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Off-topic Tuesday: Christmas & homesickness

By Jen Bishop •

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It’s approaching the festive season and I’m in denial already. Because I’m one of those annoying Poms who, despite the beautiful weather, beaches, party atmosphere and Australian attitude to taking a decent break from work (like all of January–really?!) whinges (of course) that it just isn’t Christmassy enough here! Apologies in advance, but here I go…

To me, Christmas is sitting by a roaring open fire at my dad’s house in the country in England, roasting chestnuts, cracking walnuts, drinking mulled wine, watching twinkling lights on the Christmas tree in a cosily darkened (it’s grey from about lunchtime in December in the UK) room. It’s catching up with old friends who are also home at their parents’ for Christmas, it’s arguing with my little (29 year-old) sister like teenagers when we get on each other’s nerves after a few days cooped up inside hiding from the cold. It’s roast turkey and “dad’s world famous roast potatoes” and eating Quality Street chocolates until I feel sick. It’s midnight mass at the village church, singing carols after a few drinks at the local, thatched roof pub down the road. It’s family and spending time with my best friend who might as well be my second sister.

Christmas tree at Dad’s last year

A couple of years ago I went to carols by candlelight at Balmoral Beach in Sydney. This would be a great idea to really get into the festive spirit despite it being stupidly hot, I thought. After a couple of carols I found myself, out of nowhere, crying. Tears rolling down my cheeks, missing my dad and my sister, wanting to be going home for Christmas. Embarrassing!

Last year, after much planning, I surprised my family at Christmas. I rocked up on Dad’s doorstep the night before Christmas Eve. You should have seen the look on his face. Of course there were tears, and a lot of swearing in disbelief from my sister. It was brilliant, the sort of thing you can only pull off once. I had all my Christmas traditions, saw all my friends, soaked it all up. and of course it wasn’t perfect and there were the usual family arguments and it was really really cold (although everyone insisted on telling me how “mild” it was for that time of year!).

Christmas is the only time of the year I really get homesick. I love Australia. I really do. I was delighted to be granted permanent residency this year, I’m engaged to one of your finest young men and I have every intention of one day taking citizenship and living here forever, but at Christmas, I really miss home. I think one day, when I have my own family, we’ll make our own, new Christmas traditions. Until then, it will always be a little bit sad for me.

How’s Christmas for you?

Off-topic Tuesday is a new weekly post about something absolutely nothing to do with interiors. I hope you like it!

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December 11, 2012

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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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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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarLaura - Elsee Blog says

    December 11, 2012 at 8:06 am

    When we are not swimming in my parents pool we are wearing the cotton pajamas that Santa got us all day. If it’s too sunny, dad puts a cabana over the pool for some shade so we can stay in longer. Gorge ourselves on festively coloured great Australian produce, red cherries and green grapes. Put a couple of salads together to have with a roast and prawns! Enjoy a late lunch around a tacky decorated makeshift table seating 20 or so. If we get peckish there’s always our chocolate cadbury stocking to snack on. Dinner is normally forgotten and we keep pouring well chilled white wine or champagne to quench or thirst and beat the heat!

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      December 11, 2012 at 8:22 am

      Love it Laura, thanks for sharing! Cherries and mangoes are definitely an Aussie Christmas thing I LOVE!

  2. AvatarRachel says

    December 11, 2012 at 8:26 am

    It’s being cold, eating too much and moaning about the cold. Don’t be sad, have a lovely time with Damo this year and I will send you regular, bitching weather updates. Love you xxxx

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      December 11, 2012 at 8:27 am

      Thanks Rach! xx

  3. AvatarSarah says

    December 11, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Growing up one foot in Uk and one foot in Australia, agree there’s nothing better than a cold Xmas. Prawns on the barbie are fine but you cant beat mulled wine, Stilton & port, hot Xmas dinner with all the trimmings & competing for the worst Bon Bon joke.. Love & miss the xmas lights & shoulder to shoulder chaos on Oxford St & Regent St, One year Hamleys were making snow fall from the top of their building. I walked out of the store thinking it was snowing & feeling excitement of Xmas like I was a child again.
    On the other hand … one hot summer July day, with holidays approaching, weekend crammed with back to back BBQs & everyone in a cheery mood, I felt a need to play my favourite Xmas songs!

  4. AvatarRichelle says

    December 11, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    As a Canuckian living here in Australia for the past almost-five years, granted permanent residency last year, I gotta say I do not miss the cold and the snow one iota, even at Christmas. I totally embrace the summary Christmas. Bring on the heat and the beach I say. On the materialistic, retail-oriented, commercial side of things, though Aussies may feel Christmas has only gotten crazier over the years, to me Christmas is quieter here, and I like it that way.

  5. AvatarStephanie Anderson says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Oooh I have tears rolling down my cheeks. Also being from the uk and living here now for 7 years, your memories of Christmas ring so true!!!! Last night in hot and humid Brisbane we put up our tree, drank mulled wine, watched Love Actually and cranked up the air con…. Pretending we were cold 😉 Christmas here will never ever live up to being home with my family cosied up in our living room watching for snow flakes, eating mum’s best mince pies and tuning in for the best of the BBC. But how good is life down under for the rest of the year!! Thanks for sharing x

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      December 15, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      Oh bless! And yes, it is BRILLIANT the other 360ish days of the year!

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