Tuesday 28 November 2017

A Touch Of Christmas Magic In The Bedroom!

I don't want to alarm you but it's the 28th of November!!! There are but a few days left to D-Day! It's unbelievable how fast this year has flown by, isn't it? I remember seeing Christmas decorations in stores as early as mid-October and almost had a panic attack! 😬

We decorate our home twice every year. Once for our quirky, all-out, 'Baby, it's cold outside' Yulefest in July and once for the real 'you can fry an egg on our bed' Christmas in December! Ha! However, before we even put up the tree, I like to decorate our bedroom with festive touches. (Just so we can wake up in a Christmassy mood!)

A pretty wreath, a few Christmas baubles, candles, luxe white linen, a soft throw, a letterboard and my pride & joy, the quintessential festive touch- my red gingham bow cushion that I made myself and you have the makings of an understated yet special festive space!This year my inspiration was the stunning Heritage Spice wreath that I decided to "frame" to create an anchor point above the bed. I love the colour palette I've used- the bright red berries and pomegranates in the wreath were the focal point complemented by the soft red of the bow cushion and offset by the dusky cobalt blue throw. The soft grey feature wall, the darker grey of the euro covers and the pale grey candles all lend a neutrality to the colour scheme. Pristine white bed linen, a textured rug in natural jute, glass baubles, pops of vintage black and a simple touch of festive greenery work well together.I absolutely adore these glass Christmas ornaments. I had ordered them way back in September and have been waiting to use them! You can fill these ultra light glass spheres with little vintage trinkets, greenery and pinecones, fresh or faux flowers, meaningful momentos, Christmas wishes, handmade gifts, glitter, cinnamon sticks or popcorn, a love poem or delicious bonbons and hang them from the Christmas tree or keep a few by the bedside to add that special Christmas touch! You can literally fill them with anything you want or love to match your very own unique Christmas style! And it's a great activity to do with kids!

If you'd like to shop the look, here are the details:
Heritage Spice Wreath
Blue Mohair Throw

You can see last year's festive bedroom here. The date when the post was published just caught my eye - the 28th of November!!! Coincidence much?!

You can see more photos of this year's festive bedroom, Elie's room and more decorating around our home on my Instagram page. Do you decorate your bedroom for Christmas? What festive touches do you add? 

Till next time... from our family to yours, wish you all a happy and safe holiday season and Merry Christmas!

Wednesday 22 November 2017

Charlie Parker: Oozing Raw Luxury!

Today, we're taking a peek into the stunning Art-Deco inspired display suite in the stylish Charlie Parker towers by Coronation Property in the leafy suburb of Harris Park in Sydney. Coronation Property has always been known for its ground breaking designs and Charlie Parker is no different. Inspired by the Art-Deco era, the visually impactful, curved Charlie Parker building is the brainchild of award-winning architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt).

The collaborators for this project are Jamie Durie for outdoor areas, Shannon Vos for interior styling (The winner of The Black Glasshouse 2014), and Gillie and Marc (contemporary artists) for the bronze statues that feature in the campaign, many of which will remain on site after the development is completed. 

The impeccably designed display suite styled two ways showcases rich colour, texture and materials throughout the apartment. The furniture and soft furnishings from Globe West create a look of 'raw luxury', with hints of tribal trends, pendant lights, use of rustic timbers and layers of natural textures. The soft colour palette, rich furnishings and the overall styling hints at a subtle playfulness and whimsy and every room weaves a beautiful design story.

I particularly love the over hanging open shelving in the kitchen, reminiscent of Art Deco design with a modern twist! So have a look through the stunning imagery and see if you too like me get a serious case of house envy!
Stylish with an air of raw luxe! What's your verdict?

Till next time... have a lovely day!

xox
Rani

Tuesday 21 November 2017

Why Should You Choose European Oak Wood Flooring?

European oak wood flooring has long been the top choice for those wanting a durable, attractive and affordable flooring option. Known for its ability to blend with both traditional and modern settings, European oak flooring continues to be one of the most in-demand flooring options offered by companies today.

If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, here are all the perks that European oak wood flooring will bring to your home, investment or commercial property.
Classic Beauty
European oak flooring remains one of the most popular flooring options because of it's classic beauty. Once reserved for the grandest of homes, European oak flooring can now be used to bring the same majestic beauty to your own home or business – simply put, it is a look that will never go out of style.

When you choose European oak flooring, you are also able to choose a grain and grade that best suits your taste and complements the overall look of your home. For example, those wanting a refined, polished look should go for the prime grades, while rustic grades showcase the wood’s natural knots and grains for a more edgy, industrial look.

Low Maintenance
Compared to carpets, European oak flooring requires minimal maintenance. The occasional dusting and wiping is all that’s needed to keep your floors looking pristine, instead of the constant vacuuming that carpets demand. If after a few years, your European oak floor starts to show it's age, all you need to do is polish it to get it looking brand-new again.

Hygienic
Carpets are notorious for harbouring dust, bugs and mites. Wooden flooring, on the other hand, does not allow these contaminants to settle and can also easily be cleaned to prevent any build-up of dust. Oak flooring does not foul smells and odours like carpet does, and spills are far easier to mop up. Finally, European oak is also resistant to fungus and pests, allowing for a more hygienic home environment and reducing your maintenance and repair costs.
Affordable
The widespread usage of European oak flooring is largely due to its affordability. While creating an elegant and sophisticated look, European oak does not come with the hefty price tag that mahogany does, for example. The vast variety of European oak available also allows you to work within your budget, with rustic grades generally being cheaper than prime grades.

Durable
European oak is sturdy and can last decades if maintained properly. This puts it far above carpets, which will need to be replaced every 10 years or so. In some parts of the world, European oak flooring that was laid centuries ago is still in use today, and 200-year old reclaimed oak can still be bought and installed in your home today! Because of this durability, oak is ideal for your home’s high traffic areas.

Ages Well
Like fine wine, European oak ages beautifully. The colour will get richer as the years pass, allowing you to enjoy its natural beauty for a lifetime. Despite this variance, you can be rest assured that your European oak wood flooring will look beautiful for years to come.

Takes Well to Staining
Even though timber is available in a large range of shades and colours, you might still want the flexibility of staining or colouring your floors. Oak takes well to staining and colouring, meaning you can attain any look from natural to dark chocolate.
Stable
When investing in a floor, you need to be sure it’ll provide a solid foundation for your home. Engineered European oak flooring is known for its stability, as the layers are stacked at 90-degree angles, with the grain running perpendicularly, thereby increasing the stability of each plank. Engineered oak boards also do not swell or shrink, ensuring you have a stable floor for years to come. This makes European oak flooring ideal for humid areas, like bathrooms and basements, or in climates with wild weather fluctuations, like Melbourne.

European oak flooring will suit any home or business, regardless of whether your style is traditional, minimal, contemporary or anything in between. By enhancing your property, you also raise it's value, making European oak flooring a worthwhile investment.

Till next time... what's your take on European oak wood flooring?

xox
Rani

About Paveezzi
Paveezzi – The Art of Living is the expert that offers a wide range of flooring for each type of homes and buildings. We provide exclusive designs for your flooring needs that bring in comfort and style to your homes as well as commercial buildings. Our aim is to blend quality with style and bring you the best european oak flooring into the homes of Australia.

Monday 20 November 2017

Shade, Shine and Style ~ Quick Tips For Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Areas For Summer

Summer is a time of warmth, wonder and endless outdoor fun.

And with Christmas right around the corner, now is the perfect time to begin setting up your backyard for a fantastic festive season.

With that said, given the endless amount of options and possibilities out there for creating the perfect party patio, it can be hard to know where you should begin. That’s why we've put together a few stylish ideas to help you prepare for your summer soirees!

Light & Bright
As the bright, luminous summer sky begins to shift toward the serenity of night, what better way is there to keep things looking stunning than a garden filled with warm, lustrous lights? String lights are a versatile boon to any patio setup, offering a simple way to sprinkle a sense of magic into your surroundings.

Not only do string lights provide a little extra luminosity, they can also be used to emphasise areas of your garden that you would like to draw attention to. They may be a basic backyard addition, but when used effectively, string lights can turn even the most lacklustre areas of a garden into stunning centrepieces for guests to enjoy.

Food For Thought
While it may appear a little out of place to the rest of the world, December in Australia is synonymous with outdoor dining. More specifically, the scent of barbecued meats and treats is practically inescapable come Christmas, and now is the time to prepare.

Although there are many options available to you, from the traditional smoky flavour of charcoal, to the efficient intensity of an infrared BBQ, there are more things to keep in mind than just your tastebuds. For those that are more stylishly-inclined, finding a barbecue that fits seamlessly into your space is an absolute must.

In this regard, the most important factor is space. The largest model available may give you the power to feed a small army, but if it’s taking up half of your limited patio space, it’s not likely to lend itself to a particularly comfortable backyard vibe. It’s all about working within your limitations, and a smaller barbecue will still give you the tools you need to create an exceptional culinary experience.

Patio Plant Perfection
When designing your interiors, your decor choices are based on style, setting and taste, so why shouldn’t the same go for your garden? The plants that reside within your garden make up such a vital part of its aesthetic appeal, yet so many of us simply stick with the trees, shrubs and, well, weeds that came with the property.

Nature offers up an innumerable amount of options when it comes to sculpting your outdoor areas, it’s all about finding plants that you like and pairing them well. Just remember, some plants are more temperamental than others, so it’s a good idea to do some research before reaching for your shovel.

Click here for a list of native Australian plants with pictures and details about each one.

From flourishing flower arrangements to the simplicity of birch trees, taking a more curated approach to your nature nurturing is sure to bring new life into your outdoor living spaces!

So, there you have it! While there are hundreds of things that can be done to spruce up your outdoor areas for the summer months, hopefully we’ve given you a few extra ideas to assist you in building your backyard!

Till next time... spruce up the backyard for summer entertaining!

xox
Rani

Tuesday 14 November 2017

10 Gardening Tips for the Modern Home

It seems that modern homes are trendy these days. And with modern homes, come equally modern gardens. But what exactly is a modern garden?

Modern garden design is the opposite of what you would imagine a bohemian wildlife-friendly garden to look like. Crisp and clean lines are key features which open up space and give it that fresh look. Modern garden designs lean more towards the minimalist, functional and sparse look with emphasis on strong structural and graphic elements. Concrete, rocks, timbers, lighting, wood are common materials that are used in a modern garden. Plants are still used, albeit minimal to leave more room for function.

Modern gardens are also easy to maintain. And that’s only logical since people who opt for sleek-looking gardens tend to have less free time on their hands. This provides the perfect place to relax from a busy and hectic lifestyle.

Today, we're chatting with guest contributor Emma, who shares a detailed list of her top ten modern gardening tips. The idea of having a garden is fun, but if your place lacks in space or you just don’t have the luxury of time, then this guide is for you.

Have a focal point
A focal point is one of the most fundamental principles of designing. It’s not a new idea, but it’s necessary for modern gardening. Having at least one focal point is enough since you’re after a minimalistic look.

An excellent focal point can be plants, statuary, a boulder, a mini waterfall, a beautiful fire pit or a pond. It can be anything as long as it serves its purpose -- to catch attention. As far as a focal point is concerned, the possibilities are just endless.

The trick to an effective focal point is placement. It’s usually placed in the center to draw the eyes. The goal is to keep your garden from becoming dull and lifeless. 

Raised garden beds
Raised garden beds are ideal for growing small plots of veggies and flowers. The best thing about them is that you can design them however you want.

Since the level of soil is raised, it reduces the need to bend over when tending to plants. This reduces back pain which makes them even more ideal for the elderly and people with mobility problems. Well-built beds can also allow the gardener to sit on the edge, giving the knees a rest.

Some more of their benefits are good aeration, better drainage as the soil isn’t compacted, which also makes weed control much easier. They’re a great space saver too!

Raised beds can be built in many places, including on top of grass, concrete, or gravel. If your garden is completely paved and all lawn has been removed, using these beds is an easy way to bring greenery back to your garden.

If budget is an issue, you can build your own raised garden beds instead of buying them. This is a great way to make your work in the garden feel that much more rewarding.

Gravel
Another great idea in modern gardening is the use of gravel. It shouldn’t come as a surprise since gravel has been used in gardens during the 1970s as a solution against drought. And since then, gravel has been a favourite choice for many because it is:
  • Durable, but with an organic feel
  • Extremely flexible in its uses
  • Affordable
  • Usable in any climate
Your potential design ideas when using gravel are endless, as it comes in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, so you won’t run out of options. With careful planning and the right plants, a gravel garden can thrive without frequent watering.

If you’re looking for a maintenance-free garden, consider using gravel.

Lighting
Proper lighting also plays a significant role in a modern garden, especially at night.

To figure out which kind of lights you need, you have to determine what their purpose will be. Are you planning to use them to accentuate your garden? Do you need them to emphasize your focal point? Or instead, to light the way around your garden?

These are just some of the questions that you need to answer before you begin your search. There’s a lot of different types of lighting for you to choose from, depending on the theme of your garden. The most common ones are lamps, lanterns, and globe lights.

If possible, go with solar-powered lights. They’re so easy to set up that you can do it yourself minus the danger of electrocution! You save a lot on your bills and ultimately, you help protect the environment. 

Gardening indoors
The number of urban dwellers is steadily increasing which results in less space for everything, including gardens.

Still, space shouldn’t stop us from gardening. That’s probably why indoor gardening has started to gain attention. After all, growing plants, herbs, or veggies in the comfort of your home is so easy to do.

The benefits of plants are not only limited to making your home aesthetically pleasing. In fact, indoor gardening has a lot of health and social benefits that you’re probably not even aware of.

Growing them in an indoor environment means less maintenance is required, you don’t have to pull any weeds, and they’re free from pests and diseases.

Research has shown that plants improve people’s well-being and productivity levels. Our levels of empathy and compassion are also increased by tending to the needs of plants. An indoor garden can supply you with free and fresh vegetables for you to enjoy all year.  Certain indoor plants help improve air quality by removing harmful chemicals, lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses. 

Container gardening
This concept is very much similar to raised garden beds except for one main difference. That is, containers are more movable than raised beds since they’re smaller in size. Pots are a favourite choice when it comes to container gardening.

Since container gardening is a lot like raised beds, its advantages are pretty much the same with the addition of the following:
Portability - plants in containers can be quickly moved to a more suitable sunny or shady location
Versatility - you can place the containers anywhere like on a balcony, rooftop, indoors on window sills, etc
Options- A wider range of plant options - you’re not limited to the type of soil since you can use different soils for different containers
Flexibility - rearranging the plants based on personal preference is so much easier
Decorative - You can choose your pots to match a theme for your modern garden, or choose quirky designs to add personality.

Water garden
Adding a water feature in your garden is also a hot trend these days. What’s great about water gardens is that they no longer have to be installed outdoors. Customized water features have already found their way indoors too.

While the initial pond fill may require a substantial amount of water, the rest of the process is smooth sailing. It takes less water moving forward since this type of garden is self-sustaining.

A water feature adds a great touch to your garden. You can even put fish in your pond to give it a more natural look. You get yourself a lovely water garden, and you also get to have low-maintenance pets. Fish are especially fun for kids to look after.

Water also helps keep your home fresh during hot summer days, and adds humidity during the cold winter. Flowing water has been known to have healing capabilities, which is why you’d often see them in hospitals and meditation rooms.

If you want to enjoy natural beauty, a place to relax, and drown the noise of busy streets, a water garden is a must have. 

Native plants
Growing native plants in your garden is also an excellent idea. Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they’ve evolved. By creating a native plant garden, you help in preserving biodiversity and it also brings heaps of benefits to you.
  • Native plants don’t need frequent watering. Most of them even thrive on the regular rainfall they’ve adjusted to in the region
  • They’re pest and disease-free since they’ve already developed natural defenses
  • You support the local ecology
  • Native plants don’t need a lot of hard work because they can survive on their own as they have already evolved to survive in your garden
  • They also attract native animals like birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. 
  • They are adaptable to climate changes
A garden doesn’t necessarily need exotic plants to look beautiful. Native plants are so easy to maintain, acquire and can blend well with anything. 

Vertical gardens
When you just don’t have a place like a yard or if indoor gardening is also not an option, vertical gardening is the way to go.

This type of gardening is ideal for people who have insufficient space, as vertical gardens grow upwards, hence the name. They usually make use of trellises and fences and you can even grow them on walls. Vertical gardening is a very clever idea which is more suited to urban areas where space is scarce.

So why choose vertical gardening? This is perfect for you if you want to:
  • Maximize the limited space that you have
  • Contain your garden
  • Hide an unsightly feature in your outdoor area
  • Save your back since these plants are more accessible to reach
  • ‘Soften’ hard landscape features
  • Improve air quality
  • Create a microclimate

Artificial grass
When all other options are not viable, you’ll never go wrong with synthetic turf. Admittedly, some people just can't maintain a garden no matter how minimal effort is required from them. ‘So many things to do, so little time,’ is more often than not, accurate.

As much as we’d like to have luscious green grass on our lawn, it can be a massive task to maintain. Mowing can already take two to three hours of your time per week. A busy person who’s juggling a lot of things could make better use of this time.

Artificial grass has grown in popularity because it eliminates that problem and other issues as well. For instance, it:
  • Reduces your carbon footprint from petrol-driven mowers
  • Allows older people and those with health issues to enjoy a nice-looking garden, minus the work
  • Doesn’t need any fertilisers
  • Doesn’t get muddy
  • Can reduce the risk of injury from slipping since they have more traction compared to natural grass.
  • Is suited for any weather and looks good all year round
  • Can be installed anywhere
With so many benefits for your modern garden, it’s no wonder more and more people are replacing their lawns with artificial grass.

Sometimes people say the phrase, “Gardening is not for everyone.” If it’s coming from someone who lacks free time or has never dabbled in gardening, they can be forgiven for thinking this. However, you can prove them wrong with the tips provided in this guide. All you need are the right tools, the right plants, a creative mind and a little effort.

Till next time... create something functional and beautiful!

xox
Rani

Author Bio
Emma is a part-time property developer who loves sharing how others can make their homes amazing both inside and out on her blog Fixtures and Flowers. You can chat to Emma on Twitter.
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