THE DESIGN PROCESS
Let's get straight to the point; building and renovating is expensive. It is stressful. Often times, it is overwhelming. Hiring an interior designer is an added cost to consider, but is widely considered highly worthwhile given the range of deliverables you receive for the designers fee, as well the significantly increased likelihood your project will turn out the way you dreamed it would whilst also being on time AND on budget.
Let’s look at the starting process you will undergo with a designer and some things you should expect from a good Interior Designer working with you.
All About The Mood
A mood board is an arrangement of images, materials, textures, fonts, and colours that evokes the style of a project or concept. For most projects, a mood board is the springboard for design creativity! The mood board you create with your designer should be an organised display of your thoughts and ideas, and as an end result, a board should then be a useful tool you can use to effectively communicate design ideas and the style direction of your project.
Layout Sketches & 3D Drawings
Your designer should sketch layouts for all the rooms in your project. You should then receive detailed drawings to show you how each room will look. Be sure the pictures are detailed, including everything from colours, finishes and materials, through to heights, widths and depth dimensions.
To really help you visualise, find a designer who can also provide 3D rendered drawings. This will enable you to get a very accurate perception of the look, feel and function of each room.
Materials Schedule
Once the drawings are confirmed, you will work with your Designer to start selecting paint, flooring, benchtops, cabinetry, tapware, appliances, carpet and all the wonderful little features that make your house a home.
Your Designer will also be able to point you in the right direction on trusted suppliers and brands, and accompany you on visits to showrooms. The result will inevitably be a perfect presentation of selections and a suggested colour palette for you to approve. Your style, budget and lifestyle should be considered throughout the whole process
CUTTING EDGE DESIGN FROM NEW YORK CITY
We are incredibly excited to bring you trends and pieces from some of the best design showrooms in New York, the city that is ever design-effervescent! When it comes to interior design and many other areas, the Big Apple is at the vanguard. New York Design isn’t shy, it isn’t motionless. The city that never sleeps harbours some of the most avant-garde designers and that is why our design team paid a visit to incredible NYC showrooms to seek out the freshest trends and pieces.
We trekked across the city to scout all things new, from the texture that will be on your next sofa to the tint you’ll soon have on your apartment walls. If the last few years were all about creature comforts as the pandemic raged outside our homes, this year is about a desire for being transported—to a different era, to a different country, or even just to the outdoors.
Whatever you seek, be inspired by these trends and be sure to get it while it’s hot.
BOUCLE 2.0
If you’re suffering from bouclé fatigue—that nubby textile that migrated from Chanel jackets to everyone’s sofas these last few years—you’re in luck: in NYC we spotted refreshing updates on the fabric throughout the city. Bouclé’s most notable reincarnation was a colour-based one, moving from an off-white that dominated our Insta feeds, to bolder, nature-inspired hues—think a mossy green, rust-brown and gold. Then there were cosy, new variations on the texture itself, beyond the usual loopy pile, including chenille, soft mohair, luxurious cashmere, and menswear-inspired tweeds.
HIGH SHINE
Like what you see in the mirror? Good, because NYC was all about reflections and high shine this year. Think mirrored everything, shiny chrome and glossy glass.
STATEMENT STAIRCASES
New York designers relish the opportunity to make a statement in the home, and we saw stunning examples of interior designers and architects experimenting with unique form and finishes to create sculptural masterpieces from functional fixtures. These fabulous features create a real design moment and a grand entrance in the home with some serious WOW factor.
LEGS FOR DAYS
Table and chair legs, sometimes an afterthought, are now making a statement, adding an almost-hidden layer of visual interest to these pieces. NYC showcased quirky, fun and creative legs for tables, chairs and more!
CARPET GLOW UP
We were happy to reveal that carpet is having a moment. But if you found that trend to be surprising, buckle up for the NYC debuts: not only is carpeting back, but it’s gotten brighter, bolder, and sometimes even shaggier! The showrooms revealed rugs that were funkier—and fluffier—than your standard offerings, full of bold colours, textures, patterns, shapes and captivating creativity. Look out for the carpet and rugs of the future - they are set to be a statement all of their own.
COCKTAIL TABLES
The modular sofa has become the seat du jour at Salone and beyond, with nearly every major brand launching another take on the ever-customisable design year after year. Now cocktail tables have become just as personalised, with new offerings designed to be layered together in multiples.
THAT ‘70S SHOW
After nearly two years stuck at home, designers are ready to go out—and it showed in the offerings throughout NYC. Gone were the cartoon-y, Memphis-inspired shapes and colours; in their place are low-slung, come-hither furnishings that channel disco and sexy ’70s-era design.
STONE SOLID
There’s no question about it: unique stone surfaces are trending in a major way throughout the home, as we’ve seen in previous issues of The Design Journal. The next big thing in stone? Colour. And lots of it. The showrooms made clear that stone needn’t be just a surface, but a venue for experimentation—and also a status symbol.
RED HOT GLASS
New York showcases designers’ fascination with the fragile material of glass.
Whether used purely decoratively or for function, glass has endless potential and continues to fascinate artists, designers, and makers in spite of—or perhaps because of—its rigorously demanding techniques. These functional objects, mostly designed and fabricated by emerging designers, challenge and elevate glassmaking traditions.
RENOVATE OR BUILD? THE PROS AND CONS OF RENOVATING OR REBUILDING YOUR HOME
If you've ever seen The Block, we'd forgive you for believing that renovating a home is an always exciting process. But even these shows are a good representation of how much work is required to build and renovate a new home, and the unpredictable events that can creep up on you, as well as unexpected costs. To help you figure out which option is right for you, we have made this guide on the pros and cons of renovating or rebuilding your new home.
Pros of Renovation
Any upgrades you make to your home will increase its value on the market. If there is a room or two that could use a touch-up, renovating first means you have a higher chance of selling for more than you bought. Another advantage is that, depending on the management of the project, you may able to live in the home amongst the renovations. As long as you don’t mind a little dust or not having access to the kitchen or bathroom for a few weeks, this will save you from the stress of relocating.
Cons of Renovation
Renovations are generally more costly in the long term than new builds. This is because most people underestimate how much work and money will be required to get the job done! Most renovators find themselves exceeding budget and available finances without professional guidance, especially if it’s a DIY project that inevitably reveals hidden costs that have not been planned or budgeted for. Another major disadvantage is that your renovations are limited by the existing structure.
Rebuild Pros
A major advantage of knocking down and rebuilding your home is complete control over the project, including the design, aesthetics and overall scope. Many people find a rebuild project offers a sense of creative empowerment, with the knowledge that you have the freedom to make the home of your dreams. As you are not limited by the existing building structure, a more customised layout can be achieved.
Rebuild Cons
Building a new house from the ground up can take roughly 8 to 12 months, depending on the scope of the project. Whilst paying to live elsewhere during construction, you must also seek local Council approvals, a complex and often stressful process. Given the many regulations and directives to consider when approaching your council, it helps to have a professional design team on hand to help prevent rejection of your rebuild permit.
Stamp Duty
When making decisions about land, homes and renovations, remember that buying or building a new home in a new location requires you to pay stamp duty. In most of Australia, you pay this one-off fee based on the value of the property or land – and within 30 days of settlement – and this could potentially be upwards of $20k. For a renovation or knockdown rebuild, you already own the land therefore, you pay zero stamp duty.
TACTILE INTERIORS
Harnessing tactility within a space is integral in forming a comfortable environment. When consideration for the touchy-feely elements are ignored the opposite occurs, creating a space you inhabit rather than experience. Surface textures are a therefore a fundamental element within design projects and will tend to form the visual temperature of a room. Smooth surfaces will reflect light and provide a cooler, more open impression. Raised textures absorb light and convey a sense of warmth and relaxation.
One great example of this on a practical level in the home is textured natural stone. Natural stone is a material that offers a wide spectrum of choices in terms of textural aesthetics and holds the added benefits of durability, conducting heat and being naturally soundproof. Be sure you’re able to fully visualise a project before you finalise stones and finishes, as reaction to texture is incredibly personal. It’s all about careful attention to every detail, creating spaces which are more than somewhere you simply inhabit.
HELLO, HANDLES
Handles are one of the many small but significant design details in a home. But we get it - there are so many decisions to be made when you are renovating an older home or building a new house, it’s easy to overlook handles or to perhaps feel a little conflicted or stuck!
You are not alone - choosing colours, materials and things for your home can have even the most design-loving of us reaching for the wine sometimes. That’s why the Melissa Lunardon team loves to ensure cabinet handles, pulls and knobs are both practical and statement pieces in the home.
If you’d like help choosing the perfect handles and hardware in all kinds of spaces within your home, why not book a complimentary design call with the Melissa Lunardon team? Just click HERE. Because your home and your handles deserve it.
WINTER DESIGN TRENDS 2022
Baby, it’s cold outside—and probably windy and rainy, too (we’re looking at you, Sydney and Melbourne!). It is not exactly weather that’ll entice a person to venture out. Welcome to the season of staying in, curled up on the couch, favourite mug in hand, Netflix on repeat, heater set to high. Nights spent like this will catapult home décor to the top of your priority list.
And so, as the season for hibernating sets in, you'll inevitably look for ways you can give your living quarters a much-needed spruce up. Here are three current trends you can easily integrate into your home as you hibernate, which are guaranteed to dominate the interiors world this winter and beyond.
1. Chrome
After a period very much dominated by bronze and brass fixtures and fittings, we are seeing a return to chrome. Introduce this trend into your home with pieces like wall hooks, organic shaped mirrors, a lamp or even a side table - all plated in the cool, highly reflective silver of chrome.
2. Stripes
Love it or hate it, the boucle is officially on its way out, and in its place—stripes. That’s right, thick, linear, symmetrical stripes in alternating fields of two or three colours. They may be simple, but with the right application they can transform a space, lending a crisp freshness to all that they touch. Try using this trend with pieces like a stool or some throw pillows.
3. Bobbins
You’ve likely seen them propping up in beds and candlesticks, bobbins (also known as spool furniture) are a traditional American design feature that gets its name from having legs and other parts lathe- turned to ornamental shapes. Recent search trends shows demand for bobbin furniture has jumped 78%! Bobbins weave industrial and romantic influences into cylindrical frames for chairs, beds, stools etc, making ordinary pieces of furniture vastly more playful.
DESIGNER TOP TIP: SIZE DOES MATTER
Ever wondered what tricks interior designers use to create that picture perfect space? Here is a design secret to help you design your space like a pro: size does matter to designers.
Many people are afraid of buying larger pieces of furniture. Most people buy a huge bed, and then flank it with tiny nightstands that belong in a kids room. If you want your bedroom to immediately feel larger, then the secret is to buy bigger furniture! Fill those voids on either side of the bed with appropriately scaled pieces. You can even use 3-drawer chests or small writing desks with a chair. The added bonus is tons of extra storage and a bed wall that looks grand and welcoming. In small rooms, aim for light coloured furniture with slim lines. Bulky and dark items will absolutely make your space feel more crowded. Ideally, sofas and tables should have long, skinny legs in small rooms. You can go big and chunky in spacious areas.
Need help with your interior layout, styling and furniture selection? CLICK HERE to book a FREE chat with us today. We have years of experience creating picture perfect spaces and can help you make the most of your home and your space in style.
CHIC WITH PETS; PET-PROOFING YOUR HOME THE DESIGNER WAY
Love your home but equally love your pets? You can love and care for them both simultaneously! Read on for our tips on creating a chic but pet-friendly home.
Face The Floor
Let’s face it, even the best trained dog will have accidents. Sometimes you just don’t get home in time, or they get sick in the middle of night. If you live in a home with hard flooring (such as wood and tile.), rugs are a wonderful way to anchor a space and make it more inviting. If you have pets, do not invest in one-of-a-kind, expensive, artisanal rugs. With the plethora of trendy and affordable area rug options these days, you can still achieve your design goal without breaking the bank on something that may get ruined.
Upholstery
Cats LOVE to sink their nails into the loops of fabrics.; it is a natural instinct. In upholstery, avoid any material that has visible holes or loops. Linens, tweeds, chunky knits and embroideries are claw magnets. Velvets also work well. Another choice is leather, but unfortunately there are cats who like to scratch it. As for upholstery for dogs, microfiber comes in first place. If your pooch went outside in the rain, tracked mud in, and decided to jump on your microfiber sectional, it would survive.
Go Fabric-Free
Aside from sofas, armchairs and headboards, keep everything fabric-free. A great furniture material for both cats and dogs is metal. It is practically indestructible! Metal works well for a modern aesthetic (think matte brass), or even a more traditional home, like the look of cast iron. Metal, natural stone, glass, and lucite/acrylic are ideal materials for tables throughout the house. With a little thought and effort, a place where pets and chic décor coexist is well within reach.
For advice on materials and furniture selections that will suit your home, pet and lifestyle, CLICK HERE to book a FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION with our team today. We know what will work, where and how, and the best way to make it work within your budget. We love pets, we love design and we love to help, so we would love to hear from you.
BOOSTING PROPERTY VALUE
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may have been thinking about ways to increase your property’s value. At the end of the day, location is the uncontrollable variable that ranks supreme to anything else. But in the controlled variables, there is your home. Real estate is a very competitive market, so making a few changes could help you stand out from the rest and get a better financial return.
From the time people see the listing to when they walk into your home, looks are essentially everything. It’s best to go for a polished and neutral scheme so you can appeal to a diverse range of people. Signalling to prospective buyers that you are proud of your dwelling and keep it well maintained ensures that it has longevity. So read on for eight ways to revitalise your home to help increase your property’s value.
Take A Look Around Your Neighbourhood
Take a stroll around your neighbourhood. What kind of community lives there? Is it a young and hip area busting with dynamic energy? Or a quiet, leafy suburb with a collective mindset to enjoy the slower things in life? Understand the general characteristics of prospective buyers and how you can make your home attractive to them.
Consider First Impressions
Make your property the king of the curb! When people visit for the first time, you want them to feel like they have come home. Revitalise the exterior with a fresh coat of paint, clean the windows, tidy up the gutters, and make sure your letterbox is nice and clear. View your home from the perspective of fresh eyes. These minor changes will feel more inviting and display that you care for your dwelling, which is a great first impression.
Prioritise Communal Areas
Focus on the communal areas of your home, namely the kitchen and bathroom. One of the top priorities for buyers is how functional these areas are as the majority of time is spent here. Make the kitchen and bathroom one of the top focus areas when trying to add value to your home. Whether you add storage, kitchen accessories, new tapware, a heated towel rail, updated tiles or better lighting, targeting these areas will help increase property value.
Refresh The Yard
Has your yard been a bit of an afterthought? A little bit of landscaping can make it the forefront of your property. Showing that your outdoor areas are prime real estate too, is great for prospective buyers. Mow through long grass, do some weeding, and discard any junk that has accumulated so that you can show a clean, manicured backyard. It not only looks great but is an excellent selling point. A yard with potential for a pool, veggie garden, playground or outdoor kitchen exemplifies that your property is more than just a house.
Make Simple Swaps
Minimise your spending by making some small and easy changes. If your cabinetry handles are looking a little dated, updating them with some newer, modern styles is an effective and simple change. Although minor, cabinetry pulls are prevalent throughout a home and get used quite frequently. When choosing new ones, ensure that the colour and design will still look cohesive with your existing interior scheme.
Another simple swap is replacing your tapware. Over time, your faucets can get dirty and look antiquated. Updating them with newer designs looks aesthetically attractive to buyers and makes the home more functional.
Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint revitalises any home and can look fantastic in listing photos to attract buyers. Even if the colour of your walls is okay, they may have gotten dirty over time. Once you paint a wall, it makes a space feel new, increasing property value.
Revamp Lighting
Lighting is essential in a home, influencing mood and functionality. Good lighting can even make a space feel bigger, as it illuminates corners of darkness. Updating light fixtures can make a home feel more modern. Go for something that isn’t avant-garde and that most people would like.
Remember Storage Is Supreme
Young or old, families or singles, minimalists or maximalists — everyone loves storage. If a home has ample storage, it will be mentioned in the property description, increasing attractiveness to potential buyers. Cabinetry, shelving, robe hooks and rails, there are many ways you can add extra storage, even if it’s minor.
Are you looking to revamp your home for re-sale? Or just looking to maximise its appeal? Watch our FREE MASTERCLASS now to help develop a mood board that will guide your home style and renovations. Because a beautiful home leads to a beautiful life, and we all deserve that.
MODERNIST BEAUTY
Modernist interior design is a style characterised by clean lines, minimalism, natural materials, and natural light. Though it is often confused—or used interchangeably—with the term "contemporary design," modern design is its own distinct style with an emphasis on abstract thinking, functionality, and simple form.
Looking to create a modernist interior look in your home? Watch our free ‘Beautiful Home, Beautiful Life’ Masterclass now to help hone your homes style and aesthetic today
BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS
A simple way to ensure your bedroom design promotes a positive mood and feels like a place you can unwind in? Make sure it reflects your style; incorporates your favourite materials, colours, and patterns; shines the right light; and maximises space.
One of the best ways to create the bedroom of your dreams is to create a mood board! This will help capture the materials, style and beautiful elements that appeal to YOU and your unique aesthetic. Our “Beautiful Home, Beautiful Life’ Masterclass guides you through the process with ease. Watch it now for free HERE.