• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      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!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • 0P9A8598AFTER_Before & after: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Greystanes NSW)
    • DINING-6-AFTER-0P9A4023Before & After: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Clermont QLD)
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Screen Shot 2023-03-26 at 6.58.44 pmAmazing $2k balcony transformation using Kmart stone tiles
    • AFTERLush, resort-style backyard reno provides holiday at home
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • MargueriteNew Sage x Clare range + creative director’s top picks!
    • Screen Shot 2023-03-08 at 9.49.47 amKmart partners with Wiradjuri artist Judith Young on home range
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Lauren RoeInside I Love Linen’s Queensland hinterland home
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • IMG_9786Foodie Friday: Allergy-free hot choc buns
    • ES22-January-LS0076-1Early Settler’s new homewares could be your ticket to wanderlust
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Just another end of year musings blog post!

By Jen Bishop โ€ข

FacebookPinEmailTweet

I don’t think I’ve had such a big year since 2005. That was the year I made the very difficult decision to leave a long term relationship that just about everyone else imagined was perfect. It was probably the biggest leap out of my comfort zone ever so when later that year, aged 26, I decided to move from London to Sydney (where I knew two people and had never been before) and everyone said I was brave, I really couldn’t see it. Moving to Australia was easy. And exciting.

I was only supposed to stay for a year but, after about four months, I knew I was never going home for good. That was almost five years ago and this year has been a major biggy to beat even that!

At the beginning of the year I started the long and drawn out process of applying for permanent residency. Around April, when this blog turned one, I seriously started thinking about its future, spurred on by the encouragement of my fiancรฉ, friends, colleagues and industry heavyweights. The prospect of turning Interiors Addict into an actual job seemed too exciting to really believe. Nevertheless, I started making plans to eventually go part time, ย putting in place a succession plan at my magazine job.

In June, my now fiancรฉ popped the question underneath the Harbour Bridge. I started planning our wedding. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I know, I know, this is starting to sound like a bad novel.

This has also been a fantastic year for friendships and I’ve made two amazing new best friends in 2013 (they know who they are) without whom I wouldn’t have done half of this. We have shared each other’s highs and lows and almost always believed in each other more than we have ourselves. Every girl needs a cheer squad like ours and I never stop feeling lucky to have it. I’ve also met countless other fantastic and talented people in the interiors industry who not only give me great material to write about but inspire me no end as well.

So far so very good, right? A couple of months ago, unceremoniously and with very little warning, my job (all of it, not just the part of it I was intending to eventually give up) was pulled out from under my feet when my magazine was closed and I was retrenched. It was a lesson in never believing you’re too valued or indispensable or that loyalty wins you any prizes. Business is business and you soon find out who your friends are.

I’d been retrenched before and I remembered the horrible feeling of a lack of control. Yes, I wanted to be a full time blogger eventually, after easing myself into it, leaving my team at work in a good place and perhaps saving up a certain amount of emergency fund. But when I look at it now, two months on, being thrown uncomfortably out of my comfort ย zone was the best thing that could have happened to me.

So now this is my job. Crazy. I’m a permanent resident of Australia and I’m even making enough money. And the wedding plans continue and the fiancรฉ and great friendships are still there. 90% of the reaction to my blog is so incredibly supportive, positive and encouraging, it really does warm my heart. Yes, there have been a few bitchy incidents (it happens in blog land), but in these circumstances I believe you just have to hold your head up and know that, hand on heart, if you’re going through life doing your best to be a good and genuine human being then that’s about as good as it gets. We’re all human, we slip up, people misunderstand us, we misjudge people. It happens. Another lesson this year has been to grow a thicker skin. Taking everything to heart gets you nowhere.

So while this year hasn’t been easy, I have to say I am ending it on an absolute high, doing something I love so much it doesn’t feel like work, surrounded by friends I know I can count on, with readers whose kind comments and emails make it all worthwhile and so much more to learn, and a wedding to plan, in 2013. I have some serious hard work ahead to keep this blog as my job but I’ve never been so motivated and up for a challenge. Life is rarely straightforward but that’s what keeps it interesting!

I wish you all a fantastic 2013 full of challenges and successes and if I could leave you with one thought it is this: nothing worth doing is ever easy.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

December 31, 2012

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Amazing $2k balcony transformation using Kmart stone tiles
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Before & After: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Clermont QLD)
  • Before & after: Classic, contemporary Adelaide bathroom reno
  • The Whiskey Room Be inspired to go bold by the Dulux Colour Awards 2023 finalists

Follow us on Instagram

Swipe for after! What a fab, yet sympathetic, mak Swipe for after!

What a fab, yet sympathetic, makeover of this untouched (but not in a good way!) 50s house by @sellinghousesaus See all the rooms on the blog now via link in bio.

Great use of small space and working with the retro feel of the home while still modernising it.

Bravo @wendymooreedit ๐Ÿ‘

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #50shouse #50shome #beforeandafterbathroom #retrorenovation #lifestylechannel #foxtel #smallbathroomdesign #showeroverbath

@andrewtwinter
There's nothing like ticking off little jobs! We f There's nothing like ticking off little jobs! We finally knocked out our 60s brown tile back step and replaced it with a smaller grey one made from @trexcompany Island Mist decking to match our deck (that went in 4.5 years ago) and now painted brick exterior. Making the step smaller allowed us to add in an additional manhole under the back door too to allow easier access under the house at the back. And we made a cover for that too (final slide) using Trex. I say "we" but I really mean our handyman ๐Ÿ˜‰ One plank was enough for both jobs. Why we didn't do this ages ago I do not know but it's done now! ๐Ÿ˜ Installed with @trexrainescape to ensure it stays dry and lasts!

Disclosure: Plank of Trex decking was gifted. I paid for the handyman.

#backstep #doorstep #deck #decking #deckdesign #deckideas #compositedecking #trex #trexdecking #greydecking

Mat from @doormatau
Me and @fantasticfurniture go WAY back! When I fir Me and @fantasticfurniture go WAY back! When I first came to Australia in my 20s, it's where I headed to buy everything I needed for my first apartment at an incredible price! And I've loved watching the range get more and more impressive over the years as my knowledge of furniture has increased. I had no idea how extensive their Aussie Made sofa range was though. I'd love you to check out the options via link in bio as I think you'll be impressed! I think we have a renewed appreciation for Aussie Made and supporting local manufacturing and jobs and this is a great success story. We love a bit of high low decorating, and turns out Fantastic Furniture is a great place to find your family lounge, a special accent chair, an extra ottoman for occasional seating and so much more. 

#fantasticfurniture #aussiemade #australianfurniture #FindyourFantastic #FantasticFamily #affordablehomewares #affordablefurniture #custommadesofa #custommadelounges #australianhomes #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsdaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Please don't show my boys this room or they'll wan Please don't show my boys this room or they'll want one like it!

How gorgeous is this Brisbane kids' bedroom?! 

@brittwhitestudio worked closely with the boys (aged 7 and 9) to understand their needs with a bespoke bunk bed solution crafted by BRC Cabinets, featuring ample storage as well as an under-stair hidey-hole, a useful reading nook for books and a built-in charger for electronics. Local craftsmen Emmettโ€™s Ropes designed and hand-tied the ropework on the top bunk and the supporting pillar beneath.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see and read more!

#bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #bunkbeds #bespokebunkbeds #custommadebunkbeds #sharedbedroom #sharedbedroomforkids #boysroominspo #boysroomdecor #junglebedroom #kidsroomstyle #kidsroomstyling #childrensrooms #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #brittwhitestudio #highriseliving #apartmentlifestyle #penthouses #apartmentlivingwithkids #newsteadbrisbane 

Pix by @joebrosnan.photo
Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3? Just 3 of the kitch Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3?

Just 3 of the kitchens in the @duluxaus Colour Awards 2023 shortlist which will give you some serious inspiration!

Loads more gorgeous residential rooms to see on the blog this morning via link in bio.

Projects by @studio__bright @kaiko_design and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design. Pix by @arorygardiner @fiona_susanto and @christophermorrisphoto 

#duluxcolour #duluxpaint #duluxaus #duluxcolourawards #duluxcolourawards2023 #moodykitchen #allwhitekitchen #designerkitchen #sagekitchen #boldkitchen #colourfulkitchen #colouredkitchen #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount
We're a bit obsessed with Cara Standen's balcony m We're a bit obsessed with Cara Standen's balcony makeover using @kmartaus stone tiles!

Nineties townhouse in Lennox Head or villa in Greece? You decide! All up it cost $2000 including all materials and she did the work herself.

Read all about it via link in bio now.

Love your work @twin_palms_lennox

#kmartaustralia #kmartdiy #kmarthack #kmarthome #modernmediterranean #balconymakeover #balconyideas #diybalcony #budgetdiy #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Wallpaper in every single room! What do you recko Wallpaper in every single room!

What do you reckon? You'd think it would be overkill but it isn't because so many of the designs are subtle yet still impactful.

Head over to the blog to see how @grafico_walls transformed this blank canvas Melbourne townhouse with their products, which you've probably seen on The Block over the years. And read how Damian Corney has grown this Melbourne business with wife Adele and a growing team. There's also a look inside the very cool Motley Hotel which has used a whopping 4km of their wallpaper throughout!

You can also watch a video tour with Bec Douros as the house featured on Open Homes Australia over the weekend.

Via link in bio now.

#wallpapergoals #wallpaperdesign #australianwallart #australianwallpaper #wallmurals #wallpapermural #wallpapermurals #wallpapereddoor #digitalwallpaper #digitallyprintedwallpaper #customwallpaper #wallpaperaesthetic #wallpapertrends #wallpaperaustralia #grafico #graficowallcoverings #melbournebusiness #melbournesmallbusiness #openhomesaustralia #theblock #becdouros
Kids and fluffy chickens. Does it get any cuter?! Kids and fluffy chickens. Does it get any cuter?! 

Braved the rain second morning in a row to feed the animals at @edenfarmescape because life's too short to worry about a bit of mud and drizzle!

Feeling relaxed ๐Ÿฅฐ
Did you see this cracking little transformation on Did you see this cracking little transformation on @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the finer details on the blog today via link in bio. Particularly love the kitchen refresh using the existing blue cupboards which really weren't doing anything for me before ๐Ÿ˜‚

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterlivingroom #renoshow #realreno #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #bluekitchen #budgetkitchenmakeover #budgetdiy #budgetmakeover
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

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.

More Recent Posts

Before & after: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Greystanes NSW)

Lauren Roe

Inside I Love Linen’s Queensland hinterland home

New Sandstone Precinct hotel blends history with luxury

Britt White Studio

A jungle themed oasis for two little boys in Brisbane

The Whiskey Room

Be inspired to go bold by the Dulux Colour Awards 2023 finalists

Amazing $2k balcony transformation using Kmart stone tiles

Dining room

The case for wallpapering every room in the home

A sofa shelf is just one of the accessories within the range

Sofa startup’s modulars win design award and rave reviews

Before & After: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Clermont QLD)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar[email protected] says

    December 31, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    You had a great year indeed! I like your last thought. Comes at a good time.

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      Thanks Rebecca!

  2. AvatarRachel says

    January 1, 2013 at 12:25 am

    Something in my eye…. Incredibly proud of you JB, even if you do sit at your table drinking tea all day…. ๐Ÿ™‚ lots and lots of love xxxxx Happy 2013 to you and Mr F xx

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      Thank you my love! xx

  3. Avatar@SpartaJen says

    January 1, 2013 at 10:13 am

    It’s been exciting to watch your journey and growth over the year. I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings you.

    Best wishes,
    Jen

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks fellow Jen, all the best to you for this year too!

  4. AvatarBree says

    January 1, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    Look forward to seeing where you take your blog and career Jen – You are an inspiration – Here’s to a great New Year! B x

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      Thanks Bree! Hope to meet you one day soon!

  5. AvatarDavid Wang says

    January 1, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    Hi Jen, that’s a great story. Love your attitude and how you’ve taken things in your stride instead of hiding and avoiding them. Wishing you all the best and great success in 2013!

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks David. you’ve been a great part of it!

  6. AvatarAmy Timbrell says

    January 1, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Jen, I loved reading this post, I wish you all the success in the world. I agree Nothing Worth Doing is Easy. I also believe Anything is Possible – here’s one for you >> http://www.everythingbegins.com/letitia-buchan-anything-is-possible.html Amy x

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks Amy (and stop feeding my shopping addiction!). Here’s to a great year for you and your fam and EB too!

  7. AvatarNatasha says

    January 1, 2013 at 2:46 pm

    What a great year! I difinitely have found you a breath of fresh air in the design world…so passionate and genuine…! I look forward to seeing what you get up to in 2013 (and always love a good wedding story…:-D)

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 1, 2013 at 4:38 pm

      Thanks Natasha, that’s really nice of you to say!

  8. Avatarjody says

    January 1, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    Hi Jen
    Love what you are doing find all your posts inspiring…dream big!

  9. AvatarCheryl from BusinessChic says

    January 2, 2013 at 7:42 am

    Hi Jen,
    Beautiful post, it reminds me of this quote I recently came across attributed to Jack London, “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.” Sounds like you’ve been doing a pretty good job of that! Keep inspiring.

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 2, 2013 at 7:56 am

      That’s beautiful Cheryl, thanks for sharing! x

  10. AvatarTessa says

    January 2, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    Jen,

    You deserve every bit of success you have gained. I love your drive, I share your passion and 2013 is the year I owe you a lunch date ๐Ÿ™‚

    Happy New Year your gorgeous thing x

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 2, 2013 at 10:27 pm

      Thanks Tessa ๐Ÿ™‚

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!