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Home styling more important than personal says study

May 29, 2018 Leave a Comment

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In news that wonโ€™t surprise many of you, the latest research from ME Bank has shown that home styling is more important than personal styling when it comes to the happiness of Australians. 76 per cent of Australians said that the style of their home was important to their happiness and individuality whereas only 46 per cent said the same about their fashion choices.

Freddy Grant lounge room
Home styling enthusiast Freddy Grant’s lounge room

And while there are many reasons posited, one of the most compelling is housing affordability with 44 per cent of Australians saying that they spent more on styling their home to compensate for living in a home that is below their expectations. โ€œThat 44% of respondents said theyโ€™re focused on styling their home because they canโ€™t afford the house of their dreams shows many Australians are willing to compromise when it comes to their property aspirations, a good strategy considering high house prices. The right styling can significantly improve how much you love your home,โ€ says ME Bankโ€™s money expert Matthew Read who recommends using the services of an interior designer to avoid making costly mistakes.

Affordable homewares retailers are also driving the trend with cost-conscious consumers now spoilt for choice. โ€œItโ€™s encouraging to see that while Australians are incredibly house proud, theyโ€™re still cost conscious when it comes to styling their homes, opting for inexpensive on-trend options that can be updated seasonally,โ€ says Matthew.ย Buyer demand is certainly reflected in Kmartโ€™s latest annual report which shows that the budget department storeโ€™s revenue has risen by 33 per cent since 2013 to $5.6 billion after introducing its now infamous homewares line.

Combining a home styling obsession with a cost-conscious approach is something that Melbourneโ€™s Freddy Grant knows well. โ€œI spend far more time in my home than I do in clothes. I’ve always believed in quality over quantity and don’t enjoy shopping for my wardrobe. Clothes shops are either crowded and discounted or quiet and ridiculously overpriced. Clothes are much more temporary, especially how they’re made these days, whereas when I buy for my home I’m thinking long term and like to buy second hand if possible,โ€ says Freddy who owns his own home with his husband Burt Reynolds (yes, really!).

Freddy Grant in his lounge room
Freddy in his lounge room

โ€œYour home is an extension of yourself.ย Finding the perfect space for something you love is a great feeling. I think itโ€™s human instinct to collect and arrange things โ€“ most people do it in some way so I guess thatโ€™s why it gives you a rush,โ€ says Freddy who works for online art gallery Bluethumb.

โ€œI’ve certainly noticed a lot of my younger colleagues buying art and taking pride in their rental homes, which has surprised me as starting an art collection is traditionally enjoyed by an older demographic. I think it’s become more important to have a space you’re proud of, but that doesnโ€™t mean you have to spend a fortune,โ€ says Freddy.

Freddy Grant gallery wall
Freddy’s home is filled with art

โ€œI love collecting art, and working for Bluethumbย means I’m tempted to spend every day, so have to control myself. The great thing about the online art revolution over the last few years is that original art has become much more affordable, so it’s not my biggest extravagance. An artwork is also for life (not just for Christmas), so makes it incredibly good value when you think about the lifespan of the purchase,โ€ says Freddy.

Freddy's dining room
Freddy’s dining room

Freddyโ€™s home has been styled with a mix of secondhand and new finds. โ€œCollectively I’ve spent quite a lot of money setting up the house with furniture, but most of it was second hand and bargained for,โ€ who admits his biggest splurge was on his Samsung ‘The Frame’ television. โ€œItโ€™s definitelyย the most pretentious TV on the market, but it totally fools people into thinking itโ€™s an artwork on the wall. I highly recommend it to anyone thatโ€™s sick of having your living room designed around the TV. Currently thereโ€™s a beautiful photo by Megan George displayed, but the great thing is you can put any artwork or photo (you own the rights to!) on there and it comes with a huge collection to choose from too,โ€ says Freddy.

Freddy Grant 'The Frame' tv
Freddy’s Samsung ‘The Frame’ television was his biggest splurge

Photography: Megan George

For more | 10 of the best styling tips Jen has stolen from the professionals

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Want to try a different tipple this weekend? Toda Want to try a different tipple this weekend?

Today's #iafoodiefriday recipe is a lemon and pink peppercorn spritz by our friends at @thewholefoodsrefillery ๐Ÿธ 

They'll give you 20% off your first order with our code. Find everything you need on the blog now via link in bio.

Cheers! 

#pinkpeppercorn #spritzlife
Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!ย 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourย projectsย that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

See it all online and find your local re-seller at their website via link in @kethy.australia bio.

#timberhandles #timberknobs #cabinethardware #cabinethandles #finishingtouches #drawerpulls #kitchenhandles #kitchenpulls #kitchenknobs #kitchendrawer #kitchendrawers #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #theinteriorsaddict #homerenovations #interiordesignaustralia #interiordesigninspo #transformyourhome #housemakeover #designinspiration #trusttheprocess #designwork #beautifulhomes #dreamhouse #homestylingsydney #beforeandafterrenovation #creatingbeautifulspaces #kitchentrends2022 #kitchenglowup
Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

What a great example this is by @huntingforgeorge 

See all the details, and the laundry, on the blog now, via link in bio.
The patient has very much bounced back! Letterbox The patient has very much bounced back!

Letterbox kinder egg deliveries from a friend, dressing changes without a flinch and refusing to nap despite all the bribes (check the face on him in pic 3!).

Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful ๐Ÿ™
Before & after It's not just the award winning de Before & after

It's not just the award winning designer houses that get us excited here. It's also the beloved family homes which are renovated and extended to make them fit for purpose so people can continue to live where they love ๐Ÿค—

@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

Due to the nature of the block they could only extend sideways and then gave it street appeal with render, new windows and doors.

See inside on the blog now, via link in bio. It was completely overhauled!
Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

UPDATE: thanks for all the love! Charlie is so well this morning after a big sleep!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop
#creatingbeautifulspaces #homestylingdesign
#designbywomen #homestylingtips #sydneycreatives
#homestylingsydney #interiorstyling #interiordesignsydney
#everydaydesign #interiortrends #renovationinspiration
#homedesigninspo #lovemyhome #stylingdetails
#loveinteriors #homeimprovements #interiordesignaustralia
#dreamhomeinspiration #homemakeover #personaldesign
#interiordesignaus #creatingbeautifulspaces
#creativehomes #housestyling #sydneyhomes
#interiorinspiration #myhomedesign
I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
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Amy Collins Walker

About Amy Collins Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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