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Cherie Barber on how to restore harmony in your home

By Guest Poster •

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By Cherie Barber

Have you ever wondered why some people’s houses feel warm and inviting, while others appear cold and alienating? A professional stylist or interior designer is trained to know exactly why, and just like creating a piece of art, they can pull together interiors that channel precisely the mood or style they’re after.

A professional eye can quickly see the flaws that need concealing and the good points to play up. They can make a dead space functional, make a tiny bedroom look much larger than it actually is, and turn a cavernous, cold space into an inviting, warm one.

While mere mortals may not have the formal training of the pros, they can certainly adopt some of their tricks of the trade to maximise the potential of any space.

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Clear the clutter

Have you ever seen a hoarder’s house that you’d describe as “zen”? A house full of clutter is never going to feel like a restful space, so the first step to restoring harmony is to clear out all the excess stuff that you’ve accumulated over the years. Keep surfaces clear of clutter, so the focus can fall on the objects and personal touches that capture your interior style.

Pick a soothing palette

Lots of bright, colliding colours create a busy mood, so for a sense of harmony, choose a neutral palette that you can then punctuate with colour accents and texture. Neutral doesn’t necessarily mean white, by the way, which can sometimes make an interior space feel cold and clinical. Shades of beige, blue-based greys, muted yellow… as long as it’s a relaxing “background” shade, it will be a good neutral backdrop to work with. Let things like artwork, rugs, cushions, knick-knacks or even a shelf of books provide the colour highlights and personality.

Hill-Street-93-Leichhardt-Kitchenfronton(1)

Choose furnishings carefully

Big, bulky furniture takes up space, so opt for clean lines, whether it’s a sofa, coffee table or sideboard. And be careful WHERE you place furnishings, as it will have a major impact on how people circulate through your home.

Shine a light

Light is a major influencer of mood. A place flooded with natural sunlight will always be cheerier than one starved of natural light, so do everything you can to optimise your natural assets and bounce around light. Choose light-filtering blinds over heavy curtains; highly polished floorboards over satin ones; and strategically placed mirrors, which will also make a place look bigger. At night, soothing table lamps or lights on dimmers will always be preferable to harsh overhead lighting that makes you feel like you’re in a dental clinic rather than relaxing at home!

RUSE AFTER- 16

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

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August 25, 2016

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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 ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

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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!

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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! 🩷). 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! 😍 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.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It 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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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
▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

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. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

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IKEA laundry GOALS! Swipe to see the enviable bank IKEA laundry GOALS! Swipe to see the enviable bank of cupboards opposite and the very uninspiring before!

We love this makeover by @hamptons_inspired_ 

Moving the back door and replacing it with a French door to add natural light was a game changer but adding all that storage, for school uniforms, her Dyson, ironing board and much much more, made the biggest difference!

"We love the laundry so much that we no longer have an internal door on it. We leave it open to allow the natural light to pour in the hallway and it’s great being able to access the wall of cabinetry without having a door in the way. We couldn’t be happier with it all.”

All the finer details and where everything is from on the blog now via link in bio. Enjoy!

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