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Home HOMES Decorating

7 clever design trends to steal

No cookie cutter interiors here!

1. Contemplate subway tiles

If you’re debating the pros and cons of splashback materials, subway tiles are as popular as ever – they too are a design classic. Switch things up a bit and opt for black subway tiles instead of the more usual white, tiling up to the ceiling. If you prefer less obvious grout lines, opt for a grey or black grout. Ardex Australia have an online grout colour selector that lets you visualise how grout colours can change the appearance of your tiling project thus taking the guesswork out of the equation.

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White kitchen with black pendant lights
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

2. Forgo colour

Black and white is a classic colour palette which really pays off in the kitchen. The very fact that it’s timeless is good news as you’re unlikely to want to upgrade your kitchen every time a major trend hits the skids.

Kitchen with two tier island

3. Consider a two-tier island

Kitchen prep and dining are catered for with a two-tier island which also eliminates the need for one large slab of marble or stone. This gives you the opportunity to check out online auction sites such as Gumtree or eBay for natural stone offcuts which come in surprisingly large sizes… and surprisingly good prices.

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Floating shelves and built in sofa

4. Float your shelves

Elevate your floating shelves to the custom look of built-ins simply by extending them wall to wall. Mounted onto blind supports rather than visible brackets, no-one will ever guess. Dress with vintage finds and personal possessions that speak to you.

Built in bookshelves

5. Make the case for grey

Paint your walls, bookshelves, skirting, architraves and door the one beautiful deep grey colour. Blending woodwork into walls shifts the focus firmly to your accessories, playing them up. The overall look is one of sophistication and a room for quiet contemplation. Note too how warm and inviting the room looks with the visual weight of the vintage leather club chairs supported by orange and pink cushions.

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Bedroom with recessed wall shelves

6. Utilise every nook and cranny

Deep shelves are not necessarily better. This set of shallow shelves have been built into a sliver of space and offers up a display of books, artwork and other accessories. Other good spots for this type of storage: The end of a hallway, an upper-level landing and above windows and doors.

Bedroom and playroom combo

7. Double up

Have your kid’s playroom or teen’s chill space do double duty as a guest room, or vice-versa. A neutral scheme and flexible furnishings, like a bed that pulls down from a wall cabinet will do the trick. Utilise chalkboard paint and turn the base of the pull-down bed into a creative zone.

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