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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.
How to Set Up Your Living Room for Under $1000
When it comes to living rooms, often the big bucks are spent on that sublime lounge you have had your eye on for ages. While sinking into that cushy goodness is pure bliss, it doesn't feel as good doing it in an empty room. Happily, Mocka has you covered for the rest. We thought we'd show how you can set up your living room so it is comfortable, practical and stylish....and all for under $1000! Starting Budget - $1000 First order of business means getting an entertainment unit sorted. We just love our Sadie Entertainment Unit for its simple, modern style. At just $259.95, this beauty is affordable and will set the look and feel of any living room space. Budget Remaining - $740.05 Now that the entertainment unit is sorted, we need some comfortable seating for the room. What's a living room without a recliner? So the Asta Recline ($129.95) is a definite must. This is the perfect chair for watching a movie with your feet up. A Britta Armchair ($119.95) will also look superb and is perfect for a spot of reading. For only $49.95, lets also added a Crochet Pouffe for the cushiest place to rest our feet. Budget Remaining - $450.20 We bet your getting worried now that we are under $500 right? We aren't. The floors are looking a little bare. A Swirl Rug ($59.95) would help add some colour and texture to the room, while adding a layer of comfort to the floors. The simple and stylish Maya Trio Tables ($99.95) would look gorgeous styled over the rug and also be a unique option for a coffee table. While we are in the Maya Range, lets add a Maya Side Table ($49.95) for some side action next to a couch or armchair. Budget Remaining - $240.35 Now that we have the entertainment unit, armchair and recliner, floor rug, coffee table and side table all sorted, lets concentrate on lighting! A Concrete Lamp would certainly look at home on the side table and will add lovely, ambiance to the space of a night. A mirror will help bounce natural light around the room of a day, so an Astrid Mirror ($29.95) it is! Budget Remaining - $180.45 With all the essentials covered, we can begin adding some accents to really tie the room together. A Faux Sheepskin ($39.95) will be perfect draped over a lounge or chair. Lets also grab 2 x Mae Cushions @ $19.95 each ($39.90) because hello, accent cushions. A room also doesn't look complete without a little decoration. So a Mae Wall Hanger ($39.95) will finish off the walls nicely. Lastly, we'll add some Felt Coasters ($14.95) to the coffee tables for a fun but practical little accessory. Total Budget Used - $954.30 So there you have it, a living room set up for easily under $1000! With $45.70 left over, that is plenty of change to grab any candles, prints or a plant that you want to style around the room. Or even better, get a little treat for yourself. Full List of Mocka Products Used: Sadie Entertainment Unit $259.95 Asta Recline - Grey $129.95 Britta Armchair - Grey $119.95 Crochet Pouffe $49.95 Swirl Rug $59.95 Maya Trio Tables $99.95 Maya Side Table $49.95 Astrid Mirror $29.95 Faux Sheepskin $39.95 2 x Mae Cushion Covers @ 19.95 each ($39.90) Felt Coasters $14.95 Prices correct as of [11th september 2017]
A Guide to Home Staging Furniture in Australia
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions count. The more desirable your property looks, the greater chance of increasing your sale price and selling it sooner. Which is why it's seriously worth considering (and recommended) to stage your home to appeal to potential buyers. What is Home Staging and Why is it a Good Idea? Home staging is the process of highlighting the positive aspects of a property and minimising the negatives as much as possible. This is achieved by strategically placing furniture and decor within the house to showcase the aspirational lifestyle of living there and paves the way for potential buyers to fall in love with your home. A staged home sells quicker and for a higher price than a vacant home, so is well worth the investment. How to Stage Your Home To stage your home for sale or as holiday accommodation you can hire a professional home stager or do it yourself. Either way, you'll need to freshen up your property and use home staging furniture. Let's take a look at some practical tips on staging key areas of a house. Staging the Entryway This is the first room a buyer will see so it is imperative to create the lasting impression you want to make. Decluttering should be your main priority. Are you tripping over shoes or seeing a tangle of keys and dog leashes hanging on the wall? Simplify and reduce. Purchasing a chic hall table with drawers will also enable you to stash clutter out of sight. Just remember to style the surface minimally with faux plants or a lamp for inviting appeal. Pro Tip: Consider giving your front door, pathway and front yard a freshen up to ensure a buyer's good impression starts the moment they get out of the car. Staging the Living Room The living room is one of the most used rooms in a home, so staging it correctly will go a long away to convincing buyers this is their dream home. Highlight focal points you want to show off like a stunning view or a fireplace. This could simply mean rearranging your furniture. Symmetrical arrangements usually work well in a living space. Also don't assume pushing furniture against walls will make a room look bigger, the opposite is actually true. Pull your furniture off the walls to create space and clear pathways. Group sofas, armchairs and lamps in pairs to create a conversation area that invites buyers in. Pro Tip: A large floor rug will help tie a lounge room together and assist in creating defined areas in an open-plan living design. Staging the Bedrooms There's nothing more inviting than clean, crisp never-been-slept-in bedding, so investing in fresh new bed linen is always a good idea. To make the bed look even more inviting, make sure you have a few euro pillows, normal pillows, extra cushions and at least one throw to give it that sink-in-comfort appeal. Also adding a new pair of bedside tables to either side of a master bed will help create balance to the room. Pro Tip: Overstuffed closets make buyers think your home doesn't have enough storage so clear out unwanted/unused items. The less hanging in your closest, the better. Conclusion Buying Your Own Home Staging Furniture is Worth Considering When putting your house on the market, it pays to stage it correctly. This not only helps a home sell quicker but can also increase the selling price. So whether your home is currently vacant or occupied, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional home stager, buying your own home staging furniture is worth considering. The small investment in the short-term can mean a higher return on investment once the house is sold.
A Designer Space for Less with Mocka
Have you ever wanted to recreate that designer space that you see in magazines? It's not as hard as you think and with Mocka's products you won't break the bank to get it. Designer Spaces are dependent on the creator's taste. Everyone is different but with Mocka's range of furnishings you can mix and match until your heart is content. When recreating a designer space you need to strip everything back and start with the foundation. From there you can begin to work with what you have, to turn it into something you have always desired. Neutral coloured walls provide a great foundation to start your designer space. Neutral colours allow you to grow your designer space with furnishings and if you change your mind in the future or you wish to redecorate again, you have that basic foundation that is adaptable to different styles. If you're going for an ultra-modern contemporary look for your lounge room you will find a large range of staples on Mocka's website. Mocka's twin table is a great foundational piece that you can add accessories to. Partner that with one of Mocka's TV Unit and their Brooklyn Drawers for a buffet and your modern basics are complete. Add splashes of colour with pillows, paintings and accessories. If your taste is more on the industrial side you will fall in love with Mocka's Industrial Stools. These stools are built to last and come in a variety of industrial colours that will highlight your designer space. Partner them with a wooden table and accessories with strong splashes of colour. Classical designer spaces are not complete without a classic chair. If you're after a statement chair that is contemporarily designed with a classical feel then you can't go past Mocka's Britta Chair. Use the black paisley for a very classical look or use the orange paisley to add that splash of colour in your space. Either one will add to your classical look while still holding a contemporary feel. If you live near the ocean like a lot of our locals, it's easy to recreate that relaxed beach style. Mocka's large range of Beechwood furniture will complement your neutral colour pallet. From Mocka's Hudson Wooden Stools in the kitchen to the Leni Magazine Rack, Albero Coat Rack or the infamous Leni Bentwood Stool in the lounge room. You will find these pieces easy to decorate with beach themed accessories. The redecorating possibilities are endless with Mocka's product range and you will be surprised what you can do with a small budget. Turn that room you hate, into a room you love with Mocka.
Innovative Nursery Ideas for Small Rooms
You're designing a nursery! It's an exciting time for new parents, creating a warm and welcoming space for your new bundle of joy. However, designing a nursery in a small space can present unique challenges. Fear not, for we are here to guide you through it. In this article, we will look at innovative design ideas, storage solutions, furniture options, and decor schemes suitable for small nurseries. So let your creativity flow as we explore how to make your compact nursery a cosy and functional haven for your little one. Selecting the Right Furniture Choosing the right furniture is very important in small nurseries where every square cm counts. Opt for space-saving options and look for furniture that serves multiple purposes. Start by considering a convertible cot like the fan favourite, Aspen Range. This versatile design can be adjusted as your baby grows, transforming from a bassinet to a cot, to a toddler bed. Investing in a convertible cot ensures that it can adapt and grow with your child, saving you both space and money in the long run. How to Maximize Storage in Limited Spaces? When it comes to small nurseries, effective storage solutions are critical. In addition to utilising vertical space with floating shelves and wall hooks, think outside the box and explore every nook and cranny for storage potential. One clever solution is to take advantage of the space underneath your cot by adding storage containers or drawers such as the, Mocka Under Cot Storage. These hidden gems provide extra storage while utilizing space that is often overlooked. It's the perfect place to store extra diapers, blankets, and other baby essentials, keeping them within arm's reach yet neatly tucked away. Designing a small nursery calls for innovative and practical solutions. An innovative way to utilising space is with vertical storage options. Hang baskets or wall-mounted shelves like the Sarah Scalloped Wall Shelf to utilise wall and door space. These options allow you to store diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and other small items without taking up floor space. Utilise the back of the door with hanging organizers to store blankets, clothes, or shoes. By thinking outside the box, you can find hidden storage opportunities that maximize space while keeping everything organized and within reach. Additionally, invest in modular storage solutions. These versatile systems allow you to rearrange and add onto them as your needs change. You can customize the configuration to fit your specific storage requirements, ensuring that the nursery remains organised and functional throughout your child's growth. If you're looking for a fun DIY project and have a spare unused closet, consider transforming it into a functional space for all your baby essentials by installing shelves and using hanging organisers. Or with a bit of creativity, you can turn this storage space into a functional and charming play space for your little one by removing the doors. Here a few options on how to transform a plain wardrobe into a magical little space that aligns with the nursery theme: Reading Corner: Install a small bookshelf or floating shelves, add a comfy chair, throw in some plush cushions and soft lighting for a delightful reading nook. Dress-Up Station: Hang hooks or install a low rod for tiny outfits, place a small mirror, and add storage bins for accessories to create a charming dress-up area. Toy Haven: Utilise bins, baskets, and shelving to organize toys neatly, creating a dedicated play space that's easily accessible for your little one. Nature Retreat: Infuse a touch of nature by incorporating planters or nature-themed wall decals, creating a serene and green nook within the closet. Remember, the possibilities are endless. Tailor the nook to fit the nursery's aesthetic and make it a whimsical space your little one will adore. When it comes to designing a small space, it's essential to choose furniture and storage options that make the most of every cm. Despite the common misconception that small furniture is the way to go when furnishing a compact area, it's actually more beneficial to choose larger storage options rather than several smaller pieces of furniture that are bursting at the seams. By opting for a bigger storage unit, like the Genevieve Six Drawer or Betti Bobbin Tallboy, you not only conserve valuable floor space, but you also create an elegant and tidy environment where everything has its place. This will help you avoid cluttered and cramped spaces, giving you a feeling of spaciousness and providing practical storage solutions that accommodate all your needs. TIP: To maximize space efficiency, select a dresser that doubles as a changing table, our Hamptons Change Table is a perfect choice with an abundance for storage space. These multifunctional pieces provide storage for clothes, diapers, and other essentials, while also offering a convenient changing station on top. By combining two essential items into one, you can optimize space without sacrificing functionality. Additionally, consider incorporating a slim occasional chair or rocking chair. These compact seating options provide a cosy spot for feeding, cuddling, and bonding with your baby, without overwhelming the room's footprint. Creative Decor and Colour Schemes Transforming a small space into a visually appealing nursery can be achieved through creative decor and colour schemes. Consider using light and airy colours, such as soft pastels, neutral tones, and shades of white. These hues create a sense of openness and brightness, making the room feel larger and more inviting. Introducing patterns and textures through curtains, rugs, or wallpaper can add depth and visual interest to the space. Create a lively and whimsical environment for your little one by incorporating playful prints, like polka dots, stripes, or floral motifs. Strategic placement of mirrors can also work wonders in a small nursery. Adding a mirror to one or more of the walls can create the illusion of extra space, reflecting light and making the room appear larger. Choose a stylish mirror that complements the overall design while serving as a functional and decorative element in the nursery. Thoughtful lighting choices can further enhance the overall aesthetic of the space. Adding a pendant light or wall sconces to add a touch of style and sophistication. These lighting fixtures not only provide ample illumination for the nursery but also contribute to the overall ambiance and design. Stylish Organisational Solutions Organisation is key in maintaining a clutter-free nursery. Stylish organisational solutions not only keep things tidy but also add to the overall aesthetics of the room. Choose storage containers made of natural materials like woven rattan for an organic touch or sleek wooden boxes for a modern feel. These containers not only serve as practical storage solutions but also contribute to the overall visual appeal of the nursery. To keep things organised and easily accessible, it's highly recommended to label storage containers. By clearly labelling each container or drawer, you can quickly locate specific items, saving valuable time and reducing frustration during those late-night diaper changes. Planning for the Future Lastly, when designing a small nursery, it's essential to plan for the future. Babies grow quickly, and their needs evolve with time. To accommodate these changes, choose furniture that can adapt and grow with your child. Look for cots that convert into toddler beds, ensuring that you won't need to purchase additional furniture as your child transitions from infancy to toddlerhood. Investing in modular furniture that can be rearranged or expanded upon as needed is also a practical choice. These versatile pieces allow you to adapt the nursery layout as your child's needs change, providing flexibility and longevity to your design. Conclusion Designing a nursery in a small space may come with its challenges, but it also presents a wonderful opportunity for creativity and innovation. By utilising effective storage solutions, selecting space-saving furniture, incorporating creative decor and colour schemes, and prioritizing organisation, you can create a welcoming and functional nursery for your little one. Remember, it's not about the size of the space, but the love and care you put into creating a warm and cosy environment for your bub. With these design tips and ideas, you can transform your small nursery into a haven that is practical, stylish, and perfectly tailored to your growing family's needs. So, get inspired and start transforming your compact nursery into a beautiful space that will nurture your little one's growth and bring joy to your heart.
Mocka's Balance Bike Riding Tips
Learning how to ride a balance bike for the first time can be a fun experience for some children, while other children can find it to be an overwhelming experience. Learning to balance before peddling is one of the most important elements of learning how to ride a balance bike which is why balance bikes are becoming a popular choice over training wheels. The most important factor to consider when purchasing a balance bike is to ensure that your child can put both of their feet flat on the ground. Below are some tips to encourage your child to learn how to ride their balance bike. Start by walking If your child is hesitant to hop on their balance bike, start by encouraging them to walk the bike by holding both handles. This will get them use to the concept of holding the bike handles in their hands and steering it. Teach your child about weight and balance Most children don't understand the concept of how a bike works, and that it requires weight and movement to propel them forward. Your child might understand the concept of sitting on a chair, but don't forget that a bike is a foreign object to them, and one that they must learn to trust. Start by holding the bike and getting your child to hop on and off the bike seat. Encourage them to use it just like sitting on a chair. Once they have established that they can put all of their weight onto the bike seat just like a normal seat, you can then you can teach them how to balance. Hold the bike by the seat and make sure your child knows that you won't let the bike fall over. Once they are comfortable and trust that you have the bike stable, it's time to encourage them to learn how to ride the bike. Take it one step at a time Start by encouraging them to take it one step at a time. Once they have built up the courage to ride the bike slowly, they will then gradually build trust and momentum with each step, and in no time they will be gliding along. Take it on every walk Don't go on a walk without taking your child's balance bike. This tip might be annoying at first as you might have to carry the bike for a while but persistence will eventually pay off. If your child doesn't want to ride their balance bike, try to encourage them to ride it part of the way. The more persistence that you have the quicker they will learn how to ride their balance bike. In the end every child will pick up riding a balance bike at different stages. The important thing is to keep trying until they do.
Decorate the Walls in your Child's Bedroom
Decorating your child's bedroom can be a fun task for both you and your child. When designing your child's bedroom, you want to create a room that inspires their imagination and sparks their creativity. It's important to look at ways that you can style the entire space of the room, including the walls. Enhancing the room with unique wall decor will add depth, interest and storage space to the room. Adding a splash of colour to walls of your child's bedroom will enliven the room and add visual impact to the space. From a single colour feature wall to a decorative mural, you can paint the walls in colours that will enhance the theme of your child's room. If you don't want to paint the walls or you can't because you are renting, felt ball garlands and buntings are a great alternative. String them across the window or along a plain wall. These decorative pieces are guaranteed to make a statement. Artwork is another fantastic way to add colour to the walls in your child's bedroom. When choosing artwork look for a piece that includes hints of the rooms colour theme as this will help to create a more cohesively styled room. If you need additional storage space for all of your child's toys, instead of hiding them away in a cupboard consider turning them into a statement piece. Install some shadow boxes or floating shelves onto a wall to display your child's favourite books, toys and ornaments. Your child will love being able to see their toys on display and easily access them during playtime. During the process of decorating you kids bedroom always remember to keep them in mind. It's important to enhance the room with wall décor that will excite them and make them want to spend time relaxing and playing in their own little haven. (Floating shelves image by Bright Kids Interiors)
