Beautiful decorating ideas from Interiors Addict

Don’t underestimate the transformative powers of redecorating your home. A dull or drab room can become your dream interior using clever design ideas that don’t cost a bomb. Jen Bishop, the design obsessive behind Interiors Addict, believes your home should be a source of joy regardless of your bank balance, and your ownership or renting status.

Regularly rubbing shoulders with the industry’s top interior designers and decorators, Jen possesses a wealth of up-to-date home design knowledge. Jen kindly took time out to share some of her top home decoration ideas.

Domain: As an industry insider what are the latest finishes, products and design trends inspiring you right now?

Jen Bishop: In terms of colours, I’m loving the new pastels. The lightest of ‘barely there’ blush pinks, mint greens and baby blues, paired with greys. I also love the trend for metallics and have been buying accessories like trays and bowls in brass and copper. They contrast nicely with concrete, which is still very on-trend.

Domain: What decorating tips would you give a homeowner on a restricted budget?

Jen Bishop: A new coat of paint is the number one best way to transform a room. Be brave and look beyond whites and off-whites. But frankly, even a fresh coat of white paint will do wonders. There aren’t many better value makeovers.

Some other low-cost ways to update your room and inject some personality are new cushion covers, affordable framed art prints, a new rug (get the biggest you can afford), statement side tables, or some accessories – such as vases and bowls – in the latest colours and materials.

Domain: Any savvy tips for home sellers trying to win over buyers?

Jen Bishop: When putting your house on the market, my top tips are to declutter and depersonalise. It isn’t about what you like, even if you have great taste, it’s about what appeals to your target market. Make sure your place is super clean and sparkling, and pay attention to curb appeal (it could be as simple as getting a gardener in for a few hours or replacing a worn doormat). And fresh flowers, always fresh flowers!

Domain: How can renters revamp their home without incurring a costly repair bill at the end of their lease?

Jen Bishop: In case my landlord is reading, I will start by saying you should ask your landlord or real estate agent’s permission before making any permanent changes! That said, offering to repaint in neutral colours may be welcomed.

Although you don’t own the property, if you plan to be there long term I think spending a bit of your own cash on some improvements can be worth it. In previous homes, I have shared the cost of painting and new flooring with the landlords and it made such a difference I didn’t feel bitter about it!

Curtains and blinds can be taken with you when you move out (and the landlord’s, which you have safely stored away, put back), as can rugs and furniture. Consider art you can hang with removable hooks and strips, particularly works on canvas, as this avoids knocking hooks and holes into walls. Most of all, just because you don’t own your home, doesn’t mean you can’t inject just as much personality into it as an owner would – and you should!

Domain: Which interior designers are currently on your radar?

Jen Bishop: Last year, I was privileged to work on Sydney designer Greg Natale’s first book, The Tailored Interior. It is out this month and is an absolutely stunning volume, full of swoon-worthy interiors, as well as great advice for anyone who wants to create a beautiful home and needs some key principles to follow to make it all less daunting.

I’m also a huge fan of Darren Palmer’s work. He is much more than a judge on The Block; his own design work is really impressive.

For something completely different to Greg and Darren’s work, I adore the work of Queensland’s Anna Spiro. You know that colourful, clashing, mix-and-match look that seems so impossible to create yourself? She makes it look easy! Her interiors are so bold and happy.

Image credits:

• Pastel bedding: Country Road
• Gold cactus accessories: Zakkia
• The Tailored Interior book cover: Hardie Grant
• Photo of Jen Bishop and Darren Palmer: Jacqui Turk