple by choosing art with similar shapes and a corresponding colour scheme.

Get Fresh

Plants and fresh blossoms are an excellent way to add fresh vibrancy to a room. Flowers, in particular, bring a whole new level of colour and joy. Not keen on having to regularly update flower arrangements? That’s ok, just choose some succulents or hanging house plants to bring the outside in. Succulents require very little time or care, and come in a wide range of sizes and colours. Many even produce flowers occasionally. In addition to looking great, fresh flowers and plants will help oxidise your home and improve general air quality for living.

New Window Coverings

Outdated curtains and blinds can really reduce the mood of a room, as well as collecting dust and odours. Consider updating your window coverings to add lightness and brightness to a room. For Spring, you could consider linen curtains or add some character with a pop of colour or a patterned material.

Replace Your Pillows

Don’t let your throw pillows put a damper on your décor! Even the best quality pillows tend to get tired over time and sag with wear. Luckily, its inexpensive and easy to replace pillow inserts, re-cover cushions, or to choose some new additions. Look for throw cushions in colours and patterns that will coordinate with the palette you are already using in your home. The key to success with bolder prints is to balance them with cushions in neutral tones.

Just a couple of new plants, a fabulous new painting, fresh linen curtains and plump colourful cushions will go along way towards Spring cleaning your design! The next step of course is to roll up your sleeves for some good old fashioned Spring cleaning.

BLACK BATHROOM COMEBACK

In spite of all the colour trending right now, black and white bathrooms are actually experiencing a rise in popularity and have been named the third-most popular bathroom trend for 2021. The timeless bathroom look has had a 116 per cent increase in global searches according to a major UK-based supplier PlumbNation.

The list of trends, which was topped by wallpaper design, was compiled from Google and social media search volumes. The black and white trend garnered an annual search volume of 94,600 and secured 17,500 Instagram hashtags. Not bad for a colour combination that dates back to the Victorian era.