BONSAI! FOR SMALL APARTMENTS AND SPACES

by Nicolene | Mar 4, 2020 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

BONSAI!

For Small Apartments and Spaces

Are you an urbanite, living in a high-rise small unit or apartment, far from land, soil, trees and plants?

You simply do need plants in your living space for your overall well-being and interior decorating.

1. What do we know about plants?

• They are alive, living and breathing. (yes plants do breathe)
• They are as diverse in colour, shapes and sizes as they are in species.
• Their texture varies from plant to plant.
• They are decorative and ornamental.
• They exhibit your personal touch and preferences.
• They have healing properties.
• They are responsive to care.
• They are great as gifts.
• They are messengers in a container/planter conveying messages of love, care, empathy, sympathy and apologies – when we gift them to others.

2. Plant Containers/Planters

There are many different plant containers / planters available. Choosing the right one for your plant/s could be daunting.

Points to consider when choosing a container/planter are:

• Weight
• Colour
• Shape
• Drainage
• Size

3. Bonsai

My love for bonsai grew when I lived in Japan a couple of years ago. Not only are Bonsai ideal for small spaces, but they are also living art form.

Bonsai add wonderful harmonious accent detail to your living area, maintaining balance and cohesiveness with your decorating style.

4. Patio

Depending on the size of your patio, even one bonsai tree on an outdoor table would be enough to create the look you want. Overcrowding will make the area appear cluttered.

5. The Entrance

A bonsai at the entrance to your apartment or unit will create an appealing focal point and set the atmosphere of your home.

Displaying bonsai on a tall, slender bonsai display stand enhances the focal point and creates the illusion of heightened space, as the eye will naturally look up by following the contours of the stand – up the tree – to the area above the tree and higher. Adding a narrow rectangular mirror on the wall behind the tree will certainly create a superb focal point/area.

Mirrors reflect light and also make an area appear larger.

6. Living Room

Natural sunlight pouring through the window and patio door creates the ideal growing conditions for the bonsai.

Placing a bonsai on the side table in the living room creates a subtle and interesting focal point.

Tip: On the sofa add a textured decorative cushion or two with subtle tree motifs or shades of green/grey notes to create repetition of colour and texture making it all come together.

Adding artwork on the wall behind the sofa will also work very well.

7. Dining Room

Bonsai make an exotic centrepiece on the dining room table.

Tip: Hang a mirror on the wall and a branch chandelier over the table to create the illusion of spaciousness.

8. Bedroom and Study

Bonsai contribute wonderfully to the accent detail of a bedroom and/or study.

Displayed on a shelf or bedside table allow the tree to stand out, and become a subtle focal point designed to induce a relaxing calm and serene ambiance.

9. We can help.

Do you wish you knew someone who could help you decorate your home to look spacious, inviting and great to live in?

Our professional team of home decorators at Let’s Revamp Property Styling and Decorating are the people to contact.

(Sydney, Australia) 02 9659 2556

info@letsrevamp.com.au

For the third consecutive year Let’s Revamp Property Styling and Decorating have been awarded the “BEST OF HOUZZ” award, rated at the highest level for client satisfaction by the Houzz community.

How to Add Colour for More Impact to Your Home

by Nicolene | Feb 19, 2020 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

Consider Classic Blue in 2020

The Pantone Colour Institute’s 2020 colour of the year is a focus on “Classic Blue”; not quite dark navy in shade and described as a “restful colour” evoking calmness and “suggestive of the sky at dusk”. The colour can easily be used in many applications inside and outside the home.

You might be considering selling your property this year or updating its look and feel. Look at different materials in different shades, textures and patterns of the same colour and mix with other colours. Consider layering shades of the same colour.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with Classic Blue or other Pantone colours and get creative. If you paint a darker feature wall such as Classic Blue as a cost effective option for example, but you decide you don’t end up liking it after all or it’s time for a change later on, you can always repaint.

Use Pantone colours in larger and smaller quantities to suit different areas of your home. Just weigh up what you really like versus how it will look and last over time and how easy it is to change as well as the expense. If you’d like expert advice contact Let’s Revamp for property staging services and interior decorating services.

We’ve set out some ideas to get you started when it comes to adding Pantone colours to your home.

On walls, from an accent wall or feature wall providing a focal point to all walls both for higher visual impact and to inject additional character to most rooms or spaces. Select a suitable colour and appropriate wall (behind your TV may be one option) in a room or a feature wall in Classic Blue may help define one space from another in an open plan setting. Consider the type and size of the area if you’re considering all walls as a bolder colour may make a room look smaller.
On your floors from vinyl flooring to stone flooring if you’re sure the colour is for you, as this is generally a longer term and higher expense item or a rug in an open area or space which will also clearly define the function of the space.

From a contrasting colour in some cabinets or backsplash to all cabinetry in your kitchen depending on the size of this space and your budget.
Perhaps as a feature wall for the bedroom behind the head of the bed or on the bedhead, or a throw for the bed.
Incorporating some colour into your bathroom, from towels to feature tiles or vanities or more extensive use of the colour with this year’s Classic Blue representing the ocean.

In furniture pieces such as a large lounge or prominent in chair fabric to make more of a ‘statement’ rather than take over the whole space.
In your home office for splashes of colour and to enhance the mood of your working area.

Artwork and accessories such as cushions or curtains, or vases and bowls or kitchenware for more little pops of trendy colours for a new feel throughout your home.

Features of the exterior of your home such as a bolder Pantone colour to draw your eye to the front door.
Add more colour to your garden or entertaining area such as a bench or outdoor feature wall.

Contact Let’s Revamp’s consultants for pre-sale property styling to maximise your profit and sell in good time, or for full property styling or partial property styling to add colour with impact to your home.

WHAT IS PROPERTY STYLING AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

by Nicolene | Feb 5, 2020 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

WHAT IS PROPERTY STYLING AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Seller and the Buyer

Let me put it this way, you want to sell your home asap, right?

You the seller may have lived at this address for some time and may have become used to how it looks. You have portraits of those dearest to you gracing the walls at the entrance. On the buffet you have exquisite and truth be told lovely ornaments bought on your overseas trips. Draped over a bed is a quilt your dear nanna crocheted. This is your home. Over time you made it what it is, a reflection of your life, your taste and your personal space. What you have is dear and precious to you.

Buyers, on the other hand, do not have an emotional connection to your family portraits and may not like crochet items. Ornaments may be perceived as dust collectors.

Please understand – there is nothing wrong with your home, it is perfect – for you – and that is just it – it is not your home a buyer wants, but your house.

2. The Role of the Property Stylist

Property stylists’ persona is the pro tempore representation of prospective buyers.

Stylists are professionals capable of distancing themselves from your property. They see “your home” through the eyes of the buyer.

They are knowledgeable about the property market and know what presentation of your home will work in the area it is located in. Stylists can be seen as the Christmas tree decorators of the property market.

3. How Is Property Styled? (very briefly explained )

To get your home ready for the property market involves a meeting with the styling company.

An assessment would then be made of the quantity and kind of furnishings necessary to make your house look its best, firstly for the photographer of the real estate company and then the public.

In our modern world, people normally would go on the internet to “house hunt”. Picture perfect photos will draw them to open houses or auctions, and ultimately a sale.

4. So How Much Does Property Styling Cost and Is It Worth It?

Consider the financial outlay as an investment and not a burden to achieve the objective:

a) property styling will help your house to stand above the rest.

b) it will attract more potential buyers.

c) boost your selling price.

Costs vary from company to company and locations.

Use our online quote calculator to determine the cost of styling your property.

5 Elements to Choosing Chairs to Add Your Own Personality to Your Home

by Nicolene | Jan 15, 2020 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

5 Elements to Choosing Chairs to Add Your Own Personality

to Your Home

Chairs can really add personality to a room or area in your home. And the exciting part is there are many types of chairs you can choose from!

As well as identifying their functional need, it’s a chance to let your personality really shine through! Does a particular interior design reflect your taste – perhaps classic, modern, vintage or a specific cultural influence from your travels?

1. Be Comfortable in Your Chairs

Comfort is linked to duration; how long will you use the chair each day? Ergonomics then becomes as important as style to avoid back problems.
Where are the chairs to be used – in the living room or to watch TV, for guests, in a bedroom or baby’s room, for reading in a quiet corner, at an office desk, at the dining or kitchen table, or do the chairs need to be multi-purpose or moved from room to room?
Think from Chesterfield office chairs to recliners to more contemporary styles.

2. Choosing the Material and Texture of Your Chairs

Material and texture choice can be affected by how long the material is likely to last, the use, room or area and placement, level of wear and tear and size of chairs.
From durable, easy to maintain leather to other upholstery fabrics – natural (such as wool, cotton, linen and silk) and synthetic (such as rayon, acrylic, polyester and nylon), or wood (with grains for extra character), metal plus more.
The choice here will also add to the feel of the space e.g. velvet for warmth.
Carefully consider options for children and pets.
Click to request a decorating consultation if you would like guidance tailored on what you like from Let’s Revamp.

3. Choosing the Colour and Pattern of Your Chairs

Bold or a lighter or neutral colour, or somewhere in-between?
Does a pattern interest you? Large or small design? It’s safest to stay away from a larger design if a small amount of fabric is being used.
Or, cushions instead that can be easily changed or updated with trends.

4. What Size of Chairs are Best?

Opt for larger or smaller chairs for your space? Or an ottoman?
If you are choosing a chair to be the focus, a larger size may be suitable.
Make sure all items in the same space can be arranged to avoid an overcluttered look and feel.

5. Choosing Chairs as Part of the Mix

A mix of different styles, patterns and colours of chairs, furniture, furnishings and treasures in the same space can be coordinated to work well and give increased visual appeal.
Chairs can be replaced or refurbished at a lower cost than some other furniture – if you’re up for it, repaint and change the seat fabric of your dining chairs for example to result in a completely new look.

What chairs would add both functionality and your own personality to your home?

Our expert interior decorating services can help you make a decision you are happy with to enjoy your home even more.

5 INTERIOR DECORATING IDEAS FOR YOUR CAMPER

by Nicolene | Dec 25, 2019 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

5 INTERIOR DECORATING IDEAS FOR YOUR CAMPER

Why not interior decorate your camper?

Whether you are road tripping, holidaying or living in your caravan or campervan, why not interior decorate it appealingly? Your camper is, after all, your home away from home but on wheels.

The same key elements and factors when interior decorating your home can be applied to your camper. You need the interior to look light, welcoming, homely, captivating, spacious and striking.

What Theme and Colour Scheme Will Work Best?

To make the interior appear more spacious, opt for a minimalistic contemporary theme – clean lines, accessories and timber like linoleum or vinyl floors.

As for the colour scheme opt neutrals, light greys, darker accent greys and pastel.

If you are unsure what colours to use when interior decorating your camper, please contact our property stylists.

2. LED Lights

Replace old type lights with LED lights instead.

Add strip lights under cupboards to create ambience and cosy atmosphere.

Strip lights are waterproof and can also be used along skirting boards.

Strip lights come in various lengths.

They run off 12 and 9V batteries.

3. Blinds, Roller Blinds or Curtains

Allowing as much natural light into your camper is as important as it is at home. Natural light makes an area appear more spacious and enhances the surrounding colour.

Window coverings for the camper need to be sleek, lightweight, easy to use and most importantly offer privacy and allow an abundance of light and breeze in.

Curtains

Combine sheer curtains with block out blinds.

Sheer curtains are lightweight and will allow natural light through. With block out blinds, you can control the amount of light and privacy you require. Opt for white or neutral colours to make the area look spacious and blend with the colour scheme.

Venetian Blinds

Slimline Venetian blinds are practical and easy to use. You can control the amount of light and privacy you require by adjusting the horizontal slats. When the slats are pulled all the way to the top, the window is exposed, allowing in an abundance of natural light and view to the outside. “Hold Down” clips keep the blinds stationery when the vehicle is in motion.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds do not have slats but consist of a single piece of material. They exhibit similar characteristics to Venetian blinds.

4. Accessorise With…

Mirrors – reflect light and make an area look larger. Stick a self-adhesive mirror to a cupboard door. You could even stick a mirror onto the wall in the lounge/dining area.

Decorative Cushions – are the home interior decorator secret to enhance and beautify an area. Opt for neutral colours and varied textures. Add one or two cushions with pop colours to add diversity.

Rug – Rugs add character charm and finesse to a living area. You could even add a rug to the outside seating area.

Throws – Add a throw or two of contrasting colour. Drape one over the bed and an identical one in the lounging area.

Artificial plants – are fuss-free and will replicate nature indoors.

To get inspirational interior decorating ideas for your camper please visit our website.

Adding decorative cushions to the seating will certainly beautify and highlight the area.

With 3 cushions you will achieve the same effect.

Interior Decorating elements presented –

Contrast: contrasting curtain, black throw and a black decorative cushion.

Texture: throw with fringe and quilt.

5. Curb Appeal

Add a few outside items – ottoman, artificial plants and a rug to your camping area to create a welcoming entrance to your “home away from home”.

Are Neutral Colours The Best for Your Home?

by Nicolene | Aug 14, 2019 | Indoor Decorating, Our Projects, Property Stylists

Are Neutral Colours The Best for Your Home?

To answer the question are neutral colours the best for your home, one must first establish what exactly neutral colours are.

Neutral Colours

are colours not found on the colour wheel.
do not dominate or compete but complement and amplify other colours and each other.

2. Examples of Neutral Colours

beige,
ivory,
taupe,
black,
grey and
shades of white
tan
copper
bronze
gold
pewter
mirrors

3. Are Neutral Colours, Well Just Neutral in Colour?

No, neutral colours can have undertones e.g. beige may have an undertone of pink or white can be slightly ivory or even bluish-white.

It is imperative that you know this, especially when choosing paint colour for walls.

Browns, tans, gold, beige and black are the warm neutral tones, whereas white, cream, ivory, grey and silver are considered as cool neutral tones.

4. Are Neutral Colours The Best for Your Home?

Emphatically, yes! Neutral colours influence your colour palette when decorating and styling your home.

Neutral colours are visually undramatic and permeate a restful ambience yet exhibit elegance and formality.
They serve well as background colours and blend well with other colours.
They accentuate bright and vibrant colours.
They accentuate pastel shades.
They even complement each other e.g. the neutral Greige consisting of grey and beige neutrals.
Since neutral colour blend and accentuate, it is the perfect canvas to work from and with.
Neutrals are gender neutral, timeless, flexible and always in style and fashion.
When styling with neutral colours incorporate textures and patterns.

5. Neutral Colours and Home Styling

With neutral colours, you can create any style genre within your home.
You do not need to pay attention to intricate colour matching detail when using neutrals as they always go together.
Neutrals make it easier to switch out colours when you want to bring in a new colour scheme.
Neutrals highlight artwork, furniture pieces and textures.
Neutrals are cost and time saving, as furniture pieces and decor can easily be changed without an overall makeover.
Neutrals are considered natural.
Mirrors are neutral and add depth to neutrals in an area.
Mirrors enlarge and brighten space.