How to Design a Bold, Authentic Home (from an Adelaide Interior Designer Who Hates Beige)
Vanilla is a fine flavour—classic, safe, sweet. But when it comes to design? Vanilla is the enemy of progress. Adelaide interior designer Penelope Herbert shows you how to ditch beige, break design rules and create a home with a pulse, not a cookie-cutter showroom! In a world where we’re craving authenticity, personal expression, and bold living, sticking to safe, forgettable design is not just boring, it’s creatively bankrupt. No-Vanilla Design is more than a preference; it's a movement. A rebellion against mediocrity. A rally cry for homes that feel like you, not like page 42 of a furniture catalogue.
How To Navigate the Renovation Process: From Architectural Elements to Landscaping
After thorough pre-renovation planning, it's time to embark on the exciting journey of transforming your home. The renovation process is where your vision begins to take shape, but it requires careful management and attention to detail to ensure success.
This comprehensive guide will cover key aspects of the renovation process, including architectural elements, lifestyle considerations, lighting, landscaping, communication with contractors, and strategies for staying on track and within budget.
Who Are You Really Designing Your Home For?
Somewhere along the way, “timeless” became code for “please don’t notice me”. People were sold the lie that a safe, all-neutral home is the only path to good taste and future resale. The result is a plague of white-on-white kitchens, oatmeal sofas, pale timber everything, and not a single shimmering risk in sight.
Your ‘aha’ moment: The exact second you realise your “resale-friendly” home doesn’t look expensive – it just looks like every other listing on realestate.com.au.
Your Home is Crying Out for Help! (And No, More Beige Isn't the Answer).
Your Home is Crying Out for Help! (And No, More Beige Isn't the Answer). Alright, rebels, rule-breakers, and lovers of homes with actual SOUL. Let's have a brutally honest chat. Your house? It’s talking. And if it’s whispering "safe," "inoffensive," or (God forbid) "greige," then it’s basically screaming for an intervention.
These are the Top 5 Design Demons we're slaying.
The Lust-Worthy Art of Luxury Design: Creating a Luxurious Home with Dark Colours
You’ll love creating a luxurious home with dark colours! Dark colours have long been misunderstood in the realm of home design.
Too often, they’re seen as sombre, drab, or even oppressive. However, when used correctly, dark hues will infuse a home with elegance, luxury, and a sense of dramatic sophistication. Let's explore how you can transform your living spaces with rich, dark colours, creating a stunningly chic and inviting atmosphere.
Window Treatments Love: Celebrating 70 Years of Luxaflex Window Coverings
Transforming Australian homes since 1954. Now that’s something to celebrate! Window treatments finish off a home and beautifully frame windows in a variety of ways.
Window treatments as fashion! That’s what Hunter Douglas may have been thinking when Luxaflex Aluminium Venetian Blinds were introduced to Australia in 1954. Luxaflex Window Fashions aimed to transform homes with products that delivered revolutionary style and functionality for every Australian home.
Globetrotting Renovations Inspired By Your Dream Travel Destinations
When you travel, you are often inspired by the places you visit. Bring some of those ideas home with globetrotting renovations that have been inspired by where you have been OR your dream travel destinations. Why not bring travel destinations to your doorstep through an exciting home renovation. This is a beautiful way to spice up your space and create your own escape. However, the best things is you won’t even have to get your passport out!
Three Great Bathroom Ideas To Add Value To Your Home
Every home renovator looks for the best tips and tricks to create bigger bathrooms for less. So we’ve compiled three great bathroom ideas that will add value, and create the illusion of spaciousness, in your home. Creating an airy and fresh bathroom can come from updating select features and laying tiles in particular patterns, all of which will have guests swooning, according to Beaumont Tiles Product Specialist, Michelle Kearney.
Pre-Renovation Advice: 10 Essential Factors Every Homeowner Must Consider
Planning a home renovation can be an exciting yet daunting task. The process requires expert pre-renovation advice and meticulous planning. Before embarking on a home renovation project, you should always seek professional pre-renovation advice to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. If you are not a seasoned renovator, you don’t know what you don’t know… and this can be as serious trap.
How To Add Value by Designing Bedrooms The Right Way
Designing bedrooms was originally only to create functional spaces – a place for sleeping and changing clothes. They were often tucked away in corners with minimal consideration for sunlight or panoramic views. Now, times have truly changed.
Grand Waterfront Residence Conversion Reimagines Coastal Design
Arts & Crafts Style 1940s home becomes two design-rich residences. Reimagining a 1940s Gunnamatta Bay grand waterfront residence into two separate dwellings was recently accomplished with charm and elegance. Personally, I love Arts and Crafts style homes so I was excited to see the renovation on this charming home. And then I realised it was two homes! This made the renovation and design aesthetic even more interesting.
Essential Tools for Every DIY Decorator
Every DIY decorator needs essential tools to complete projects to a high standard. There are so many tools available that you COULD use. But what about the essential tools that will make life easier, and projects more rewarding? We have the comprehensive list right here.
Creating A Cosy Winter Nook: Your Sanctuary for Chilly Days
As the Australian winter sets in, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days, the appeal of a warm and cosy winter nook in your home grows immensely.
A cosy nook can serve as the perfect escape for those winter days when all you want to do is curl up with a good book, enjoy a hot cup of tea, or simply unwind in a peaceful spot.
Adopt This White Paint Guide; Your Walls Really Need It!
In this white paint guide, we'll delve into the nuanced world of white paint, exploring the differences between various shades, how to test them on your walls, what to watch out for, and ultimately, how to select the perfect white paint for your home.
Did I Make A Mistake Painting My Walls White?
White walls have long been hailed as the epitome of chic, timeless interior design. They're clean, versatile, and can make spaces feel larger and more airy. But as any seasoned interior designer will tell you, the choice of wall colour is a deeply personal one.
Eight Reasons Why Your Renovation Costs Are Out of Control
Renovating your home is an exciting endeavor, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you're renovations costs are out of control. As an interior designer with years of experience in home renovations, I've seen my fair share of projects veer off course.
Unlocking The Hidden Potential of Your Home: A Guide To Identifying and Prioritising Home Remodelling Projects
Thinking of a home renovation? Feeling like your home could use a facelift? Considering remodeling but are unsure where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many homeowners find themselves in a similar situation, pondering which areas of their home to tackle first to maximise value and functionality. Well, we’ve got you!
The 8 Key Benefits of Hiring An Interior Designer
Have you thought about the key benefits of hiring an interior designer? If you want to transform your space, create functional beauty, and increase your property value, then hiring an interior designer will be the perfect option. But why?
Thinking Differently - What An Interior Designer Does
Thinking differently in interior design means creating a home that feels like you, not a beige show home. Discover how an interior designer reads your lifestyle, sees through walls and layers texture, light and personality to craft a truly timeless, authentic space in Adelaide and beyond.
Five Architectural Elements That Come Before Interior Design
Architectural elements support the planning and philosophy of architectural design. They will help you have a more comfortable and functional home.
Our blog is a treasure trove of knowledge, filled with valuable insights, expert tips, and insider secrets.
We delve into a wide range of topics that cater to renovators of all levels, from the novice DIYer to the sophisticated homeowner looking to transform their space.
Whether you're in the early planning stages or about to embark on construction, our blog covers it all.
Additionally, we keep you updated on the latest building and renovation techniques, as well as innovative products that can elevate your space to new heights.
We believe that informed clients make the best decisions, which is why we take pride in sharing our knowledge and expertise with you.
Our blog is designed to demystify the interior design and renovation process, making it accessible and understandable for everyone.
So whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a deeper understanding of the art of renovation, you've come to the right place.
Join us on this exciting journey as we empower you to transform your home into a space that reflects your unique style and personality.