Home & Lifestyle Tips: Design, Decor & Living Ideas

Home and Lifestyle

FOR ART’S SAKE

Artwork has a quiet way of transforming a space. The right piece can soften a room, add depth, or tell a story about who you are and where you have been. Yet many people find themselves asking the same questions: What art should I buy? Where do I find it? And once I have it, where does it actually go? While art should always reflect your personal style, there are a few simple considerations around size, scale and placement that help a piece feel naturally at home within a space. When those details are right, the room instantly feels more balanced and complete. Where to start Take a look around your home. Are there walls that feel sparse or lacking personality? If you are unsure, try taking photos of your rooms and viewing them as a two-dimensional image. Seeing the space from a different perspective often makes it easier to spot areas where artwork could add interest and elevate the overall look. Why add art? Art has the power to set the tone of a room. It can feel elegant, playful, cultured or calming, depending on the pieces you choose. Artwork might reflect your personality, celebrate your travels or simply introduce colour and texture. Even a single thoughtfully placed piece can transform the atmosphere of a space. Make it personal Some of the most meaningful displays come from your own memories. Travel photographs, favourite family moments or meaningful milestones can create a beautiful gallery wall while keeping special experiences front of mind. Framed movie posters from a local cinema or concert tickets from a memorable night out are also creative ways to showcase your interests and spark conversation when guests visit. Think outside the box Artwork does not always need to be a traditional canvas. Macramé wall hangings, vintage rugs or even textiles such as kimonos can look striking when displayed on a wall. These unexpected pieces add texture, warmth and a sense of individuality to a room. The power of framing Never underestimate the impact of a good frame. When displaying a collection of photos or prints, sticking to one or two frame styles helps create a cohesive look. Classic black or white frames often feel timeless and allow the artwork itself to remain the focus.

By Kylie Harding

Home and Lifestyle

The Command Centre Every Mother Deserves: Meet The Skylight Calendar

There is a specific kind of “mental load” that comes with modern motherhood. It’s the invisible weight of remembering that Tuesday is library day, Thursday is soccer practice and digging through the depths of your inbox for a school PDF with the exact time of the choir assembly. For many mothers, the family “command centre” is still a messy fridge covered in magnets or a frantic scroll through emails. A digital calendar like Skylight offers a more visible, shared way to keep a household on track. Designed to help families stay in sync, it can reduce some of the day-to-day friction that comes with managing multiple schedules, appointments and responsibilities. With Mother’s Day approaching, it fits naturally into the category of gifts that feel both thoughtful and genuinely practical. Beyond the basic schedule At first glance, the Skylight Calendar is a 15-inch HD touchscreen designed to sit comfortably in a kitchen or shared family space. But its value lies less in how it looks and more in how it functions within a busy household. Unlike traditional apps that stay tucked away on individual phones, a digital calendar in a central location creates a shared point of reference for the whole family. It can sync with platforms such as Google, iCloud, and Outlook, helping bring multiple schedules into one place. With dedicated Family Profiles, each person has their own colour, making it easier to see at a glance who needs to be where and when. The two-way sync also means changes made on a phone during the day can be reflected on the screen at home, which can help reduce the back-and-forth that often falls to one person to manage. Solving the dinner dilemma The most common questions in any household is “What’s for dinner?” Having meal planning built into the same family hub can make everyday decisions feel a little less scattered. Skylight allows users to map out breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week, which can help take some of the pressure off last-minute planning. There are also features designed to make meal organisation more manageable. Using the Fridge Photo function, families can take photos of what they already have and receive recipe suggestions based on those ingredients. Recipes from magazines, handwritten cards or screenshots can also be added digitally using Magic Import, helping to keep everything in one place. For mothers carrying the cognitive load of planning meals, shopping and prep, small systems like these can make a meaningful difference. Motivating the little humans Another challenge many mothers face is not just keeping track of what needs to be done but reminding everyone else to do their part. The Interactive Chore Chart is designed to give children more visibility over their own routines, allowing tasks to be clearly displayed and ticked off once completed. For some families, that can help shift chores from being constant verbal reminders to something more independent and consistent. For households using the Plus plan, the Star-Powered Rewards system adds an extra layer of motivation, with children earning stars for completing tasks and working towards small rewards. More broadly, it can support a stronger sense of shared responsibility at home and make the invisible work of running a household a little more visible to everyone. A gift that keeps on giving When it’s not being used as an organisational tool, the Skylight Calendar can also display family photos, allowing it to feel like a natural part of the home rather than just another piece of tech. As Mother’s Day approaches, useful gifts often resonate more deeply than symbolic ones. A digital calendar like Skylight does not claim to solve the complexities of motherhood, but it can help ease some of the small, cumulative stresses that build up over time. By creating one central place for schedules, meals, chores and reminders, it offers mothers something many of them need more of: a little more clarity, and a little less mental clutter. It is now available for purchase at JB Hi-Fi and the Skylight website. au.myskylight.com/calendar

Home and Lifestyle

Create an outdoor area you’ll use all year round

By Kylie Harding No matter where you live in Australia, we all love the idea of entertaining outside. Whether you have a balcony, courtyard or a full backyard, the key to creating a space you’ll enjoy year-round is thoughtful planning and a few smart design choices. Decide how you’d like to use the space Do you have young children who want to ride their tricycles around? Do you love hosting family and friends, or are you a couple looking for a quiet place to unwind? Deciding how you’ll use your outdoor area will guide every decision—from flooring and furniture to whether you need a roof, heating or cooling, and what finishes and fittings will work best. This is also the time to plan for practicalities such as power points, lighting, and plumbing for water or gas. Bring the inside out Your outdoor area should feel like an extension of your home. Mirroring your interior style outside creates flow and connection. If you have a soft, neutral palette indoors, stick with similar tones outdoors. If you love colour, let it continue outside too. Extending your flooring—such as tiles or timber—into the outdoor area creates a seamless transition. Glass doors that slide or fold open will also help blur the boundaries between indoors and out, creating a beautiful sense of space. Give me shelter Having some form of roof or cover will ensure you can use your outdoor space all year round—rain, hail or shine. Options range from simple sail shades to adjustable louvred roofs, catering to every style and budget. Side blinds can also help protect from rain or harsh sun, creating a true outdoor room that’s comfortable in any season. Accessorise Pot plants, cushions and candles add warmth and character. Choose heavy pots that won’t topple in the wind and opt for outdoor-friendly fabrics to prevent mould or fading. Practical additions like heaters, ceiling fans, speakers, TVs or even pizza ovens can turn your outdoor area into a space you’ll actually use. Creating an outdoor space you can enjoy year-round is about more than furniture or plants—it’s about designing a setting that invites you to slow down, connect and enjoy every season. With a few thoughtful touches, your outdoor area can become the most loved “room” in your home. Happy styling, Kylie @styledtosell

By Kylie Harding

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.