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      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
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At home with The Block judge Darren Palmer, and living with pets and kids

By Jen Bishop โ€ข

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With a four year-old, two dogs and a cat, interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer knows a thing or two about keeping his home looking stylish and organised but still, of course, fun!

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I was lucky enough to have a look around his new Paddington home recently. Although he has some ambitious renovation plans for the future, its character features mean it’s full of charm and warmth. Great bones!

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Dogs Doris and Pepi and Charlotte the cat follow Darren around like Dr Dolittle and son Hugo’s lego can be seen peeking out from under the coffee table, but this is not a home full of plastic or mess and there’s definitely no doggy smell. So, I sat down with Darren and asked him how he does it and if the house is always so suspiciously tidy?

It’s all about buying things which are durable and washable and not being too precious about anything. โ€œYour sofa, for example: have something you can clean, or remove the covers and wash. Our tan leather one is fantastic because that’s a material that just gets better with age and wear,โ€ he says. โ€œIf I spill something on that, it’s just a quick spray ‘n wipe! It’s a great choice if you have pets.

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โ€œEquator Homewares do a sofa in this amazing waterproof fabric which looks like linen. If it gets wet โ€“ which we all know happens with pets and kids– it just beads on the top. Dog have oil in their skin so they’re always getting something on upholstery even if you don’t see it and it needs washing quite regularly. Living with animals and kids, removable covers are the dream!โ€

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The next rule is not to be too precious about things. โ€œIt’s about being comfortableโ€ says Darren. โ€œIf you have something that’s beautiful but not comfortable, what’s the point? That’s not luxury, that’s missed the brief!

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โ€œI don’t believe in hiding everything away just because you have kids, but don’t have anything irreplaceable out. It’ll do your head in always worrying it’s going to get knocked over or broken! Storage is important, and I love that Hugo’s lego can live underneath that coffee table. We’ve also tried to teach him that everything belongs in its place and that he should put things back where they came from when he’s done.โ€

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Next up, flooring. โ€œThere are some practical considerations around carpet. You can certainly clean up a dog’s accident a lot easier if you have carpet or even a large rug which can actually be taken outside or taken away to be cleaned. Both Pepi and Doris had an upset stomach recently. You really don’t want to hear the details but when this sort of thing does happen, if it’s on a wool carpet, it can actually burn the wool so you need to remove it as quickly as possible with the right kind of carpet cleaner.โ€ Don’t you just love the glamour?! โ€œWith wood, vinyl or tiles you can wipe anything up, it’s easy. And dogs do have accidents and kids have sticky fingers and spill drinks.โ€ (Read more about Darren’s new range for Carpet Court on Interiors Addict next week).

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When it came to the coffee table, Darren chose one big enough and low enough that Hugo can get all his lego out and play on it in the room, so he feels part of what’s going on and not like the coffee table is a no-go zone. The rustic timber is a great option because it hides all manner of knocks and scratches. It’s also too low to do much damage if accidentally walked into!

Obviously it’s a good idea to keep anything dangerous, like candles or sharps things out of reach but it doesn’t mean you can’t still have them around the place.

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โ€œWith animals it’s good for them to have their own spot so they know that’s where they go to bed. And smells are another thing to be aware of. You don’t want your house to smell of dog. We have a showerless shampoo which we spray the dogs with, and even a dog breath freshener spray, and you have to wash their bedding regularly. Loose covers on chairs and cushion covers need washing a lot more often if you let your animals on them. Scented candles also keep things smelling nice.โ€

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Last but not least, with kids, keeping your home safe is paramount. โ€œBefore I became a parent I had no idea how stressful it was,โ€ says Darren. โ€œIt’s like they’re constantly looking for ways to kill themselves and you’re constantly trying to be one step ahead of them! You just have to remove all the obstacles and dangerous things you can because otherwise you’ll never stop worrying!โ€

Thanks for the house tour and tips, Darren!

Photography by Jacqui Turk.

Darren, photographer Jacqui and I had so much on this shoot!
Darren, photographer Jacqui and I had so much fun on this shoot!

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December 3, 2013

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Located inย Melbourneโ€™s Elsternwick, this stylis Located inย Melbourneโ€™s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

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Which was your fave?

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A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the โ€˜basicโ€™ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldnโ€™t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

โ€œAlthough the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didnโ€™t mean I was going to let the dream go,โ€ says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

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Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! ๐Ÿฉท). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! ๐Ÿ˜ These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

โ€œI believe in the democratisation of good design,โ€ says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. โ€œIt was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

#darrenpalmer #darrenpalmerofficial #darrenpalmerinteriors #theblock #rugshopping #rugdesign #ruggoals #rugmaking #naturalrugs #sustainablerugs #ethicalrugs #jute #juterug #juterugs #handcarved #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #goodweave
Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

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The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel โ˜€๏ธ

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

#rattanlovers #rattan #rattanfurniture #rattandecor #rattanbed #rattanbedhead #timberbuffet #mockaaustralia #mocka #affordablefurniture
My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
โ–ถ๏ธ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams ๐Ÿ˜

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. โ€œThey provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!โ€ says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

Head to the blog via link in bio to see this home's KITCHEN transformation.

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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarKate says

    December 3, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    Hi Jen, do you know where Darren’s sofa is from by any chance?! Thank you!

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 4, 2013 at 8:32 am

      See Darren’s comment below ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. AvatarDarren Palmer says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Hi Kate, my sofa is from Arthur G. It’s called the Harry. Here’s a link;
    http://www.arthurg.com.au/products-Harry

    • AvatarKate says

      December 6, 2013 at 4:49 pm

      Thanks Darren!

  3. AvatarSkye Alecander-Collings says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:42 am

    Oh, I must have that neutral rug in the room with the brown leather chair. LOVE. And Just what I have been looking for <3

  4. AvatarNelly @TwinkleandWhistle says

    December 4, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Great tips, Darren, and what a lovely home! We do have 2 indoor cats and a boisterous 19 month old girl and my approach to our home decor is very similar to yours. Except for our (white) leather couch… It got trashed, within 2 weeks, by the cats using it as starting blocks for their crazy races around the house… Oh well! I love your dining room – the table and the orange painting are both absolutely gorgeous, and the curves (table, plant pots, pendant) bring some “femininity” to the space and balance out well with the rectangular living room. Nice! Can you tell me where you got the dining table from, please? Thank you!

  5. AvatarShakiraaz says

    December 4, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    I love, love, love that sofa & the indigo print cushions, they go so well. So stylish, softly masculine & contemporary….didn’t know Darren was a cat lover as well!

  6. Avatarjenny says

    September 13, 2014 at 6:08 am

    A beautiful home. Not stiff.. You have have style and comfort. Would have loved to have seen your outdoors. I’m ok in my home… Though struggle outside. ๐Ÿ™

    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      September 14, 2014 at 7:37 pm

      Hopefully Darren will invite us back post-reno, Jenny!

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