Homewares trends for 2017

I've become a little homewares-obsessed lately. Maybe it's because we've been living in this home for three or so years, and have started personalising it and trying to add value with small renovations and upgrades. Maybe it's because my husband is working all the way through Christmas, and we're not taking a trip anywhere, so I'm pottering around the house trying to make it feel a little fresher.

Whatever the reason, I've been cruising and perusing home and interiors magazines for a while now and would like a large influx of cash into my bank account, please. Some of those renovations are not cheap! Failing bank robbery or an unknown great-aunt leaving me her ill-gotten fortune, I've resorted to smaller additions to our home decor, which surprisingly still pack a big punch.

Since I buy those home and interior magazines for research purposes of course, I thought I'd share some of the top homewares trends I'm seeing for the next year. They're all easy enough to adopt in either small or large doses, and you could even mix and match a few!

There's a one-stop-shop for all homewares in Australia, and that's Reed Gift Fairs. Celebrating the latest in the homewares and gift space,they bring together the people and the products behind everything that’s hot in the design and gift space. With the next one to be held in Sydney in February next year, this fair gives exhibitors the chance to showcase all their new and exciting products, and retailers head there to pick and choose upcoming stock. Sounds like an interiors dream, right? I just need to find a way to nab a ticket!

Top Homeware Trends for 2017

Trend forecasters have started planning for the new season, which will bring with it a change in mood – one that will see earthy tones, hints of mixed metals, and the return of natural materials. I've sussed out some of Reed Gift Fairs' exhibitors to see what they'll be bringing to the table (literally to the table, in the case of some tableware designers LOL) next year.

Terracotta

The earthy tone of terracotta will become a key element in many homes, and a leading trend in the New Year. No longer will you find terracotta restricted to pots in the garden! Unique Australian homewares and jewellery company Jones & Co provides plenty of inspiration on how to incorporate hints of earthy tones to the home. 

Selection of gorgeous pots and planters

Cato Marsala Necklace

Indoor Plants

Succulents have become so popular lately, with groups popping up on Facebook dedicated to growing and swapping succulents - and no hipster cafe is worth it's salt without succulents in unconventional containers on each table! I'm sure we'll see this trend grow even more, bringing the outdoors inside with indoor plants. Displayed in classic concrete pots, woven bags or a glass vase, Reed Gift Fairs will leave you feeling inspired, with exhibitors such as Florabelle, who will show off beautiful displays of indoor planting. I've actually got a few Florabelle artificial plants in my guest rooms, and they always get compliments from visitors!

Florabelle

Green Appeal

Despite seeing an abundance of pastel shades of pink and blue this year, dark shades of green will become a leading trend in 2017 - and I'm thrilled about it! Expect to see this colour incorporated into lots of soft furnishings. Kelly Lane have a great range of statement pieces from cushions to wall art, which will help add a hint of green to any room. 

I love the idea of pairing a rich dark green with lighter aquas, and adding plenty of plants for a really lush tropical look.

Kelly Lane bedroom decor

There are few things better than coming home to a beautifully decorated home. Keep an eye out at your local homewares stores in the New Year and snap up some quick additions to transform your space into the sanctuary you’ve always wanted!

Keen on any of these trends? One step ahead and already featuring indoor plants in your home?

Turning your home into a tropical paradise, just in time for Summer

This post is brought to you by Jason Agustina.

I just spent the past weekend Spring Cleaning (my efforts are totally worthy of capitalising those words) with my husband, and while the result is lovely - we're still not quite Summer-ready. You know, where everything is fresh and clean, and looks entertainment-ready for any unexpected drop-ins. (Please note, I will not accept unexpected drop-ins. You are required to call or text your intention to visit at least 45 mins in advance. I need time to freshen myself AND my home up!)

There’s no better way to freshen up your home in Summer than with tropical statement homewares. Not only is it easy to incorporate, but this vibrant trend creates a refreshing vibe indoors and outdoors - and has been my go-to interior decorating trend since I was a young teenager, living directly across the road from the Big Pineapple. Having that fruity view really affected me!

To create a classy look with this trend, think luscious jungle and bright animal prints paired with casual, natural materials like warm wood and bamboo. I like to add some greenery (fake, if the occasion or your black thumbs call for it - no judgement) to 'lush up' the space and really compliment tropical touches. Like most trends, the key is to work from a good base - pieces that are well-made with great simple designs will stand the test of time. I love the range from Jason Agustina, it's a small collection with something for every type of living area, made from gorgeous timbers and fabrics.

1. Jason Agustina Volt Sofa in Blue 2. Blue Thumb Sticky Beak limited edition print by Emma Ward 3. Drunk on Water Monstera and Pineapple cushion 4. Jason Agustina Beholm Coffee Table in Oak 5. Annabel Trends artificial banana bunch and cockatoo

Some of my favourite colours for the tropical trend this year are yellow, green and all the shades of citrus - I love seeing these combined with a soft blue or crisp white for an elegant finish. If you already have some blues in your home decor, you can still adopt a tropical vibe, just pick sea-green and deep-ocean hues, and make sure you add plenty of greenery.

1. Jason Agustina Locke Sideboard in Natural 2. Kmart belly basket 3. Kmart Anthurium plant 4. Drunk on Water Watermelon print 5. KMart succulent in concrete pot 6. Annabel Trends artificial large pineapple

So make sure your key furniture pieces are classic, simple and beautifully made (check out Jason Agustina's story for their wonderful commitment to customer care), choose some tropical pieces and create your own slice of paradise this Summer. I promise you that it'll help your summer cocktail vibe for sure!

Is it possible to have too many pineapples in your home, if you live in an estate that was once pineapple and sugar cane farms?

Sunshine Coast Cafe - Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi

A recent birthday celebration for my aunt had the extended family coming from across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane to one of my favourite Coast towns, Eumundi for a long leisurely lunch together. Some of these uncles and aunts hadn't seen me since I was a teen, so I had a lot of fun surprising them!

Bohemian Bungalow has become quite the institution already, with a famous Sunday session featuring an ever-changing roster of bands, duos and single artists from 2pm to wind down your weekend; and a gorgeously eclectic decor which will have you going for a stroll around the restaurant to check out their treasures.

I wore a favourite Passion Q split-sleeve dress from Whitehaven Emporium - these guys do the best boho-style prints ever - with Spendless Shoes Wisdom boots, an old French Connection belt and tassel necklace from Whitehaven Emporium. 

Such a cute and colourful place to catch up with friends or family

How adorable is my dad here, catching up with his nieces. He's the cutest guy around. #biased

Even high above the kitchen, there are little vignettes to find - this race of handpainted horses was so quirky.

I know a certain BFF of mine who would've liked me to snaffle some of those antique biscuit and cake tins.

What's a birthday creme brulee without a scoop of vanilla bean icecream and a candle?

We had such a lovely lunch here, the birthday girl has even popped back a few more times since then to enjoy the atmosphere.

Do you like your cafes quirky and unique? Any other eclectic places in South East Queensland worth a try?

Regional Flavours 2016 - the tastes of Queensland

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that I recently experienced a gourmet's ultimate weekend experience, heading to Brisbane for a 24 hour whirlwind trip of the city's best food and then out west for another day and night to the Lockyer Valley to see where most of that food is produced.

As well as enjoying great food with exceptional company, I also faced that classic food blogger problem... my pants were too tight for me to try everything! So heed my warning if you're planning to head to the Regional Flavours event on 16th and 17th July, elastic-waist trousers and loose dresses will be what those in the know are wearing!

My taste buds are already tingling as I start thinking about the delish fare which will be served up at Brisbane's Southbank Parklands. The eighth annual festival aims to offer visitors a taste of the varied and quality produce Queensland has to offer, and educate consumers and home cooks on the benefits of eating food grown right here in the Sunshine State.

Celebrating our fertile soil and homegrown harvests isn't exactly new,

this vintage tourism poster just screams 'Eat our fruit'!

This year's event will dish up a culinary delight, with the Parklands filled with cooking demonstrations by notable chefs, free tastings and stalls run by local food producers, restaurateurs and traders, food trucks, kid's activities and live musical entertainment. Oh, and the whole weekend's festivities are free too!

I'll definitely be heading down for the weekend, and I've listed my favourite producers, providores and picks that I recommend you keep an eye out for!

Schulte's Meat Tavern

A carnivore's paradise, this family-owned butcher and delicatessen chain should be proud of its Plainland and new West End locations that follow the same formula for produce-to-plate philosophy - it's worked for them for over 60 years! When I visited, my blogging companions and I were lucky enough to be given a tour of the premises by Alistair Macleod, well-known chef and tv host, and a proud ambassador for the Lockyer Valley. Offering a huge range that includes Yagaburne beef, Lockyer Valley veges and Granite Belt wines, Schulte's is serious about quality and community.

Holmwood Produce

The trend towards locally sourced products doesn't end with food, with many folks looking for regional herb and spice growers as well. I was fortunate enough to spend time at Holmwood Produce's beautiful lavender and native food farm during my tour through the Lockyer Valley, and as well as having the friendliest donkey greeters, the fresh lavender and lemon myrtle used in the afternoon tea treats were so scrumptious that I fell in love with the property.

Bauer's Organic Farm
Every now and then, you meet someone SO passionate about something that you can't help but join them as an advocate. That someone was Rob Bauer, long-time Lockyer Valley farmer and convert to organic farming over 30 years ago, well before the current organic fad really took hold! Seated at a long table under the eucalypts and hearing Rob share stories about local farmers getting sick and dying from exposure to common chemicals used in farming, the entire table of guests began to think differently about the way we shop for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Bauer's is a diverse property, supplying carrots, potatoes, corn, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin and beans, as well as numerous other smaller crops - all on one of Australia's first certified organic farms.

The Charming Squire
Southbank's own microbrewery is probably the perfect weekend venue for discerning Brisbanites, with something for everyone. The talents of their brewers, who are constantly creating new beers, and the constant communication between chef and brewer showcases beer and food pairing in a new (to me) and exciting way! The tasting plates that were offered were beyond amazing, featuring such tasty gems as Woodfired Corn Cobs with parmesan spiced crust, puffed quinoa and chipotle butter; and my favourite, the Slow cooked beef croquettes with Turkish almond & tahini dip. If you're looking for BB and I at Regional Flavours, you'll probably find us propping up the bar at the atmospheric and moody pop-up bistro and bar The Hunting Club, where we'll be working my way through the Charming Squire drinks list! Hosted by The Charming Squire and Target 100, this venue will also host the likes of Paul West, Alistair Macleod and Hayden Quinn.

Merlo

Having experienced a 'cupping' session at Australia’s largest independently owned and operated coffee roaster, Merlo Coffee on my recent food adventure of Brisbane, I now feel that I have earned the right to call myself a real coffee connoisseur. Tony and Frith led us through 

a short history of coffee, sampling their current blends, using our senses to differentiate between blends and getting expert advice on making the best coffee at home, at Merlo's Fortitude Valley Torrefazione. Possibly the best way to start my day, really. Interested in kicking off your own food adventure of Brisbane with a decent cuppa? Merlo hold public coffee appreciation sessions at various Torrefaziones in Brisbane.

Popolo - River Quay

Make sure you stroll all the way along the Parklands (you'll probably need to, to digest all that food) to River Quay. This strip of fine dining establishments is home to Stokehouse Q, Aquitaine Brasserie, The Jetty, Cove Bar + Dining and my favourite, Popolo Italian Kitchen and Bar. I've dined at Popolo before and it's right up there in my list of favourite Brisbane restaurants.

The menu walks that perfectly fine line between too simple and overly extensive, the food is fresh with a lot of emphasis on showcasing local produce, and the whole place has that classic Italian ambience. It's casual without lacking in service or quality of food, but at the same time classy without being pretentious and stuffy. I'm going to get specific now, and tell you exactly what I'll eat at Regional Flavours from Popolo, and if you know what's good for you, you'll be stuffing these morsels in your mouth too. The crumbed Mozzarella with thyme-infused local honey is going to be the bee's knees. (See what I did there?)

Could eat these all day, every day. The Bee One Third locally produced honey is also going to be available at Regional Flavours... my top tip is to get there early and try and snag your suburb, they sell out quickly!

Regional Flavours 2016 is a fantastic opportunity for local food producers, restaurateurs and traders to showcase their mouth-watering wares, and to show everyone that QLD is no longer the backwards banana-bending state of old. The event which is staged over two days at my favourite polace in Brisbane - Southbank Parklands - will definitely exceed expectations and appetites. I urge you all to put the dates in your diary and come along, as there will be something for everyone - whatever your personal tastes.

All the Regional Flavours stage presenters, stallholders, food trucks and vendors have been hand-selected and are definitely hungry-tummy-approved. Adriano Zumbo, Maggie Beer, Hayden Quinn, the Masterchef lads Gary, George and Matt, Miguel Maestre, Alistair Macleod, and River Cottage's Paul West are just a few big names that will be hitting the stages, but check out the full program on the Regional Flavours website for more details. You’re going to want to start planning your eating agenda now.

I'm planning on being in Brisbane for the entire weekend, staying at Brisbane Marriott, so come hang with me. We can eat until our belts explode.

For stays between 14-18 July 2016, Brisbane Marriott Hotel is offering a special discounted rate of $199 a night if you book before July 1, 2016.

Will I see you at Regional Flavours 2016?

*I was a guest of Brisbane Marketing, the listed venues, and Brisbane Marriott for my recent foodie adventure through Southbank, Brisbane and the Lockyer Valley - they do great work showcasing this corner of the world, and I am incredibly happy to support them.

All images my own, or supplied by Brisbane Marketing

Comfort and Style: New Year's Eve outfit 2016 - Boohoo Embellished Dress

We're less than a week away from 2016. Let that sink in for a minute or two.

This time around, I have no idea what I'm doing to ring in the New Year - I've had a few pretty good invitations, but I'm working until 5.30pm that day so don't want to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast. I will definitely enjoy a few drinks, but where and who with... yet to be decided. If you are having a rip-roaring party in the vicinity of my house (ideally walking distance), maybe I could come to yours, hehe? I'll bring the rosé.

New Year's Eve is nothing if not the night of sparkly, sequined dresses. NYE is the night I dress unashamedly like a fashion magpie. If it’s sparkly, shiny and/or covered in glitz, I’m wearing it. Because if you can’t sparkle like a Dancing with the Stars contestant on the first and last night of the year, when can you?

I've even taken my love of the NYE bling on camping trips - really. One year, we were on Fraser Island for NYE, and while everyone else was in swimmers, tank tops and shorts all day and night, I stepped it up with a black ruffly cotton frock and a giant Swarovski necklace so sparkly that I could signal ships with it. And of course, a glass or three of champagne.

Boohoo Plus Jemma Embellished Dress

This blinged-up embellished chiffon number from Boohoo is going to be the perfect frock for whatever I get up to this year - easily dressed up with nude heels and a muted gold leather clutch, or I could dial it down a little with flat sandals and a crossbody bag to enjoy a more casual night out at a friend's place.

Boohoo Plus Jemma Embellished Dress, Wittner Roco nude heel, Louenhide Mischa gold clutch, Shabby Sisters Gold Pearl Moon earrings, Essie Peach Side Babe polish

Boohoo Plus Jemma Embellished Dress, Wittner Calissa flats, Louenhide Macy coral crossbody bag, Dominique Portet Brut Rosé NV, Essie Cute as a Button polish

What are you doing to welcome 2016? Do you take the opportunity to wear sparkles on special nights like NYE?

Don't forget to sign up to get Katy Potaty via email to go into my December subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse Christmas Cheer candle!

I'm joining in with the Fresh Fashion Forum. Head over and see what all the fashionable folks are wearing these holidays!

Festive Day Out: visit the Southbank Christmas Markets in Brisbane

I am finally feeling the festive spirit, after visiting the Southbank Christmas Markets with Brooke of Blonde Ambition during the week. Working in retail always casts a little bit of shade on the Christmas season, but not working full-time during this Summer is an absolute delight - it means I get to do all the Christmassy things!

The Southbank Christmas Markets are based on the traditional, charming Christkindlmarkts that spring up in Germany, Austria and other countries during the Advent season, and just like their European counterparts, you can shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations from local vendors, drink Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) flavoured iced tea, and taste European inspired food and delicacies during December - all without rugging up and braving the northern Winter chill.

Before hitting the Christmas markets, why not stop by the Southbank beach for some peoplewatching, swimming, and getting some sand in your cityslicker toes? Southbank's beach is as popular as ever, and with lifesavers on duty all school holidays, it's a fantastic day out!

Arriving to the sounds of traditional carols played by a brass ensemble puts you in a festive mood straight away!

One of my favourite stalls, Fox and Fallow, where you can shop for super-adorable chalkboards, cards and stationery. Owner/designer Janet was painting this lovely Christmas message and chatting with market shoppers at the same time, and I loved pretty much everything in her stall.

I mean, how gorgeous and special is this Fox and Fallow Christmas card? You can't blame me for stocking up for next year, can you?

More sweet cards... you can guess which one was my favourite, can't you?

I"m so predictable.

After a little Christmas shopping, I highly recommend stopping by the Nitrogenie stall to get a little energy kick; and if you've got kids, they'll love watching the magic icecream being made.

Brooke and I each enjoyed a Christmas donut topped with condensed milk and custard icrecream, with a generous serve of gingerbread crumble on top. That icecream = amazing!

While you let that condensed milk goodness course through your veins (or block your arteries, whatevs), take a seat in the market square and watch the entertainment. These little angels were cute enough to wrap up and give on Christmas Day, but I'm sure there are laws against that kinda thing. On the upside, I walked around humming acapella versions of Silent Night and Jingle Bells for the rest of the evening.

Iced tea. This is where it's at, folks. I tried the Glühwein-flavoured version, and it was DELICIOUS! Think a slightly tropical and chilled version of mulled wine, and you've got the right idea. So refreshing for a Summer night in Brisbane.

As the sun dropped in the sky, the lights scattered throughout the precinct started to show.

Some of the lights are interactive too - it you cycle fast enough on the elf-bikes stationed at the large tree, the lights shine even brighter. Perfect for working off your donut, or churros, or Christmas ham and gravy roll, or German kransky, or chocolate brownies... yep, there's plenty of food here to try!

Can you imagine anything prettier?

When all your presents have been bought, you can pop over to the lovelies at Santa's Wrap Bar, where elves will wrap your gifts in the sweetest scandi-print wrap for a gold-coin donation to Youngcare and Hummingbird House. Good looking gifts = good karma vibes, y'all.

I kept my outfit simple and Summery with a festive twist. Muui off-shoulder ruffle chambray dress and Harris Scarfe sandals, with my market-staple giant green Louenhide bag and a sentimental favourite coral, jade and silver necklace from our engagement holiday in Port Douglas to add a little merry red and green.

 

Thank you to Brisbane Marketing who spoiled me with a collection of great goodies from vendors including Fox and Fallow, The Design Farm (their ontrend pieces can be found locally at Lamington on Hastings St), Curly Jo Design, and The Cocoa Elf. It's so great to see small businesses given the opportunity to have a lot of foot traffic at markets like these, particularly when the shopping centres have such a large portion of the gift-giving market wrapped up (see what I did there). I'll take a day at the markets over a day at a Westfield any time!

I had a great time at Southbank, and would really love to make visiting the Christmas markets an annual festive tradition - not least because it's perfect for picking up some unique and handmade last-minute gifts! The markets are on from 11am-8pm daily through to Wednesday 23 December, except 17-21 December when they will be open until 9pm - so make a night of it and chefck out the Christmas movies showing, as well as the fireworks displays! (Hot tip, while most people are still at work at the start of this week, head to the markets on Monday or Tuesday to avoid the weekend crowds and get the chance to chat to the vendors - quieter days at markets are always my favourite.)

If you're not local, Mantra on the Quay has a great accommodation deal this Summer if you're planning on visiting Brisbane to enjoy all the free events in the city:

Stay 3 nights and save up to 10% - rates start from $158 per night for 1 bedroom apartment
Stay 5 nights and save 20% - rates start from $140 per night for 1 bedroom apartment
(Offer is valid for booking and travel until 29 February 2016, subject to availability, minimum 3 night stay & 5 night stay respectively, conditions apply. Visitwww.mantra.com.au for bookings.)

Where have you purchased the bulk of your Christmas gifts from this year? Small businesses and market vendors, or larger stores? Why not experience the wonder of a traditional Christmas Market with a Brisbane twist?

Want to win a Glasshouse Candle? Sure you do, sign up to get Katy Potaty via email and go into my December subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse Christmas Cheer candle!

Anannasa kaftan love - the perfect pool coverup

Now that us Aussies are heading into a hopefully warm Spring and a definitely warm Summer, it's time to start thinking about swimwear season. This in itself is a whole minefield, especially because there seem to be a large proportion of people who are keen on actually working to get a bikini body prior to hitting the beach. I understand their thought processes, I really do... but to me, I have a bikini body. I own bikinis, and I will put them on my body. Voila!

Good on you if you love working out, I wish you the very best. I can't really bear it. It's not for me. I understand that it SHOULD be for me, but no way in hell will I wait until I have my dream lithe body before actually taking a dip in swimwear this Summer.

My biggest concerns through Summer should really be limited to keeping the patio fridge stocked with Sav Blanc (Trainee Mama never turns up empty-handed, which helps) and dipping my toe in the pool to see if it's actually warm enough to swim in yet. Most Queenslanders would say 'not until November', and I tend to agree; although my Tasmanian husband will take the icy plunge in the next few weeks, I'm sure of it.

Fundana Collection Paris tunic* in blue, by Anannasa

Whilst I'm all for wearing whichever bathers you like, I feel the need to have a cover-up or kaftan ready every time I hop out of the pool. Even if you’re not sitting by the water, they're a great option for sunny summer days, especially if you choose a breezy, light fabric.

Friends who visit our place during Summer are often surprised that I've 'glammed up' for a casual or impromptu BBQ, but all I really do is throw on a kaftan or tunic with some fun accessories.

     

This super-breezy georgette style from Anannasa with a few sparkles and sequins around the neckline and cuffs will be a great lazy Summer afternoon choice as it gets warmer, thrown over swimmers with a straw fedora; or I can add skinny distressed white jeans, wedges and some extra bling to jazz it up and head out for cocktails somewhere by the beach.

Are you open to kaftans? Do you think they should stay poolside, or can they be glammed up?

*Fundana tunic-style kaftan gifted from Anannasa - thank you to the lovely Sher for adding such poolside glamour to my wardrobe, I can't wait to show you all the other Anannasa piece that arrived this week too!

I'll be linking up with Kimba Likes Wardrobe Wednesday, so head over and see what infinitely more stylish folk than me have been wearing.

Want more like this? Sure you do, get Katy Potaty via email and go into my monthly subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse candle!

Guest room makeover: from vile violet to green goodness

It has come as quite the surprise to me that completely changing a room’s look in our home gives me such a great feeling. Living in a few rental houses as a kid meant that I never really got into decorating my bedroom and personalising it beyond putting a few band posters on the walls with blu-tak.

Now that BB and I are living in what we hope will be our home for more than a few years (at least until Stevie is old and grey), we're really loving taking the time to transform it into 'our place'. Now don't misunderstand, there's no renovating required, one of our provisos when we bought was that it could be comfortably lived in straight away; but there were definitely places where we could see that we'd need to add our own touches.

The guest bedroom was always going to be the first room we painted. (Let it be known that when I say 'we' in the context of painting, I invariably mean BB.) When we took our first spin through the house at an inspection, I got quite a shock when faced with a neon purple feature wall in one of the bedrooms, when the rest of the house was entirely beige and white.

The purple feature wall was such an eyesore, and didn't suit any of the other rooms or furnishings in our home.

The guest room is a great size, perfect for a decent queen bed and bedside tables, with a fantastic white plantation shutters like the rest of the house, and a large built-in wardrobe with heinous beige sliding doors (but they're a project for another day). We decided early on that we wanted to paint most of the house Dulux Natural White, which would keep the polished concrete floors from making our house feel too dark; but I knew that choosing a feature wall colour would drive me insane. I'm a naturally indecisive and anxious person, and decisions like choosing paint colours always make me very uncomfortable - even thought I know paint can be changed! Here is where BB was a champ: after three days of me trying to decide on a great green, he went to the paint store while I was at work, chose a colour, bought a tin, and came home to paint the wall! I arrived home that night expecting to go through more options with him, and he'd already done it. More reasons I love him... he chose Dulux Banana Palm, partly because the colour is fun and light and bright, and partly because he knew I'd love the name!

By changing the feature wall to the wall visible from the hallway, it gives this wing of a the house a really light Summery vibe instead of hiding the feature wall away.

The rest of the guest bedroom came together so easily, once I'd played around on Pinterest and Polyvore and decided on some styles I liked. I know we don't live in a giant mansion in the Hamptons, but I really love that fresh feeling that those sorts of home have - simple and summery all year round.

Polyvore was a great place to find and collate inspiration and start to 'see' the room come together.

The beautiful Summery 'This is the Life' print by local designer Hark Home is already a favourite, and looks great with the green wall, but I think I want to move it into my lounge room so I can see it more often!

I'm thrilled that we ended up able to find and use so many of the pieces that I was hoping would work in this room, especially the three Escape to Paradise cushions in teal watercolour and classic palmtree print. 

Hark Home print, Escape to Paradise cushions, Glasshouse Montego Bay candle, Dulux Banana Palm Wash & Wear 101 paint, Sheridan cotton waffle quilt cover

Walking past or into this room now is such a delight, and because we've made this effort and it looks gorgeous, it's less likely to be turned into an unused space or that old standard of guest rooms... the junk room! Next on my list for that room is to think about a few little comforts that guests might like handy - think a basket filled with phone chargers, spare toothbrushes, our WiFi password (I love this printable from Tomfo!), refreshing face wipes, local magazines, anything that makes them feel comfortable to lounge in there for as long as they like.

Do you have a specific guest room in your home, and how have you styled it? When you're a houseguest, what sort of little touches make you feel more comfortable?

Want more like this? Sure you do, get Katy Potaty via email and go into my monthly subscriber draw to win a Glasshouse candle!