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Your go-to destination for design inspiration and practical tips to transform your home. Discover the latest interior trends, style hacks, and budget-friendly ideas to create a space you'll love.
The perfect pairing: Entertainment Units and Living Room Furniture
Creating a harmonious and functional living room takes careful consideration. And at the heart of every living room is the entertainment unit. Serving as a functional necessity as well as a defining focal point that can shape your living room's overall ambiance. Learn the art of pairing your existing living room furniture with the right entertainment unit style, to create a cohesive space. The Central Role of Entertainment Units Entertainment units often act as the focal point in our living rooms, which makes it a great first piece to consider when setting-up your living room layout. These units are more than functional; they are versatile pieces that house electronics and provide storage while contributing to the room's aesthetic. The style of your entertainment unit significantly influences the room's overall atmosphere. Tip: Consider your living room's size when selecting an entertainment unit. Smaller spaces benefit from compact units, while larger rooms can accommodate substantial units as a central focus. To ensure a perfect fit, use provided dimensions and create a tape outline of where you want the unit. This visual guide allows for efficient experimentation with unit placement and room layout. Understanding Living Room Dynamics To harmoniously pair your entertainment unit with other furniture, it's essential to have spatial awareness. Consider your living room's layout, traffic flow, and furniture placement for optimal space utilisation. Striking a balance between function and aesthetics is key for a practical yet visually pleasing living room. Coordinating with Seating Furniture Position your couches and chairs for primary viewing around your entertainment unit. This will help coordinate your other living room furniture. Ensure they align with the unit's style and location, providing comfortable viewing and contributing to the room's aesthetics. Matching the styles of both your entertainment unit and seating arrangements is paramount. Tip: If you already have existing furniture in your living room, look for entertainment units that harmonize with your current aesthetic and colour palette. This approach ensures seamless integration, promoting visual consistency and an appealing look. Creating Harmonious Spaces: Storage, Décor, and Accents To curate a cohesive living room, integrate your storage and shelving choices with your decor and accent pieces. Opt for storage solutions that align with your entertainment unit's style, incorporating open shelving for creative displays. Utilise the "pairs of three" rule and vary item heights for visual interest while maintaining simplicity. Avoid overcrowding shelves for a clean, uncluttered atmosphere. Consider integrating ottomans, stylish baskets, or cube storage for efficient organization that aligns with your aesthetic. Integrating Lighting Solutions Set the mood in your living room with the help of lighting, making a significant difference in how you perceive the space. Adequate general lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere and enhances the role of your entertainment unit as a focal point. Ensure specific areas, such as reading or workspaces, have sufficient task lighting. Practical Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid Proportional Balance: To maintain an aesthetically pleasing and organized living room, ensure that furniture pieces are proportionally balanced. Experiment with different furniture arrangements to optimize the use of your space and draw attention to your entertainment unit without overwhelming the room. Declutter Strategically: Strategically organize your living room to prevent a cluttered appearance. Use ottomans, stylish baskets, or cube storage as functional solutions to keep your space tidy. Experiment with different storage options and placements to maintain a clean and uncluttered atmosphere while making the most of your room's natural light. Comfortable Pathways: When experimenting with room layout, pay attention to walkways and windows. Ensure that your furniture arrangement doesn't block natural light sources and leave clear pathways for easy navigation. Position your seating furniture to maximize the flow of natural light into your living room, creating an inviting and well-lit atmosphere. In conclusion, when pairing entertainment units with other living room furniture, consider the following factors; dynamics of your space, functionality and overall aesthetic your looking to achieve. By paying attention to these aspects and drawing inspiration from real-life examples, you can transform your living room into a space that truly reflects your style and personality, making it a place where you can relax, entertain, and create lasting memories.
Living Big in a Small Space
style="text-align: justify;">Residing in compact living spaces is on the rise, whether it be an apartment, a small house, or a downsized home. This shift towards smaller living is encouraging us to adopt a design approach that truly feels like home by decluttering, experimenting with colour and making the most of our floor space. While some may perceive limited square footage as a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to discover new possibilities for creative and innovative design. With the right approach, you can make any space work effectively without compromising on comfort or style. Where to start Creating the perfect foundation through key furniture pieces is the most efficient way to begin designing a smaller space. When you're selecting furniture it's important to consider the size and scale of your space, providing a better understanding of what will fit so you can source the right furniture with confidence. Furniture with clean lines, soft textures and neutral colours, such as the Canyon and Reece Range, can help to create an open and uncluttered ambience that enhances the overall appeal of your space. Tip: To design a cohesive look and feel - Create a quick moodboard that includes links, prices and measurements when sourcing your furniture. Not only will this give you a good idea of what your space will look like once completed, but all the information will be easily accessible when you are ready to buy! Select items that you love and that compliment your space. Be selective with your décor items to allow your space to feel cohesive whilst still letting your personality shine through. Over decorating can make a room feel smaller than it is and can become overwhelming. Taking these factors into consideration will ensure that your small space is furnished in a way that maximizes functionality and your personal style. Make it Multifunctional Living in a smaller space sometimes means turning your dining table into a work-from-office, or your living room doubling as a guest room, this is where multifunctional furniture will become your best friend, providing functional and easy solutions when living big in a small space. Coffee tables and bedside tables that incorporate hidden storage space like Sadie and Hamptons; dining chairs that can stack away like the Pia; and multi-purpose ottomans that serve as additional seating or surface area; are among the many pieces available that can help maximize your available square footage. Not only do they provide functionality, but they also keep your living area organized and uncluttered. When selecting multifunctional furniture for your small space, it is essential to choose items that compliment your style whilst providing the functionality you need. These versatile pieces can add a new dimension to your space and so it's important to find the items that complement your style and aesthetic. Investing in multifunctional furniture can be an excellent way to optimize your space, while still maintaining the desired look and feel of your home. Optimise Light & Layout In addition to selecting the right furniture, the way you choose to arrange a room can have a big impact on how you feel in the space, so it is important to choose a layout that maximizes functionality and compliments how you use and live in your space. By strategically placing furniture to create designated areas for different activities such as a reading nook or workspace, you can make the space feel more purposeful and less cluttered. Consider the flow of the space and ensure you have adequate floor space for ease of movement around furniture to prevent feeling cramped in your home. Consider how you move from one room to the next, is there something that gets in your way? Or can you seamlessly interact with the space? Additionally, incorporating mirrors and working with natural light can make a significant difference and creates the illusion of more space whilst enhancing the room's ambience. Mirrors can be especially useful for creating the illusion of a larger room by reflecting light and creating depth. For bedroom spaces, incorporate a standing mirror like the Ola or Jackson and for living rooms and entries consider using a wall mirror such as the Tait or Khalili. Tip: We recommend wall mounted Frameless mirrors for more compact spaces - they seamlessly bring that light in without taking up floor space or overpowering the wall. When arranging the placement of furniture, keep in mind which areas receive natural light and at which points of the day. Natural lighting is essential, as it can illuminate the space and enhance the effects of mirrors, creating a larger and brighter space. By thoughtfully selecting a layout and utilizing mirrors, natural lighting, and furniture placement, even the smallest space can be transformed into a comfortable and inviting home. A breath of fresh air Design a space that you look forward to coming home to, a place that encourages calm and relaxation after a long day. Adding organic elements such as neutral colour palettes, warm textures and plants are a great way to transform your house into your haven. Neutral colour palettes aren't always white and beige, think about the colours of nature itself. Incorporating hues of blue, green and other earthy tones can still give your space a neutral backdrop whilst creating depth and personality. This applies to texture too - by incorporating natural textures such as rattan and timber, like the Claremont and Canyon ranges, the colour palette will seamlessly blend as they do in nature. Plants can bring life and a touch of nature into your space and even help purify the air. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in small spaces, such as succulents, air plants, or spider plants. Consider incorporating plants into your decor to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Home is not defined by square footage or budget. With the right approach to furniture selection, layout and décor accents, you can create a space that feels beautifully elevated, irrespective of size. By selecting appropriately sized furniture, incorporating multifunctional pieces, optimizing your layout, and incorporating natures beauty, you can make the most of your space and create a home that is comfortably you.
How to Choose the Right Floor Rug: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting the perfect floor rug is a transformative step in elevating the aesthetics and comfort of your living spaces. Whether you're looking to add warmth to a room, define a specific area, or simply enhance the overall decor, the right rug can make a significant difference. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the key considerations and expert tips for choosing a floor rug that suits your style and space. 1. What is The Purpose Of The Rug?: Before diving into the world of rugs, identify the purpose of the rug in the room. Are you looking to add a cosy touch to your bedroom, define a seating area in the living room, or introduce a splash of colour to a neutral space? Understanding the intended purpose will guide your choices in terms of size, material, and style. 2. What Is The Right Size Rug? The size of the rug is crucial for achieving a balanced and well-proportioned look in your space. Here are some general guidelines: Living Room: Ensure that the rug is large enough for all the furniture legs to rest on it or, at a minimum, the front legs of the seating should be on the rug. Dining Room: The rug should extend beyond the edges of the dining table to accommodate chairs, even when pulled out. Bedroom: Aim for a rug that extends a minimum of 450mm beyond each side of the bed. This creates a visually appealing and cohesive appearance, offering a comfortable landing for your feet when you get out of bed. For smaller bedrooms, avoid overpowering the space with a rug that engulfs the entire floor. Instead, opt for a practical solution such as a small runner rug placed on either side or at the foot of the bed. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also maximizes the impact of the rug in a more confined area. 3. Which Materials Should I Choose? Rug texture and material not only affect the aesthetics but also the feel and durability. Common rug materials include: Wool: Renowned for its luxurious feel, wool rugs are durable, naturally stain-resistant, and offer excellent insulation. Cotton: Lightweight and easy to clean, cotton rugs are soft, breathable, and ideal for casual spaces. Viscose: Often known as "artificial silk," viscose adds a touch of luxury, mimicking the look and feel of silk at a more affordable price. Polyester: Polyester rugs are budget-friendly, durable, and resistant to fading, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Jute: As a natural fibre, jute rugs are eco-friendly, sturdy, and add a rustic charm to your space. 4. Which Style and Pattern Should I Choose? The style and pattern of the rug contribute to the overall aesthetics of the room. Consider the existing decor and the atmosphere you want to create: Solid Colours: Timeless and versatile, solid-coloured rugs work well in minimalist and modern spaces. Geometric Patterns: Add visual interest and a contemporary touch with geometric patterns, like those found in the stylish Rea Diamond Floor Rug. Traditional or Oriental: Bring in a touch of classic elegance with intricate patterns inspired by traditional or Oriental designs, with the Romi Floor Rug. Stripes or Chevron: These patterns, exemplified by the Kobie Cotton Blend Striped Floor Rug, can elongate a room and add a dynamic flair. As you explore our curated selection of rugs, remember that each piece is not just an addition to your home but an investment in comfort and style. By considering the purpose, size, material, style, maintenance, and budget, you'll be well on your way to discovering the perfect rug that transforms your living spaces. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let your chosen rug be the foundation of a beautifully curated home.
Isabella Walker-Smith x Mocka Nursery
Several months ago, while travelling in New York, Isabella Walker-Smith sat in her hotel bedroom on her laptop, planning a new nursery. Isabella's nursery goal was to find the essential furniture and items - and everything she really wanted for her new baby's room - in one spot. "The streamlined, functional nursery staples of my dreams," she says. Isabella, 31, is the founder of a business, specialising in beautiful interiors pieces, and hers is the kind of home that inspires millennials setting up homes with a thoughtfully curated mix of pieces, particularly if you're one of those parents who vowed not to let the house fill up with plastic junk, and mass-market blitz. Mocka offers an excellent baby category. "It was a lot simpler than the endless baby must-haves on Tiktok, (or the unsolicited lists friends hand out) and it was also easy and quick," she says. The lifestyle brand believes we all deserve good design and combines modernism with ethical production and simple, intuitive designs. "There's so much fluffiness out there. I wanted toned-down, which Mocka served up in spades." The nursery had to be equal parts pretty and practical. "It doesn't matter how pretty something is if it's going to get ruined," Isabella says. "Practicality is where I start when decorating spaces that my family can love and live comfortably in." Besides selling furniture for the home and rugs, Mocka offers clean-lined contemporary nursery furniture in modern finishes such as brushed bronze and timber. Their pieces favour less conventional colours like green and mulberry, mustard and oatmeal. It's about simple, elegant, low-profile designs with no unnecessary embellishments. In the case of the simple 1920s room with plain white walls, timber floorboards and a single French window in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Isabella chose the Mocka Josephine Cot in Bronze, $429, as her jumping-off point. "If you can find that one thing that serves as your inspiration, it's such an easy way to tackle a room's decor," Isabella says. Guided by the vintage Deco-style cot design with a glamorous brushed bronze finish, Isabella selected the coordinating Sonata Change Table in Bronze, $299.95, and extra-wide change mat, then set about giving the bedroom character for their baby without overenergizing a space meant to be serene. "Unlike most couples today, we chose not to find out the baby's gender, so I was flying blind on the colour palette and decoration." A Mocka Morrocan-themed tufted rug called Romi, instantly warmed up the room. "The minute we rolled out Mocka's Romi tufted Floor Rug in Cream, Extra Large, 2m, x 3m, $299.99, the room transformed before our eyes. It cocooned the entire space. "I didn't want it looking too babyish. No pink. No blue. Apparently, 98% of parents now find out the sex of their baby. But we wanted a surprise - so I couldn't choose a specific shade up front." The super-soft rug gave a bland space individuality, a focal point and was affordable but doesn't look it. "It was amazing value for money - a lifetime of pleasure for the price of a Zara jacket." This mostly neutral space is anything but boring thanks to the accent wall of hot air balloons teamed with Mocka throw rugs and baskets for personality including gorgeous pear-shaped wall designs. The bronze cot and change table add warmth and texture and fit in perfectly with the rest of the interior. Terracotta jugs from Olive Atelier in Los Angeles hold silver and timber hair brushes and rattles. A timeless Dimple sweetie soft Roman blind in white linen was made-to-measure by No Chintz. Mum said, "You won't go wrong with No Chintz - they were the first to make upmarket bespoke window treatments accessible and are still one of the best". No Chintz supplied the white linen, and created a blind that corrected the room's proportions, treating the wall and the window as one seamless surface and hanging the fabric from the ceiling. The gorgeous natural fabric, in a pale tone, makes the room seem larger. We actually doubled up on window dressings with the roman shade and a blackout blind combo for daytime naps. Isabella has created a practical nursery full of style and soul, using Mocka foundation pieces mixed with a cornucopia of inherited pieces in characteristically imaginative ways. The room features a multitude of millennial trends, including muted tones and materials: from black to stone, rattan, wicker, bronze, marble, timber, linen, terracotta - and plenty of texture. But it still seems perfectly suited for baby Rupert who is now two months old. "I'm stunned how much time Rupert and I spend in the nursery. It's such a tranquil, feel-good room." The baby-friendly space also feels glam thanks to the additions of an antique French oak table with an original marble top, a fifth-generation piece, that belonged to Isabella's great-grandmother's, French vintage mini stools from Olive Atelier in Los Angeles, mini crystal lamps with bespoke shades and art found in New York, by Emma Bahamas, and late New York designer and tastemaker Nina Griscom's private collection. Here's Isabella's top MOCKA picks that make nursery decorating cool: Josephine Cot - Bronze, $399.99 Luxe and elegant, the Josephine Cot instantly anchored the room. The vintage style with modern safety is the perfect cot to create a unique style in a modern or traditional space. With tall, arched side panels, decoratively looped rails and metal beading, this vintage-inspired cot is a statement piece. https://www.mocka.com.au/josephine-cot-bronze/ Vale Cot Mattress, $159.99 The Vale Cot Mattress is an affordable, quality inner-sprung cot mattress with a quilted poly-cotton cover. It has a standard American size that fits with our entire range of Mocka Cots. https://www.mocka.com.au/vale-cot-mattress/ Sonata Change Table - Bronze, $219 Isabella teamed the cot with the Sonata Change Table made in steel with a brushed Bronze finish for glamour. It's the piece we use most. The timeless, vintage-inspired design features a wide changing tray, ideal for the Mocka Change Mat sold separately, and two spacious shelves underneath for all the essential storage - like nappies, wipes, swaddles and clothes.https://www.mocka.com.au/sonata-change-table-bronz... Claremont Six Drawer - Black, $429.99 The black six-drawer dresser with rattan panels is sure to grow with the child. Bold and luxurious, Claremont gives any space instant style, with a rich black painted finish and rattan drawer panels for a textured, layered look. home. https://www.mocka.com.au/claremont-six-drawer-blac... Romi Floor Rug - Extra Large - Cream, $289.99 As a tufted, extra-large floor rug, the Romi Floor Rug Extra Large - Cream is perfect for large living spaces of your home. Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, this rug has a soft and textural feel underfoot, giving any floor a layer of comfort. The 200cm by 300cm size is wonderfully generous and makes this rug ideal for the bedroom, dining room, lounge room and other large living space in your home. We love the subtle tribal-inspired diamond pattern in gorgeous shades of black and cream for a look that is modern, understated, and elegant, https://www.mocka.com.au/romi-floor-rug-extra-larg... Mocka Cotton Change Mat Cover - Cream, $39.99 Add neutral, cosy style to your nursery with the Mocka Cotton Change Mat Cover - Cream. Adding the right amount of style and comfort to your change mat, it's made from a lovely cotton gauze fabric. The creamy white colourway is always elegant and is the perfect touch to create a dreamy, on-trend nursery style. https://www.mocka.com.au/mocka-cotton-change-mat-c... Mocka Quilted Change Mat, $39.99 The Mocka Quilted Change Mat is an ideal changing mat for your change table and will create a soft and comfy place for your baby. This quilted mat is compatible with any of our Mocka changing trays and change tables (sold separately). Featuring a stylish, quilted, water-resistant fabric that makes spills easy to clean, this quilted change mat makes changing nappies easy for you and comfortable for your baby. The contoured sides of the change mat offers quality support to your little one. https://www.mocka.com.au/mocka-quilted-change-mat/ Rattan Storage Ottoman - Black, $99 The Rattan Storage Ottoman. Black is a versatile round ottoman made from black rattan. A great way to add extra texture and colour to a space, this ottoman with storage has a tightly weaved rattan body. Ideal for use as a footstool or side table by your sofa or armchair or as a decorative feature in a bedroom or other space for a touch of chic style, https://www.mocka.com.au/rattan-storage-ottoman-bl... Southampton Cotton Rope Basket - Natural, $34.99 The Southampton Cotton Rope Baskets - Natural adds textured neutrals to your decor, while stylishly organising your home. Made from a cotton blend fabric in a neutral colourway, it will easily suit any space and décor and will add natural texture to your home styling, https://www.mocka.com.au/southampton-cotton-rope-b... Torrance Rattan Occasional Chair, $399.99 Feel right at home with the Torrance Rattan Occasional Chair. The perfect extra seating in any living room, sitting area, or home office, this stylish accent chair adds laid-back, resort-style to your space. With its natural wood frame and rattan weave design, it's a true statement piece, https://www.mocka.com.au/torrance-rattan-occasiona... Willow Pear Shaped Hanging Storage Basket - Large, $99.99 The Willow Pear Shaped Hanging Storage Basket - Large adds unique storage and decoration to your walls. Designed in the shape of a pear, this unique hanging basket is made from weaved willow and creates a playful décor element in any room of your house, https://www.mocka.co.nz/willow-pear-shaped-hanging... Willow Pear Shaped Hanging Storage Basket - Small, $69.95 The Willow Pear Shaped Hanging Storage Basket - Small is a unique basket to hang on your wall for decoration and storage. Made from rattan, this hanging basket is in the shape of a pear and creates a playful décor element on a wall, https://www.mocka.co.nz/willow-pear-shaped-hanging-storage-basket-small/ Mocka Linen Look Canopy - Oatmeal, $89.99 A dreamy hanging teepee, the Mocka Canopy is a coddling, romantic piece which you hang from the ceiling by a hook. You can then arrange the drops to be as long or short as the ceiling height allows. This way the cot (or bed) feels designed exactly for the room - with swaths of creamy white lightweight fabric over the them, creating a whimsical teepee space where your child can read, play, and doze. It creates a comfortable and intimate environment in a room where a child might feel -lost'. https://www.mocka.com.au/mocka-linen-look-canope-o... Dream Bunting & Blanket Set, $89.99 Add some whimsy to your little one's space with the Dream Bunting and Blanket Set. This adorable decor piece has a playful design featuring hanging stuffed toys in the shape of rainbows, clouds, and stars. At 215cm in length, easily hang the bunting on any wall or corner of the room to delight your little one and make their space feel extra special, https://www.mocka.com.au/dream-bunting-blanket-set... Mocka Linen Play Mat - Natural, $99.99 The Mocka Linen Play Mat - Natural is a stylish play mat for tummy time and play. Super soft on your baby's skin, it's made from a luxe linen with a cosy quilting for comfort, https://www.mocka.com.au/mocka-linen-play-mat-natu... Priya Pompom Knit Throw - Oatmeal/Mustard, $54 Throw rugs are among your baby's essentials. Every baby and child should have a few throws to keep in their room as a Linjus blanket, adding warmth and comfort. Handwoven from 100% cotton, this throw rug has a cuddly and cosy feel with a tight, knitted weave, https://www.mocka.com.au/priya-pompom-knit-throw-o... Aiden Highchair - Latte, $199.99 The Aiden Highchair in Latte is a modern highchair with a stylish design. Convenient and comfortable, this highchair features a padded seat for cushy comfort and a harness for extra safety. Its removable tray means getting your baby in and out of the highchair is uncomplicated, and cleaning it is even easier. https://www.mocka.com.au/aiden-highchair-latte/
2023 TREND FORECAST
What is in vogue not only speaks to our aesthetic sensibilities but also to how we want to live and the environment we choose to surround ourselves with. Start the new year with the latest trend forecast for a stylish home in 2023 as we look forward to what is new in interior design this year. Home is no longer just a place for rest and relaxation. The home has evolved throughout the last few years, with shifts in the way we work and live and the walls between our worlds have had to adapt to new ways of living. This year we will embrace continued evolution of our home with a renewed focus on form, sustainability, nature, and a refined strengthening of functionality and multipurpose spaces and products. Designed by our in-house team we have curated the top key trends to welcome into your home and keep you ahead of the trend in 2023. The Curated Curve Keeping ahead of the curve has been a trend over the last couple of years and is here to stay, evoking a sense of calm amongst the uncertainty. This trend made its debut with a focus on form and is easily spotted throughout furniture design and décor. We welcomed the curved armchair, statement ceramics and circular cushions - since then we can't get enough of organic shapes and curved accents throughout the home. Structural elements commonly integrated in every spacewith arched doorways, spiral staircases, and tubular accents becoming more widely seen in interior and furniture design from statement wooden cladding on walls to fluted console tables, like the Eve Console Table and curved bedheads, like the Boucle Queen Bedhead Curve. This trend will continue to take shape and trickle into more of our everyday home furniture and décor items and this year we will be spoilt for choice. Elegantly Functional This year we see a refined strengthening of functionality in our home and it is no surprise to see multipurpose spaces and products at the top of interior trends for 2023. Your home should reflect your style whilst remaining practical and versatile to evolve with your family's needs and stage of life. We no longer have to forfeit beautiful design for functionality, as designers focus on clever ways to make their designs work harder to accommodate our needs, for example the contemporary Pia Dining Chairs have been designed to stack for easy storage and space saving and the Hamptons Kids 2 in 1 Bunk Bed can be stacked to save space or separated into two single beds to adapt and grow with your family. This year we will see an increase in demand for multi-functional items as we also get more creative with styling our homes in a way that allows us to enjoy our décor and furniture in a practical way. Naturally Colourful Bring the outdoors in with earthy hues and pops of colour. Colour is an easy way to keep up to date on interior trends without having to invest a lot of time or money. A statement wall will completely transform a room or incorporating décor accents like ottomans, rugs and soft furnishings in trend colour will instantly update your space. Coinciding with the furniture and décor trend of soft edges and simplicity; the colour trends that are set to be seen in the world of interior design for 2023 are warm tones that bring your space back to the pantones that naturally surround it such as earthy browns, like the Faux Leather Ottoman - Large - Tan, rich rustic reds like the Constance Metal Plant Stand - Terracotta and organic forest greens like the Luka Velvet Queen Bed - Forest Green and Boucle Ottoman - Large - Khaki. For those who are looking to bring a pop of vibrant colour into your home add raspberry or magenta colour as this aligns with the Pantone colour of the Year and is sure to add a charismatic charm to your space. Remember that these changes are easily interchangeable and transferrable throughout your entire home. The Biophilic Movement You may start to hear the term Biophilic a lot more in the coming months. It's a design approach that is taking designers and architects by storm as it already been used as a more futuristic template for the commercial world around us. The term Biophilic is defined to be a concept that increases an occupant's connection to mother nature by creating a seamless cohesion of the internal and external worlds in their place of residency. This concept has been developed to combat the need for man-made structures and introduce more natural life back into cities and built-up suburbs - creating the sense of tranquillity and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Incorporate this trend into your home by introducing natural elements such as greenery, furniture accented with natural textures, like the rattan Claremont Range, soft natural materials like the Charlotte Braided Wool Rug, and encouraging natural light with mirrors to reflect as much of the outdoors. Curved edges, like the Oslo Range, and a natural colour palette will complement this trend and transform your space into a biophilic home whilst also creating a multi-sensory experience to emulate what we sense naturally when we are outdoors. Celebrate the new year with contemporary style and sign up to the Mocka Newsletter to keep up to date with all new product releases and be sure to check out our NEW page for the latest trends and most coveted limited-edition ranges.
Best hacks for storage in small places
Limited square footage doesn't mean limited style. Get creative and make the most out of your small spaces with storage solution designs, tips, and home inspiration. There is always a way to turn any little space into something functional and inspiring. Whether you're living in an apartment, or maybe it's just a small corner that seemingly only ever collects dust, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can follow that will soon turn that space into your go-to storage saviour. Learn how to take advantage of every little nook and cranny in your home and create a clutter free sanctuary to leave you feeling recharged and refreshed. Starting Small Small storage areas can make an amazing home for your everyday items that still need a designated area when you're not using them (throws, books etc.). Storage baskets and ottomans are the perfect fix when wanting to keep these items off the ground yet still easily accessible. Baskets are available in a variety of different materials such as, wicker, rattan, fabric, or seagrass, as well as a myriad shapes and sizes so finding ones that compliments both your aesthetic and practical use will be a breeze. They serve as the ideal corner filler for any space, whether it's your bedroom, living area or even bathroom as they are beautifully functional whilst staying stylish. Storage ottomans can also double as a seating alternative and perfect for keeping close to your bed or sofa for extra guests or just needing a simple spot to put your shoes on in the morning. Take advantage of your empty walls by using wall shelving. It is the perfect solution to showcasing smaller décor items. Strategic placement of the shelving can double as artwork by colour coding your book collection whilst skipping out on a large, oversized bookcase allowing that floor space to be used in a more productive manner. Wall shelves also allow you to have a space to organise any clutter that might be filling your desk, kitchen counter or entertainment unit whilst complimenting your design and is incredibly easy to switch up whenever you want a change. Closet Cleanse Keep your closet coveted with ample clothing storage for every space. Add a three drawer or six drawer to your bedroom to organise and declutter your wardrobe. For those tricky to style corners, the go-to solution is a tallboy or drawers that have less width and more height whilst still providing multiple drawers. These types of storage drawers allow you to still hold a substantial amount without taking up significant floor space. They are typically used in compact bedrooms to provide a home for any extra pieces of clothing that may not fit in your wardrobe. They can also be incredibly helpful in office spaces by providing a place for all of your stationary as well as any miscellaneous bits and pieces. Overall, a tall boy can benefit any space by giving you optimal clear floor space whilst being able to store considerable amounts of clothing and/or various assortments of clutter. Come home to a clutter free organised space and optimise your entryway with a hallway stand.This will allow you to keep your outdoor garments and necessities like a raincoat, shoes, and umbrella at easy access for you to grab before rushing out the door. Alternatively, if you want that extra storage with a fun way to display all of your favourite clothing items, an A-Frame or Hanger could be a perfect addition to your bedroom. Similarly, to the wall shelving solution, you can display your pieces with purpose by colour coding your top picks or simply using one colour to keep it monochromatic. No matter what you choose it will bring personality to your space whilst allowing your aesthetic to shine. Small space design tips Optimising your storage in a small area can be incredibly beneficial to the overall look and feel of your home, other tips, and tricks to help assist you when decorating a compact room or home include incorporating mirrors throughout your home to bounce light and create the illusion of larger space and depth in a room. Use mirrors with different shape and size to reflect your style. Ensure your colour palette is cohesive and simple. White walls and ceilings are known to create the effect of a bigger space. Add warmth to your light and bright walls with layers of natural textures and materials. Choose furniture pieces and floor rugs with natural timbers and materials to suit your style. Soft furnishings are the perfect addition of warmth and texture to any room. Use colour consistency throughout your rooms to create the illusion of larger spaces by effectively turning multiple small areas into one larger room. Finally, keep it minimal. Minimalism uses negative and positive space to completely open up a room. Minimalistic style doesn't necessarily require you to have little to no furniture or décor, it is the process of deciphering what is necessary and what isn't - this practice will leave you with the items that are incredibly important to you or used in your daily routine. Minimalist style is a good way to make the most out of a compact space. It will allow you to have enough floor space to move around whilst also using it productively for storage and essential furniture items; and will allow you to showcase your exact style and aesthetic. For more storage and style tips follow us on Instagram and sign up to the Newsletter to see all the latest Mocka storage solutions.
