Home & Lifestyle Tips: Design, Decor & Living Ideas

Home and Lifestyle

Summer Interior Design Trends 2026

Summer is heating up, and so are our interiors. This season is all about creating spaces that feel effortless, inviting and full of personality. Whether you’re refreshing one room or giving your whole home a mini makeover, 2025’s trends bring together warmth, texture and soft, organic shapes. Think natural materials, sun-washed colours and lighting that feels as gentle as a summer evening. Here’s what’s making waves this season. Californian bungalow While the classic Hamptons palette will always have a place, this summer we’re seeing a shift toward the more relaxed charm of the Californian bungalow. It’s coastal, yes, but with extra warmth and playfulness. Blue and white are no longer the only go-to tones. Instead, think sandy neutrals layered with pops of mustard, peach and coral. Bouclé, linen and rattan add soft texture, while indoor greenery and woven accessories help ground the look. The result is a beach-inspired sanctuary that feels bright, lived-in and effortlessly summery, ideal for long lunches or slow weekend afternoons. Curvaceous design Curves are back in a big way, and this time, they’re sticking around. Rounded sofas, soft silhouettes and sculptural edges bring a modern interpretation of the 70s into contemporary spaces. From arched doorways and oval mirrors to curved cabinetry handles, these shapes create flow and calm throughout the home. The trick is to keep balance: pair curvy pieces with simple, minimal backdrops so the space feels soothing rather than crowded. These soft lines make rooms feel more welcoming while still looking polished and current. Mediterranean stoneware Nothing captures summer quite like the Mediterranean: warm terracotta, rustic stone and sun-kissed textures. Bring those holiday vibes into your home with natural materials like travertine, terrazzo and unfinished pottery. A handcrafted terracotta pot or a heavy stone bowl can add instant earthy charm. For a bolder statement, consider a travertine coffee table or a textured plaster wall. These pieces celebrate natural imperfection, reminding us that beauty often lies in the raw, the grounded and the unrefined. Low lighting And finally, the biggest shift: ditching the “big light.” Overhead lighting can feel harsh, especially on warm summer nights. Instead, embrace low, warm illumination that mimics the soft glow of sunset. Scatter candles on the dining table, add petite lamps to shelves or bedside tables, or try dimmable wall sconces. Smart bulbs let you adjust colour and intensity depending on your mood, golden tones for entertaining, soft amber for winding down. This layered approach transforms your home into a calm, cosy retreat. Summer 2025 interiors are all about balance, blending texture, colour and shape to create spaces that feel as bright, breezy and beautifully relaxed as the season itself. Images courtesy of Luxuflex

Home and Lifestyle

Girls are out-earning boys, and here’s how parents can help them stay ahead.

By Molly Benjamin, Founder of Ladies Finance Club When it comes to finances, new research has found that girls across Australia are earning more pocket money than boys, and they’re saving it faster, too. In a cost-of-living crisis, it’s encouraging to see, as it shows that the next generation is writing their own story around money. Yet, what can be all too common is that somewhere along the way, money confidence starts to fade in girls. By adulthood, women are less likely to negotiate, invest, or take financial risks. It’s a pattern we see in the gender pay gap, as well as in superannuation savings. Women fall behind financially. As a financial educator, I see this all the time. Boys are encouraged to take risks, try, fail and learn. Girls are praised for being neat, disciplined and sensible. We talk to boys about growing wealth and talk to girls about becoming good savers. Over time, that difference can shape how we negotiate, invest, or even talk about money. Recent findings from the Spriggy Economy Report, which analysed the habits of more than 790,000 Australian kids, shed light on this early money story. It found that girls are actually out-earning boys ($1.03 vs $1.00), which is the reverse of the adult gender pay gap, where women earn just $0.88 to the dollar. Australian kids collectively earned $286.3 million this year, with pocket money growing 11 per cent faster than wages. But while girls are thriving financially in childhood, social conditioning soon teaches them to be cautious rather than bold, to save carefully rather than build confidently. The key to changing this lies in simple, practical money lessons at home. Ones that build independence, confidence, and choice-making skills early. Parents can help stop that slide by focusing less on outcomes (“Did you save it?”) and more on confidence (“How did you decide that?”). It’s about giving kids, and especially girls, permission to make choices, mistakes and plans with money. One simple way to build this foundation is the three piggy bank method, something I’ve used for years to help kids visualise how money works: Piggy bank 1: Spend: the ‘freedom’ jar. This teaches kids choice, value and the joy of earning something yourself. Piggy bank 2: Save: this builds patience, planning and the reward of delayed gratification. Piggy bank 3: Give: this fosters generosity and empathy, connecting money to meaning. You don’t need fancy tools to try this at home. A few piggy banks, jars or envelopes work perfectly. What matters most are the conversations that you have with your kids around them: Why save? What feels worth spending on? Who or what do we care enough to give to? Teaching kids how to use money, not fear it, is one of the most valuable gifts we can give. Because when children grow up knowing they can make choices, plan ahead, and trust their judgement, they carry that confidence for life. Girls may have the financial lead right now, but it’s up to us to make sure they keep it, not just in childhood, but well into adulthood.

Home and Lifestyle

Stop hating dating

Why dating can feel like a performance (and how to start enjoying dating again) Somewhere between “just be yourself” and “don’t be too much,” dating turned into an unpaid acting gig. I know the role well. I’ve played it. I’ve been the version of me that seemed the most dateable, attractive and polite, all while pretending not to care. I thought if I could get it right, then someone would finally choose me. I was exhausted. When I struggled to find a partner who understood me, I thought there was something wrong with me, but I was just disconnected from who I really was. Why we start performing This isn’t just a matter of fitting in or being enough. When our need for belonging feels uncertain, we start shapeshifting. From childhood, we learn that being liked keeps us safe. By age two, we’re already forming a sense of self. When that self is met with criticism or inconsistency, we adjust to keep the connection alive. We start measuring our worth by how comfortable other people feel around us. And the more we do that, the further we drift from ourselves. Science backs this up: when we spend too much time focused on how others see us, it increases anxiety and dulls our ability to connect with our own emotions. Understandably, dating starts to feel like a performance we have to get right. We’re craving a sense of safety and belonging. How to start enjoying dating again “Just be yourself” is common dating advice. But many of us don’t think it’s possible to be loved without trying. Truly being yourself begins with respecting and liking who you are. When you honour what you need and let yourself take up space, your energy changes. Let the friends who love your quirks be proof that you’re lovable as that unpolished version. Reconnect with what lights you up—the music you love, the friends who make you laugh uncontrollably, the activity you get lost in. Dating starts to feel lighter when you stop auditioning. Because connection isn’t found in perfection; it’s found in honesty, laughter and the small moments where you let someone see the real you. By Sarah van Eck

Home and Lifestyle

A Feng Shui Christmas: The dos and don’ts for a joyful, balanced festive season

By Suzanne Butler As the year draws to a close and Christmas lights begin to twinkle, our homes become the heart of celebration. Yet beneath the tinsel and tree lies something deeper — the energy that shapes how we feel, connect and experience the season. Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of harmonising energy, offers timeless wisdom to help you create a space that feels calm, abundant and full of joy. Here’s how to bring balance to your festive season with a few simple dos and don’ts. Do: Decorate with intention Before pulling out the decorations, clear clutter and release what’s no longer serving you. Stagnant energy lingers around piles of “stuff”, creating tension and fatigue. Choose décor that genuinely lifts your mood. A mindful approach keeps your space light and full of festive flow. Don’t: Overcrowd your space Too many decorations can block energy and heighten stress. Aim for open movement in your living and dining areas — spaces where emotions (and sometimes opinions) tend to rise. When energy flows smoothly, so do conversations, making it easier to prevent awkward moments or family drama over dinner. Do: Use red and gold wisely Red and gold aren’t just festive — they’re powerful Feng Shui colours. Red symbolises Fire energy — joy, warmth, passion — while gold represents the Metal element, bringing focus and success. Use them in balance: too much red can spark tempers (especially from chatty uncles after their second drink), while gold brings calm refinement. Think balance, not blaze. Don’t: Block the front door Your front door is the “mouth of Chi”, the main entry for energy — and guests. Keep it open, bright and clutter-free. A wreath made from natural greenery invites harmony, while gentle lighting encourages a peaceful welcome. This simple act also prevents family tension from “getting stuck” at the door — the energetic equivalent of stopping arguments before they start. Do: Position your tree with purpose Your Christmas tree symbolises growth and vitality. Placing it in the east boosts family harmony, the southeast attracts wealth and the south enhances reputation and joy. Avoid the northwest if you can, as it may trigger stubborn or dominant energy (looking at you, Uncle Kevin). A balanced tree equals a balanced table conversation. Don’t: Use sharp or harsh decorations Spiky ornaments, pointy branches or glittering stars aimed like darts can create “cutting Chi”, leading to irritability or tension. Choose rounded shapes, soft lighting and smooth textures to maintain a gentle, welcoming atmosphere — the antidote to festive feuds. Do: Bring nature indoors Balance the high-energy buzz of Christmas with grounding, natural touches. Fresh pine, eucalyptus or even a small potted plant connects your home to the Wood element, encouraging growth and calm. A bowl of fruit or flowers on the table can help keep emotions sweet rather than sour. Don’t: Forget gratitude and intention The strongest Feng Shui tip of all? Set your intention. As you decorate, reflect on what you’re grateful for and what you’d like to call in for the new year. Write those wishes and tuck them beneath the tree — a symbolic gesture of peace, abundance and family unity. This Christmas, let Feng Shui guide you beyond the decorations and into the energy that truly matters — harmony, connection and calm. Because when your home is balanced, even Uncle Kevin can’t shake your festive spirit.

By Suzanne Butler

Home and Lifestyle

Feng Shui your way to a better bedroom

By Suzanne Butler from Harmonising Energies Feng Shui Your bedroom is your sanctuary—a place for sleep, love, and intimacy. However, as a Feng Shui practitioner, I often encounter elements in bedrooms that negatively impact those who reside in them. From the disappearance of intimacy in a relationship to difficulties in finding a suitable partner, and even a lack of quality sleep, several factors in your bedroom’s décor and arrangement can affect your well-being. Here’s how to transform your bedroom into a true sanctuary. Absent Intimacy Take a moment to examine your bedroom. What do you see? Are there photos of your children or family on your chest of drawers or bedside cabinets? These images, while meaningful, can energetically feel like voyeurism, with your family or friends “looking on.” To foster intimacy, move these photos to the East area of your home, which is the Family zone according to Feng Shui principles. Fruitless Dating Are you struggling with dating—either not getting dates or not progressing beyond the initial stages? Your bedroom decor might be the culprit. Look around: Do you have many images of yourself alone? Does the artwork suggest partnership or eternal singledom? For inviting love, your decor should reflect partnership. Ensure you have pairs of items, such as matching bedside cabinets and lamps. Additionally, remove anything that reminds you of an ex. Creating space for a partner, both physically and symbolically, is crucial. Constant Exhaustion Whilst having an exercise bike or treadmill in the bedroom might seem convenient for morning workouts, these items can actually create unnecessary exhaustion. Being constantly reminded of an activity that requires motivation and effort can drain your energy, leaving you too tired for other “fun” things in the bedroom. Similarly, working in bed can disrupt your rest. If you must have an office space in your bedroom, make sure you can block it off at the end of the day with a screen or cover it with something like a sarong. This separation helps keep work out of your sleeping space, promoting better rest and relaxation. Bed Don’t worry, I didn’t miss the most crucial part. Your bed. There are a lot of questions about bed placement, and it is something that I debunk often. There are going to be one or 2 places only that you can put your bed and for the most part it will be obvious. What you do need however, is a solid headboard to provide you with support and, nothing above your bed. Having art above the bed provides the energy of negativity hanging over you. It can disturb sleep and also create pressure in relationships. And finally, take the time to upgrade. When it comes time to buy new linen, step up to the next level. You spend nearly 50% of your life in your bed, make sure it’s comfortable. If any of these issues resonate with you, take a closer look around your bedroom. You might be surprised by the small changes that can have a significant impact on your sleep and intimacy. Relationships are already a lot of consistent work, lets take one lot of concerns off the table. Balance your bedroom and balance your love life.

By Suzanne Butler

Home and Lifestyle

6 Industry Tips to Make Your Home Look Luxurious Without the Price Tag

By Kellie Richardson Revamping your home’s décor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With these insider tips from interior design expert Kellie Richardson, you can give your space a high-end look without breaking the bank. Define Your Style One of the most common mistakes people make is mixing too many design styles, which can make a home feel disjointed. To avoid this, focus on choosing one consistent style that reflects your lifestyle and taste. Start by gathering inspiration from online platforms, magazines, or home tours. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting an interior designer to help refine your vision and offer expert advice on making your ideas come to life. This initial investment can save you stress later and ensure your home feels cohesive and comfortable. Shop Second-Hand for Hidden Gems You don’t need to spend big on brand-new designer furniture to create a luxe feel. Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and local op shops are treasure troves for high-quality, often designer, furniture at a fraction of the retail price. Sellers often part with items for a variety of reasons, so with some patience and persistence, you can snag unique statement pieces that bring character to your space. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for an even better deal. Embrace Budget-Friendly Chains Affordable retailers like Kmart and Big W have stepped up their game when it comes to trendy home décor. These stores offer designs that mimic high-end furniture at a much lower cost, making it easy to give your home an updated, stylish look on a budget. Their stock changes frequently, so it’s worth checking in regularly for new finds that complement your existing style. Mixing a few of these budget pieces with other high-quality items can help achieve a designer look without the designer price tag. Upcycle for a Custom Touch Upcycling is an excellent way to breathe new life into old furniture, giving it a custom, high-end look. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or creative reimagining can transform a tired piece into something modern and stylish. Platforms like Pinterest or TikTok are full of upcycling ideas, from simple makeovers to more ambitious projects. Not only is this a cost-effective way to refresh your home, but it also allows you to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style. Prioritise Investment Pieces When decorating on a budget, it’s important to know where to spend and where to save. Larger, everyday pieces like sofas and beds are worth investing in for comfort and durability. Once you’ve secured these foundation pieces, you can accessorise more affordably. Decorative items like throw pillows, vases, and artwork don’t need to be expensive to make an impact. By layering inexpensive accents, you can elevate a room without overspending on the finer details. Use Neutrals as a Base with Seasonal Pops of Colour Neutral tones are timeless and versatile, making them an ideal foundation for your home’s interior. Furniture in soft greys, whites, or beiges will never go out of style and can be dressed up or down depending on the season. To keep your space feeling fresh, introduce pops of seasonal colour through accessories like cushions, rugs, or artwork. These are easy to change as trends evolve, allowing you to update your space regularly without committing to bold, permanent choices. Stick to Your Budget Without Sacrificing Style Many people think that achieving a high-end look requires a large budget, but with smart shopping and a few creative touches, you can create a stylish space at a fraction of the cost. By mixing and matching designer bargains with affordable chain-store finds, and incorporating DIY projects or upcycled pieces, you can achieve a luxurious look without breaking the bank. Accessories such as vases, throw pillows, and ornaments are a cost-effective way to stay on trend and refresh your home whenever the mood strikes. With these tips, you’ll be able to give your home a luxurious makeover without the stress or expense—proving that style and budget can go hand in hand.

Home and Lifestyle

Colour Your World – How to use colour in your home

By Kylie Harding Colour is an easy way to create instant impact, change a mood or inspire, from creating a soothing space to a vibrant vibe – colour is your tool of choice. Colours have a strong psychological impact and can affect how we feel. Restaurants know that red increases your appetite (McDonalds anyone?), while green creates a calm environment – think green grass and forests. Blues evoke serenity – hospitals often choose soft blue walls because they are soothing and peaceful, while yellow is cheerful and bright – like a kiss of sunshine. When choosing colour for your home, it’s important to consider what feel you want to create in each space. HOW TO INTRODUCE COLOUR IN YOUR HOME: Colour should be used as an accent so before you rush out to buy a huge tin of paint, take a step back and try this. FEATURE WALL: Rather than paint an entire room, try adding a new colour to one wall. WALLPAPER: Like paint, using wallpaper on one wall can have great impact. MANCHESTER AND SOFT FURNISHINGS: Introduce colour in a new doona cover for your bedroom or cushions for your sofa without breaking the budget. ACCESSORIES AND HOMEWARES: A red kettle, colourful abstract art and rugs are wonderful ways to lift a room. FURNITURE: If you’re renting this is a particularly good way to introduce depth and interest with colour – consider bright sofas or start off with an armchair in a vibrant colour. FIXTURES: If you’re confident, commit. Tiles add colour and texture to floors and walls, gold taps in a bathroom adds a lux feel, black handles on your white kitchen cupboards create a classic contrast. DOPAMINE DÉCOR: Colour, comfort and charisma – dopamine decor is bold and brave. This form of styling uses vibrant colours to energize a home creating a whimsical and quirky space. REFLECT THE SEASON: In summer, I like to use cool colours as accents in my bedding and cushions – blues and greens create a cool visual vibe while in winter terracotta and gold tones warm up my space. This also ensures you won’t grow tired of your look. The takeaway? Have confidence and don’t be afraid to use colour in your home but if you’re not sure, start small – accessories like vases and cushions are a great way to begin. Investing in the services of a stylist can save you money and time by assessing your needs and guide you in the right direction. IMPORTANT: Remember – too much is too much. If a room has a blue sofa, blue rug and blue feature wall it will blend in together and get lost. Some blue cushions on a wheat coloured sofa for example will create a contrast and have a stronger impact. Happy styling! @styledtosell Images courtesy of Pixabay

By Kylie Harding

Home and Lifestyle

How I saved over $15K

And You Can Too Everybody loves a bargain, me especially. But let’s not sugar coat the fact that the cost-of-living crisis is affecting Australian households. Rising interest rates, inflating grocery prices and unpredictable petrol costs are seeing our paychecks go faster than you can say “I’m trying to save!” It is no wonder many Aussies are struggling to boost their savings, with many just trying to stop it from shrinking. But life happens. The car breaks down. The dog eats something it shouldn’t. The kids need to go to the GP. All these unexpected instances eat up your budget. Saving money doesn’t necessarily mean going without. I have a few tips that can allow Aussies to boost their savings and make the most out of their dollar. If you are able to integrate these habits into your ongoing purchases, I have no doubt you will come out the other side with more bang for your buck! Groceries – one of the biggest necessary expenses for families and individuals. I regularly cut my grocery bill by more than 50%. The secret? Markdowns! Every supermarket has a routine for when they mark down produce, so get to know your local grocery stores’ markdown times and days. Usually, this is in the late afternoon or early evening. By shopping smart and being flexible with meal planning, you can slash your total cost in half and still eat well. One of my biggest savings tips, which has allowed me to accrue over $15,000, is cashback! Everyone already shops online, so why not get some money back whilst doing so? Cashback sites like TopCashback have multiple retailer partners where you get a percentage of your purchases back – clothes, beauty, flights or even insurance. You can use it for regular grocery expenses like Woolies online and even boost your savings by using it during big sale periods like Black Friday, Click Frenzy and more. When it comes to shopping, loyalty isn’t important anymore. You can shop around for the best deals across the big brands. Don’t be afraid to chase the deals, to politely ask for a cheaper price – this works well if you have done your research beforehand and have past or current sales to point to – and to buy from whichever shop has the best price on what you need. There are dedicated online forums and groups where everyday Aussies share their markdown finds and sales on at the time, so utilise that too. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being financially overwhelmed and feel as though you can’t wrangle your savings, but by being strategic and shifting habits, it is possible! You don’t need to change your lifestyle, just approach it slightly differently. Building these smart habits will pay off in the long run. Pairing markdown shopping, sales hunting and cashback opportunities will see you spending less and getting more value. That extra cash can go straight into your savings accounts! By Amanda Dean aka @bargain.boss

Home and Lifestyle

Do you have a glass pool fence or balcony?

Transform your outdoor area into a social, inviting space. Plonkit are Poolside and Balcony tables designed to hang on your glass pool fence or balcony.. Plonkit is the perfect table to ‘plonk’ your things while you’re having a swim, cooking the barbie, relaxing on the balcony, or just soaking up some sun and will not damage the glass. Put two side-by-side to create more space. How does it work? Stylish and convenient. Engineered to hold 8kg with ease, the Plonkit is the perfect spot to safely plonk food, drinks, sunscreen, tongs, sunnies, phones, and anything else without any hassle. Weatherproof and maintenance free Australian owned and manufactured – crafted from recyclable material. We pride ourselves on a quality product and our friendly customer service. https://plonkit.com.au/