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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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My decoration + design Melbourne experience

July 22, 2012

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Wow, what a week! Melbourne was very kind to me this week, for all kinds of reasons! First off, it was a fantastic experience being a speaker at decoration + design’s International Industry Seminar Series. What an absolute honour, especially when I met the other uber talented speakers from all over the world (no pressure!), who included international lighting designer Beau McClellan, Dutch trend forecaster Milou Ketย and the fabulous Sydney-based interior designer Thomas Hamel, who I have known for some time and am a big fan of.ย 

My friend Darren Palmer (interior designer and star of reality TV shows homeMADE and The Block) and I gave a talk on harnessing the power of PR and social media to grow your business. We were delighted that around 200 people came along to hear us and flattered by the great feedback we received. I was less nervous than I usually am when public speaking, probably because I know this topic so well and am passionate about it. Darren and I wanted our talk to be entertaining as well as informative, and like two friends having a chat! I hope that’s how it came across. I was only slightly nervous to see belle’s editor in chief Neale Whitaker in the front row as Darren and I talked about how to approach magazine editors!After the talk, many people who I’ve known only on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, came up to say hi and even have their photo taken with me! Now that was a funny experience! But not as surreal as being out at a Melbourne bar with my girlfriends that night and having a fan of the blog come over and ask if I was Jen the blogger? You see, despite what Google Analytics says, I still sometimes find it hard to believe that so many of you read this! It is so nice to know you do and that you are inspired by the blog and such a pleasure to meet people with the same passion for interiors!

Once the speaking was over, I took the chance to walk the trade fair and there were a fantastic variety of exhibitors taking part. I have to say, the entire fair was really well organised.

Another great thing about these few days in Melbourne (I stayed from Wednesday night until today), was staying at The Blackman in St Kilda Road, one of the Art Series Hotels. It was officially the favourite hotel room I’ve ever stayed in, anywhere. Loved it! I’ll blog all about the finer details next week, but for now, here are a few photos to whet your appetite. Speaking of which, the best meal during my stay was at Spice Temple in the Crown Complex. Delicious!

And as if all this wasn’t enough, having been told it was FREEZING in Melbourne before I left Sydney, we just had two days of glorious sunshine! My fiancรฉ and I had a lovely relaxing weekend drinking coffee, shopping, and all those other things you do in this great city. I didn’t really need the woolly hat but any excuse to wear it!

Many of you have asked if I’ll be writing up notes from my presentation but I thought it might make more sense to run a series of posts on using social media in your business. What do you think? Let me know if you have any particular questions you’d like tackled.

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Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than F Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than French onion?

I think not!

Grab the recipe on the blog this morning via link in bio.
Get to know me! I haven't done one of these in YE Get to know me!

I haven't done one of these in YEARS so there's possibly thousands of you who don't know my back story. Here's a few things you may not know about me!

โœ”๏ธ I'm English ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ and I moved here (just for one year) back in 2008๐Ÿ˜† 

โœ”๏ธ I can't end the day without a bath, even if I get home really late or on a really hot day. It's a mental health thing and my happy place. ๐Ÿ› 

โœ”๏ธ Before becoming a blogger and running my own small business, I was a journalist from the age of 18. My favourite news gathering times were as a newspaper crime reporter (bit different to interiors!) ๐Ÿ““ 

โœ”๏ธ I once worked at New Scotland Yard in London ๐Ÿš” 

โœ”๏ธI had an interview at Oxford (didn't get in!) but chose not to go to uni at all after being offered a job on the local paper #universityoflife ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My mum died when I was 3, I have an excellent dad and one sister (younger) in the UK โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง 

โœ”๏ธ At school, my favourite subject was French ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท and I was head girl ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿค“

โœ”๏ธ I'm addicted to โ˜•๏ธ , long hot baths and๐Ÿ’„ (been wearing it since I was about 14!)

โœ”๏ธ I'm not a phonecall person and will never ever pick up an unknown number. Ever. They can leave a message ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My favourite cuisine is Japanese ๐Ÿฃ ๐Ÿœ and Damian and I honeymooned in Tokyo and Venice 

โœ”๏ธ I have zero design qualifications. I just started blogging about my passion, which is trying to persuade everyone to #heartyourhome That was 11 years ago...

โœ”๏ธ My favourite tipple is a good GnT or๐Ÿท 

โœ”๏ธ Cheesy as it sounds, ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธbeing a mum is my absolute biggest joy in life ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿ‘ฆ

โœ”๏ธ I will never give up my old school paper diary! Has to be A5 and week to view ๐Ÿ“– 

โœ”๏ธ My official surname isn't Bishop. I kept my maiden name for work after I got married but changed it for everything else. Often confuse myself!

โœ”๏ธ I didn't get my Ps until I was 37 and I'm still a terrible parker ๐Ÿ˜ฏ ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ

Hope you feel like you know me a bit better ๐Ÿ˜˜

๐Ÿ“ธ @vanlowvanlow
Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ @nood_co coloured con Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ 

@nood_co coloured concrete basins is a great Aussie business success story. Although co founder Matt Di Costa first found fame as one half of Matt and Kim on The Block, he hasn't relied on this to build his brand.

โ€œWe are very honoured to have been a part ofย The Block, and all they have done for us. I am, however, a believer in letting the product take centre stage,โ€ he says.

Read our interview with Matt via link in bio now.

๐Ÿ™Share your favourite colour basin in the comments!

#colouredconcrete #noodco #colouredbasin #blockheads #the block #bathroomtrends2022

Pic 1 by @naibudesign_ and 2 by @twostyleinteriors
I'd love to see more colour in Aussie interiors! I'd love to see more colour in Aussie  interiors! ๐ŸŽจ 

At the end of the day though, it's a matter of personal taste. I love pops of colour but it's not for everyone. 

We couldn't resist featuring this Canadian house tour today. The amazing Kelly Green  hutch (swipe) was an upcycled $200 find ๐Ÿค—

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the rest including one of the best playrooms we've seen in ages!

Project by @in.house.design
๐Ÿ“ธ @philcrozier
Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis o Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis on light and nature.

That was the brief for the conversion of a corner shop and a warehouse bakery into a luxury family home in Sydney's Newtown. And how about the library?!

Take the tour of this very special @annacarindesign project on the blog now, via link in bio.

Pic: @justinalexanderphoto
The things that excite me as a 40 year old ๐Ÿคญ N The things that excite me as a 40 year old ๐Ÿคญ

None of us enjoy laundry (OK, there are a few of you out there who do. Weird!) but we have to do it. And often. So if your laundry bin can be as good looking, functional and space saving as this, then why wouldn't you?!

I've lost track of how many baskets I've thrown out because they've gone soggy or mouldy. They look pretty, sure, but they're not fit for purpose and they're often messy and overflowing.

Here's what I love about his @brabantia_australia one:

โœ”๏ธ ventilation holes
โœ”๏ธ no need to remove the lid for small items plus it hides your dirty laundry from view
โœ”๏ธ easily removable and washable inner laundry bag that velcros back on 
โœ”๏ธ corrosion resistant so fine in bathroom or laundry 
โœ”๏ธ Brabantia make things as sustainably as possible
โœ”๏ธ compact, sleek, European design
โœ”๏ธ 10 year warranty
โœ”๏ธ tall and skinny so takes up less floor in my tiny laundry

The Rolls Royce of laundry bins? I think so ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

TOLD you this was going to be exciting!

Now I need to know, do you have your laundry basket in the bathroom, the laundry, every bedroom? We used to have one in each bedroom but moved to the laundry-only situation which I much prefer (one for colours and one for whites). My boys know to put their used clothes in the bin in the laundry each night and they're 7 and 3!  #raisingfuturehusbands

#gifted
"Living rooms are important spaces where our publi "Living rooms are important spaces where our public and private lives intersect."

So says stylist @nataliewalton in her gorgeous new book Style, the Art of Creating a Beautiful Home.

"They are where we gather to welcome guests and entertain. But they are also where we decompress and relax at the end of the day. Increasingly, they are open-plan spaces and need to work within a greater scheme. Bringing all the elements together cohesively requires care and consideration. And, if you want a space that lives up to its true potential, make it personal and create with conviction."

Read an extract, the chapter on elevating your living room, on the blog today via link in bio.

Published by @thamesandhudsonau Pix by @chriswarnes 

#livingroomdesigns #nataliewalton #coffeetablebooks #designbooks #interiorsbooks #livingroominteriors #elevateyourspace
Kids and husband messing with my vignettes again๐Ÿคจ

PS. The coaster was RIGHT THERE ๐Ÿคช
#weatherforit ๐Ÿฅถ Need a new blanket? Look no fu #weatherforit ๐Ÿฅถ

Need a new blanket? Look no further than these gorgeous South African blankets from @baobabcollective, sustainably sourced, ethically crafted and imported by a Southern Highlands couple.

On the blog now via link in bio.
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Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

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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 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarEllen says

    July 22, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    Hi Jen,
    Congratulations on a great presentation. I loved it and your great tips, particularly on Pinterest and Instagram. The show was fantastic and well worth the trip from Sydney for me. I saw so many gorgeous things and was inspired by the Colour Visions display and by all the presentations.
    Love the Art Series hotels too and we are excited to be currently working with them on an event for a client next year using all three properties.
    Last but not least, congratulations on your engagement! Very exciting.
    Best wishes. Ellen.

  2. AvatarEmma says

    July 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Some advice on using social media for business and building a blog would be great. As newbie, it can be daunting, lonely and overwhelming! Thanks for being friendly and providing so much inspiration.

  3. AvatarJoanna Ford Interior Design says

    July 22, 2012 at 10:22 pm

    It was wonderful to finally meet you Jen in Melbourne at Decoration + Design, though I was so disappointed to miss your presentation.

    A series of posts sharing your wisdom and experience on using social media in interior design businesses would be really valuable.

    Delighted you enjoyed your weekend in Melbourne – we certainly turned the weather on for you!

  4. Avatarstephanie says

    July 23, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Hi Jen,

    I’m sorry I couldn’t make it this time, as I’m scheduled to be in Melbourne this weekend. I would love to hear more about your musings on social media and look forward to hearing more…As for freezing Melbourne…I know it all too well and by the way very fetching in your hat! x Steph

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      July 23, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks Steph! I’m looking forward to finally taking your cushion home tonight!

  5. AvatarMonique says

    July 23, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Sounds like it would have been a great presentation. I would love you to share your insights on using social media in business…and if you wanted to share your advice about approaching magazine editors that would be great too!

  6. AvatarAmy Palmer-Millin says

    July 25, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Hello Jen,
    I just exhibited at Design Made Trade with my business Kookery and wished I had a chance to come and see the speakers, maybe next time I will bring helpers so I can.
    One of my customers told me about you and that I should have a look at what you are doing, thankfully I have found you via Women in Business website and pleased I have. I love Pinterest and other social tools for connecting with people as it a much more natural way for me to talk to people in their down time, and also connect with people with the same aesthetic or in business that love the same things I do.
    I love sharing what I find with people that are interested in them too. And it makes my business about sharing something great, not just about selling.
    Look forward to your emails arriving in my inbox as subscribed. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Thanks
    Amy

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      July 25, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Amy. I found your Kookery card in the media goodie bag we were given at the fair! Please feel free to email me via the contact page with more details about you and your business ๐Ÿ™‚

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