Category Archives: DIY/Homeowners Tips and Advice

Feeling historic? Try a colonial theme in your home

There's something uniquely charming about visiting an old colonial home at a museum or historic village. 

Catching a glimpse of how the colonists of early Australia once lived is a fascinating experience, as every aspect of their style and aesthetics seems so familiar, yet strangely alien.

These wonderful stylings and colour palettes don't just have to live in memory, however, as you can replicate much of the concept in your own home. Looking to create a memorable and historic look? Try colonial with these tips.

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How to use the colours of the rainbow in your home

The colour palette is an important decision to make during the interior design planning process. Which room will have which colour? What will the furniture be? 

You don't have to stick to plain-old cream, however. Get a little daring this New Year and try using as many colours of the rainbow in your home as possible. 

Red

Red is a powerful colour that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you have a deep, luscious Resene Red Berry or a more muted Resene Alter Ego, it is both versatile and attractive.

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How to give your 2015 outdoor living area a rustic makeover

With the new year underway, many are looking to the interior design trends of 2015 to inspire new kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. However, the new year doesn't just bring about ideas for indoors. 

In fact, the Garden Media Group recently released its annual report for the future year's outdoor design trends. One such trend was that a muted, rustic look is set to become hot in 2015. Want to try a rustic look for your own garden/patio area?

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How to convert an old garage into a new bedroom

We've all been there. The family is growing, or you want a new tenant in the house to ease living costs. Without additional bedrooms inside the home itself, however, this prospect is either impossible or extremely costly.

Don't worry, there is another way. Do you have an under- or disused garage? Converting an existing space like that is far more cost effective than building entirely new rooms on a house. 

Here are some renovation and interior decorating ideas to help you with your project.

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How to use old pallets as furniture

Recommendations for your home's colour palette is always the talk of the town. Use this colour here, splash a little of that there.

However, not nearly enough love gets given to actual pallets – as in, the small wooden structures that are used to carry heavy shipments. 

When you are renovating a home, or building an entirely new one, often loads of bricks, whiteware or other heavy goods will arrive on a wooden pallet, get dumped on your lawn and then left in your care. Don't just chop them up into firewood, however. 

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How to make bland walls more interesting

The problem with buying a new home is that you are moving into somebody else's colour choices, which may not suit you very well. Also, often these properties are designed with very bland, neutral paint schemes in order to appeal to a wider audience. 

A blank, stale wall is the scourge of many interior designers, especially in a large room. Even if the colour is nice, a large empty space can make an otherwise stimulating room into something dull, boring and – worst of all – sterile. 

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What is the 2015 colour of the year and how do you use it?

We've had turquoise, tangerine and emerald – but now?

The famous colour company, Pantone, recently announced its new colour of the year for 2015. The winner is: marsala.

What is marsala?

Marsala is actually a type of fortified wine from Sicily, though this year it's a good idea to get it on your walls, too. Lingering somewhere between a luscious red and an earthy brown, the addition of marsala to any room will instantly make it feel more elegant, without being overpowering.

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Quick tips for a New Year’s Eve-ready living room

Do you like your home to be party central when it comes time for a New Year celebration?

Here are some interior decorating ideas to help you make it a memorable, successful occasion.

Space

Every house party needs space for guests. Rearrange your furniture so that it is open and inclusive, encouraging them to mingle. This could mean moving couches to outer walls, adding beanbags and extra seats or opening up the veranda sliding door to include outside as a party space.

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How do I prepare my holiday home for renting?

Living in the Southern Hemisphere is perfect for those of you with a holiday home somewhere nice. You see, many city dwellers enjoy escaping the urban jungle and heading out into the country in order to relax during summertime. As our summer also falls during the festive Christmas/New Year season, there is also the added extra of those looking for a family escape to celebrate.

Anyone with a holiday home in a desirable location is in the perfect position to open it up for short-term rental. Not only will you make somebody's holiday dreams come true, but you get to make a little money out of it to put towards your own plans. 

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How to use Resene’s fashion colour wheel

As New Year draws closer and closer, it's time you started thinking about that resolution. How many years in a row have you promised to redecorate the house, only to become 'too busy' and forget?

Well don't make the same mistake this year, as home decorating could well spice your life up. Bring the energy back into your home, using the Resene The Range fashion colours as your muse.

Hot hot hot

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