• 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

      Australia’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

      We’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 doesn’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
    • 20240206_185022-01Before & after: tiles steal the show in 90s kitchen revamp
    • IMG_0235Kerb appeal: 3-bedder given fresh new look for retirees
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

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

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • TheClassicOutfitter_AbbieMelle_43Quartzite is the new ‘it’ stone but it’s more than just Taj Mahal
    • 0C5A0574-EditMosman en suite gets “sexy, strong, girly and sophisticated” look
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

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

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • COMMERCIAL_GoldOverBlue_28May2025_0007What’s new in furniture and homewares: May 2025
    • Screenshot 2025-05-19 at 1.02.34 pmClean your carpets professionally at home without the dry time
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’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
    • Montage Apartment by Studio PrineasApartment takes out two major categories in design awards
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Crispy egg noodles with seafood p. 116Foodie Friday: crispy egg noodles with seafood
    • 1293660_lifestyle Crossland Pearl GL-Porc Txt Rect 597×1195 UNI_Crossland_AMB 02_Living_PearlHow to bring your favourite travel destinations home
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Off-Topic Tuesday: mobile phone etiquette

By Jen Bishop •

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

Does anyone else argue with their other half about the amount of time they spend on their phone? Or do your friends wind you up by being on Instagram when you’re trying to have a conversation over dinner? Trust me, I am well aware that I am the LAST person to pass comment on excessive social media use!

I’m a huge social media fan and, as a full-time blogger, using it is relevant and important to my job. A huge amount of my traffic comes via Facebook. In fact, for me, the line between work and play totally blurs with social media. I enjoy it all. I like to talk, across whatever medium, and with my close friends and family, as well and new and interesting strangers! I met my VERY good real life friends Emma (also known as my wife) and Naomi on Twitter, and we have been pretty much inseparable since meeting up two years ago. I digress, but these are all reasons I use to justify my use of social media being important.

None of these reasons, however, change the fact that it gets on my future husband’s nerves. Big style. I knew  the topic would be addressed when we did our pre-marriage counselling (a prerequisite for a church wedding, and an optional for anyone else who fancies it) earlier this month. There’s not much we argue about but this, along with the more stereotypical housework issues, was a regular niggle. To cut a long story short, we ended up making a deal (I’m a person who likes black and white rules) that I’d stay off the internet (unless I really need to get work done) between 6.30pm (when he gets home) and 8.30pm every weeknight. This means I can no longer tweet The Voice. DISASTER. But seriously, it took me a lot of excuse-making before I agreed, because of things like that. “But it’s part of my job,” I exclaimed. What if my friends need to text me about something after work?!

And then the marriage counsellor lady said: “You keep talking about your friends, but what about this guy (gesturing towards the fiancé), who you’re telling me is your best friend?” BUSTED. Point made. Phone curfew implemented.

It’s been hard but the world hasn’t ended. Last night it was killing me not to tweet about Ricky Martin’s white pants. But it’s actually been really liberating and led to us being much more present with each other (wow, that sounds wanky!). Rather than sitting next to each other and watching TV or talking to other people (many we don’t even know), we’re having conversations. Or not saying anything but just enjoying being together, undistracted. In today’s super-connected world, it’s surprisingly nice to take a break. And I never thought I’d catch myself saying that.

Recently, I’ve even found myself getting a bit offended when friends are on their phones during social occasions or when we’re trying to have conversations (again, pot–kettle, but manners are manners!). I wonder if we’re reaching saturation point.

What do you think? Are you guilty too?

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

May 14, 2013

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian bathroom standards: dimensions explained by an expert

  • Win the new super slim robot vacuum and mop from DEEBOT

  • Quartzite is the new ‘it’ stone but it’s more than just Taj Mahal

  • Interior designer sees her Mediterranean dream home come to life

  • What’s new in furniture and homewares: May 2025

Follow us on Instagram

SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

Comment 'enter' and we'll DM you the link to enter for your chance to win this top of the range $1499 robot from @ecovacs_anz, the DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI.

Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

From cold to cosy!

This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

If you'd like to take the tour and find out where everything is from, comment 'luxe' below and I'll send the link to your DMs!

Bravo @howardlanedesigns 👏🏼 
📸 @capturedbykels__

#ensuiteinspo #ensuitedecor #ensuitegoals #marblebathrooms #statementstone
The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery collection. This is a framed canvas and the quality is amazing. I feel like beautifully framed canvas prints are the perfect affordable halfway point when it comes to art.
What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

I could have told you I was spring even before I took the quick quiz to find out, and pleased to report the quiz gave me the right result!

Comment the season you THINK you are below (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and I'll send you the link to the quiz so you can double check!

Fun!

This quiz from @templeandwebster jumps on the colour analysis trend for fashion and applies it to interiors!

#seasonaldecorating #seasonaldecor #colouranalysis
The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday w The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday was a real treat. Such an exciting and sleek looking upgrade to my favourite kitchen machine!

The new look speaks for itself and, as usual, the engineering is impressive. Here's the biggest changes that stood out to me:

1. It's SO quiet and in fact SILENT up to a certain speed 
2. It has a much bigger 10 inch screen
3. A new insulated, cool to touch bowl (the inner metal bowl detaches to wash)
4. A gorgeous new matte black design with fluted and herringbone details and made of 30% recycled materials 👏🏼 

Enjoyed a beautiful lunch all prepared, naturally, in the Thermomix! Was great to meet @mise_en_place_aus in real life as well as special guest dessert queen @kirstentibballs and catch up with the lovely Thermomix team.

Tag a friend who'll be coveting the TM7! It's available from next week!

#thermomixtm7 #thermomix #thermomixaus #thermomixlover
Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Chec Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Check out the kitchen and bathroom of the year winners in this month's @hia_au @csrdwelling Housing Awards. There's more winning homes and rooms to check out in our blog post on the homepage, via link in bio or stories now. 

Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
We're so in love with this reno by @jdzdesigns_ 😍😍😍

It's a remodel of a previously dark and pokey extension to a Victorian Gothic home. It's now an open plan dream, and the transition from old to new is beautifully done with impressive black steel doors.

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for the full story and tour.

#kitchenislands #superwhite #luxurykitchens #openplanlivingspace #steeldoordesign

📸 @lawrencefurzey
Swipe for before ▶️▶️▶️ This kitchen Swipe for before ▶️▶️▶️ 

This kitchen is small but mighty and very very pretty! Swipe through for the finer details of this reno by Casa & Co Interior Design. It sure went from boring beige 90s to stylish and full of detail and storage!

What do you think?

Read all about it on the blog now via link in bio/stories.

#smallkitchenideas #kitchentile #potfiller #featuretiles #hamptonskitchen #pulloutpantry
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: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

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

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. She founded Interiors Addict in 2011. Jen also works as a copywriter and comms consultant to small business owners and brands, helping them with their own content as well as working out what will make them appealing to the media.

More Recent Posts

Apartment takes out two major categories in design awards

A modern interpretation of heritage in Melbourne makeover

How to put together a stain emergency kit for your home

A spa-like bathroom and a bold powder room for Northcote home

Quartzite is the new ‘it’ stone but it’s more than just Taj…

Interior designer sees her Mediterranean dream home come to life

What’s new in furniture and homewares: May 2025

Maximalist marble and textured metals: 2025’s ‘it’ materials

Interior designer Emma Blomfield shares her secrets in third book

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fi @ My Mummy Daze says

    May 14, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Jen this is sooo relevant to us! But the problem is double-sided. We’re both hooked, not just me! Our ‘down time’ is zoning out in social media and various interwebs. We quite comfortably sit in silence next to each other on our own devices. The problem is the obvious one though. The more connected we are online, the more disconnected we are with each other. Hello balance?? I think it’s coming to a head soon though. Something definitely needs to change if we value matrimonial harmony!! Fi xxx

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      May 15, 2013 at 9:36 am

      I think for us, or I should say for me, putting a hard and fast rule around it was the only way to change things! It’s hard! It isn’t just mobile phones and online either, I think in general we have all become so distracted by EVERYTHING we often forget to just hang out together and spend quality time. But when we do, it’s so nice! x

  2. D says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    Yes – and no. There is a time and a place – and if you are in a personal/social setting then i think it the height of rudeness to be checking or texting or whatevering on your phone constantly. You are there to connect – that cant be done if your whole self isnt there. That being said – boring parties dont count 🙂

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      May 15, 2013 at 10:36 am

      No, boring parties are fair game! 😉

  3. Nicole says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    Just wanted to say that I am loving your ‘off-topic-Tuesday’ posts!! Have also become a much bigger fan (already loved it though) of our blog since you went ‘full time’ – well done!

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      May 15, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Thanks Nicole! I hope it’s a better blog since I went full-time 🙂

  4. Damian says

    May 15, 2013 at 9:57 am

    Get off your phone! 😉

  5. Chloe Hamilton says

    May 15, 2013 at 10:44 am

    i can totally relate to this, but more from your other half’s side!!

    my partner and i are both huge culprits of overusing our phones and social media – in the evenings sitting in front of the TV its worse! But i feel like i make a big effort to put my phone down for the majority of the evening, i’ll check it when i get home and then leave it for the rest of the night.

    my boyfriend on the other hand, is TERRIBLE! he doesnt put his phone down, or look up from it, at me or even at the TV from when he gets home and sits on the couch at 6 to when we go to bed at 10! i get in trouble for trying to talk to him or interupting what he’s doing and i HATE it. we have had many arguments over it, but his argument is always that after a long day of work, he finds it relaxing to sit and persue the latest social media happenings, or browse ebay for more boys toys – to him its a way to unwind.

    i still think he could put the phone down after an hour and like you said – just sit together and enjoy one another’s company!

    maybe i will have to try the phone curfew method – do keep us updated as to how this goes for you!

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      May 15, 2013 at 11:20 am

      See, to me, it seems a shame he can’t wind down and relax by talking about the day to his girlfriend! Looking at a screen all the time actually doesn’t relax you either, it stimulates your brain and stops you switching off. There’s research that proves it an everything! I used to say all the same sorts of things to excuse my overuse, but I think we all need to look at the bigger picture! Good luck!

  6. Parisgirl says

    May 15, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    I am not at all guilty as seldom use my phone after hours however I appreciate that some do. What really annoys me is those who get on the train in the quiet carriage and then proceed to pull out their phone and talk for the entire journey. Can these people not survive a 20 minute journey without informing the entire carriage of the most intimate details of their lives? Those of us who choose to get in the quiet carriage want to wind down from the day not listen to what someone’s boyfriend did to them last night or that the poor girl in accounts doesn’t shave her legs.

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      May 16, 2013 at 10:29 am

      I can’t stand people talking loudly on public transport full stop! I actually HATE doing it myself so will only take a call if I really have to and then will talk quietly and be embarrassed! There’s a time and a place!

  7. David Wang says

    May 15, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    My wife and I make it a point to put down our devices during meals (after the obligatory food instagrams) and outings. Some practical advice regarding work / life separation: be honest with yourself about what you are on your phone for (e.g. is tweeting about The Voice really related to IA work) and impose “business hours”. If it’s outside of work hours then you shouldn’t be doing social media “for work” 🙂

    • Jen BishopJen Bishop says

      May 16, 2013 at 10:28 am

      Of course The voice is relevant to interiors, what are you talking about?! 😉

  8. Sadie says

    May 17, 2013 at 5:06 am

    Call me old fashioned, but if I’m having an in person conversation with someone I don’t want the topic to change to something someone I don’t even know posted on Facebook. The occasional glance at the phone doesn’t bother me. I’m not asking for miracles, just politeness. St Petersburg Architect

Promo Area

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 © 2011–2025 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in