| CHRISTMAS PRIZEAPOLOOZA 2019 | Chalk up a good Christmas

Posted in The Nest giveaways by centralwestnest

Finding a good graphiuc designer is like finding a good hairdresser, once you find one you grab on for dear life and never let them go. That’s exactly how we feel about Chalk. Creative Designs.

Owned and operated by the delightful Amy Keech Chalk. Creative Designs is your one stop shop all things graphic design. Think birthday invitations, wedding invitations & stationery, signage, business stationery & logo design, prints, framing, birthday boards, milestone cards etc.

Chalk. Creative Designs was launched while Amy was on maternity leave with her first little bambino and has grown since that time. Amy says she has had a love for stationery and design and says her high school diaries were the prettiest you’ve ever seen. It was just a natural progression to start her own little business after always designing things for friends and family.

Amy is an absolute perfectionist and spends the extra time making sure fonts are perfect and everything is aligned exactly as it should be. Amy says it’s not about the money but rather a love of creating beautiful designs.

If you need some perfect graphics in your life contact Chalk. Creative Designs today:

| Phone: 0431 349 871 |

| Email: hello@chalkcreativedesigns.com.au |

| website: www.chalkcreativedesigns.com.au |

| Facebook: @chalkcreativedesigns |

| Instagram: @chalkcreativedesigns |

| Go see: You can see some of her designs as Bespoke & Co in Keppel Street, Bathurst |

The gorgeous Amy is giving away to one lucky nester either a Wedding Stationary package (which includes design of an invitation, RSVP card and wishing well card plus an A1 sized “welcome” wedding sign OR a $75 voucher, your choice!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Chalk. Creative Designs as well as The Central Nest’s facebook page and like the ORIGINAL competition post on our facebook page.

Remember to ‘tag’ a friend and ‘share’ the post for an additional entry.

Winner will be drawn 5pm (AEST) Thursday 19 December 2019.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> The Central Nest Christmas Prizeapolooza 2019 terms and conditions.

*Wedding package only includes design, not printing*

19Dec2018

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2018} Turn the tables this Christmas

Posted in The Nest giveaways by centralwestnest

I am one of those people who is creatively challenged. Don’t get me wrong I like all the arts and craft I am just horrible at it! Now, the same CANNOT be said for Louise Blencowe!

The owner of Turning Tables Louise has this incredibly amazing ability to create and restore items to their former glory.

What started about three years ago when Louise was creating some pieces for her own home has quickly turned into a beautiful little business.

Turning Tables transforms furniture and furnishings, by restoring, painting and repurposing in order to bring them back to life. Louise even does custom pieces and items on commission.

I think what is lovely is that Turning Tables started from Louise’s love for practical hands on work and artistic creativity and after encouragement from her family and friends turned into a business!

Louise will happily help create that something super special for your home. She is flexible with techniques and different styles so can find that perfect something that is different from what anyone else has!

If you need something new to love in your home then contact Turning Tables today:

| Phone: 0403 195 956 |

| Email: louise@blencowes.net |

| Facebook: @TurningtablesbathurstNSW |

| Instagram: @_turning.tables_ |

This Christmas Louise is giving away to one lucky nester a gorgeous mirror in your choice of colours/style! I REALLY want to keep this one for me nesters!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Turning Tables as well as The Central Nest’s facebook page and like the ORIGINAL competition post on our facebook page.

Remember to ‘tag’ a friend and ‘share’ the post for an additional entry.

Winner will be drawn 5pm (AEST) Thursday 20 December 2018.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> Christmas Prizeapolooza 2018 Rules

7Sep2018

{The Design Nest}Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

Posted in Dream rooms, Great pieces by centralwestnest

Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

It’s no secret that we love our open plan living spaces, who wouldn’t? They provide so many lifestyle options – spending time with family and friends, cooking together, yelling at the kids, telling off James at the office for eating all the Kingston biscuits. But I digress.

In architecture terms the issues we face with open plan is ending up with a soulless echo chamber. To avoid this, the best designs define the various zone by playing with changes in elevation, materials, natural light, furniture placement, etc etc. The point is design doesn’t happen by accident; by adding deliberate layers a space can become more interesting and enjoyable to be in (and ensures James and the Kingstons’ are within eyeshot).

Define Zones

Think you can either have separate spaces or open plan? Nope, and that’s great news! The design of open plan can be manipulated into creating zones through various options such as floor level, floor materials, ceiling detail or as simply as your furniture configuration.

The beautiful home above shows a strong sense of separation even though the spaces are obviously in the same room – this has been achieved through the use of a sunken lounge. Originating from the 30s, the sunken lounge is making a comeback as the ultimate chill zone and space for intimate gatherings. But, be warned, don’t try it unless you make it a decent size. Anything small will come across as a pothole on the highway.

Create visual separation

The Central West has some beautiful old homes, and many are being altered to suit modern families. When doing this, creating a clear visual separation between the old and the new can really enhance the sense of more space.

The image above with the cute photobomber shows the parquetry floors have been contrasted against crisp concrete in the new extension. Overall, this style of extension allows you to experience the best of both worlds with old world charm and contemporary living.

Use an island

Kitchen islands are probably the most common design tool for defining zones, providing you have enough space.

Fun fact: most people don’t realise that open plan is so popular because of islands

A well-planned kitchen is not only functional, but give the added benefit of making people feel immediately at ease by knowing where they can and can’t be. A great example of this is any visitor will be instinctively aware of if they stay on the back side, they will be out of the way of the cook (and from being poked with any sharp objects).

Expert tip thanks to our favourite honey badger:

Remember the 7 P’s. Prior proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance

3Dec2017

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2017} Christmas is better with a little glitz

Posted in The Nest giveaways by centralwestnest

Over the years of running this blog I have come across a lot of local products and top of my faves just happens to be Little Glitz by Amanda.

Little Glitz by Amanda offers custom cross stitch portraits, wall hangings and letters. They can be personalised and custom made to your exact desires.

To be honest Little Glitz by Amanda’s products have become my go-to for awesome presents, especially for weddings and engagements. There is nothing nicer than that special one of a kind gift.

If there is one business that you need to get out and support after this year’s Christmas prizeapolooza let it be this one.

You can get in contact with Little Glitz by Amanda today!

| Phone: 0423 114 187 |

| Email: amanda_egan2388@hotmail.com |

| Facebook: @littleglitzbyamanda |

| Instagram: @littleglitzbyamanda |

This Christmas Little Glitz by Amanda is giving ONE very lucky nester a personalised cross stitch to the value of $120! I can’t even tell you how cool this present is, you are about to win a family heirloom!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Little Glitz by Amanda as well as The Central Nest’s facebook pages and like the ORIGINAL competition post on our facebook page.

Remember to ‘tag’ a friend and ‘share’ the post for an additional entry.

Winner will be drawn 5pm (AEST) Wednesday 20 December 2017.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> Christmas Prizeapolooza 2017 Rules

1Aug2016

{The Nest Loves} Swing with Vines of the Wild

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

My latest love is Vines of the Wild, an innovate and quality driven producer of eclectic and whimsical products for the little humans in your life.

Vines of the Wild source products from local artists from across the country, the soul purpose of their products is to enliven the gift of nature and awaken your bohemian soul.

They are constantly aware of the environment and so utilise mediums such as wood, non-toxic paint and natural fabrics and recycled materials to minimise their ecological footprint.

I love that Vines of the Wild is not only a source of mindful products but also will cloak our little adventurers in style.

We love:

Find Vines of the Wild on Instagram @vinesofthewild

Happy shopping Nesters x

5May2016

{The Design Nest} Why you should consider black tapware

Posted in Dream rooms 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!

line4

Why I love black tapware

For many of us, chrome is the first material that comes to mind when we consider tapware for our kitchens and bathrooms. But have you ever considered the sleek and sophisticated option that is black tapware? Perfect for those that desire to add an extra touch of luxury to their home, black tapware adds something special to a space that sets it apart from the others, and while chrome will always have its place in the market nothing compares to black when used correctly, and here’s a few reasons why.

It’s sleek and stylish
Enhancing the style in any kitchen or bathroom, the distinctive simplicity of black tapware against a neutral background creates a look that is both sleek and stylish – think of the simple sophistication of the LBD (little black dress)

Source: Arden Homes
It matches perfectly with marble
In the spotlight as a current and lasting design trend, marble is a classic material that rarely goes out of style. A simple pairing of white and black vein marble together with black tapware will accentuate the darker shades present in the marble and create an elegant and cohesive look.

Image: Rolies & Dubois Archtects Belgium
It makes a bold statement
If you’re looking for a statement piece for your kitchen or bathroom but are reserved about committing to an extravagant installation, such as tiles or cabinetry, then black tapware could be the perfect match. In a bathroom or powder-room for example, combining black tapware with porcelain basins and baths can transform your space into one that conveys a style that is contemporary yet timelessly classic.

Image: Pinterest
It works beautifully with timber and copper tones
Black is a statement colour, and this is particularly true when it’s combined with lighter shades of white and grey. Because of this it’s important that you implement warmer tones such as copper and timber to avoid a cold and harsh look. Introducing warm metals such as copper and the grainy texture of wood, will help to soften the space and adds another level of luxury.
It loves subways tiles just as much as I do
I’m a huge fan of subway tiles, my own kitchen features oversized subway tiles laid in a traditional brick pattern. As mentioned above in regards to accentuating the black veins in marble, I also suggest using the same concept to create contrast between your tiles and grout to highlight the black tapware, for example pairing a white tile with dark grout.
It suits a huge number of interior styles
And finally, because it can suit a huge number of interior styles; from scandinavian to french provincial to contemporary classic – if implemented correctly of course.

21Mar2016

{The Design Nest} Why Navy is the new Black

Posted in Great pieces by centralwestnest

We are beyond excited to welcome to The Central Nest 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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NAVY IS THE NEW BLACK

Softer than black, but still as sophisticated, navy blue is the latest classic design colour to some exploding back into our visual spectrum. From the runway (where many design trends begin) to your home, this colour is now everywhere we look, and has emerged as the statement colour in the interior design world.

Personally, I love to use navy when working with a new space because it is such a timeless and surprisingly to many, an unexpected neutral base tone, as it pairs perfectly with dark timbers, coral pinks, gold tones, and of course black and white.

A current concept being developed for a One x One client featuring navy blue and gold accents

There are many different ways in which you can incorporate navy into your home, some suitable for those that are ready to go whole hog and take a paintbrush to their walls with navy blue, but let’s face it not everyone wants to, or can do so.

As mentioned above, the boldest way to feature navy in your home is by painting, or installing wallpaper, which creates a bold and sophisticated statement and can also add a sense of depth and luxuriousness to your space. A gorgeous navy that I recommend is Polo by Porter’s Paints, however it’s not for every space, as each interior varies by light and size, so I also recommend speaking with a professional to find the right colour for your individual space.

Porter’s Polo

If painting isn’t the right step for you, another option is to bring a piece of navy furniture into your home, and navy lounges are an especially good option if you have young and/or messy children. KEZU, a favourite supplier of One x One Interiors, provide a selection of navy lounges, one being the gorgeous contemporary and simplistic lounge pictured below, perfect for many, as its simple lines can be used with many different design styles to create calm, and serene environments.

Tiptoe Lounge from Kezu

Option 3, for those not ready to invest in a large furniture piece is to incorporate navy décor and soft furnishings into your home, such as pillows, rugs and accessories, which is perfect for the budget or for those that like to change their interior mood on a regular basis.

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have so feel free to give me a call on 0424 420 254.