Decorating a rental property can be a challenging task, especially when there are rules and restrictions in place. Over the years, I have made my fair share of mistakes when it comes to decorating rental homes, but I have learned from them and want to share my advice with you to avoid making the same errors.

Decorating a rental is a tricky game, with all sorts of rules and restrictions around what you can and can’t do to the space. This often leads to compensating with questionable decor and furniture. I have made a bunch of mistakes along the way, and while I have certainly paid the price, I hope my advice can help you avoid doing the same.

One of the most important things to remember is to never nail into the wall, under any circumstances. The urge to hang art or other decorations can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to resist the temptation. Your real estate agent will likely notice even the smallest nail hole, and you will be charged to fix it at the end of your lease. Instead, use 3M Command hooks, which are a godsend for hanging art and other items without damaging the walls.

A home should always have some art – use 3M Command hooks to hang art in rental properties. Picture: Erinna Giblin

Another mistake to avoid is mounting your TV to the wall. You may be tempted to do so, especially if you’re given a second-hand TV without a stand. However, wall-mounting can be a bad idea, especially if the walls are made of solid brick and require large drill holes. You’ll spend a long time puttying up holes before you move out, and it’s just not worth the hassle.

A stylish entertaining unit looks great and doubles as storage, too. Picture: Samsung

When it comes to the garden, be careful about replacing plants without asking your landlord first. You may be inspired to overhaul your garden after watching a home renovation show, but don’t rip out the existing plants without permission. You could end up in an awkward situation when your landlord asks where the original plants are. Instead, consider using plants and trees in oversized pots to refresh your rental garden.

If you want to refresh your rental garden, consider plants – and even trees – in oversized pots. Picture: Julian Ronchi garden design

When buying furniture, consider the fact that you may move several times before buying a home. With this in mind, purchase furniture that can work in multiple room sizes and shapes. For example, consider a sofa without a chaise, as it may not fit in your next living room.

If you know renting is on the cards for a a good few years, make sure your big-ticket furniture is smaller in size. Picture: Denise Braki, Styling: Allira Bell/Temple & Webster

Rental homes can be bland and boring, with white walls, beige floors, and unexciting window treatments. To add some personality to your space, consider using bold colors. You don’t have to go overboard, but a sofa in a color other than white, black, or beige can make a big difference.

Is a green couch the new neutral? Picture: freedom

Finally, be careful in your kids’ rooms, as they love sticking things on walls. Using Blu Tack can be a bad idea, as it can damage the paintwork when removed. Instead, provide your kids with plenty of storage and a pin board to discourage them from sticking things on the walls.

Hold back on the Blu Tack: Lots of storage and a pin board will discourage too many things being stuck on the wall. Picture: Tamara Graham

In conclusion, decorating a rental property requires careful consideration and planning. By avoiding common mistakes such as nailing into the wall, mounting your TV, and replacing plants without permission, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you’ll enjoy living in. Remember to choose furniture that can work in multiple rooms, add some personality with bold colors, and be mindful of your kids’ rooms. With these tips, you can make your rental feel like home without breaking the bank or damaging the property.

This article was originally published on 19 Sep 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

The Revival of Alley Dwellings in Washington DC

In the quiet crisscross of Capitol Hill’s alleys, BLDUS has introduced the Brown House, a striking new structure that brings texture, tactility, and botanical ambition to Washington DC. The single-family residence is a materials manifesto dressed in cork, copper, black locust timber, and bamboo — a counterproposal to drywall monotony.

BLDUS designed the Brown House as a linear infill on Overbeck Alley, taking advantage of recent zoning updates that encourage alley housing in DC as a means to ease the city’s housing shortage. Instead of defaulting to a cramped shoebox or minimalist white cube, the team embraced the awkward urban footprint to explore how thoughtful materiality and passive design can transform constrained sites into comfortable, sustainable homes.

images © Ty Cole

Curating a Collage of Natural Materials

From floor to ceiling and wall to wall, the Brown House is a celebration by BLDUS of materials doing what they do best. The architects specify black locust wood for slatted screening, fencing, and rooftop fall protection; cork panels to clad the exterior and coat the interior ceilings in a spray-applied finish; bamboo structural walls stained with PolyWhey, a cheese-industry byproduct; and cavities packed with hemp and cellulose insulation. These eco-friendly ingredients are materials with purpose, chosen for durability, breathability, and low carbon impact.

The project makes a case for material legibility as a pathway to wellness. Surfaces aren’t buried behind layers of paint or gypsum; instead, they are tactile and recognizable, inviting occupants to connect with the spaces around them in a more visceral, enduring way. The result is a home that is healthier and feels lived-in from the first step inside.

the Brown House by BLDUS uses cork, black locust timber, and bamboo for a breathable home

Spatial Strategies for Long-Term Living

While compact in footprint, BLDUS calibrates the Brown House for longevity and flexibility. The ground floor is planned around a bedroom-bathroom suite, allowing for single-floor living if needed, while a central, switchback stair leads to a second story and rooftop. Balconies, vestibules, terraces, and gardens soften transitions between indoors and out, creating pockets of light and privacy throughout the home.

On the roof, planter beds serve as micro-farms for the household, fed by rainfall and supplemented by rainwater stored in cisterns. These beds allow the occupants to grow a significant portion of their food during the growing season. South garden beds and green areas along the north facade round out the house’s hyperlocal food loop, making sustainability feel personal and edible.

Sourcing materials as locally and efficiently as possible, BLDUS minimized embodied energy without compromising on strength or comfort. The bamboo-wood hybrid structural panels exemplify this ethos, combining modern engineering with regenerative resources. The house’s low energy demands, renewable insulation, and built-in water management point toward a climate-conscious urbanism rooted in craft.

birds nesting in the outdoor areas of brown house suggest a welcoming environment

BLDUS designs the Brown House in DC as a tactile and ecological response to alley living

the Washington DC residence proves alley homes can be resilient and refined

Conclusion

The Brown House by BLDUS stands as a testament to the potential of alley dwellings in Washington DC to be not just functional, but also sustainable, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. By leveraging natural materials, thoughtful design, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, BLDUS has created a home that not only meets the needs of its occupants but also contributes positively to the urban environment. This project serves as a model for future developments, demonstrating that even in the most constrained sites, it is possible to create spaces that are both resilient and refined, setting a new standard for alley living in the nation’s capital.

While many interior design trends come back around, others are best left in the past. There are tons of fads from 20 years ago that are now positively cringe-worthy, much like side pony tails, scrunchies, and MC Hammer pants. In the world of interior design, some trends that were once popular have become outdated and are in dire need of a refresh.

Below are just 10 interior design and decorating moments from the nineties that need to cease immediately. If you have any of them in your home, it’ll be our little secret, as long as you plan on correcting this mistake as soon as humanly possible. Chris Carroll’s home, for instance, is a perfect example of a well-designed space with no cringe-worthy elements.

One of the most notable design faux pas from the nineties is the sponging effect on walls. If you ever rocked this paint effect on your wall, it was likely a momentary lapse in judgment. Sadly, this ceased being cute at least 15 years ago. A fresh coat of paint or cloth wallpaper is a nice alternative to update your walls.

Another trend that has seen its day is the plum or maroon feature wall. There was a moment in the nineties where we all lost our minds over a deep red feature wall, but those days are long gone. Painted feature walls are less prominent now, and if you do want to rock one, deep greys and black are where it’s at.

Blow-up furniture was also a staple of nineties design, with hot pink being the color of choice. However, those days are long gone, and with affordable furniture options available, there’s no excuse for anything inflatable. Puffy recliner chairs, often made of leather or imitation leather, were also a popular choice, but they need to be sent packing. Why not try a chaise on your sofa instead and get some comfort without the cringe?

Wrought iron beds, often with elaborate bedheads in rusty black tones, were a status symbol in the nineties. However, these days, we’re aware that our bedrooms need more warmth and texture, so it’s time to ban the wrought iron and adopt something more plush, like an upholstered headboard in a soft, tactile fabric.

Frilly curtains were also a hallmark of nineties design, with puffy varieties in elaborate patterns being all the rage. Thankfully, we now take a less-is-more approach with window treatments. Celestial patterns, featuring the sun and moon with creepy faces, were also everywhere, from bedspreads to shower curtains and artworks. Modern patterns are far less garish, and if you want to add some interest to your space, consider strong geometrics or softer florals.

Floral sofas, often with frilly trim and matching cushions, were a popular choice in the nineties. However, this more-is-more approach has no place in a modern home. Opt for something more neutral instead. Wallpaper borders, featuring floral patterns that ran around the top of the wall, were also a staple of nineties design. However, there is no place for such behavior now, and stencilled floral motifs on the wall are a definite no-go.

Knotty pine cabinets, often in a honey tone, were a common feature in nineties dining rooms. They usually displayed oodles of photos and ornaments that would likely be shrieked at in horror nowadays. Try built-in cabinetry or floating shelves instead, which are far less imposing.

In conclusion, while some interior design trends are timeless, others are best left in the past. By avoiding these 10 design faux pas from the nineties, you can create a modern and stylish space that is free from cringe-worthy elements. So, take a cue from the past and update your home with a fresh new look that is sure to impress. This article was originally published on 14 Oct 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

For the trendsetters out there, there’s nothing more iconic than Pantone’s announcement of their colour of the year. The Pantone Color Institute, which started out as a commercial printing company in the 1950s, has declared their “Color of the Year” since 2000 and this year it’s a return to a colour we’re all familiar with, Classic Blue.

Pantone colour of the year 2020. Picture: Pantone

The nominated colour is seen as a snapshot of what is happening in global culture and has historically influenced architecture, interior design, fashion, and even food, but it’s not always a popular shade. 2019’s Living Coral, 2018’s Ultra Violet and 2017’s Greenery each caused a stir with critics who called them extreme and doubted whether it would be widely used in the lives and homes of everyday people.

In comparison to the neon shades of the past few years, Classic Blue is a colour that’s already widely used in design, especially in Hamptons-style homes, and can set a calming, comforting tone when used in any home. This colour is a great choice for those who want to create a sense of tranquility and peace in their living space.

Classic Blue is an easy addition for most people to make in their home styling. Picture: Wall Style

Pantone describes this colour as a timeless and enduring blue hue: “PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

Classic Blue can be used as an accent in soft furnishings. Picture: Early Settler

“Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.”

In conclusion, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Classic Blue, is a great choice for those who want to create a sense of calm and tranquility in their living space. This colour is already widely used in design and can be easily incorporated into any home. With its timeless and enduring qualities, Classic Blue is a colour that will remain popular for years to come.

This article was originally published on 6 Dec 2019 at 12:08pm but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

Kross House: A Contemporary Take on Coastal Australian Living

Australian firm FIGR Architecture Studio completes its Kross House, which seems to levitate above the landscape of Mount Martha, a coastal neighborhood in Victoria. Anchored by natural rock and held aloft by a singular V-shaped steel column, the single-story home gently hovers above the sloping site. With its pavilion-style layout split into distinct living and guest wings, Kross House balances retreat and interaction in one fluid, architectural gesture.

Blending nostalgia with a modern spatial logic, the project reimagines the classic beach house. It evokes the weatherboard language of coastal retreats, and is organized around a cruciform layout — a literal cross that dictates spatial flow along cardinal axes. Like the boardwalks found along Mount Martha’s shoreline, this intersection becomes a journey in itself, guiding inhabitants through breezeways, decks, and rooms that stretch into the landscape.

images © Tom Blachford

Emphasizing In-Betweenness

With its Kross House, the team at FIGR Architecture Studio emphasizes in-betweenness. The cross-shaped core is a circulation space, a summertime breezeway, and a sheltered deck during colder months. These transitional zones demonstrate the project’s responsiveness to both site and climate, reinforcing a layered experience of indoor-outdoor living.

The architects employ timber not just as material, but as connective tissue. Cladding both interior and exterior surfaces, the timber creates a unified tactile experience, grounding the floating structure in the earthy tones of the surrounding bushland. Below, the undercroft — often forgotten or left to utility — has been reimagined as a secret garden, a contemplative hideaway that heightens the sense of retreat.

A Breezy, Modern Beach House

Kross House introduces a triangular northern deck that FIGR Architecture Studio designs to open through operable sliding doors, dissolving the boundary between house and horizon. This gesture extends the living areas outward and invites in the rhythm of the coastal air. Elevated at the site’s highest point, the house commands views of the foreshore while concealing an 18-meter lap pool that stretches beneath the structure’s north-south axis.

The architects integrate sustainability into both daily life and long-term performance. Movement is encouraged through pathways that wind across the site, while passive design strategies harness prevailing breezes and solar orientation. A 20,000-liter water tank, solar panels with battery storage, and double glazing are part of a suite of energy-efficient features.

Commitment to Local Materials and Low-Impact Construction

Kross House further demonstrates a commitment to local materials and low-impact construction. Timber-framed windows and cladding are sourced sustainably, while plasterboard has been eliminated entirely in favor of breathable finishes. The result is a house that is as conscious as it is composed.

The team extends its ecological sensitivity through its landscape, designed in collaboration with MUD Office. Here, native plantings support biodiversity, enhance ecological resilience, and create a living system that softens the edge between the built and natural environments.

Conclusion

With the project, FIGR Architecture Studio offers a contemporary take on coastal Australian living. Through its cross-shaped plan, timber materiality, and layered interaction with the landscape, it transforms a sloping site into a place of quiet drama, spatial clarity, and environmental intent. The result is a house that not only provides a unique and breathtaking living experience but also sets a new standard for sustainable and eco-friendly design in coastal areas.

Introduction to Sonata2

Wedge-shaped sites don’t usually inspire envy among architects, but for Soeda and Associates, the constraints of a sliver-thin plot in Japan‘s Kawasaki City inspire a playfully precise solution. The team’s latest residential project, Sonata2, turns an irregular, triangular lot, pinched between a standard road and a culvert, into a sharp-edged composition that cuts clean through conventional typologies. With no space to waste, every plane is pushed to its limit, every opening calculated for rhythm and relief.

The architecture responds directly to the site’s tight, angular geometry. The building occupies a footprint formed by two intersecting roads — only one of which qualifies as a legal street under Japan’s Building Standards Act. That technicality dictated setbacks on one side only, allowing the architects to stretch the form as close as possible to the boundary on the other. The result is a volume that looks sliced on the bias, a gesture that gives it a surprisingly sculptural street presence.

images © Takumi Ota

Rethinking Stacked Housing

Rather than emphasize the structure’s four-unit layout, Soeda and Associates visually unifies Sonata2’s mass by tapering the form and playing with fenestration. Large, varied openings cut into the walls with intentional asymmetry, dissolving the usual cues of residential repetition. The strategy disguises the building’s function while animating its facades, a formal solution that’s as design-minded as it is about obfuscation.

With the site too compact for an elevator, the architects embrace verticality the old-fashioned way, with a flight of exterior stairs. The highest unit is accessed at the fourth floor, with the apartment split into a fourth–fifth floor duplex. The stairs thus become an architectural narrative device, connecting not just levels but experiences. Diagonal cuts in both plan and section introduce unusual sightlines and interior voids, creating an illusion of expanded space inside a decidedly compact volume.

Sonata2 is designed for a triangular site in Kanagawa, Japan

Structural Precision

Soeda and Associates’ Sonata2 residence is structured in reinforced concrete with walls carefully placed to handle seismic loads. Though the floor plan’s acute angles might suggest structural imbalance, the architects used both material heft and spatial strategy to distribute weight. The external staircase contributes to this equilibrium, aligning the building’s center of gravity with its center of rigidity. It’s a thoughtful strategy that keeps the building stable while maximizing usable interior space.

A standout structural element of the house is its top-floor roof, supported at a single point like a precariously balanced toy. T-shaped steel beams embedded in the slab mitigate this drama, offering stability without undermining the delicate aesthetic. Meanwhile, a 100 millimeter- (3.9 inch)-square concrete column supports the external stairs, puncturing through the landings with minimalist confidence.

the four-unit layout is disguised with bold punched windows

the top apartment opens onto a balcony

Soeda and Associates uses setbacks and angular slices to shape the form

Conclusion

While the project may read as compact in plan, it proves that welcoming interiors don’t rely on scale. With dynamic diagonals, shifting volumes, and rigorously engineered minimalism, the building turns constraint into concept. Every corner holds a moment of surprise, and every inch has been earned by strategy. Sonata2 is a testament to the power of creative problem-solving in architecture, demonstrating that even the most challenging sites can be transformed into innovative and beautiful spaces.

MM House: A Delicate Negotiation with Nature

MM House by Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos on a steep, wooded slope overlooking a lake in Nilque, Los Lagos, Chile. The site descends dramatically from hilltop to shoreline, wrapped in a dense collection of native trees. But instead of clearing a path, the design team chose to build around them. The result is a house that’s as much about presence as it is about restraint.

The architects take the site’s extreme 45-degree slope not as a limitation but as a provocation. Half of the house clings to the earth, the other half hovers on stilts — an elegant solution that avoids altering the terrain while opening up striking views of the lake and distant volcanoes. The topography becomes an asset, guiding both the form and experience of the house.

images © Nico Saieh

A Home in Dialogue with its Sloping Site

The team at Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos organizes its MM House into two linear bars aligned with the slope — one slightly elevated above the other. The upper bar hosts the master bedroom and a secondary living area, while the lower bar contains the children’s bedrooms. Connecting these is a communal volume that acts like a spatial hinge: an open zone for entry, cooking, dining, and relaxing that also connects to a terrace. It’s a layout that feels fluid, yet clearly articulated.

The architecture responds to the region’s notoriously rainy climate with a purposeful simplicity. Rather than complicate the roofline, the design embraces clear geometric forms to facilitate drainage and reduce the risk of leaks. The flat roof over the lower bedroom block doubles as a covered terrace, extending the living space while shielding it from the elements.

Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos sites its MM House on a steep lakeside slope in Nilque, Chile

Benjamin Goñi Shows Deference over Dominance

MM House wears a rugged skin of reclaimed larch shingles, which Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos sourced from demolition timber and selected for their natural resistance to Chile’s wet southern climate. The weathered wood needs no finishing, and its muted texture allows the building to fade gently into the surrounding forest. Inside, warm pine paneling lines the walls, grounding the home in a palette of local materials and tactile calm.

The home demonstrates deference over dominance. Its carefully placed volumes bend to the site’s slope, its structure lifts to protect roots, and its openings frame, not interrupt, the natural spectacle. In Nilque, where lake, volcano, and forest collide, the house quietly inserts itself into the story, never pretending to be the main character.

the structure is half-embedded in the ground and half elevated on stilts

the design preserves all native trees by building the house carefully between them

MM House is organized into two parallel volumes aligned with the slope

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MM House by Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos is a testament to the power of subtle design. By working with the natural landscape, rather than against it, the architects have created a home that not only blends seamlessly into its surroundings but also provides a unique and breathtaking living experience. The house’s careful placement, simple yet effective design, and use of local materials all contribute to a sense of harmony and balance, making it a true masterpiece of modern architecture.

Introduction to Pooja Units

Many families include a Pooja unit when designing their home décor because it is an integral component. The Pooja unit functions as both a spiritual centre for worship and a home enhancement element that creates a visually pleasing atmosphere. This piece examines the primary characteristics alongside advantages of contemporary Pooja units together with their stylistic components.

Understanding the Concept of Modern Pooja Units

Modern Pooja units exist as modern interpretations of traditional prayer spaces which commonly appear in Indian houses. Modern Pooja designs prioritize easy-to-use minimal spaces over traditional wood-based spirituality spaces. These Pooja units rest on the ground so they can adjust to different interior spaces and their sleek lines blend well with many home decor choices.

Note – Enhance Your Spiritual Space with a Beautiful Pooja Shelf

The Appeal of White and Sandy Fossil Colors

Modern Pooja units are painted white and sand because these colours create a popular design choice.

White brings feelings of peace into any space because of its connection to purity. Light bounces off white surfaces thus creating room expansions accompanied by enhanced brightness. White goes with multiple design styles because it mixes with different decorations.

The sunny earth colours from Sandy Fossil create an inviting and stabilizing atmosphere. The shade creates a mood of peace by working with multiple design approaches. Sandy fossil appearances have a gentle texture that resembles real stone and beach sand to give spaces an earthy appeal.

The combination of cream, off-white and sandy fossil paints creates a peaceful atmosphere that suits modern Pooja units perfectly.

You may also check out – Vastu Vibes: Picking Pooja Room Palettes

Design Features of Floor-Mounted Pooja Units

• Compact and Space-Saving
• The floor-mounted models work well for small rooms with minimal room to spare. These units work well in empty corner spaces or next to walls when you need to save room efficiently.
• These units rest on the floor surface so you avoid complex wall installation procedures.
• Multiple Compartments
• Modern Pooja units now come with divided sections that neatly secure incense sticks, camphor, flowers, and religious supplies. The multiple storage spaces make it easy to arrange items properly throughout the space.
• Certain models have distinct areas where you can position idols and keep lit lamps to protect the religious setup.
• Modular and Customizable Design
• Modern Pooja units exist in interchangeable styles that fit different household requirements. These units allow people to adjust their storage space by expanding or shrinking the unit at room size or item count.
• Different parts such as shelves drawers and surfaces can be moved wherever you need them to create any desired setup.
• Minimalistic Detailing
• The design style highlights basic smooth lines and polished surfaces to create a contemporary style. Stylists reduce the amount of complex design details to create a streamlined design.
• Modern handles blend into built-in drawers through hidden or flush mount designs to retain the smooth design.

Benefits of a Modern Floor-Mounted Pooja Unit

Read more – Which Direction is Diwali Pooja as per Vastu

A properly designed Pooja unit can flow with room decor while bringing both sophistication and peace to the area. White and sandy fossil colors of the Pooja unit add style to any room design no matter if it’s classic, modern or personalized styles.

• Convenience and Accessibility

These units are easy to use since you can access everything at eye level without needing to stretch or bend.

These units use strong materials like engineered wood and high-quality laminates to create P

I love a decor trend like The Block loves product placement, but sometimes you just gotta know which ones are fleeting and which are here to stay. So allow me to let you in on a few secrets below because there are some decor trends and movements we’re all already over. Time to ditch these disasters and embrace something else in 2020.

1. Marie Kondo

Tired of folding your undies into tiny squares and arranging them in formation like they’re kids in a canteen line? Me too! Turns out that throwing all your precious possessions away has not sparked much joy.

Going into 2020 you’ll quickly get over all this purging and embrace a little mess at home. And if you do wish to buy some more stuff, it turns out Marie has an online store, selling things like five-inch mirrors for $150. New book idea, Marie: The Life-Changing Magic of Getting People to Throw their Stuff Out to Buy New Products from You.

Marie Kondo’s ideas about organisation have changed the way millions clean their homes – but has it sparked joy? Picture: Getty

2. That diamond rug

Not a day goes by that I don’t see the diamond rug pop up in a store, in a mag or on my feed. Like the entire Kardashian clan, they’ve reached peak exposure and need to be rolled up and out. As in, right out of your house so something more unique can be introduced. When a particular style of decor or furniture starts getting replicated by all of the budget chains, you know it’s already at the end of the trend.

We all had a moment with the diamond monochrome rug. Picture: Aldi

3. Jewel tones

I’m also going to throw velvet into this category because the two seem to go hand-in-hand. From ruby cushions to topaz sofas, it was an absolute jewel-tone invasion in 2019. Going into 2020, you’re already over of these colours, there’s no denying it. Not only does furniture in these tones stand out against our neutral backdrop at home, but they’re dating quicker than mullets, MC Hammer pants and Agro’s Cartoon Connection.

Jewel tones were a favourite last year. Picture: Temple & Webster

4. Hygge

My latest Google search defines hygge as “A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”. That’s all good and well, but us Aussies have absolutely abused the term. Throw on the sofa: #hyggelife. Wearing ugg boots to the servo: yass, hygge queen. Using four-ply toilet paper: bum hygge 4 lyfe! In 2020 we’ll just create spaces that feel cosy without over-using terms we never invented or truly understood.

5. Fiddle leaf figs

Outside of a toddler who’s just been refused a Kinder Surprise in the queue at Coles, there’s nothing more temperamental than a fiddle leaf fig. But here’s the thing: we don’t even want them in our lives anymore. The constant threat of them dying on us, we’re done with it. The time is now to bid a fond farewell to these nightmare plants to make way for some better, lower-maintenance options. The olive tree is where it’s at in 2020, people!

Is it time to give that finicky fiddle leaf the flick? Picture: realestate.com.au

In conclusion, it’s time to say goodbye to these outdated decor trends and hello to new and exciting ones. Whether it’s embracing a little mess, ditching the diamond rug, or switching to lower-maintenance plants, 2020 is the perfect time to refresh your space and start anew. So, go ahead and give your home a makeover, and don’t be afraid to try out new and unique decor trends. Your home (and your sense of style) will thank you.

Forget what the forecasters told you, decorating rebels. In 2019, you decided to rock a variety of trends in your own special way.

You gave them an Aussie twist, and in some cases, you even gave us experts a big “eff you” and did your own thing completely. Let’s explore which interior design trends you loved, how you made them your own, and if they were a fleeting moment or something that’ll stick around.

1. Warm Tones

Don’t go patting yourselves on the back for being bold just yet. We didn’t quite embrace warm tones en masse like the trend forecasters predicted. But we did bring them into our living and bedrooms in smaller doses. We went wild for rich reds, troppo for terracotta and even mad for mustard. It might not have been on our walls, but we certainly saw these colours dominate bedding, cushions and art in 2019.

And I suspect they’ll continue into the year ahead now that we’ve worked out how to make them shine in our bright, open-plan homes. Warm tones, like terracotta bedding, is sure to stick around 2020. Picture: Bambury

2. Minimalism

Between the minimalists and Marie Kondo, we definitely got on board the declutter train. Council clean-up day would have been an absolute frenzy for second-hand scavengers, as we all got hooked on ridding ourselves of material possessions. Gone were the knick-knacks in place of a cleaner interior, where bare walls were celebrated and rooms were applauded for their empty echoes.

However, I suspect this trend will be a fleeting one. I bet you’re already regretting throwing half that stuff out. Minimalism was big in 2019 but we predict you’ll be adding more back in this year. Picture: Bo Concept

3. Individualism

At some point, you lot got so tired of experts telling you what was trending that you flipped us the bird and decided to do whatever you wanted at home. And quite personally, I applaud you for it. This whole trend was about clashing colour, mixing pattern, and blending new and old at home. A bit of vintage + a little party + a dash of retro random = a fun time had by all.

This is a trend that’ll go on and on, as everyone gets more confident with their unique sense of style at home. Celebrating your unique sense of style is sure to stick around for the new decade. Picture: fenton and fenton

4. Organics

Your love of coastal style shifted a little in 2019 as you long for something more organic. You embraced your inner wild child and showcased rustic timbers alongside weathered metals, darker backdrops and tonnes of indoor greenery. This look even went a little more global, with all your precious travel mementoes brought out to adorn walls and tables.

Rock that keepsake curation well into 2020 and continue to celebrate the unusual. As we head into 2020, keep the organic, raw and all things a little left of field flowing. Picture: Oz Design

5. Coloured cabinetry

Last but not least came the coloured kitchen. I’m not talking garish red fridges or purple splashbacks. I’m talking a move toward cabinetry in soothing grey or muddy green tones. We even got a little moodier and moved toward dark blues and black in some cases, which has really worked for industrial spaces.

Any move away from an all-white interior floats my boat, so get on board this trend as it’s only going to get better in the year ahead. Get on board the coloured cabinetry train. It’s here to stay. Picture: Block Shop

In conclusion, 2019 was a year of self-expression and experimentation in the world of interior design. From warm tones to coloured cabinetry, and from minimalism to individualism, we saw a wide range of trends that reflected our unique personalities and styles. As we move forward into the new decade, it will be exciting to see how these trends evolve and what new ones emerge. One thing is for sure, though – our homes will continue to be a reflection of our individuality and creativity.

This article was originally published on 10 Jan 2020 at 8:52am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.