{The Design Nest} A more organised home

Tips and tricks for a more organised home.

Having the right storage without a doubt makes life easier and your home more enjoyable. But, doing it incorrectly can have the opposite effect, which sort of defeats the purpose.

Does this sound familiar? Overstuffed baskets that require a circus strong man to get off the shelf, kitchen drawers filled with utensils you haven’t touched since 2003, or the dreaded “man draw”. Here are some tips and tricks for a more organised home.

Think outside the box

Think about it, do you have any unused space in your home? Maybe a pokey corner, space under the bed, or even ceiling space? All of these things can be your friend and depending on your budget you can find solutions at iKea or via your favourite interior designer.

This fantastic floating shelf from the London home of Paul Benson and Paul West shows a variety of memorabilia on display but could easily be converted to be a smart bookshelf or a space to sit wicker baskets for holding anything from paperwork to cleaning products.

Bigger is Better

Never underestimate the amount of space you need and when in doubt, bigger is better. A generously sized library wall, like this, is perfect for any sized space and can hold a large amount of books and other objects all in one location, reducing the potential for clutter in other areas.

Deep Drawers

Now this is something I recommend to my clients 90% of the time. Moving away from the typical 600mm deep kitchen joinery and opting for 700mm instead, can make the world of difference in your kitchens functionality, with little impact on the overall flow of the space.

Yes, it’s a touch more expensive, but so worth it, your pots and pans will fit, your large plates can sit end to end without poking out, they can maybe even hide that cheeky bottle of wine.

It’s also easier to see the contents, making it more likely that you’ll keep things organised, including, should I even say it? The Tupperware draw, shock horror.

Don’t mismatch

With the advantage of cost effective and easily accessible homewares, it can be easy to get taken in by this seasons latest hot new thing. My advice, if you’re not prepared to do the lot, don’t bother. Yes, plain wicker might seem a bit unexciting, but it helps create order.

Image: Monika Hibbs

Expert Tip: Unfortunately common sense isn’t so common anymore, so before you decide to tackle any home organising (professional or not), remember to measure your space!

26Jun2016

{The Design Nest} Making your outdoor weather friendly

Posted in Organise your nest by centralwestnest

One of our very favourite contributors to the blog is the delightful Christine Ghrayche from One x One Interiors. Christine operates One x One Interiors in Orange and offers individually tailored interior design and architectural services to her clients.

Christine is a passionate lover of all things design and has a brilliant ability to see the beauty in the everyday. She is a mother of two, a coffee addict and wine lover.

We are delighted to have Christine and her knowledge onboard. So if you have any design questions, Christine is your go to!

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Creating your perfect outdoor oasis… and making it cold weather friendly

The outdoor room has always been a space where people have loved to gather and enjoy with family and friends or even just to relax alone during our Aussie Summers, but unfortunately our outdoor space tends to get a little neglected when the temperature gauge starts making its descent, and the recent apocalyptic weather we have been experiencing lately certainly hasn’t helped.

So, do we want to enjoy our outdoor space for longer? Of course we do.

Over the years the exterior of our homes has been transformed by the design industry to become so much more than just a backyard, it is now an extension of our living space, so it has to be beautiful, it has to be functional, and it has to be winter friendly so that we can enjoy it for longer and these tips can help.

Image: Rob Kennon Burnley House

Outdoor Design Tip 1. Shelter

Creating a shelter over part or all of your outdoor space has to be one of the most effective ways maximise the functionality of your space and there are many options available, such as the image below, which not only protects you from the elements, but also allows the light and sun shine through as it features glass panels over-head.

Outdoor Design Tip 2. Layers

Image: Pinterest

Layering up your outdoor space with cushions and blankets can instantly create a cosy and warm environment for you to enjoy, and who doesn’t love a fluffy cushion to snuggle. Simply injecting a few soft furnishings also allows you to inject your own personality through the fabric prints and textures, and is a great option if you are a little budget conscious.

Image: Pinterest

Fire has always been one of those things that people tend to gravitate towards, like a moth to a flame, and if you have the space then you can’t go past the addition of a fire-pit, as they are not only beautiful to admire but also (and obviously) fantastic for warmth. Fire-pits can also vary in design to become multi-functional, for example some can be converted into an outdoor coffee table.

Regardless of how big or small your space is there is always a solution, and if you would like some help in working out that solution contact me for a consultation.

Christine Ghrayche, owner of One x One Interiors and lover of all things design, is a passionate interior designer, mother of 2, coffee addict, wine lover, and has called Orange home for the past 25 years.With over 8 years of exper

10Jul2015

{The Nest DIY} Dip me in paint and call me craft

Posted in Organise your nest by centralwestnest

If you are looking to add a smidge more cool to your home decor then check out this super-duper easy DIY that you can do this weekend!

It is predicted to be bloody fresh outside in snowmageddon this weekend so stay indoors and get your craft on.

Here is a brilliant list of DIY Colour Dipping to get you started from Mums Grapevine.

We personally love the lush stools:
Plus, we can’t wait to get started on the vases.

O, My! Milk-Bottle-Vases Happy crafting Nesters x

22Jun2015

{The Nest Loves} Amara & Missoni = My favourite love child

Posted in Organise your nest by centralwestnest

So credit cards at the ready.

On your marks. Get set. SHOP!

Welcome to the fabulousness that is Amara, an online treasure trove of fantastic pieces, essential items and luxurious gifts.

Amara has recently collaborated with one of our favourite brands and launced an exclusive selection of home accessories with the Iconic Missoni.

O, MY!

Offering everything from poufs and cushions to bags and mugs, this is the simpliest way to bring a little bit of magic to your very own nest!

The designs take inspiration from natural surroundings and the focus really is on the magnificent textures that always set Missoni apart.

We are personally lusting hard after the glorious Masal Cushion, it is sublime!

Plus how beautiful are these bags? LUSTING HARD!

Amara offers free shipping to Australia on orders over $200 and you know for sure that you will not be filling your home with same-same like everyone else in the neighbourhood.

Get there now Nesters and put some home into your house x

13Feb2015

{Life Hack Friday} This Iphone feature is what dreams are made of!

Posted in Organise your nest, This is life by centralwestnest

I used to be part of the IPHONE squad but now I have stepped to the dark side and sing the praises of Samsung.

If you are still team Iphone, then this my friend is for you!

Basically the very clever team at Pretty Providence have discovered that the Iphone has a setting that allows you to ‘lock’ your little birdy on a screen so they can’t hit the home button to get out of it! Yep. Life has just given you lemonade people.

Head over hear and check it out -> ‘Iphone Parent Mode I love You’

You. Are. Welcome.

14Jan2015

{The Nest Home} A nursery made of dreams

Posted in Dream rooms, Organise your nest by centralwestnest

Bringing home baby is one of the most surreal moments of your life, and due to my ridiculously unfathomable need to be organised I love having the nursery complete prior to meeting the new little tyke.

That’s fine except the hubby-bird REFUSES to find out what flavour we are having. As a disclaimer: I totally know I could make him find out but deep down I want to wait for the surprise as well!

Anyhoo, so I am left lusting after gender neutral nurseries (which I personally love anyway).

I have stumbled across one of the most beautiful nurseries I have EVER seen!

The very talented Belinda from Nest Design Studio has created a whimsical safe haven for her new little man and we are desperately lusting after the beautiful collection of pieces she has put together.

We particularly love how clever she is, she made these fantastic leather handles herself!

It truly is the little touches of love that makes this room sparkle.

Messy toys are my absolute hate! This is such a clever way to store all those little pieces!

Happy nursery inspiration Nesters x

7Jan2015

{The Nest Home} The all important list for all those party spills..

Posted in Organise your nest by centralwestnest

It’s that time of the year when you have a bajillion people over in your home and red wine is flowing, pesto dip is in the mix and that feral uncle of yours is destined to spill his beer while telling the same joke for the 14th thousand time!

The clever team at Better Homes and Gardens have put together the only fix-it list you will need for all those terrible spills that are likely to occur this holiday season.

You can find it here -> How to remove common party stains

Happy holidays Nesters x

15Nov2014

{This is life} Stress less tips for moving house

Posted in Organise your nest, This is life by centralwestnest

Moving house is shite.

Yes, that moment when you are finally settled is possibly the closest thing to bliss that you are likely ever to experience, but the packing and sorting and unpacking and well, packing is really average.

The clever team at Mums Grapevine have put together a clever list of ways to make the experience just a wee bit easier.

Happy packing (and unpacking) Nesters!

14Nov2014

{The Nest Christmas} The gift of not giving a thing

Posted in Organise your nest, Raising Little People, This is life by centralwestnest

Jingle bells, jingle bells, I can hear the cash register bells….

That time is upon us where massive amounts of money are being spent on so many things, toys, clothes and presents for the little people in our lives. What about if this year we instigated the gift of not giving gifts?

The wonderful Christella Morris has written this fantastic article about The gift of not giving a thing