Working with Dulux Australia meant that we had the opportunity to change our space with colour. The interior brick was quite dark for us and because we live somewhere rainy a lot of the year did nothing to keep the space bright and inviting. We decided white was the way and chose Dulux Natural White Wash and Wear and made sure to use the kitchen and bathroom version for the kitchen area. For an undercoat and prep we used the Dulux One Step Primer, Sealer and Undercoat. Interior brick tends to soak up paint so the primer allowed us to use a single coat to complete the space. The walls were first washed with sugar soap and a heavy duty scrub brush. Then a coat of primer was rolled on. Finally, a coat of Natural White. It is a soft and warm white which keeps the space bright but peaceful.
The master bedroom is painted in White on White which is a cool white with blue undertones. Crisp and clean. Poppy's room is painted in Whisper White and Piper's is Natural White like the lounge/dining/kitchen. White paint is amazing, so much choice and so many options for change.
While the painting was happening we had a serious look at the furniture throughout our home. There was a bulky modular leather sofa that ate up a good portion of the living area, a cluttered ikea box shelf, and some other bits and pieces that did nothing to make the space flow. So, we uploaded it all onto a buy and sell site and used the profits to buy a new sofa, coffee tables, desk, rug and an amazing sideboard and side unit from Gumtree for a steal. We carefully simplified every room and closet, clearing the clutter. The emotional goodness of not holding onto "stuff" has been unbelievable. We now move a thing out for every thing that comes in. Our home is a work in progress, but we have been following the advice of not keeping something that isn't beautiful, meaningful or useful. It is a simple rule that works.
We had a collection of artwork and baskets from an Aboriginal community we were very blessed to live in for three years, many gifts through the friendships we made there. Australia is my children's home, it is my beloved's country and my adopted one. This inspired many of the decorating choices. Plants everywhere make a space feel more like home. The energy they have brought our home is amazing. We have made simple choices of pieces we love to adorn our walls and shelves. Most of the artworks and prints listed below are very affordable and will change any space.
Plenty of fresh wattle and giant proteas (not native but they LOVE growing in this place) are cut weekly to freshen the space. Our beautiful bone china cockatoo lamp from Have You Met Miss Jones takes pride of place on our dining sideboard alongside a vintage milk jug from a local farm and a banksia seed pod filled with eucalyptus oil.
Our Flower Mat on the dining table is from the incredible Bonnie and Neil and is Queensland Yellow (the state where we first met and fell in love) hand screen printed design on Tasmanian oak.
The artworks in the dining area are painted by some very special people we have known but similar can be bought through Martu Mili Artists group.
In the lounge room, the giant artwork is from Printism. They are focused on people being able to buy 'real art' for the price of a print. Their Giclée prints are of incredible quality. We chose the Abstract Art print Spore by Rossella Picciani. Her artworks show the complex relationships between humans, plants, animals and the earth. It has taken the focal point from our TV and created a space that flows. The huge stretched canvas looks like a textured painting. Breathtaking.
On the black chair is the lovely Dark Denim Cushion Cover from Yellow Front Door. The shop is packed with statement cushions and decor for inside and outside the home. This cover is durable and colourful and makes a splash of colour.
Over my desk is an amazing print by the very talented Greg from Burbia: Suburban Prints and Design. He is an amazing designer and artist creating inspiring and unique designs that are affordable and showcase Australian places that are lived in and loved. The number print we chose is 33, both the nickname for the community where we lived in the desert and the number of this home, our first together. I am coveting this print too.
Books and favourite magazines line the book shelves and a few vintage cameras (I do love to take photos) are spotted throughout the space. It is so important that your home holds things you care for.
Our bedroom had been neglected for a long time and was needing a fresh face. After speaking to Janette from WallStudio the choice of canvas for our home was a simple one. The Flower Bomb is full of movement and rich vibrant colour and pops off of the wall.
Our bed is lined with cushions from DG37 who stock the most amazing choice of bedding and throws and cushions, oh my! Affordable and high quality, they can make a space new again.
Paint throughout our home: Dulux
Canvas Wall Print: Spore: Printism
Cockatoo Bone China Lamp: Have You Met Miss Jones
Queensland Yellow Flower Mat: Bonnie & Neil
33 Number Print: Burbia
Ceramic Cross: Ahoy Trader
Dark Denim Cushion Cover: Yellow Front Door
Aboriginal Artworks: Martu Mili
Dream Catcher: Beci Orpin
Sofa, coffee tables, desk, silver lamp: Freedom
Flower Bomb Canvas: WallStudio
Throw Cushions: DG37
Kantha Throw: Empire Homewares
Piper's Room
Wall Circle: Pony Rider
Velvet Cushions on bed: Adairs
Wall Shelves: Cotton On Kids
It was always you print: Ashley Goldberg
Poppy's Room
Large Pouffe: Pony Rider
Man on the Moon Print: My Messy Room
Birth Print: PrintSpace
Thanks to so many amazing participants in this makeover. It truly just takes some creativity and love to make a space beautiful and we are so happy in our little home. Operation make this house a home is working indeed. Check out the before room here for an idea of how much change we made through a little elbow grease and some clever and budget friendly choices.
♡ ashley
