Bedhead Beauty

Bedheads are the decorating piece of a bedroom that make the bed appear styled and complete.

Kirstin Fowle from Windemere Interiors says bedheads are an incredibly versatile decorating option for bedrooms and can be the feature pieces of the space or work in subtly with the rest of the room's theme. "There are some amazing bedheads that stand alone like pieces of art or they can be custom made to work in with the rest of the room."

When designing a room, it's important to first decide whether the bedhead will be the statement piece of the bedroom. If so, then choose the bedhead first and decorate the rest of the space with subtle attributes to the bedhead, such as colour of fabric.

Fabric bedheads are the most common, but there are many out of the box ideas. Try using different materials.

Some suggestions:

• Recycled timber bedhead for an industrial look
• Wicker bedhead for a tropical resort theme
• A chalkboard bedhead is a fun and personal touch in a children's bedroom
• Leather bedhead for a super contemporary look
• Recycled timber doors for a vintage theme
• Gilded bedhead for an antique theme
• Bedheads with shelving and drawers for extra storage

Kirsten suggests another unique option is to hang artwork low above the bed to create an gallery style bedhead. "A gorgeous piece of artwork works fantastically was a bedhead. Place it low over the bed for fabulously artistic impact to a bedroom space," she said.

If the bedhead is not the statement piece of the space then choose or create a bedhead that fits the theme of the space without standing out or competing with the statement piece.

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Decorating Green

Decorating Green is a conscious choice that can be stylish and unique. Recycled timber, restored furniture, decoration made from sustainable resources and products that have a low carbon footprint are all ethical and green options for your home.

Lindy Evans from Windemere Interiors says there are many ways to decorate green in your home and flooring is one place to start. "There are many green flooring options, particularly with timber. Bamboo floating floors look fantastic and are a easily renewable resource. There is also sustainable timber flooring available created from forests that have been responsibly managed," she said.

Recycled products are not only environmentally friendly, they can also fit perfectly into particular decorating themes when they are used in their original state. Vintage furniture looks fantastic in retro or industrial themes and products can be easily sourced from op shops and antique stores and garage sales for a truly unique look.

Recycled furniture and goods also suit modern and contemporary themes when they are restored or remade into new products. "Upcycling" is the art of taking old or unwanted furniture and turning it into something of better quality and value. Furniture made from old railway sleepers and old crates made into bookshelves are a classic example and the look is new with the depth and character that only comes from aged timber.

Decoration is another area for green choices. Products made from recycled materials such as rubber from recycled tyres or products made from easily renewable resources such as bamboo towels are all ethically responsible choices for decoration.

Ideas for Decorating Green

• Switch to energy saving bulbs for lights and lamps.
• Use natural and organic fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, rattan and wicker.
• Consider painting with eco friendly paint that contains less chemicals and toxins.
• Upcycle rather than throw out. An old chair can be sanded and repainted or stained.
• Buying locally uses less
• Choose water saving options for taps.
• Use living plants rather than cut flowers or fake flowers. 

The Tile Style File

Tiles are one of the most durable, hard wearing solutions for any floor or wall. Available in endless styles and sizes, tiles are incredibly practical and also a play a large part in creating the style and theme of your home.

Lindy Evans from Windemere Interiors says it's important to consider tiles as an important design element of the overall home. "Tiles should be considered just as important as all the other design elements and therefore incorporate them in the theme of the home along with paint colours, cabinetry finishes, fixtures, furniture. Tiles, unlike furniture and fixtures are an expensive fix if you make the wrong choice, you need to make sure you will be happy with the result for years to come."

Tiles are practical and stylish for every room of the house and there are an enormous range of styles and materials to choose from. Generally, there are two main types of tile - ceramic and porcelain. Both are fantastic and durable tiles, the difference is in how they are created.

Ceramic tiles are primarily made from clay with a glazed design surface. This type of tile is easier to cut and therefore more economical to install. Porcelain tiles are generally made entirely from the design composition resulting in a denser material, however special tools are required to cut the tiles so the installation may be more expensive.

A few hints about tiles from Windemere Interiors

• Large tiles make a space feel larger. Laying them vertically will make the space feel taller while laying them horizontally will make it feel wider.
• Rectified Tiles have a straight edge and are laid with a thinner grout giving a more seamless finish. Fantastic for a sheeted effect.
• Stone tiles create a lovely, natural resort style feel. They are naturally porous though so have them sealed every 12 months to keep in top condition.
• Ensure you choose a grout that complements or contrasts the tile, depending on the look you are after. Choose white grout for light coloured tiles if you are after a seamless flow effect or for a dramatic effect, contrast darker tiles with white grout.

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Children's Retreats

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