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Paint: the cheaper, easier way to refresh your home office

By Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence โ€ข 1 Comment

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With most of us spending more time working from home thanย ever before, there has never been a better time to show yourย workspace some love. โ€œYour study should be a space of calmย and concentration, but most importantly somewhere youย actually enjoy spending time,โ€ says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Duluxย colour and communications manager.

โ€œWe all need different things from our study/home office, depending on the type of work we do โ€“ you may want it be a serene spot where you wonโ€™t get distracted, or an energising and uplifting one that inspires creativity,” Andrea explains. โ€œThis is where colour comes in; if your study is drab and lifeless, a lick of paint is the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to switch up the mood and make it a space youโ€™ll love.โ€

To show you just how easily itโ€™s done, stylist Julia Green has used colours from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2021 to style three different study areas.

โ€œWho amongst us hasnโ€™t worried about their workspace not being camera-ready when itโ€™s time for that video conference call?” Julia asks. “Fortunately, you donโ€™t need a big budget or lots of time to add style to this space.”

Andrea adds: โ€œColour can be used in clever ways too. For example, if you donโ€™t have room for a separate study and want to delineate a study nook within an open-plan room, simply choose tones for your nook that are different to, however harmonise with, the palette in the adjoining living/dining areas. You can then use folding screens to tuck your workspace away when itโ€™s time to switch off.” 

Whilst the three looks Julia created are all very different, she kept certain elements consistent throughout. โ€œWith each look, we fully committed to the colour palette, carrying it through from the walls and artwork to dรฉcor items, in order to give it a curated and intentional feel,” she explains.

โ€œNatural light is important for wellbeing, so we used soft sheers on the window that let in filtered light. We added a statement artwork to each look โ€“ this anchored the desk set-ups and gave the user something beautiful to look at. Touches of greenery help clean the air and provide that all-important connection to nature.โ€

Design 1: Inspiration station

Colours: Dulux Aura and Natural White | Art: Charlotte Taylor via Greenhouse Interiors

For the first look (above), Julia took her cues from the Reset palette and painted the walls a soft grey-mauve, and the ceiling a warm white. These were combined with pink clay and punches of terracotta in artwork and accessories. โ€œThese colours will brighten your outlook without being a distraction โ€“ the perfect tones to surround yourself with if youโ€™re in the business of ideas,โ€ says Julia. 

Design 2: Serene study spot

Colours: Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula and Whisper White | Art: Georgie Wilson via Greenhouse Interiors

When it came to the second scheme, Julia looked to the calming colours in the Retreat palette. She made a feature of the back wall by painting it a rich, oceanic blue, paired with a warm white on the ceiling. โ€œBold colour contrasts generally energise a room, but thereโ€™s a lovely muddiness to this blue that makes it feel tranquil and relaxed. Itโ€™s a classic scheme that would work beautifully in a traditional or contemporary home,โ€ she says.

Design 3: Cosy workspace

Colours: Dulux Morrocco Tan and White Exchange Half | Artwork: Leah Bartholomew via Greenhouse Interiors

For the third scheme, Julia layered earthy neutrals from the Nourish palette for a look that speaks of warmth and comfort. The earthy hue of the wall combine with tonal shades of tan and clay in the artwork, rug, and furniture. Woven detailing in the rattan screen and desk chair add texture.

โ€œWe all respond so differently to colour โ€“ the key is finding the hues that speak to you and then having the courage to pick up that paint brush,โ€ Andrea explains. โ€œLike anything, it can feel daunting the first time, but chances are once you start your colour journey, youโ€™ll never look back.โ€

Juliaโ€™s study styling tips

Consider mood: Choose colours to suit the mood you want to create. Warm tones will create a cosy, nurturing feel, while brighter hues are energising and inspiring โ€“ ideal for creative thinking. 

Personalise: Family photographs and mementos from your travels can add character to your study and make it feel more welcoming.

Buy quality: A comfortable and supportive office chair and an adjustable desk lamp that allows you to see what youโ€™re typing or writing are must-haves for a home office. 

Greenery: Add plants or fresh flowers to purify the air and provide a connection to nature. 

For more information.

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green

Dulux colour forecast 2021: soothing colours for challenging times
With most European design and architecture shows cancelled this year, the Dulux Colour Forecast for 2021 has been informed by extensive virtual research into global trends to stay abreast of…
Steve Cordony shares his home office must haves
Renowned interior stylist Steve Cordonyย says Australians had to pivot very quickly this year to create a workspace at home but one that may not have been their ideal setup. But…

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April 13, 2021

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I don't regret the extra expense of my bathroom li I don't regret the extra expense of my bathroom lighting for a minute.

Although at the time I may have been a bit "HOW MUCH?" ๐Ÿ˜‚

Thrilled to have our bathroom shared in an article about lighting on @bhgaus where I talk about 2 things we chose in particular.

Firstly the LED light in the bath niche which is the PERFECT relaxing bathing light (and you know I have one every single night!).

Second, (swipe) a sensor light under the vanity which makes it easy for the kids and visitors who aren't familiar with the light switches, to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night with ease! 

Do you have either of these things in your bathroom or would you consider them?

Read the full Better Homes & Gardens article via link in bio now. 

Pix by @jacqui_turk

#bathroomlighting #bathroomlights #timbervanity #bathniche #bathroomniche #smartbathroom #bathroomlights #bathroomlight #bathlover #bathlove #interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #brassshower #brasstrim
Brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, of Australian desig Brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, of Australian design and fabrication company, @__fearon__ first started their business in 2019 as a creative outlet and antidote to their more commercial work.

Their pathway to design was somewhat unusual. Jack, a plumber by trade and Mark, a boilermaker, worked as industrial fabricators making large-scale water trucks.

Jack says heโ€™s conscious of making pieces that are sculptural, but also very usable. โ€œWe donโ€™t think our pieces are there just to look good,โ€ Jack says. โ€œWe love seeing our pieces in peopleโ€™s homes and in galleries, restaurants and hotels, with things all over them. Theyโ€™re for real life.โ€

FEARONโ€™s handmade pieces are aluminium and designed for longevity. Jack says the material choice means pieces are lightweight, easy to sculpt and entirely recyclable.

Read more on the blog now, via link in bio.

#aluminiumfurniture #australianfurniture #australianfurnituredesign #australianfurnituredesigners #sculpturalfurniture #furnitureasart #modernheirloom #modernheirlooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #fearon #aluminiumart #funfurniture #careerchange
Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform__ this year turned his hand to an apartment reno and created something really special!

Come and tour this beautiful one bed warehouse conversion in Sydney's Surry Hills on the blog today via link in bio.

Currently for sale though @bresicwhitney

#apartmentinterior #apartmentlove #apartmenttour #mezzaninefloor #mezzaninebedroom #warehouseconversion #factoryconversion #surryhillslife #surryhillssydney #surryhillslocal #shopfitout #barfitout #shopfitters #jform #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #coolapartment #funkyinteriors #customjoinery
When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteri When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteriors decided to reduce her outgoings by moving to a tiny house. And we're not sure we've ever seen a more stylish one!

Although the move to a container home was motivated by financial pressures, Justine Wilson is loving her new simpler way of life.

Read her refreshingly honest, positive interview on the blog now, via link in bio.

It'll make you want to downsize too!

#tinyhomes #tinyhouse #tinyhome #tinyhouses #tinyliving #livingbiginatinyhouse #tinyhousemovement #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhouseliving #tinyhousenation #tinyhouseattractive #tinyhomedesign #containerhouse #containerhome #containerhomes #containerhouses #containerhomedesigns #interiorstylist #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #smallspaceliving #smallspacedesign #downsizeliving #downsize #downsizingandminimizing #escapetothecountry #hawkesburyriver #hawkesburyriverlife
Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) ๐Ÿ˜œ

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo ๐Ÿ˜ Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
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About Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence

Caoimhe is interning at Interiors Addict as part of their degree studies at the University of New South Wales

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  1. AvatarCemre says

    May 18, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    It’s out of topic but I love that painting the first one. How can I found that.

    Reply

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