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Home styling more important than personal says study

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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In news that won’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. “That 44% of respondents said they’re focused on styling their home because they can’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,” says ME Bank’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. “It’s encouraging to see that while Australians are incredibly house proud, they’re still cost conscious when it comes to styling their homes, opting for inexpensive on-trend options that can be updated seasonally,” says Matthew. Buyer demand is certainly reflected in Kmart’s latest annual report which shows that the budget department store’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 Melbourne’s Freddy Grant knows well. “I 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,” 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

“Your home is an extension of yourself. Finding the perfect space for something you love is a great feeling. I think it’s human instinct to collect and arrange things – most people do it in some way so I guess that’s why it gives you a rush,” says Freddy who works for online art gallery Bluethumb.

“I’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 doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune,” says Freddy.

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

“I love collecting art, and working for Bluethumb 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,” says Freddy.

Freddy's dining room
Freddy’s dining room

Freddy’s home has been styled with a mix of secondhand and new finds. “Collectively I’ve spent quite a lot of money setting up the house with furniture, but most of it was second hand and bargained for,” who admits his biggest splurge was on his Samsung ‘The Frame’ television. “It’s definitely the most pretentious TV on the market, but it totally fools people into thinking it’s an artwork on the wall. I highly recommend it to anyone that’s sick of having your living room designed around the TV. Currently there’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,” 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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May 29, 2018

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Pink and green should always be seen! From time t Pink and green should always be seen!

From time to time, we stray from our Australian-homes-only rule when we uncover something we really love! This project, by @2lgstudio (and also the interior design duo’s own home) is featured in Ornament Is Not a Crime, a new coffee table interiors book by Sydney-based design writer @rebeccalgross.

Head to the homepage via link in bio to read about this home and see more colourful pictures in an extract.

#2lgstudio #2lg #londoninteriordesigner #londoninteriors #londonhome #londonhomes #brighthome #brightinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulhome #interiordesignersathome #pinkandgreen #pinkandgreendecor #pinkandgreenshouldalwaysbeseen
Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

 "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

#ichosebeaumonts #beaumonttiles #tiles #bathroomtile #bathroomtiling #hamptonsbathroom #queenslanderrenovation #queenslanderbathroom #luxurybathroom #australianbathroom #australianbathrooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’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.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
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.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” 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.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
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.

#theblockroomreveals
#theblock #theblock2023 #blockshopper #masterbedroomdecor #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #mastersuites #walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realreno
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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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