From couch crevices to curtains and even the appliances that we use to clean, we uncover some of the dirtiest places in your home and how to tackle them.

1. Behind the toilet

Cleaning the toilet is a no-brainer but what about around and behind it? Often hard to get to, the back and sides of toilets not only accumulate dust and dirt but harmful bacteria. Put on those rubber gloves and give it a good scrub with disinfectant and hot water.

2. Inside the couch

Crumbs, rubbish, pet hair and maybe a few coins (if you’re lucky!) are just some of the interesting things you’ll find if you dare to take off your couch cushions. Give your couch a good vacuum at least once a month and wash the cover, if you have one, to instantly freshen up your living room.

3. TV remote

Although they are handled every day, TV remotes are often overlooked when it comes to household cleaning. Multipurpose antibacterial wipes are great to have on hand for quick and easy jobs like this.

4. Door knobs and light switches

Like the TV remote, these are something we handle every day in our homes. Give them a wipe down at least once a week to prevent bacteria build up, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

5. Curtains and blinds

Curtains and blinds collect dust and mildew just like the rest of your home. Depending on the material, fabric curtains can be machine washed or dry-cleaned. Roller, vertical and venetian blinds can be wiped down with a damp cloth. For tough stains, scrub them gently with an old toothbrush and detergent.

6. Your toothbrush holder

If your toothbrush holder is hard to see inside, chances are it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. Rinse, scrub and repeat until the grime is gone. You can even run it through the dishwasher to kill any bacteria.

7. The dishwasher

How is your dishwasher supposed to clean your dishes if it isn’t clean itself? If you’ve noticed your dishwasher isn’t quite doing its job (or it smells a bit off) it may be time for a clean. To clean your dishwasher, scrub with a solution of baking soda and white vinegar and then run a cycle with nothing in the dishwasher to get that sparkle back!

8. The washing machine

Like dishwashers, washing machines need to be cleaned to wash your clothes effectively.

Again, using bicarb soda and cleaning vinegar, add ¼ cup of bicarb soda to the detergent container of your machine and pour 2 cups of vinegar into the drum. Run normal hot cycle and let the machine do all the work. Give the whole machine a wipe down with vinegar or multipurpose spray.

9. Under the bed

When was the last time you vacuumed under your bed? You’ll be surprised at how quickly dust accumulates under there, especially if you use that area for storage. Pull everything out and give it a good vacuum and a mop if you have floorboards or tiles.

10. Rubbish bins

You change your bin liners regularly to prevent rubbish sitting inside for too long, but what about the bin that holds said rubbish. To prevent nasty odours and bacteria building up, it’s a good idea to wash your bin weekly with disinfectant and hot water.

11. Air conditioner

Investing in an air purifier is one way to ensure the air in your home is as clean as possible, but a purifier can only do so much if your air conditioner is pumping out musty air on a daily basis.

It’s a good idea to clean the filters in a wall-mounted reverse cycle unit every fortnight. If you’ve never taken a look inside the machine, you may be in for a nasty shock!

Refer to your unit’s instruction manual for a guide to cleaning the machine safely. Regular cleaning will prevent dust and mould build up and ensure the unit runs as efficiently as possible.

12. Mattress

You may clean your bed linen once a week, but have you ever given a thought to cleaning your mattress? Once you’ve stripped the bed, give the surface and sides a thorough vacuum with an upholstery attachment.

For visible stains, use a damp cloth to gently dab a small amount of detergent (or a spot stain remover) into the mattress. Once the stain has lifted, use another clean damp cloth to dab away the excess product. (Note, this stain removal method may not be suitable for latex or memory foam mattresses, so consult the manufacturer for cleaning tips specific to your mattress). Allow the mattress to dry completely (either by opening the windows or carrying the mattress outdoors to dry in the sun).

To deoderise a mattress, sprinkle bi-carb soda on the surface and leave for an hour or two before vacuuming thoroughly.

TIME FOR A NEW MATTRESS?

If you’ve been sleeping on the same mattress for longer than 6-8 years, it may be time for a replacement altogether. Confused about which mattress to buy? Check out our guide to the best types of mattresses you can buy, and the best mattress in a box options to try.

13. Rangehood

A grimy rangehood will not only bring down the look of an otherwise spotless kitchen, it will attract dust and bacteria – and nobody wants that hovering inches above their food.

The easiest way to clean your rangehood filters is to detach them and pop them in the dishwasher on a high heat setting. If you don’t own a dishwasher, submerge the filters in a bucket of soapy water and use a stiff brush or scour sponge to buff away the dirt and oil before rinsing clean. For extra greasy filters, leave to soak overnight in a bucket filled with a solution of water and Selley’s Sugar Soap before scrubbing and rinsing clean.

Use a damp cloth and detergent to remove grime from the surface and exterior of the rangehood before reinstalling the now clean and dry filters.

14. Small kitchen appliances

The microwave, the kettle, the toaster. You use these small kitchen appliances daily – but have you cleaned them lately?

Microwave: Half-fill a microwave-safe dish with water and place half a lemon in the water. Microwave the water and lemon for about five minutes on high (or until the glass inside the microwave begins to steam up). Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and wipe the interior of the appliance clean with a soft cloth. The steam, along with the acid from the lemon, will dissolve grease while banishing nasty bacteria. The lemon will also leave the microwave smelling fresh. If you don’t have a lemon handy, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.

Toaster: Breadcrumbs can build up inside, on top of and underneath your toaster and can present a fire hazard. Keep things safe and clean by disconnecting the appliance from the power source and emptying the crumb tray. Then use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the appliance and the benchtop underneath.

Kettle: Boil equal parts water and vinegar in the kettle. Allow the solution to remain in the kettle for about 30 minutes. Discard the solution and rinse the kettle thoroughly. Regularly cleaning your kettle can prevent limescale buildup and the growth of bacteria and mildew.

15. The top of the fridge

If the inside of your fridge is stacked hygienically and odour free, you could be forgiven for thinking that that’s where the story ends. But swipe your finger across the top of the fridge and you may discover there’s still more work to do.

The top of the fridge is easily overlooked but can quickly attract a layer of kitchen grease and dust. Use a soft, damp cloth and detergent to wipe the surface clean.

MORE CLEANING TIPS

• How to spring clean your walls and windows according to the experts

• 40 of the best-ever cleaning tips for every room in the house

• 10 cleaning tasks to totally refresh your home

• Cleaning checklist: how to clean your home from top to bottom

• How to keep your home cleaner for longer

The post 15 spots in your home you may be forgetting to clean appeared first on Homes To Love.

Mineral-based and natural, limewash paint is a Belgian basic that dates back to Roman times. It gives a chalky, luminous texture that is subtle, and is suited to older Classic style buildings as much as it is a surf shack or a modern rustic style. Limestone is forgiving, and is often used on porous plaster in grand homes to enhance texture and add depth. It’s loved by designers and architects, but it’s also a budget-friendly choice for DIY home renovators.

What is limewash paint?

This ancient staple paint is made from limestone that has been crushed, burned and mixed with water to make lime putty. The putty is then aged, thinned with water and coloured with natural pigments to create a paint-like substance. The overall effect is a textured, luminous appearance similar to suede, with matt and mottled movement. It adds depth to flat walls, and is often used both indoors and outside. Unlike most house paints that sit on top of a surface, limewash sinks in, so it’s best applied to porous surfaces such as stone, plaster and brick. Modern, pre-made versions of limewash (that have mineral-binding materials added) can also be applied to Gyprock or drywall when a primer or something the limewash can bond to has been first applied. Limewash has an imperfect look similar to Venetian plaster, which almost looks painterly in certain lights.

What are the disadvantages of limewash paint?

Limewash paint is natural, solvent free and hypoallergenic, and it’s naturally bacteria resistant, but it does have some down sides as well. It’s mottled appearance is all the look right now, but it has come in and out of popularity for exactly this trait, and it is possible a more sleek, uniform look will be better suited to your walls. The luminous and chalky appearance of limewash means it may require several coats to get the desired effect, and even then the appearance is difficult to control.

On the up side, the high PH level of limewash paint means microorganisms cannot survive, so it is a great choice for those with allergies. Advocates also argue that limewash has a chemical makeup that removes odours as well as harmful CO2, thereby improving air quality. Unlike normal paint that has solvents – yes paint is now top of the list on household environmental hazards – traditional limewash is made only from natural lime and pigments. Bauwerk, one well-known maker of limewash, uses natural clays, minerals and powder pigments in its paint.

Is limewash more expensive than paint?

Limewash can come pre-mixed, or you can buy limewash and make it yourself, making it a DIY homemaker’s dream budget wall paint. Well-known brand Bauwerk makes limewash paint in sizes ranging from 250ml pots (about $17) to 20 Litre tins, and which can be used on all interior and masonry walls and surfaces and comes in a range of colours. It won’t flake, it’s fire proof, and it is completely UV and colour stable, so it doesn’t need to be reapplied as often as many paints might.

Limewash is easier to apply than a common alternative Tadelakt, which makes limewash a cheaper option, saving expensive labour costs.

It’s not as expensive as paint per litre, but limewash does have its limitations. While Bauwerk limewash comes in hundreds of colours, it is not available in every hue. Limewash is naturally off white, and natural pigments means it also comes in the likes of browns, greys, pale greens, taupe and natural pinks. When you’re applying limewash it will appear darker, and it lightens as it dries. The final colour will depend on the dilution, the material of the surface being painted, and the application of the paint.

How do you clean limewash paint?

Cleaning limewashed walls is not recommended, but that lived-in look is what it is all about as well. It naturally shows much less dirt than standard painted surfaces, but if a touch up is needed you can simply apply a diluted coat of limewash.

The post Everything you need to know about limewash paint appeared first on Homes To Love.

Considering they only last a few weeks, a real Christmas tree can be quite costly, and even the faux kind is nothing to scoff at — depending on the quality you go for. Whether you’re wrapping the exterior of your home with metres of fairy lights, installing an inflatable Santa in your front garden, or have all nine of his reindeer hooked up to some kind of remote control, your power bill is bound to resemble the ‘naughty list’ come the new year.

And that’s why we’ve been loving the inventive, cheap and incredibly cheerful Christmas decorating ideas that have been going viral on social media lately. From taking back tinsel from its tacky reputation to hacks using the humble extendable shower rod, here are a few of our favourite (and cheap) viral Christmas decorating ideas we’ve saved on Instagram.

1. THE SHOWER ROD GARLAND

This one has been shared by so many different creators and in so many different styles that it’s hard to work out who was the original source of the idea. It doesn’t require screws, hooks or a stand. All you need is an extendable shower rod, a doorway or hallway, and a leafy garland of sorts. Add battery-powered lights, some decorations, foliage, and more.

Shop: extendable shower rod; faux pine garland; fairy lights.

2. THE TINSEL TREE

Forget arranging an odd assortment of Christmas ornaments and baubles this year, or trying to keep the delicate decorations up high and away from your toddler’s reach. This year, we’re seeing totally tinseled trees going viral. All you need is long strands of icicle tinsel that you can hook over the pine needles of your Christmas tree branches, and voila! Elegant, effortless, and easy.

Shop: icicle tinsel; christmas tree.

3. THE FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE

If you haven’t managed to secure a Christmas tree yet, or are waiting for one to go on sale, why not try making your own spiralling tree, suspended from your ceiling? While it may look complicated, this creative design by Marco Zamora of @want.zamora was created using just three shower rods, chicken wire and fishing line.

Shop: extendable shower rods; chicken wire; fishing line.

4. THE CHRISTMAS CLOUD

Just to prove once and for all that chicken wire is, in fact, the true hero of Christmas, why not wrap it around your hanging pendant lights to create a fabulous floating cloud of pine? It’s a centrepiece for the table that’s sure to attract plenty of compliments and, to be honest, we could see this look lasting long after December.

Shop: chicken wire; faux pine stems.

5. THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS BOW

While bows are certainly not a new thing at Christmastime, it seems we’ve all gone a bit bananas for them this year. And, yes, we may have been tying them in the laces of our shoes for years but there is actually some skill required in tying the perfect bow. Luckily, it’s easy once you know how, as Chantel Mila Ibbotson of @mama_mila_au shows us.

Shop: ribbon.

The post 5 cheap-as-chips Christmas decorating ideas that have gone viral on Instagram appeared first on Homes To Love.

Rugs are essential to creating cosiness in the home, and, depending on which rug you choose, can easily become the perfect accent piece or finishing touch to your home decor.

Coming in a vast array of colours and patterns, styles and textures, as well as shapes and sizes, the possibilities are endless.

How to choose a rug for your home

The key things to keep in mind when choosing a rug is to ensure you pick the right size for your space, and to know where to position it in the room. Rugs can easily become overshadowed by out-of-proportion furniture, and can help a smaller room seem even more compact if it’s too large.

When it comes to colour and pattern, if your decorating style leans towards bright and colourful, you may want to opt for a neutral rug to form a versatile backdrop for your home’s decor. Alternatively, a striking feature rug can easily become the crowning joy of any space.

Whether you’re looking for something sweet and subtle, or big and bold, we’ve pulled together 11 of our favourite stylish rugs that will sweet you off your feet.

11 stylish rugs to buy right now

Travertine rug in Brown, from $1205, Myer

A gorgeous travertine style piece that embodies the classic Australian design aesthetic, this rug from Darren Palmer’s new collection is a standout. Soft underfoot and ethically made from 100% wool, it’s a must-have for any modern home.

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Etta Ivory geometric washable rug, $399, Miss Amara

Machine-washable rugs just became a whole lot more chic. This gorgeous geometric rug from Miss Amara is a 10mm pile, handwoven masterpiece that slides perfectly into any minimalist home.

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Ground Control Rugs Karma weave rug, $1449, Hardtofind

A subtle texture in neutral tones makes this the perfect rug for a contemporary, country or coastal space, adding just the right amount of interest without overwhelming whatever surrounds it.

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Bedrock rug in Grey, $514, Myer

Functional yet stylish, this robustly designed piece is made of polypropylene yarn in a cool, grey tone that’s perfect for giving your home a contemporary feel. Better yet, it can be used both indoors and outdoors – double the fun!

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Malawi rug in Kelp, from $1770, Armadillo Co

Hand-knotted wool is bordered by a tasselled fringe in the Malawi rug by Armadillo Co. The ribbed pile, reminiscent of corduroy, evokes nostalgia and is incredibly soft and supple.

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Zelia minimal washable berber rug in Black and Ivory, from $199, Miss Amara

Simple in design and monochromatic palette, this washable rug

adds just the right amount of style to complement its hard-wearing functionality. Being stain-resistant, this is the perfect choice for households of which pets or kids are a part.

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Marigold Ostin hand-knotted wool blend rug, from $229 (usually $949), Temple & Webster

Crafted and hand-knotted from durable wool, this buttercup-toned rug is the ideal statement maker. A subtle geometric pattern hints at a Moroccan influence, while the neatly finished edges make it perfect for contemporary living.

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Piha floor rug, $899, Freedom

With an irregular grid pattern, the forest green Piha floor rug achieves the perfect balance between geometry and fluidity. Constructed from a polyester-viscose blend fabric, this is a low-maintenance and pocket-friendly purchase that will last years to come.

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Nanimarquina Cal 3 rug in Olive, $1260, Cult

Inspired by Alexander Calder’s famous mobiles, the Cal 3 rug has an iconic feel, designed both to be paired with others of its kind of to stand alone. Made from New Zealand wool.

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Coral cut rug in Dark Bronze with Black Core, from $2508, Designer Rugs

Hand tufted from 100% New Zealand wool, this velvety smooth rug adds both colour and texture wherever it sits. Also available in Blue and Mint Green, and made-to-order in custom sizes, shapes colours.

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La Chance France made-to-order rug, POA, Living Edge

Described as ‘hyper graphic’, La Change’s France rug is based off the tri-colour French flag with Nathalie du Pasquier’s iconic designs and motifs of the Memphis movement. Hand-tufted in India from New Zealand yarn, each rug is made-to-order.

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AT A GLANCE

• Spray-paint is the best way to achieve a smooth, even finish.

• Clean the piece thoroughly before painting.

• Use a primer, as it evens out any bumps and reduces the amount of paint you’ll need.

• Several light coats of spray-paint gives an even finish… and make sure each coat dries before applying the next one.

Compared to other furniture materials, cane and rattan furniture is much easier to source, whether first or second-hand, thanks to its popularity in the 1970s and ’80s. It’s also generally inexpensive, reassuringly sturdy and crying out for a makeover.

Colour is the quickest, and prettiest, way to gussy up furniture, and spray-paint is the best way to achieve a smooth, even finish on bamboo, cane and rattan. Soft tones can be difficult to find — most manufacturers seem to lean towards a garish palette – but some lovely shades are available.

White is always a winner, especially for outdoor pieces, and soft, muted greys, blues and greens are perfect for updating bent cane and bamboo. Add some fat cushions in muted shades, opting for classic stripes for a ‘summer in the Hamptons’ look or botanical prints to carry though a plantation theme.

Black, charcoal grey and deep reds are modern and dramatic and bright shades of lilac, orange and green give a fresh air to modern wicker.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Cleaning product such as a sugar-soap solution and sponge

• Soft brush

• Vacuum

• Acrylic/undercoat primer

• Spray-paint

• Dropsheet

Clean the piece

Before you start, clean the piece thoroughly, second-hand buys especially. Brush briskly all over with a soft brush — one from a dustpan set works well — then vacuum (using the brush attachment) to remove loose dirt and grime from hard-to-reach places. Wipe the whole piece down with a sugar-soap solution and then leave to dry completely.

Apply undercoat

Apply a layer of undercoat or acrylic primer. This helps create an even surface and reduces the amount of spray-paint required for each piece. You can buy spray-on primers, but a standard acrylic primer applied with a soft brush will work just as well.

Apply spray-paint

Once the primer is completely dry, begin to apply the spray-paint. You will need to work in a very well-ventilated space or, preferably, outside in a protected area that’s not too windy. Spread drop sheets over the whole area and place the piece in the centre of the sheets. Apply the first coat of spray-paint in a gentle, sweeping motion. To achieve an even finish, it’s best to apply several light coats to prevent drips forming. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the length of time to leave between coats as it differs by brand.

Allow to dry

Once you’ve achieved an even finish over the whole piece, leave to dry overnight and then check the entire surface for any missed areas or uneven patches.

WICKER, CANE AND RATTAN PRODUCTS TO ADD TO YOUR HOME

Kennedy Natural lounge chair, $399, Myer

Made from wicker and black metal frame, this stylish chair from Myer is the perfect base to begin your creative colour experiments.

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Bahama rattan Honey bedside table 3 shelf, $125.99, Adairs

Made from 100% natural woven rattan, this stunning beside table features a classic design with a functional twist, with three intentionally placed shelves that make it a sturdy and practical choice.

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Fortuna accent chair, $349, Lounge Lovers

Made with a luxurious bamboo frame, this lounge chair is the perfect statement piece for indoor or outdoor living. If you choose to spruce it up with some colour, make sure to remove the foam cushions before you do so.

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Harbour bamboo rattan side table in Natural, $229.95, Myer

Practical and sturdy, this rattan side table is an excellent addition to your bedroom, and will create a nice, neutral base, should you choose to add some colour sooner or later in its life.

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The post How to paint wicker, cane, rattan and bamboo appeared first on Homes To Love.

With this year’s bushfire season expecting to pose a higher risk than normal nation-wide, preparing your home now will ensure the greatest protection for you and your family.

Here are seven ways to make sure you’re not caught off-guard this bushfire season.

1. Restore misplaced roof tiles

Research shows that ember attacks account for 80 per cent of house losses during a bushfire, with embers able to enter gaps up to 1.8mm.

Always replace missing or broken tiles immediately after noticing and, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, opt for concrete or terracotta tiles.

2. Regularly check and update your fire safety equipment

It is essential that homes are prepared for a fire emergency by stocking up on the right safety equipment, starting with your smoke alarm. Make sure that all smoke alarms installed in the home are working, and test them regularly. Smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old should be upgraded.

Visit the CFA website for detailed tips on how to correctly install smoke alarms.

3. Install non-combustible fencing

When living in a bushfire zone, your choice in building materials is important. Australian Standards require all homes built in bushfire zones to attain a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) classification, the assessment determined by property vegetation, property slope and the region’s Fire Danger Index.

Australian building manufacturer CSR Hebel offer products with exceptional fire properties, meeting or exceeding the six BAL categories. The innovative modular Hebel PowerFence uses non-combustible panels and steel posts, finished with either expressed joints or a monolithic look. With high and low fencing options as well as a range of decorative treatments, the PowerFence is a versatile option that will help ensure your home is as prepared as it can be, without compromising on style.

4. Clean gutters of leaves and twigs

Dead leaves and twigs easily catch alight and are a common way for a fire to quickly spread.

Cleaning gutters, drains and downpipes of debris before bushfire season is a smart move that will help to protect your home and surrounding properties.

To avoid injury or damage to your home, always hire a professional to help.

5. Check your home and contents insurance

While being prepared helps, the loss of homes is an unfortunate reality of Australian bushfire seasons and is the reason why having adequate insurance is a must.

Most home and contents insurances cover fires within the home, but many of us forget to check whether natural disasters such as bushfires are also included. Make sure you check your insurance before bushfire season to avoid any waiting periods, and ask your agent about accommodation alternatives, property damages for heat and soot (not actual fire), as well as reasonable precaution classifications.

Losing your home is difficult enough without having to worry about your financial situation.

6. Keep your garden in check

Longer grass spreads fire faster so regularly mowing lawns will boost your home’s protection.

Frequently trim shrubs and remove any overhanging branches above the house. Try to keep your font and back garden sparse, and avoid cluttering the areas with toys, furniture and other objects. Not only may these accelerate the fire, they can also be a hazard for fire fighters and your family during an emergency.

If you have a pool, make sure you register for a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign to place outside your home to help firefighters identify water sources to use in fire emergencies.

7. Prepare your emergency plan

With rapidly changing conditions, a bushfire can fast become a terrifying situation. Having procedures put in place is important for you and your family’s safety.

The NSW RFS advise families living in rural areas to have a written bushfire survival plan and to discuss it with all members of the family.

Having an evacuation plan is especially crucial for families with young children or elderly residents who need assistance to walk. Having a fire escape plan that is tailored to your specific property and circumstances will help to ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency situation.

Consider your evacuation plan, including what you’ll do with pets and belongings. Ensure you know the bush fire alert levels and always seek out updates when there are fires nearby.

8. Home maintenance updates

If you’re living in a bushfire-prone zone, there are some easy home updates that will help to give you and your home an added advantage during a fire.

Start by getting rid of plastic by switching screen doors for those made from fine metal mesh. Fit seals to your windows and doors to minimise gaps, and enclose areas underneath your home as best as you can.

Install metal gutter guards to help prevent airborne embers from finding a place in your roof space.

The post 8 ways to prepare your home for bushfire season appeared first on Homes To Love.

The key to keeping your house cool in summer, and especially during a heatwave, is to prevent the heat from entering your home in the first place through proper insulation and practical window coverings. Keeping as much direct heat out as possible will also make your home easier to cool down and therefore improve your energy efficiency.

SUSTAINABLE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOL DURING A HEATWAVE

1. Shut up the house

It might seem counter-intuitive but you should keep windows and doors firmly shut during a heatwave. There are no cool breezes during the daylight hours, just hot air, which should be kept from entering the house. Once the sun has set you can fling open all the windows and doors to take advantage of the cooler evening conditions.

2. Cover the windows

External shades such as awnings and outdoor blinds are one of the most effective ways to keep a house cool because they block out direct sunlight. Covering windows which receive the morning and afternoon sun are the most important.

• If you currently do not have any external shading a temporary fix is to purchase inexpensive shade-cloth from hardware stores, cut it slightly bigger than the window and affix to the external frame.

• Internal window coverings will also help block direct sunlight; however over the course of the day the curtain heats up and can affect the air temperature.

3. Cool the area you are occupying

Cooling every single room in a house gobbles up electricity so just focus on the rooms you are occupying. Try to seal off this area as much as possible to keep the cool air contained. For example, a door that separates the living areas from the bedrooms will effectively divide your home in half and can drastically improve the power of your air conditioning.

4. Draught proofing

You can do more to seal off an area then just shutting the windows and doors – make sure you block drafts too. The obvious offender is the gap under doors, but keep an eye out for gaps or cracks around door and window frames, between floorboards and between skirting boards and the walls or floors. Sealing drafts helps to reduce air leakage by up to 25 per cent!

5. Use a fan

A fan requires far less electricity to run compared to air conditioning, so you can keep it on for long periods of time without making much difference to your power bill.

While it will not change the air temperature, a fan can be very effective for cooling in conjunction with other devices. Try running your air conditioner for an hour to cool the air, and then run a fan for the next hour to move the cool air around – alternating throughout the day. If you do not have an air conditioner, grab a spray bottle and mist water over your skin to harness the power of evaporative cooling.

6. Ceiling insulation

Your ceiling generates the largest heat gains (in summer) and heat losses (in winter) for your home. Installing adequate insulation is a long-term investment, but a wise one that will provide year-round comfort, slash your cooling and heating bills by up to half and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The post 6 sustainable ways to keep your home cool during a heatwave appeared first on Homes To Love.

There are many options available for the fit-out of your wardrobe or closet, with each offering different degrees of style versus function, and obviously coming in at different price points.

DIY options such as wireframe baskets, which are lightweight and quick to install, and flat-pack cabinets provide adjustable shelving options. But, if you have the budget, a customised fit-out will make the best use of every inch of available space, ensuring each bit of railing, shelving and drawers fits exactly to maximise your storage.

These four tips will help you create the perfect walk-in wardrobe.

HOW TO DESIGN A WALK-IN WARDROBE

1. Hanging rails

The amount of hanging space we need can vary greatly but one thing always seems to ring true: women need more hanging space than men.

A mix of long and short hanging options with double the amount of short rails (often placed one on top of the other) for shirts, skirts, pants, jackets and trousers is usually a good bet, as men often have less long items to hang.

Getting into corners can be tricky. Run long hanging rails into a corner and hang long dresses and suits you don’t need to get out every day.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DO A WALK-IN WARDROBE?

We hate to break it to you, but it’s a question with no definitive answer. Depending on how luxurious the fittings, the size of the space, and the labour involved, it can often go into the tens of thousands for a higher end walk-in wardrobe.

2. Drawers

Drawers are important for organising your wardrobe and keeping smaller items such as underwear, socks and other folded accessories grouped together.

Make sure the drawers are wide enough so your clothes don’t have to be folded up on the sides, and consider including dividers or small boxes or baskets inside for rolled belts, scarves, ties, etc, to keep things tidy and organised.

3. Open shelving

Practical and cost effective (drawer mechanisms cost more than open spaces), shelving works best from waist-height upwards. It’s perfect for folded jumpers, shirts and trousers.

Open shelving is also ideal for storing your handbag collection – a narrow or awkward space can be easily turned into a practical display for your beautiful designs!

HOW SHOULD I LAYOUT A WALK-IN WARDROBE?

A walk-in wardrobe can often be designed to match your needs. Decide on whether you need more hanging or drawer compartments, and how much space you’re willing to sacrifice for design elements like a mirror.

4. Narrow shelving

Narrow open shelves installed at a slight angle along the bottom of your walk-in robe are very practical for storing your shoes and, as well as being accessible, make use of the otherwise dead space under clothing rails for hanging long items.

You could also install flat, narrow shelves to store your shoes in their boxes.

TOP TIPS

• Don’t forget to include a full-length mirror so you can see how amazing you look, or that tag hanging out the back!

• Line wire baskets so they don’t leave indents in your clothes.

• Storage boxes on the top shelf are a great way to store seasonal clothes and linen or those special pieces you don’t wear much.

• If you’re having your robes specially made, consider using a timber-grain laminate as a cost-effective and stylish way to make a design statement.

• Don’t forget the importance of lighting. If you have no natural light, use cooler light bulbs – they’ll allow you to see clothing colours better than warmer globes.

The post How to design the ideal walk-in wardrobe appeared first on Homes To Love.

According to The Endocrine Society of Australia, there are more than 80,000 known chemicals in our everyday environment, some of which are thought to cause reproductive, neurological or immune disorders in humans. From swapping out the products you use to ventilating your home properly, there are some simple and quick steps you can take right away to begin detoxing your home. Here are seven natural cleaning tips worth adopting now.

1. Change how you wipe kitchen surfaces

If you’re using paper towel or Chux, it may be time to change up your method. Instead of using ineffective, throwaway products and harsh chemicals, many experts recommend simply using a microfibre cloth with water to wipe down kitchen benches. For stubborn stains, you can use a combination of water, lemon oil and Castile liquid soap, which will help to cut through lingering grime. Additionally, a good-quality microfibre cloth can last up to two years if cleaned regularly to get rid of the bacteria build-up, preferably by putting it through the dishwasher or washing machine and drying it in the sun.

Kitchen cleaning spray recipe

Ingredients: Water, 20ml Castile liquid soap, 10 drops lemon essential oil

Method: Fill a 240ml glass spray bottle (available online) with water, soap and lemon essential oil

2. Avoid harsh oven cleaners

The gloves required for most oven cleaners is an indication of their toxicity, but they’re not the only option. To clean your oven without chemicals, first squeeze the juice of a few lemons into a baking tray and add the halves and some water, then bake at approximately 120 degrees for 30 minutes and finish up by giving the whole thing a good scrub. Another alternative is using a combination of bicarb soda and vinegar; first, make a paste of bicarb and water, use it to coat the oven and leave it on there overnight, then use vinegar in the morning to wipe it all down.

3. Consider new food storage techniques

When you buy flour, freeze it for 24 hours – doing this will kill any germs that may already be in there. You can also scatter dry bay leaves throughout your pantry or in rice, flour or pasta containers as this will kill off any weevil eggs as well. If you live in a humid climate, consider keeping your flour in the fridge all the time.

4. Use bicarb soda and citric acid in the bathroom

To get rid of soap scum in the bathroom, use bicarb soda sprinkled on a wet microfibre cloth and wipe over the affected area. If your toilet needs a really deep clean because the bowl is discoloured, try adding three-quarters of a cup of citric acid to the toilet and leaving it overnight (turn off the cistern), followed by a good scrub in the morning. This method will also help get rid of bacteria such as E. coli.

5. Get rid of mould with white vinegar

Naturopath Nicole Bijlsma from Building Biology says mould is a health issue for more than a million Australians. It can cause a multitude of conditions, such as insomnia, recurring colds and flu, and sinusitis. Getting rid of mould in your home depends on finding and treating the sources of moisture. To clean non-porous surfaces, use a solution of 80 per cent white vinegar to 20 per cent water. For porous surfaces, such as untreated timber, use a 70 per cent alcohol solution.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

The important thing to understand about vinegar is that it’s an acid, meaning it will react to some surfaces. To play it safe, you should never use white vinegar on any of the following:

• The iron

• Stone benchtops

• Electronic screens (like iPhones)

• The rubber parts of small appliances

• Cars

• Some metals like cast iron and aluminium

• Plants

As well as the above, you should never mix vinegar with bleach, as the two together create toxic fumes.

6. Ventilate your house and bedroom regularly

Pull your sheets back every day and air pillows in the sun as often as possible. Dr Mark Donohoe from Sydney’s Mosman Integrative Medicine, believes you need the right equipment if you have carpet in your bedroom. “Ordinary vacuum cleaners just send the dust into the air, which is the worst for people with asthma,” he says. “Use one with a HEPA filter and vibrating power head.”

7. Wash your dishwasher

How often do you clean your cleaning appliances? Probably not often enough. First things first, pull out the filter and drain and give them a good clean out. Then, sprinkle bicarb soda throughout your diswasher, then set it to run on a short, hot cycle. Finally, pour some white vinegar into a dishwasher safe bowl, place it in the dishwasher, and repeat the cycle run.

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When traditional products are nowhere to be found, sometimes we have to embrace the unconventional and discover a world of bizarre yet surprisingly effective cleaning solutions. Below, we’ve collected a list of some of the most unexpectedly useful cleaners that you might have lying in your bedroom cupboard and kitchen pantry.

1. Use vodka to clean porcelain and chrome

Trust us, vodka is not just for cocktails anymore! If you have a bottle of the notorious spirit gathering dust in your liquor cabinet, it’s time to put it to work in the name of cleanliness, especially since its high alcohol content makes it a powerful disinfectant and convenient cleaning hack.

What to do

• Pour a small amount of vodka on a cloth

• Use it to wipe down porcelain and chrome in your bathroom

• Give the sink, toilet, bathtub and faucets a once-over

• Watch the glossy shine reappear

2. Use Gatorade to clean the toilet

The overpowering smell of chemicals can make cleaning the bathroom harder than it should be. Enter: Gatorade.

This iconic sports drink isn’t just for athletes anymore; it turns out it has some serious cleaning superpowers too. Since the drink contains citric acid, it’s an excellent (while yes we admit, bizarre, alternative) way to clean harsh stains.

What to do

• Instead of bleach, put two cups of Gatorade in the toilet, drenching the interior

• Leave it in the toilet, as you would a traditional cleaning agent, for approximately one hour

• Scrub away with a toilet brush

• Flush to reveal a shining, stain-free interior

3. Get rid of ceiling cobwebs with a yardstick and sock

Trust us, we know how frustrating (and elusive) those pesky webs can be, sitting squarely in hard-to-reach areas of your bathroom. If you don’t own a stepladder or long vacuum, using a sock with a yardstick or broom, will do just fine.

The soft material of a sock is perfect for reaching delicate areas without leaving damages, with its textured surface making it perfect for cobwebs to grab onto. Bonus points for its stretchability, which makes it perfect for tacking on the end of any long-handed tool. Using a sock also minimises post-cleaning clean up, since you can easily throw it into a machine or handwash to make it pristine again.

What to do

• Grab a broom (with an extendable handle, if possible) and wrap a single sock around it

• Secure the sock with a rubber band if necessary

• Gently sweep the area and repeat

4. Clean glass with coffee filters

If you thought coffee filters were only good for brewing a morning pick-me-up, think again! These humble little paper circles have an unexpected talent for more than just a perfect cuppa.

While spritzing some window spray onto a rag or newspaper are popular methods, coffee filters are even better. Why? Because they don’t leave lint or ink behind.

What to do

• Spray your cleaning agent on a coffee filter, the same you would a paper towel

• Wipe the window to your heart’s desire

• Let it dry and enjoy windows with a streak-free shine

The post 4 bizarre household items you can use to clean your bathroom appeared first on Homes To Love.

Although the sought-after home décor line is affordable, we know it can be difficult to personalise items to suit your style. That’s where Kmart hacks come in — the decoration and transformation of goods to create something completely unique.

In fact, hacking Kmart homewares has become so popular, the retail store even released its own DIY range, to help you do it. From adorable cubby house transformations to ingenious storage solutions, we’ve rounded up the most creative Kmart hacks that are bound to get you in mood to DIY.

You’ll thank us later.

wall planter wall sconce hack

WALL PLANTER SCONCE LIGHT

Wall sconces are like jewellery for the wall, but most designs can be quite costly considering they don’t tend to give off a whole heap of light. Insert this $9 wall planter from Kmart with a $9 puck light cleverly concealed within, and you’ve got yourself a stylish wall sconce without wires. This hack is perfect for those who like continually changing their space, or renters!

kmart stone tile sheets

TRAVERTINE TILES

Perhaps one of the most exciting new products to hit the shelves as part of Kmart’s new DIY range was these travertine tile sheets. Available as a pack of four for just $29 (and yes, they’re real travertine) they’ve been used by home-makers for everything and anything from tiling their bathroom floor to coffee tables, bench seats, kitchen island benches and more.

PLANTER BECOMES ART

Sometimes a pot is too pretty to need a plant, and that’s certainly the case for Kmart’s shell planter that @thesweetapplelife has used as a seaside sculpture and paperweight for her magazine collection and sideboard.

STORAGE STYLE

There are endless ways to personalise Kmart’s handy storage jars, like these cursive labelled spice jars by @ourlittlebudgethome.

POT STAND TURNED TABLE

With a bit of ingenuity, @kateschmdt turned this unused Kmart pot plant stand into a stylish and useful side table with the addition of a concrete tray on top.

COFFEE CHIC

If you love your coffee as much as @littlelofaros, why wouldn’t you use Kmart’s plastic drawer dividers to compartmentalise your pods?

PLANT BABY HOME

Rattan trays don’t always belong in the kitchen. @life.of.sunday has utilised the simple home accessory as a plant tray for indoor plot plants to give them a cosy home and upscale the sideboard.

HANDLE HACKS

You would never guess that the handles on this stylish bathroom vanity were once lids, but that’s exactly what @vanillapalmdesigns has done and we love the idea!

BASKET ART

Who says baskets aren’t art? We love @by.afrahh_’s creative idea to use Kmart baskets as wall decor in her bedroom, perfectly tying in with it autumn and natural tones.

BATHROOM RETREAT

This simple timber stool from Kmart turned @lifeof.ashleigh’s bathroom into an idyllic haven as a accessory-holding table for bathtub luxuries.

UPSCALE CUBBY HOUSE

Kmart’s wooden cubby houses fly off the shelves, and from @bloomlette_’s adorable set up, it’s not hard to see why. Complete with flowerboxes and and outdoor bench seat, the additions they included turn this little house into a kid’s gardening dream.

KIDDIE KITCHEN DREAMS

@whitehearthome created this wow-worthy kiddie kitchen was created using all Kmart products and the end result is nothing short of spot on.

STYLISH SIDE TABLES

This chic bedside table made a stylish addition to @_jesssingh’s bedroom décor. The best part? It was created with liquid nails and leftover paint.

The post The best Kmart furniture and homewares hacks on Instagram and beyond appeared first on Homes To Love.

With so many types of carpet available, it can be confusing and overwhelming. We’re here to help! So when it comes to what is right for your rooms, what to look for when buying carpet for you rhouse, and more importantly, what to avoid? Here’s the lowdown…

How do you choose the right carpet?

Before shopping for carpet, know what you need. Some of the carpet manufacturers have online selectors, where a series of lifestyle questions will narrow down your choice. When you visit a showroom, a salesperson should ask questions like:

• What room is it for?
• How large or small is the room?
• How much traffic will there be?
• Will kids (and pets) be playing on the carpet?
• Does the room have lots of natural light? (Abundant natural light will help show the true colour of the chosen carpet.)

What is carpet pile?

The term carpet pile refers to the texture of the carpet, and more specifically, the length and finish of the tufts of yarn. There are a variety of different carpet pile types that will impact how it feels and wears.

Twist carpets have a timeless look and work well for families with pets, as claws are less likely to get caught in the carpet. The yarn is twisted which causes the pile to lie in different directions, giving a more textured appearance.

Hard-wearing, loop pile carpets don’t show footprints as easily as other styles. The carpet pile actually forms a loop – it comes from the backing to its full height, forms a loop and returns to the backing.

Plush carpets are soft underfoot, so best in bedrooms or low-traffic areas. The plush effect is achieved by cutting the loops and then shearing the tips. “Pile reverse shading” is where the colour can differ when it’s walked on or vacuumed.

Contemporary textured carpets are made up of loops and/or cut fibres of varying heights to form the textured style. They include flat weave, level cut loop, cut and loop, and high low loop.

Things to consider when choosing carpet

• Take home a large sample piece of each carpet you’re interested in.
• The colour might look great in store but not so good in situ.
• Get a feel for the texture. Place samples in the rooms you’re planning to carpet and go barefoot.
• Ask if offcuts can be bound to use as doormats or kitchen mats.
• Wanting to carpet a new staircase? Some people find wooden stairs slippery but others trip on carpeted stairs. If you can, find friends with carpeted stairs and do a walking test! Also think about the noise factor of uncarpeted stairs and the ease of cleaning – vacuuming carpet on staircases can be tricky.

Wool vs synthetic carpet

Wool carpet is usually seen as the luxe option. Wool’s natural and sustainable fibres provide insulation benefits and are very easy to maintain. Wool is also strong and fire resistant.

However, a lot of synthetic carpets have improved dramatically – in both look and feel – in recent years and they’re budget friendly. Synthetic carpets are generally more cost-effective and stain resistant compared to wool products, so are perfect for families, pets and high-traffic areas.

Foot feel

To get an idea of how [different types of carpets](http://www.homestolove.com.au/7-tips-for-choosing-a-carpet-for-your-home-3826 |target=”_blank”) feel, ask if you can walk barefoot on samples in the showroom – if you or family members like to loll around on the floor playing games or watching TV, you’ll appreciate a comfortable floor covering. A dense and plush cut pile carpet will feel softer than a loop pile, and wool generally feels nicer than nylon.

Another option is durable sisal carpet, made from the agave plant, which feels firm but not scratchy. Sisal works well in coastal, country and Scandi decorating styles. It looks great in living rooms, hallways and bedrooms but is less suitable for damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as moisture can make the natural fibres shrink or stain.

For a luxe option, pure sisal woven with soft New Zealand wool is available from The Natural Floorcoverings Centres. Or to get the look of sisal with the feel of wool, there’s Carpet Court’s Gaia Wool Far North collection.

TIP

Carpet underlay, either rubber, foam or felt, reduces untimely wear and the risk of your carpet wrinkling or even pulling apart at the seams, while also improving comfort underfoot. Underlay also insulates. Look for varieties with an antimicrobial agent to control bacteria, mould and dust mites, and help prevent odours.

How to choose carpet colour

The days of rigid interior design rules are long gone, but there are a few guidelines. When carpeting a small room, aim for a lighter colour, if practical, so the room doesn’t feel claustrophobic, and go bold on accessories.

A lot of people ask whether your carpet should be lighter or darker than your furniture or walls, and that all depends on the aesthetic you’re going for. Some people like a cohesive, monochromatic look, in which case it’s better to select a colour similar to that of your walls or furniture. Others, like a bold, high-contrast look, so it’s best to choose a light colour with dark furniture and walls, or dark colour with lighter walls and furniture.

Carpet cleaning tips

Once you’ve got your chosen carpet installed, you’ll want to keep it brand-new pristine. Try these handy tips for cleaning and dealing with stains…

• Suitable carpets will benefit from a steam clean every 12-18 months, if possible, and a regular (weekly at least) vacuuming will keep it fresh.
• When deep-cleaning wool, use warm water instead of hot and use water sparingly to preserve the wool. Synthetic carpets can tolerate all cleaning methods from hot water extraction to steam cleaning if following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Most stains should be blotted with a cloth and cold water – to avoid damaging the carpet, don’t rub, and blot into the centre of the spill to help prevent it from spreading.
• Blot red wine spills while still wet, if possible, then apply spotting agent and blot again.
• For stubborn stains, try the heat transfer method. Use a product such as Red Rx (a formula specially developed for removing red wine, ink, food and juice stains), then place a damp, clean white towel over the spot and apply a steam iron for 5-10 seconds maximum. Check the towel for colour transfer and repeat if necessary. Always test this procedure first to avoid any damage – and if you’re not sure, call in a professional cleaner.

Read more on choosing carpet

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Having a creative outlet is also an incredible way to bond with family and friends, or even just decompress from work. Sydney is a particularly exciting place to be to hunt for these kinds of hobby classes for adults, with its thriving artistic life and artisans aplenty.

Spanning pottery, painting and terrariums galore – many of which you can take home as DIY decor – here are our top picks for the best creative workshops in Sydney.

THE BEST CREATIVE WORKSHOPS IN SYDNEY

The Pottery Shed, Surry Hills

At The Pottery Shed, classes are incrementally designed to accompany beginners from throwing their first clay onto the wheel, to painting and glazing their creations. While the work can be messy, the meditative rhythm of the wheel as you watch a ceramic form underneath your fingertips is a feeling like no other.

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Pinot and Picasso, CBD

Fancy a glass of wine with a painting adventure? Pinot and Picasso is a fun paint and sip experience to release your “inner Picasso,” walking out of a session with your masterpiece in hand.

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Resin Art Workshop, Epping

Led by artist Chelsea Teale, this creative workshop is beginner-friendly and teaches you the fundamentals of working with resin, and how to create a colourful, mystical, piece of wall decor to take home with you.

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Merchant & Green, Redfern

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world with this DIY terrarium workshop. You can get creative with your miniature landscape, select the elements that resonate the most with you, and create a handmade, long-lasting – terrariums live up to several years with minimal caretaking – gift for anyone you love.

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Yuga Floral Design, Glebe

Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of arranging flowers, is a practice that makes up one of the three classical arts of Japanese refinement – tracing its origins back thousands of years. Setsuko Yanagisawa, a specialist in the ‘Ikebana’ technique, is the perfect person to guide you through this tranquil and meditative art workshop.

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TUTU Studio, Chinatown

Looking for a new custom spread for your living room? This five-hour DIY workshop allows you to select your own image, and then teaches you how to weave a handmade rug using just a frame, tufting gun and yarn.

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Mrs Tablescape, Double Bay

Make your candlelit dinners that extra bit special, with a customised candle painting workshop at Mrs Tablescape. With all materials provided, all you’ll have to bring to the class is a boundless imagination and an excitement to learn.

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The post The best creative workshops to uncover your inner artist appeared first on Homes To Love.

Anyone that’s slept in linen sheets will understand what all the fuss is about. Breathable and durable, quality linen sheets will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, get softer and cosier with every wash and, if looked after, will last you a lifetime. On top of that, they will make your bedroom look fabulous and linen’s naturally crumpled state means you don’t have to put a lot of effort in to making the bed.

What you do need to put effort into is looking after your linen sheets; washing, drying and storing them correctly to ensure they last the distance. For some guidance, we reached out to Lauren Roe, creative director of Australian linen brand, I Love Linen, to get her tips on how to take care of linen sheets and make them last the distance.

1. Have more than one set of linen sheets

“Linen sheets are a durable bedding option designed for you to use for years,” explains Lauren. “However, just like your favourite clothing items, the more you use your linen bedding, the more the fabric will wear down. So, we suggest having several sets, swapping them over when they are due for a wash (and a bonus soften).”

2. Avoid using fabric softeners on linen

“Fabric softener often leaves a coating on fabrics, reducing breathability and absorbency in the case of linen. Linen is known for its moisture-wicking abilities so dulling this natural talent is counterintuitive,” says Lauren. “On top of this, the coating left by fabric softener can reduce your linen’s lifespan by breaking down the fabric over time. All in all, linen naturally gets softer with every wash, so there’s no reason to potentially damage your fabric’s natural abilities by adding a fabric softener.”

You should also be careful to avoid direct contact with cosmetics or skincare products, as they might stain or leave oily marks that are difficult to remove.

3. Avoid bleaching agents

And this includes wearing face skincare containing bleaching agents to bed! “Due to its natural composition, linen fabric is prone to fading and discolouration because of chemical exposure. Bleaching agents can be the cause of this chemical reaction, including the bleaching agents that can be found in face creams and ointments,” says Lauren. “As with fabric softeners, bleaching agents can weaken linen’s natural strength, breaking down the fabric – so it’s best to keep them well away from yoru fresh linen!”

4. Avoid exposing your linen to sunlight

Should you avoid keeping your blinds closed if it means avoiding direct sunlight hitting your fresh sheets all day? Lauren says yes, you absolutely should. “Sunlight can cause linen fibres to become brittle, weakening the fabric’s overall strength. Also, leaving your linen in the sun can often cause it to turn yellow, sometimes leaving an irreversible discolouration. It’s best to dry your linen in the shade and to avoid prolonged sunlight exposure.”

5. Use a cool, gentle cycle

Turns out, you shouldn’t just chuck linen on a default cycle. “Linen is best cared for by selecting a cold-water gentle cycle on your washing machine and opting for a mild detergent,” explains Lauren. “A cold-water cycle is gentler on your bed linen than a warm water wash, helping to preserve the colour of your fabric and avoid shrinkage.”

To avoid wearing your sheets down with very frequent washing, you can use a linen spray between washes to keep them fresh. In saying that, you should be sure to treat and launder any stains as soon as possible after they occur.

6. Line dry in the shade

“Linen fabric prefers to be dried naturally. It’s best to avoid using a tumble dryer as the heat and motion can create wrinkling in your fabric and may, over time, also weaken the fabric,” Lauren comments. “Of course, there are times when your busy schedule means you have to quickly put your linen fabric in the dryer to get it on a bed that needs use, pronto. If this is the case, use a low heat setting and remove the sheets from the tumble dryer as soon as they are dry, this will help to avoid any set-in wrinkling that could otherwise occur.”

If your linen sheets are white, you can go ahead and dry them in the sun, however if your linen sheets are coloured it’s best to let them dry in a shady spot to avoid bleaching or discolouration. Linen also favours a naturally relaxed, crumpled look, so you shouldn’t need to iron – but if you really want to, be sure to use a very low setting.

7. How to store your linen

You should always neatly fold your linen and store it in a dry, dark cupboard away from sunlight. You can have a bit of fun here and colour code your cupboard once you have built up your collection!

The best linen sheet sets to shop

French flax linen quilt cover set in Jade, from $270, I Love Linen

I Love Linen’s brand new shade, Jade, is wintery perfection. A captivatingly verdant green, this is a deep shade that creates warmth and serenity, despite its cool hue.

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100% French flax linen bedding set in Wildflower, from $250, Bed Threads

This gorgeous shade of sky blue has us picturing fields of flowers in the springtime and deep, sparkling expanses of water glittering from the coastline. Bed Threads linen comes pre-washed, so it’s buttery soft and good to go.

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Piped linen sheet set with pillowcases in White and Navy, from $435, Cultiver

For linen sheets that look and feel like they belong in a hotel, you can’t go past one of Cultiver’s most recent collection additions. Also available in Natural and Forest, and Smoke Grey and Slate, this set will guarantee luxury in the bedroom.

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Eve linen full sheet set in white, from $350, The Iconic

We think every home should contain at least one white linen sheet set: it’s just a staple! Timeless and ready to be paired with any combination of colours and patterns under the sun, white sheets are the ideal building block for a well-styled space.

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French flax linen quilt cover set in Ochre, from $270, I Love Linen

Warm neutrals are one of the most comforting colours to introduce to your bedroom and this rich ochre set from I Love Linen is the perfect autumn addition. Guaranteed to have you feeling cosy!

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100% French flax linen bedding set in Limoncello, from $250, Bed Threads

As if French flax linen wasn’t already buttery enough, Bed Threads have gone and introduced this soft, light yellow tone they’ve dubbed ‘Limoncello’. Reminiscent of lazy afternoons spent in the sun, this shade is instantly uplifting.

SHOP NOW

The post Discover an expert’s secrets to longer-lasting linen sheets appeared first on Homes To Love.

The special couple won’t expect to receive one of these uniquely stylish gifts, but it’s sure to be love at first sight.

2 champagne coupes in clear and multi, $139, Maison Balzac

While champagne glasses might be a bit predictable, these playful coupes are far from it. Plus, a satisfying clink on a Friday evening is surely the best way to remember a wedding, right? SHOP NOW

Miz Casa & Co picnic basket, $189, Hardtofind

With a fully insulated interior and lid that doubles as a cheeseboard, the Miz Casa & Co basket is the perfect third-wheel for a couples’ Saturday afternoon picnic date. Just add wine! SHOP NOW

Hommey robe in Sage, $129, The Iconic

Soft and plush, a good set of bath robes will have the happy couple getting warm and fuzzy feelings about their big day for years to come. If green isn’t their thing, choose from a range of other Hommey colours – including stripes! SHOP NOW

Carry On suitcase in Sky, $325, July

Sized perfectly for checked and not-checked luggage, a stylish and practicel suitcase like this is a great way to ring in a honeymoon. Choose from more than 12 colours, and personalise if you so desire. SHOP NOW

Brass oil burner, $210, Aesop

Functional, sculptural and beautiful, this alternative to a traditional oil burner makes for a stunning addition to any home. SHOP NOW

Business and Pleasure premium beach umbrella in Antique White, $299, Aura Home

A beautiful, big beach umbrella is something many desire but can never bring themselves to fork out the extra cash for. So what better excuse than a wedding? SHOP NOW

Unikko bath towel, $80, Marimekko

Practical, soft and fluffy, a new set of bath towels will always make an excellent gift – especially one this pretty. SHOP NOW

Tomato Famiglia candle set, $70, Nonna’s Grocer

Sure, the happy couple may already have a cupboard full of candles like the rest of us – but chances are, they won’t have this cute and creative little trio. SHOP NOW

HAY Flare Stripe candle holder, $56.80, Finnish Design Shop

Taper candles may be having a moment, but they’re near-well useless if you don’t have a holder. A playful take on tradition, this design sits amongst a number of gorgeous HAY products – so you can pick one, or pick them all. SHOP NOW

Lemon tree in large ecopot, $125, Natures Colours

A fruit tree truly is the gift that keeps on giving, and it doesn’t hurt that with their glossy green leaves and golden-yellow fruit, lemon trees are totally stylish. SHOP NOW

The post 10 unique wedding gifts for the couple that has everything appeared first on Homes To Love.

Making jack-o-lanterns is a tradition that dates back to 19th century Ireland, where hollowed out root vegetables such as turnips and pumpkins were transformed into lanterns to ward of evil spirits. With the celebration of Halloween in continuing to grow in popularity in Australia, carving pumpkin varieties which takes place annually on October 31.

Learn how to make a pumpkin jack-o’-lantern with our step by step guide.

What you will need to make a halloween jack-o-lantern

• Sharp, serrated knife and paring knife

• Melon-baller or spoon

• Chalk

• Battery-operated tea-light candles

• One large carving pumpkin

WHERE TO BUY CARVING PUMPKINS AUSTRALIA

You can either buy carving pumpkins in supermarkets, or grow your own. The Seed Collection sell a number of heirloom pumpkin varieties suitable for Jack-o-lantern carving, including the Jack-o’-lantern (Cucuurbita maxima), Big Max (Cucurbita maxima) and Spookie (Cucurbita pepo).

How to carve a jack-o-lantern pumpkin

• Start by cutting around the stalk, inserting the knife at an oblique angle, to create a removable cap. Ensure the hole is big enough to allow you to reach inside the pumpkin.

• Using a melon-baller or spoon, remove the seeds and flesh from the walls of the pumpkin.

• Decide what sort of face you want to create. The classic jack-o’-lantern has a big, gape-toothed grin and triangular eyes and nose.

• Turn the pumpkin around until you find its ‘face’ – the surface that looks most like a head.

• Use the chalk to draw the features straight onto the pumpkin skin.

The best pumpkin variety to use for a jack-o-lantern

Carving pumpkins are different to your average butternut or Kent variety. The ideal pumpkin for making a Jack-o’-lantern will have a bright orange exterior and a thin layer of skin. This makes it easier to cut into.

The interior of the pumpkin will contain less seeds than other varieties and the flesh itself will be stringy, rather than dense.

• Use the paring knife to cut out small features and the serrated knife to cut out the mouth, being careful to avoid severing any floating features, such as teeth or the centre of an eye.

• Once you’ve finished carving, wipe any visible chalk or flesh from the outside.

• Settle the lantern in its designated spot and place some battery-operated tealight candles inside.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE CARVED OUT PUMPKIN

When hollowing out the pumpkin, keep the filling for later. Most carving pumpkins are great all-rounders and can be used in soups, pie fillings and more. For great recipe ideas, try:

• Chair roasted pumpkin soup with honey walnuts

• Spiced pumpkin pies with honey and nuts

• Slow-cooked pumpkin soup

• Pumpkin and feta muffins

FOR MORE HALLOWEEN DECORATING IDEAS TRY:

• 10 ways to celebrate Halloween at home

• How to make toffee apples for Halloween

The post How to make spooky Halloween Jack-o’-lanterns appeared first on Homes To Love.

Ensuring your spring cleaning routine is eco-friendly should be a priority for us all, not only to protect the environment but our health, too.

Sanden, Australia’s market-leaders in eco-friendly hot water systems, have shared their top tips for a green spring clean which you’ll be pleased to know, will also save you money.

1. Declutter responsibly

One of the most rewarding parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of the clutter!

You know the rule: if you haven’t worn or used it for a year, it’s time to let it go.

Rather than allowing your unwanted clothing or items to go to landfill, consider donating them to charities, selling them online or getting involved with clothes swapping events.

2. Avoid wasting energy

Getting your clothes and household items in perfect shape for spring is the next part of the process. However, the hot water used in making this happen is a big contributor to greenhouse gases and a cost on your energy bill.

Consider green additions to your home this year.

When replacing your household appliances, make sure you double check the energy efficiency of your unit, as some models will perform better on the eco-friendly score than others! For example, the Sanden Eco® Plus Hot Water Heat Pump System uses a natural refrigerant which is ozone friendly and does not contribute to global warming, and could help you save up to 80% on your hot water energy bill.

3. Dry clothes on the washing line

The next step is ensuring your clean items are dry. In spring there is no excuse for a dryer if you have a washing line. This simple step will save you money and have a positive impact on the environment.

4. Use eco-friendly and natural products

Throughout this process, look out for supermarket products that have ‘biodegradable’, or ‘non-toxic’ labels. You can also consider making your own natural cleaners such as white vinegar which is great for cleaning glass, and lemon which polishes stainless steel well.

5. Consider reusable items for cleaning

Instead of using endless amounts of paper towel, buy a bag of washable cloths that you can use again. This means you can clean up mess without more trees being sacrificed.

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DIY & Craft

May 14, 2020

12 home organising and cleaning hacks that will actually come in handy

By Olivia Clarke

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Concentrating your efforts on one wall in your home is a clever way to reinvigorate an area without the disruption and expense of a total upgrade. The best bit? Your feature wall colour can be changed as many times as you like!

If you’re stuck on a colour or theme to use, find inspiration in magazines and check out Pinterest for feature wall ideas – living room, bedroom and every room in between.

“To keep it fun and interesting, you could consider quirky and unique options like painting half the wall, a painted bedhead, or even opt for a striped feature wall,” says Carmen Jordan, British Paints product manager. “Striped feature walls are a fun way to add character to a room and a simple way to have fun with paint.”

Channel the latest seasonal tones with a bright pop of colour or simply freshen up with a crisp neutral to create a calm oasis.

Can a beginner paint a feature wall?

Painting a feature wall is a great way to dip your toe into DIY home improvement so even beginners can bring entire spaces to life. “The best thing about painting a feature wall is it is one wall from corner to corner,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, pointing to the handy step-by-step guides on the Dulux website. “These are great for first-time painters that point out painting application step-by-step in an easy-to-understand format,” says Andrea.

How to choose a feature wall to paint

When choosing which wall to make a feature of, stick to your design objectives. “Choosing a wall with windows or doors won’t have the same level of impact here,” says Carmen. “Instead ensure you position your feature wall behind the centrepiece of your room to ensure it catches your eye the minute you walk into a space. For example, in a bedroom, this would be the wall directly behind the bed, while in a living room you could opt for the wall behind your lounge or television.”

“The most important part of featuring a wall is ensuring you are focusing on the artwork, bedhead, or heirloom furniture piece,” says Andrea. “There’s no point using a feature wall for something in the space that is not a key feature. Keeping it contemporary is really about making sure the colour works in the space with the other furniture and accessories.”

“The wall you should be highlighting is usually the first wall you see as you enter the room, however, it also depends on the room style,” Andrea suggests. “For a theatre room, for example, you really want to highlight the wall behind the screen, especially in a dark colour such as Dulux Domino, as this will make the digital colours really pop.”

How to choose a feature wall colour

Here’s where the fun begins. The best feature wall colour for your space is entirely up to you. “Choose a colour that complements the rest of the room, rather than choosing a bold colour for the sake of it,” says Carmen.

The key is staying true to your own style. “I think often people see a colour in their friend’s home or in a hotel or restaurant and think, ‘That’s the colour I want in my home”, says Andrea, who recommends choosing three or four colours and purchasing sample pots and large swatch samples to see how a colour works with your home’s lighting and furnishings. “This is where you get to see the colour in different lighting conditions and against your sofa and blinds, to ensure it’s the right colour for your wall.”

Work with the tones of the neutral or white paint that surround your feature wall and leave the samples on the wall for 3-4 days to ensure you are seeing the colour on a bright sunny day or a dull overcast day, and also under artificial lighting at night.

STYLE TIP

Follow the 60-30-10 rule to achieve balance within your room:

• Use lighter colours for the larger portion of the room (60%) so it appears more spacious

• Contrast (30%) with a complementary darker colour for your feature wall

• Add some colourful detailing and accents throughout (10%), such as trimmings, soft furnishing and accessories

The secret to a perfectly painted feature wall

Before you paint feature walls in every room in the house, follow our step-by-step guide and hone your skills.

Preparation is key. “Before you start painting, move all your furniture away from the wall, lay a drop sheet to protect your flooring and mask up any skirting boards or electrical switches,” says Carmen. “Next, clean your surface with sugar soap.”

Then it’s time to start painting! “To save time we always recommend an All-in-One paint that combines an undercoat & topcoat in one,” says Carmen. “For the best results, you’ll need to use a paint roller to paint your feature wall.”

Take your time and pay attention to detail. “Ensure your surface is thoroughly clean and in good condition to paint,” says Andrea. “Use a premium product that is washable, such as Dulux Wash & Wear, and select the finish you would like, such as Matt or Low Sheen. In most cases, depending on the colour and if you’re applying enough paint for each coat, the wall should be covered in two coats.”

PRO TIPS

• Buy the best masking tape you can find to help prevent paint bleeding

• Use a clean roller to ensure a smooth paint finish

• Place your feet towards the wall and grip the roller with firm but relaxed hands

• Start at one side of the wall and work towards the other, never starting in the middle (as this can result in an uneven finish)

• Always paint in a ‘W’ pattern for best results

STYLE TIP

Create a striking feature wall with horizontal lines or geometric shapes in different colours. Here’s how:

• Begin by ensuring that the wall is clean, then apply the main colour to the whole surface. Leave to dry completely.

• Once the paint is perfectly dry, arrange your line placement. To achieve a balanced, flowing look you should take furniture, paintings and any fixed features into account. If you’re unsure try attaching strips of paper where you think the stripes should be, add a piece of furniture for perspective and stand back.

• Once you’re confident of your placement, use a wooden dowel and spirit level to draw the lines in place, but you’ll need a partner to ensure the lines are straight and level.

• Apply masking tape to each pencilled line, carefully rolling out a length and smoothing along the line, taking care not to stretch the tape. Repeat for each pencilled line.

• Paint to fill in each stripe with the contrasting colours, then carefully peel away the masking tape. With a small brush tidy up any paint bleeds. Repeat for each stripe.

The post How to paint a feature wall appeared first on Homes To Love.

And it’s not as hard as you might think! Rather than shelling out the big bucks, we’ve done the research to help you on your home renovation journey with a bunch of satisfying one day DIY home projects to inspire a makeover for any room in the house.

Paint your floors

Paint the floors: While it’s not a look for everyone (and it’s difficult to reverse if you change your mind), white floors pack a massive punch. Preparation is key – so don’t skip the sanding and priming.

Pendant feature light

Statement lighting: Even if you’re locked into a pre-existing lighting plan, you can easily change the look and feel of a room with a new pendant light. New lights should always be installed by a qualified electrician, but you can get involved in the assembly and hanging.

Timber feature wall

DIY feature wall: Got an unsightly wall that needs hiding? Cover it with a wall of plywood panels secured in place with a nail gun. You can keep it simple like in the example above, or arrange smaller panels in a more decorative stretcher bond or herringbone pattern – great for timber and flooring leftovers from your DIY renovation. Finish by painting it your favourite shade.

Regrout your splashback tiles

Gorgeous grout: Often we put so much thought into our tiles and don’t give the same consideration to the surrounding grout. But the right shade of grout (think beyond the standard white or beige), can make a real feature of neutral-coloured tiles. Thanks to grout stains and colourants that paint onto your existing grout for an instant refresh.

Faux leather drawer pulls

Refresh your joinery: Give your joinery a modern update without spending a truckload by replacing any tired and outdated door and drawer handles with stylish leather pulls. All you need is some leather strapping and metal studs in your chosen finish, and voilà!

Wooden wall hooks

Wall storage: Round wooden wall hooks provide a stylish spot to hang those miscellaneous, hard-to-store objects like bags, scarves and hats. Grab some sample pots of paint in bright colours from your local hardware or Bunnings and make a feature of them.

Camouflage your TV

Disguise your TV: While we all love a night in front of the tele, when it’s not in use, it can stick out like a sore thumb. Help your TV camouflage into the background by drawing the eye elsewhere – think a textured finish on your walls – or hide it away behind some sliding doors.

Create a gallery wall

Get arty: Gallery walls are a great way to showcase a bunch of smaller artworks. Try to have one common thread that ties them all together – colour, subject matter, frame style – and lay them all on the floor to get the arrangement just so before using paper cut-outs to place them on the wall.

Hang a shelf

Hang a shelf: Make better use of your walls with some classic bracket-style shelving, which can be used in myriad ways. Most shelves come as kits with all the necessary screws, but you’ll also need an electric or battery-powered drill, some wall plugs if you’re securing your shelf to a masonry wall and a spirit level to make sure it’s not wonky. Go one step further and paint your shelves the same colour as your walls for a streamlined look.

Style a vignette

Style up a storm: If you’re just getting started, vignette styling is one of the easiest DIY home projects for beginners. Breathe new life into those empty corners by creating an inviting “nook”. Cover the walls with a roll or two of wallpaper in a fun print, add an eye-catching artwork in an inexpensive frame, then create a vignette of items atop a hall table or bar cart.

DIY bedhead

DIY bedhead: If you’re handy with a hammer and nails and looking for a one day DIY home project, you’ll make short work of this timber bedhead. Measure twice, then have the timber cut to size by your hardware store to save time. Not handy? Use a rustic old door left natural or whitewashed.

Bathroom one day DIY home projects

Bathroom refresh: It’s one of the first rooms in the home to start showing wear and tear, but it’s also one of the most expensive to renovate. So in between renos, why not give your bathroom a quick update with just a few simple changes – think new tapware, towel rails, drawer handles, door knobs, mirrors, hooks or a flashy new shower curtain. Most, if not all, of these ideas can be ticked off in a day and make great DIY home projects for beginners.

Leaning artwork against a wall

Simple styling: For an alternative and effective way to display artworks, simply lean them against the wall. A great solution for renters or in the absence of picture rails – particularly where you have timber-lined walls, it’s cool, it’s casual and you can change it up as often as the mood strikes. Cluster pictures of different heights, using the floor or any raised, flat surface as your base.

Paint your front door

Paint a door: Breathe new life into your home by repainting the doors. A brightly coloured door makes a lovely feature and can be completed in a weekend, making it the OG of DIY home decor ideas. Start by choosing a water-based gloss or semi-gloss paint (for durability and easy-cleaning) in the colour of your choice. Paint your door in its frame or lay it on a flat surface, remembering to remove any hardware like knobs and hinges.

The post 14 fun DIY home decor ideas to try appeared first on Homes To Love.

So it’s no surprise that glamping style accommodation is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking an ‘outdoorsy’ holiday or romantic getaway without the fuss.

If you’re looking for a unique accommodation option for your next getaway, look no further than these glamping stays that let you enjoy everything you love about camping and avoid everything you don’t.

1. Happy Glamper, Mornington Peninsula VIC

Happy Glamper is a mobile glamping service located on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula that allows you to choose your own destination as long as it’s within their service range.

You can choose from bell tents of varying sizes or a vintage airstream caravan if you prefer. All you need to do is pick your spot and they will take care of the assembly, styling, and pack down. Tents start from $300 for one night for two people. Visit happyglamper.com.au

2. Soul Camping, Dunsbourough WA

Soul Camping is based in Dunsborough, a coastal town in Western Australia located 3 hours south of Perth. This luxe-camping service offers recommended fixed locations around the region and also caters to private properties, backyards, or other camp locations around the popular Margret River region. Prices start from $215 a night for up to three people with a charge of $75 a night for an extra person. Visit soulcamping.com.au

3. Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay NSW

Nestled in the national park in Jervis Bay, NSW, Paperbark Camp allows you to immerse yourself in nature from the comfort of one of their luxurious, African-inspired safari tents. With gourmet picnic hampers, luxury toiletries, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary bikes and canoes, all you need to do is pack your swimmers, towel, and a good book! Visit paperbarkcamp.com.au

4. Longitude 131, Uluru NT

Longitude 131’s luxury tents offer five-star hotel amenities with a camping vibe, right in the heart of Australia. This unique accommodation experience with “unparalleled views of Uluru, quite literally at the end of the bed”, allows you to explore this sacred part of our country and come home to relax in luxury.

Complete with your own rainshower, in-suite bar, wireless internet, and housekeeping service this “basecamp among ochre dunes” takes glamping to another level. Prices start from $2100 per person per night. Visit longitude131.com.au

5. Pitch Luxury Camping, Noosa QLD

From Noosa to Byron Bay, Pitch Luxury Camping delivers luxury camping to the half of the Queensland coast. Prices start at $250 per night which includes a five-meter bell tent set up with a bed, furnishings, linen, towels, and lighting. Gourmet hampers, private chef services, yoga classes and adventure guides are available on request. Visit pitchluxurycamping.com

6. Coolendel Glamping, NSW South Coast

A classic bush camping experience but without the baggage! Experience the Coolendel Nature Reserve situated on the Shoalhaven River from the comfort of one of their spacious glamping tents. They provide everything you need for a comfortable stay, including linen, towels, lanterns, and cooking facilities. All you need to bring is your food (and wine). There’s also an onsite communal lounge area where you can meet your neighbours – perfect for the social butterflies! Prices start at $200 a night per couple (off-peak). Visit coolendel.camp

7. Myall River Camp, NSW

Soak up the serenity and immerse yourself in nature at this one-of-a-kind campground on the NSW mid-north coast, less than a three-hour drive from Sydney. Choose from three custom-built glamping tents named after the local wildlife – Koala, Kookaburra, or Pelican – all unique in their design, featuring furniture and joinery made from reclaimed timber, vintage decor, and local art.

These glamping tents may be off-grid but there’s no compromise on amenities here. Fitted out with private ensuites, four-poster beds, full kitchen facilities, fireplaces, and outdoor BBQs, you’ll feel right at home but incredibly close to nature at Myall River Camp. Their tiny homes are worth checking out too! Visit myallrivercamp.com.au

The post The best glamping spots around Australia appeared first on Homes To Love.

Why? Household chemical products can become serious hazards; they can leak, explode or produce a deadly gas. They also pose a threat to the environment if they infiltrate groundwater or soil. Of course, household chemicals and paints are very dangerous if ingested, for example by kids. You don’t want little hands getting on those often fun-looking tins of paint.

Not to worry! There are safe and easy ways to dispose of old containers of paint.

Don’t buy so much paint

The easiest way to cut down on paint waste is to only buy what you need. If you’re DIY painting, use the Bunnings Paint Calculator. If you’re enlisting professional painters, ask them how they determine the amount of paint they need and what they do with any waste.

For small jobs, buy paint in smaller 1-litre tins. That way you can be more accurate when you order the paint and can also return any unopened tins to the supplier.

Instead of using paint sample (or, tester) pots, which invariably get tossed under the stairs when you’ve painted a small patch of wall, use large peel-and-stick paint swatches. The Big Paint Sample makes sticky swatches as big as 151cm x 60cm, using a range of colours from brands such as Dulux, Taubmans, Haymes, Resene, Colorbond and Accent.

Take your old paint tins to a community collection point

The safest and most convenient way of dealing with old or hazardous chemicals is to dispose of them at special drop-off events that are free and organised by local governments. In one year in New South Wales alone, people dropped off enough paint at Community Recycling Centres to coat the Sydney Harbour Bridge more than 61 times, according to the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

For more information and to find a drop-off centre near you, visit the EPA website in your state or territory or contact your local Council.

Resene stores will also take back unwanted paint tins for responsible disposal.

Yes, your old household paint can be recycled

Paintback is an Australian not-for-profit that diverts household paint and containers away from landfill and waterways, supported by the top paint brands that supply 90% of the country’s household paint. In one year, 8 million kilograms of old paint and paint packaging was rescued and reused.

This is how it works. You drop off unwanted paint tins to one of the 155 Paintback collection points around Australia; from there it’s taken to a treatment facility. The paint is separated from the containers, which are recycled. The unwanted paint is then converted into a fuel source to be used as an alternative to coal. Or, its water is extracted and used by other industries, which reduces the need to use mains water. Neat!

Never pour house paint down the sink or stormwater drain. You can treat water-based paints with a product such Dulux ENVIROSOLUTIONS® Waste Paint Hardener, which turns paint into solid mass that can be thrown out with everyday rubbish.

Oil-based house paint can be disposed of by pouring leftover paint onto an absorbent material such as kitty litter, cardboard or shredded paper. Allow the paint to dry, then chuck it out. Once empty, tins can be thrown into your household recycling bin.

The post How to dispose of leftover paint tins appeared first on Homes To Love.

The best white paint for interior walls

The best white paint for walls will depend on how your use the space. For a bedroom, look at more relaxing, calming tones – in whites, this usually leans towards slightly creamier or natural hues. A pure, bright white may be too vivid and contrasting for a bedroom, but perfect for the kitchen where you want a more vibrant look.

How to choose a white paint for your home

Visit a paint store, grab the small sample chips for white wall paint and look at them while moving around to see them in different lights. Place them next to each other – you’ll notice the one you liked, when against the others, all of a sudden appears quite green or blue.

Colour is affected by its surroundings, so placing the sample chips against each other shows you more of their base colour. Narrow down your white paints to four or five that you think can work.

How to test white paint on your walls

Use sample pots for each white paint on your shortlist. Paint small circles, about 8cm wide and close to each other but not touching, of each white sample on at least two walls of the room (one near the window). Write on paper which colour is which so you don’t mix them up!

Check how they look in morning and afternoon light, and also place a few items against them, such as bedding, artwork or curtains. This should assist you in narrowing down the options to get your right white.

TOP TIPS

• Brighter whites tend to have a blue base – cool, crisp and bold. Perfect for a contemporary home or higher contrast.

• Natural or off-whites usually have bases of yellow or grey. They tend to be more relaxing and inviting, creating a warmer feeling.

• You can use a satin finish for walls, and use the same colour in gloss for the timber work and trims. The gloss will bounce light and look brighter than the walls, but the base will be the same.

• If you have lots of blues in your décor, it will pull the blue base out of the colour, so go for warm white to offset this. The opposite goes for natural toned accessories: offset this with a cool white.

The post How to paint white walls appeared first on Homes To Love.

Since that’s not possible (OK, maybe possible in sci-fi movies), the message is pretty clear: everyone needs to rein in their impact on the environment.

The best place to start is at home. There are heaps of easy ways to reduce your ecological footprint, which will benefit both the planet and your hip pocket. Bonus.

1. Install energy-saving lightbulbs (and switch off lights)

Replacing your light globes with LEDs could significantly reduce your household lighting costs and your eco footprint. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are the most energy efficient because they produce the most light with the least electricity. Remember to switch off all lights when they’re not in use, as well – practising this good habit daily will pay dividends (teach children to do the same).

2. Buy energy-efficient appliances (and don’t leave them on standby)

Shop for new appliances and help save the world (no, really). Home appliances use, on average, one-quarter of all household energy. When purchasing energy-guzzlers such as refrigerators, clothes dryers and air conditioners, look for maximum stars on the energy rating label.

But don’t compare the star rating on new appliances with that of your existing ones; for most appliances, the rating scale has been recalibrated over time in line with changes in technology and performance. Check the annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is also on the label, to be sure.

3. Seal off areas of the house you’re heating or cooling

Heating and cooling accounts for about 40% of household energy use in Australia. You don’t need to go without it, but there are simple things you can do to reduce your environmental impact.

It’s inefficient trying to cool or heat unoccupied spaces, so shut the doors to empty rooms. (Consider having less open-plan space for this reason if you’re building a new eco-friendly home.) And set your thermostat correctly: for every degree of extra heating in winter or cooling in summer you tap in to the control panel, your energy consumption increases by around 5% to 10%.

4. Take shorter showers (and install an efficient showerhead)

Halving your shower from eight minutes to four minutes can save about 36 litres of water every day, and save 350 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. If everyone in Australia did this, it could reduce the country’s household emissions by around 8%.

You can also replace dodgy inefficient showerheads with a WELS 4-star rated showerhead to cut your water use in half. WELS (water efficiency labelling and standards) is the rating scheme applied to household products that use a lot of water; when you’re buying things like dishwashers, washing machines, toilets and taps looks for products with the most stars.

It sounds bloody obvious, but turn off taps, as well. Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing veggies.

5. Plant more native or deciduous trees

Trees and gardens literally keep Earth – and your home – cool. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to combat climate change, and they provide shade which helps nix the need for air conditioning.

Opt for deciduous trees where possible. Because their leaves fall off in autumn, the sun helps to warm your home in winter. Native plant species are also good; they’re more likely to thrive in the Australian landscape and can provide a habitat for native animals.

6. Make your own compost

Turn your own garden and food waste into an organic fertiliser that your plants will love. It’s also a great way to recycle food waste: up to half the waste thrown out by Australian households is compostable material.

There are basically two types of compostable materials: green and brown. Green includes fruit and vegetables, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, grass and other plant matter, old flowers and weeds. Brown includes straw, paper, cardboard, dry leaves, woody prunings and untreated sawdust.

While it’s different to compost, mulch will help prevent evaporation from the soil, keeping your plants’ thirst quenched during the warmer days. This should reduce the need for the old’ water-guzzling sprinkler.

7. Buy eco-friendly or recycled homewares

Thankfully, the sustainable homewares market has grown enormously in the last few years and you can get designer, handmade and beautifully crafted pieces at affordable prices.

Look for items made from recycled materials, such as plastic collected from the ocean, those made by artisans in developing countries for a fair wage, and timber products sourced from sustainable forests. Even small tweaks such as switching to toilet paper made with recycled paper will make a difference.

Also consider buying quality, timeless homewares and furniture that are made to last – or preloved pieces – rather than trendy products that might wind up in landfill quicker than you can say ‘ecological footprint’.

The post 7 tips to reduce your ecological footprint at home appeared first on Homes To Love.

Create this gorgeous handmade Mother’s Day bouquet as a gift or a centrepiece for brunch.

Forage for flowers and foliage

Take a look around your backyard, or head out into the neighbourhood. It’s the perfect time of year for beautiful autumn foliage and flowers. Try to find trees with lots of beautiful movement – it’s a lot harder to work with foliage that is straight up and down. Beautiful curves help to create gorgeous and wild shapes in your posy.

Find Mum’s favourite flowers

Once you’ve scoured your own garden, head to the markets to fill up your posy with all the pretty flowers. We recommend tulips (for some great shape), stocks (for height), garden roses (because it’s Mothers Day!) and lissianthus. From there, look for things like privet berries, rosehip, andromeda – all that textural goodness.

Strip leaves and thorns

Strip down all the leaves and thorns from your flowers. The basic rule is anything below the water line gets removed. This keeps your flowers fresh for longer, and makes it a lot easier to work with in the following steps.

Start shaping your posy

Begin with your greenery to create your base shape. Keep spinning the bunch around in your hand, holding with your left and adding new stems with your right. Next add in your biggest flowers, the ones you want to be front and centre.

Add in flowers and foliage

Take a step back, admire, look at it from different angles, and fill that baby up. You want to create lots of height and width – don’t be shy!

Add twigs and berries

Add some some twigs and berries from your garden. They break up all the green and flowers and add another textural element.

Wrap with twine and trim the stems

Wrap with natural twine to finish and trim the stems to a uniform length.

See more Mother's Day gift ideas

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How to celebrate Mother’s Day with just a click of a button

8 Mother’s Day gift ideas for mums who love to garden

12 practical Mother’s Day gifts that your mum will love (and actually use)

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Whether you’re planning a brunch or a long Sunday lunch, celebrate your Easter feast in style with a little inspiration from these table settings that look good enough to eat!

1. Festive fare

If you really feel like getting in the spirit, adorn your table with Easter-inspired decorations to set the tone. Think egg cups, Easter daisies, bunny rabbits and eggs (edible or decorative) to create a bit of holiday magic! Follow up with an Easter egg hunt in the garden.

2. Floral Frenzy

You needn’t stick to Easter daisies when decorating with flowers this Easter. A stunning floral centrepiece is the perfect way to make a statement with your table setting! Have a look what is in season, choose your colour palette – bright, soft or neutral – and go for it!

Stick to groups of greenery for a fresh and simple display or create a floral frenzy with petals flung far across your table, it’s up to you.

3. Vintage chic

This charming look owes its effortless style to timeworn treasures, layers of colour and texture and the beauty of fresh blooms. Got some vintage glassware or dinnerware laying around? Perfect! The beauty of vintage style decorating is nothing has to match, so play around and see what works.

A neutral colour palette with hints of timber keep this look clean and chic but feel free to play around with colour and pattern to create your own style.

4. Minimal magic

The food takes centre stage in this minimalist-style display. A quality linen tablecloth, earthy ceramics, plenty of natural light and a fresh cup of tea is all you need to recreate this effortless and relaxed look. Perfect for an early morning breakfast before the festivities being!

5. Coastal chill

If you’re celebrating by the beach, draw inspiration from your surroundings when styling your table. Use fruit instead of flowers to create and island-inspired (and edible!) display.

Layer natural textures like linen, raffia, seagrass and timber and finish with some metallic accents, like cutlery or candle holders, for a luxe touch. White dinner ware or handcrafted ceramics and simple glassware work best with this understated look.

6. Pastel Perfection

This on-trend look calls for soft, muted tones like dusty pink, warm greys and baby blues. Mix and match these colours to create a playful setting perfect for night or day. Don’t forget linen napkins, ceramic vessels and metallic cutlery to finish of the look. Oh, and a good bottle of rosè, of course!

The post 6 Instagram-worthy table settings for Easter appeared first on Homes To Love.

While a quick wash should help restore your frock back to normal, if you don’t take care of the dampness in your closet then you can expect this to keep happening.

Follow these simple tips to prevent dampness in your wardrobe and stop mould and mildew in its tracks.

1. Make sure your clothes are completely dry before you hang them up in your wardrobe

Storing damp clothes in a dark and enclosed space is a recipe for mould. When it’s wet and humid, drying clothes properly can seem like an impossible task. It’s also hard to tell if something is completely dry when there is so much moisture in the air that everything feels damp touch. In this case, a clothes dryer is essential for getting every ounce of water out of your garments before you store them away in your wardrobe.

2. Don’t over-stuff your wardrobe

In order to keep the contents of your wardrobe fresh and dry, you need enough room between items to allow air to flow. A seasonal wardrobe is a smart way to make space and give your clothes the breathing room they need. This involves storing away your winter woolies in summer and vice versa, only keeping out clothing items you’re likely to wear at that time of year. Use airtight vacuum storage bags to store away the clothes you won’t be wearing and make sure they are clean and dry before storing them.

3. Wash any clothes as soon as they show signs of mould

If mould has appeared on any clothing items or shoes, make sure you remove them from your wardrobe and wash them immediately. To get rid of the musty smell, add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or for a floral scent or make your own linen spray.

4. Regularly air out your closet

Regularly air out your closet by opening the wardrobe doors (if you have them), opening the windows in your bedroom and turning on the fans (if you have them). Take everything out of your wardrobe and wash anything that smells musty or seems damp. Clean and dry your shelves thoroughly before re-organising your wardrobe.

5. Use products to prevent dampness

If your wardrobe is prone to dampness despite diligently doing all of the above, you can use products like DampRid or a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture f om the air. If persistent dampness is a problem, you should also check for signs of water damage in the home as you may have a leak in the roof or a rising damp issue.

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It’s easy to become stressed by the sight of clutter, which has a tendency to not only crowd out the home, but the mind as well.

In our busy modern lives, the stuff we accrue can easily get away from us, but there is no point in feeling guilty about it. Instead, channel that energy into following some simple guidelines that will reorganise your home and keep it that way.

1. Do an audit of your possessions.

Pick up each item and consider how you would feel if it was lost, stolen or damaged? If you would be affected, then ensure it’s covered by homes and contents insurance. If it’s something you wouldn’t miss, then definitely consider giving it away or throwing it out.

2. Box it

If you are a hoarder at heart and hate getting rid of stuff, put it in a box instead. Keep this box near the front door and if after six months you haven’t touched anything contained within, it’s probably time to donate it to a charity.

3. Everything has its place

Make a ‘home’ for all your possessions. Keep in mind a suitable home is not the dark depths of an old cupboard; it’s a well-ordered and easy-to-reach place.

4. Put things back where they belong

Get in the habit of returning things to their said home. People find this hardest at the end of the day, so make sure there are dedicated spots for shoes, bags and keys right by the front door.

5. Invest in stylish storage

If you want to be more organised at home there is no point cutting corners. Invest in some good-quality and stylish storage options that not only keeps things in order, but also hold their own as a beautiful object in your home.

6. Finish the cycle

When you finish handling an item, make sure it’s gone full circle. For example, if you are sitting on the sofa drinking coffee you might be tempted to leave the dirty cup on the coffee table and deal with it later. ‘Finish the cycle’ by getting up and putting the cup in the dishwasher.

7. Stack in rows, not piles

Rather than piling items on top of one another, always stack in rows so each item sits next to the other. That way you can pull out one item without disrupting the others. This is a fool proof technique for ensuring your house stays neat and tidy.

8. Fold it

Learn some neat little shortcuts for folding unruly items such as fitted sheets and be amazed by how much extra space you gain in the linen cupboard.

9. Label everything

You can’t lose track of stuff if it has a label. Snazzy it up by painting drawers and boxes in chalkboard paint so you can easily label the contents. You can even take Polaroid snaps of the contents and stick it to the outside of the box (perfect for shoes!).

10. Digitise!

Take advantage of modern technology and try to digitalise things like manuals, forms, letters and bills. Once you have a digital copy, you can recycle the original.

The post The 10 commandments of an organised home appeared first on Homes To Love.

It’s also the first room our friends and family see when they come to visit, so who doesn’t want to create a good first impression? The challenge is keeping it practical without using it as a dumping zone.

Here, interior designer James Treble shares his top tips for creating an inviting and stylish home entrance.

how to transform your home’s entrance…

• Choose furniture and rugs that are heard-wearing, as your home’s entrance is going to see a lot of coming and going

• Even if your home’s entryway is small you can still style it. A very narrow console, a striking piece of artwork and a vase should do it!

• If you have a large enough surface on a console, create a vignette on a tray. This doubles as a safe place to keep your keys.

• Look for great wall hooks – they can be all you need to add instant personality and style.

• Direct your guests through the house by using a hall runner.

• To encourage people to take their shoes off at the door, make sure you have a bench seat and a space to store footwear.

• Try not to clutter your hallway. Keep it simple and choose the right-sized pieces of furniture for the space you have.

So, what does this look like in practice? Here are six stylish entryways that get it right…

1. COASTAL HOLIDAY HOME

Did we just arrive at our island getaway? The upmarket resort feel starts with tropical plants in woven baskets by the front door.

Inside, a textural round dining table takes centre stage with bold strelitzia leaves grouped in a large vase above a vignette of collected coastal treasures. A surfboard doesn’t look out of place here and is handy for escaping to the nearby beach.

2. HOUSE OF FUN

Quirky and inviting, this entry immediately says “welcome to our fun family home.” Architect-designed in the 1960s and renovated for modern living, the timber-lined ceiling draws you inside the home, right through to the reading nook at the rear.

Along the way, vibrant colours in the artwork are picked up in the cushion and playful green stool. The exposed brick pillars have curved edges, which are at once a nod to the home’s heritage and bang on trend today.

3. CALM MINIMALISM

The absence of artwork or furniture along the length of this entrance hall allows the original architecture to express itself uninterrupted. A sculptural chair at the end of the hallway and sheer curtaining in the bedroom beyond establish a calm atmosphere, simply achieved with cool white walls.

Look for a hard-wearing rug to ground the space. Here, a custom rug is effortlessly stylish – directing traffic and inviting exploration.

4. VIBRANT AND BOLD

Art is the hero here, creating a sense of arrival and excitement above a handsome console displaying collected objects.

Bright colours, materials and textures all pop gallery-like against the white backdrop, while light floorboards and steel-framed walls keep sightlines clear.

5. PASTEL TONES

With hints of The Great Gatsby, the fresh mix of pastel tones in this hallway is grand, yet softly spoken.

The statement pieces of bleached coral ground a low vignette of flowers and are a nod to the nearby coast, while blush terrazzo-look tiles – laid in a classic chequerboard style – echo the grandeur of the arched entrance and set the scene for more pastel tones throughout the home.

6. PERSONALITY PLUS

Style your entrance so it tells your story – this one is all about a love of “Caribbean Colonial” style homes and it oozes the Bahamas or Florida Keys architecture. The energy is catchy and engaging, so I’m sure that whoever visits will pick up the vibe themselves.

Hallway consoles now come in all shapes, sizes and materials. They are great for any sized space to create a one-stop spot for styling and storing, while oversized potted plants are never a bad idea – no matter how small your entrance hall is!

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From cleaning your cutlery the best way to storing your cutlery set properly, these simple everyday tasks will help to prevent scratches, water spots, rust and tarnishing and help you keep your favourite cutlery set in top condition.

1. Give them room

Stainless steel is dishwasher-safe, but allow plenty of space between items to avoid movement during the cycle and prevent scratches.

2. Get them dry ASAP

Watch your washing habits to make your stainless steel cutlery last. Prolonged storage in a damp dishwasher can cause rust, so remove and hand-dry after the cycle is finished. The same goes for handwashing – make sure you dry your cutlery with a tea towel rather than leave it to air-dry.

3. Use polish and white vinegar

A mild abrasive or metal polish will remove marks and stains from stainless steel. For water stains, rub in alcohol or salad oil. To maintain the shine, use a sponge with white vinegar. Cleaning and polishing silver cutlery can take a bit more time and elbow grease, but the results are well worth it.

4. Give your silver the silver treatment

Silver-plated and sterling-silver cutlery is best washed and dried by hand. It should be stored in a cutlery box or roll to reduce oxidisation, which causes silver to tarnish. If tarnish appears, remove with a quality silver cleaner or try this effective silver cleaning method >.

5. Storage matters

If you want your cutlery to keep its shine for longer, store stainless-steel cutlery in its original canteen to prevent pieces rubbing together and scratching. of course, storing in a cutlery drawer is fine but will reduce the lifespan.

The post The 5 rules of cutlery set care appeared first on Homes To Love.

Whether you’re looking to change your career path or simply want to broaden your knowledge base, one of these interior design courses could be your first step in the right direction.

1. Interior Design For Profit

Interior Design For Profit is an interactive online course by reno queen [Cherie Barber](http://www.homestolove.com.au/cherie-barber-advice-on-renovating-for-profit-2709 |target=”_blank”) and interior designer [James Treble](http://www.homestolove.com.au/james-trebles-top-three-trend-predictions-for-2017-2825 |target=”_blank”), featuring insider tips for owners, investors and professionals. renovatingforprofit.com.au

2. Design School

Design School was founded by interior designer and The Block alumni Jenna Densten. With access to experienced and creative industry experts, there are a range of interior decoration courses, workshops and masterclasses available. thedesignschool.co

3. Coco Republic Design School

Coco Republic Design School is staffed by industry insiders and offers courses that are nationally accredited towards further diploma and degree courses. Students can also take one-day masterclass workshops covering Instagram content, drawing and illustration. cocorepublic.com.au

4. The Interior Design Institute

The Interior Design Institute offers nationally accredited courses, delivered online, that promise one-on-one correspondence with tutors and 24/7 student support. And for those that sign up now, there is an added master series with renowned designer and judge on The Block, Darren Palmer. theinteriordesigninstitute.edu.au

5. The Hosting Masterclass

The Hosting Masterclass was started by Sarah Andrews, author of Principles of Style, and is today recognised around the world as the gold standard in Airbnb or short stay hosting. Available online or in face-to-face classes, the course covers everything from styling your home, to marketing it, and hosting guests. thehostingmasterclass.com/

6. International School of Colour + Design

International School of Colour+Design offers short introductory courses and industry-driven training to suit your personal and professional goals. Students can choose to work online or attend classes on campus in Sydney or Melbourne. iscd.edu.au/

7. The Interior Design Academy

The Interior Design Academy is an international training company with students enrolled in 80 countries. It runs a specialised Australia/New Zealand online Diploma of Professional Interior Design. theinteriordesignacademy.com

8. Interior Design Online

Interior Design Online, the sister school to leading educational institute Sydney Design School, offers accredited courses via online tutorials. Choose a high quality, personal education that you can study anywhere, anytime. interiordesignonline.edu.au

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