Why it’s time for a custom wardrobe design

Move aside Carrie Bradshaw.

Why it’s time for a custom wardrobe design

A well-designed wardrobe saves time, space and ironing (yasss) so if you find yourself squashing special occasion dresses next to snow gear and piling shoe boxes on every flat surface it’s time to customise your clothing storage.

Here’s how to decide what you need for a custom wardrobe design that suits your needs:

1. Open clothing rail or closed wardrobe?

Does clutter make you shudder? Does mess induce stress? Does the sight of an unbuttoned shirt make your heart flutter, in the get-me-a-medic way? If you answered yes to any of these questions you’re going to want a covered wardrobe, rather than an open-air design where everything is on show.

There’s a lot to be said for being able to hide your clothes, shoes and accessories away behind closed doors, especially on days when you try on practically everything you own and end up with more of a floor-drobe.

Fashion blogger Michelle Rimmer of States of Style has an enviable collection of clothes and says having a wardrobe that can be closed is non-negotiable. A built-in wardrobe with doors streamlines the room and prolongs the lifespan of clothing by keeping it out of direct lighting, not to mention out of reach of curious kiddos!

Colour coordinated fashion blogger wardrobe
The full spectrum: Michelle Rimmer organises her clothes by colour

“I couldn’t live without wardrobe doors,” the mother-of-two admitted. “My wardrobe is colour coordinated and kept ridiculously neat but I still need to be able to close the doors to protect the contents from direct sunlight and little toddler hands.”

Michelle may not be a fan of open-plan wardrobe design but fashion blogger and shoe collector Ashleigh D’Mello couldn’t imagine storing her most-loved possessions out of sight.

Black on black: Ashleigh D’Mello pairs black hangers with clothing racks in the same hue

“It’s so nice to visually see the elements of outfits (and options!) all in one place, instead of stuffing things inside a small wardrobe where it’s hard to find different pieces and you forget half the things in there anyway,” she said of her chic walk-in-robe/dressing room, which features matte black clothing racks.

“An open closet also doubles as a feature space in your house and it becomes a beautiful zone to get ready and put outfits together. Plus, it forces you to keep your closet organised and tidy!”

Tip: Good wardrobe design utilises every cm available, including above head height. A great spot to store luggage, or to keep boxes filled with winter clothes in summer and vice versa, a shelf for additional storage above your everyday hanging area is a wise addition.

2. Hanging space V drawer space

Different clothes should be stored differently, so your dress will define how much hanging and folding space you need.

Take a look at your existing wardrobe and assess what your go-to clothes are. Are you a corporate lawyer with a collection of tailored suits and crisp shirts? You’ll need more hanging space than a yoga teacher who has a wardrobe full of activewear.

Hang these:

Fold these:

Dresses Jumpers
Jackets and coats Tshirts
Shirts Shorts
Tailored skirts and trousers Swimwear

Think about the smaller items too – underwear, socks, shoes and accessories need to go somewhere.

Retractable accessories storage is a key component of Michelle Rimmer’s wardrobe design

“Have a decent look at what items you actually prioritise and purchase plenty of and plan the space around your personalised needs,” Michelle recommends when deciding how to allocate hanging space V drawers/shelves. “Mine is based on a decent shoe collection and is heavy on accessory storage solutions.

Colourful high heel collection
A shoe of every hue: Michelle Rimmer has prioritised shoe storage

“Customised drawers are an essential aspect of my wardrobe – all items are grouped and separated based on what the drawers are intended for: belts, necklaces, earrings etc.”

Tip: Include drawers of different heights to store items ranging from accessories to clothing. Jewellery, watches and sunglasses are best stored in shallow drawers where they’re easy to see, whereas handbags, hats and bulky items of clothing demand more room.

Prefer to keep your accessories out on show? Take a leaf out of Ashleigh’s book and arrange your most prized shoes and handbags on shelves where they can be admired.

Ashleigh D'Mello bookshelves filled with shoes
Shoes on show! Ashleigh D’Mello keeps her footwear neatly arranged on open shelves

“I store all my shoes in floor-to-ceiling shelves and try to keep them as organised as possible in terms of shoe type (part sense, part OCD!),” she said.

“Being able to visually see all my shoes in this way definitely makes it easier to choose shoes when it comes to putting outfits together, and I think it’s such a great use of space compared to storing them on the floor which can get messy really quickly!”

3. A boutique-style clothing rack

Can’t commit to a fully open wardrobe, but love the idea of an easy-access selection of your favourite clothes? Get a freestanding clothes rack!

Standalone clothing rails are very on-trend and offer both aesthetically appealing and practical solutions. Style with a few colour-coordinated garments, keep a collection of jackets handy so you can pick the perfect piece for the weather in a flash or use an old-school valet chair to get your outfit of the day ready. Just add a designer handbag casually draped from a hanger for instant blogger style.

We love these:

West Elm Black Modern Garment RackWest Elm black modern garment rail

Kmart Timber A-frame Clothing RackKmart timber clothes rail

Shop for Shops Adjustable Height Freestanding Clothes RackShop for Shops black freestanding clothes rack4. Plan before you Pin!

No matter what your vision is avoid expectation vs reality disappointments by measuring the space you have available before you start pinning dream wardrobe inspiration.

Whether you have the luxury of a whole dressing room to play with or are trying to condense your #closetgoals into a cramped cosy corner, understanding exactly how much volume you have to play with is crucial. Enlist a handyman or get a friend to help measure the height, width and depth of the space, keeping in mind architectural features and amenities such as windows, air conditioning vents, power points and gas outlets.

Use your measurements to mock up a bird’s eye view of your room with pen and paper or jump onto the IKEA website to utilise their online planning tools. If you’re not sure which wardrobe configuration is going to offer the best storage solutions for your space, the IKEA wardrobe planner is a great resource to explore what is and isn’t possible.

Watch out though – some IKEA wardrobe designs start at just 40cm deep, which seems fine on paper, but standard coat hangers are 40-45cm wide on average. Unless you want to be stuck purchasing specialised coat hangers for the foreseeable future this space-saving option simply isn’t functional for most people!

To accommodate standard coat hangers, plus a bit of wriggle room, we recommend a wardrobe depth of at least 50cm. And if space isn’t at a premium? Go large to maximise hanging space and shelf/drawer depth.

Tip: Wooden hangers are Scandi-chic but take up a big chunk of room when positioned side by side. Plastic and metal hangers take up far less space so you can fit a lot more in.

 

Settled on a design and now need help building your dream ‘drobe? Find a handyman to assemble flat-pack furniture or a carpenter to install custom cabinetry on Airtasker.

50+ best ever Kmart hacks on the internet

Time to redecorate!

50+ best ever Kmart hacks on the internet

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cheeky Kmart trip for an interior overhaul without blowing the bank?

Kmart’s homewares selection has been transforming since Kate Hopwood took over the design team in 2006, and now their affordable, on-trend designs have made their products a staple in most Australian households – which means as Kmart connoisseurs we must differentiate!

We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the 50 best-ever Kmart hacks we could find. And the kicker? All the products we found are still available.

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and get redecorating.

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1. Hanging Plants

Perfect for both indoors and outdoors this hack was shared by Kmart themselves. Using the A Frame Garment Rack and some hanging planters they’ve given a whole new meaning to statement pieces.

2. Hamptons Style Cubby House

We must admit this had us doing a double take. With a fresh coat of paint and kids’ outdoor furniture to match, Alicia from @hudson_and_harlow transformed the Kmart Wooden Cubby House into something right out of the Hamptons with this stylish cubby house hack. Mum goals!?

3. Bathroom Side Table

This clever hack features the Kmart Round Table transformed into a trendy bathroom side table. Layering a wooden chopping board and concrete tray on top of this Scandi-style base creates the perfect podium for bathroom essentials.

@Pinterest

4. Laundry Shelves

Two words – LAUNDRY GOALS! The laundry can often get overlooked when it comes to styling but this is all the inspiration we need to change that, because if you’re going to be in there doing the washing you may as well make it a zen space.  The talented Bel from @bfree_style styled the Kmart Hexagon Shadow Boxes as laundry shelves, which are perfect for storing laundry powder (tip: tip it into a ceramic vase or jar for instant chic), brushes and stain remover but also a great little spot for your indoor plants and decor.

5. Bathroom Display

@styledbywillowhome shared this one all the way back in 2015 and we’re still loving it! In this nifty hack, the Kmart Marble Inlay Serving Board is repurposed as a bathroom display, which will add instant boutique-hotel cool to even the most boring bathroom.

@kmartgrapevine

6. Luxe Bar Stools

This is one of our personal favourite hacks by @leilahandlylahome. With just a couple of cans of gold spray paint, she transformed the Black Industrial Stool into something straight out of a magazine! Check out her “Kmart Hack” Instagram story for a step-by-step tutorial. Bonus, this hack involves a trip to Bunnings too. Winning!

7. Pet Bowls

Hold onto your socks if you thought the bar stool makeover was impressive…@leilahandlylahome did it again with this matching Pet Bowl!

7. Acrylic Pour Table

This mesmerising piece of art was created by the very talented Alyssa Thomas art. Using an acrylic pour method and some gold spray paint she transformed the Storage Wire Basket Table into something magical.

8. Bedside Table

Speaking of spray painting the Wire Basket, Nola Dixon shared this nifty hack on Facebook: “I cut the handles off and glued the pink and white check cork placemat and made a bedside table.” – a super cute side table that won’t look too heavy in a small space.

Image via Facebook

9. Luxe Concrete Top Industrial Coffee Table

This hack by the Style Curator transforms the $29 Kmart Industrial Coffee Table into a luxe concrete top table. “Coating the veneer in a concrete render wouldn’t just improve the scratch resistance and lifespan of the coffee table, it’d also give it a more luxe and natural finish!”.

Check out the step-by-step tutorial here. It’s a bit of effort, but totally worth it!

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The other week I shared a peek of the Kmart industrial coffee table that I made over and here it is in full ? I coated the timber veneer in @ardexaustralia 'Feather Finish' to give it a luxe concrete makeover and am so impressed with how it turned out! Not bad for a $29 table!! You can find the full tutorial with all the steps on the blog now. And over on @lifestyleau you can find my round up of 10 new season Kmart hacks to love (including our coffee table ?) so click the link in our bio to check them out ?? @stylecuratorau x . . . . . . . #kmarthack #kmartcoffeetable #kmarttable #livingroomdecor #livingroom #livingroomideas #livingroominspiration #interiores #interiors #interior444 #interior2you #interiortrends #scandinavianinterior #scandinaviandesign #scandinavianstyle

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10. Vertical Herb Garden

What’s better than a Kmart trip? A Kmart x Ikea trip!

Perfect for smaller backyards, this vertical herb garden hack by Tiana from @ti.s_affordable_styling features a Decorative Bamboo Ladder and some hanging planters from Ikea. We can’t wait to try this one!

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Wednesday || Hump Day Hack! . Well it’s kinda more of a repurpose ?…. which is what I do…. I love finding other uses for things or bringing something back to life…. a little bit of a different perspective ?….. any way introducing my new vertical herb garden ( aka @kmartaus bathroom ladder and @ikea_australia hanging pots )SWIPE??….. so happy with how it turned out! A space saving solution, perfect for patios and balcony’s with limited space ?… . It’s been a while since my last repurpose or upcycle …. and this week I have three projects on the go at once hehe ? when it rains it pours!!! . . . . #hack #repurpose #verticalgarden #laddershelf #herbs #herbgarden #potgardening #potgarden #kmartaus #kmart #kmarthack #kmarthacks #kmarthome #ikea #ikeapot #plants #plantsofinstagram #gardensofinstagram

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11. Chic Baby Play Station

Using grey paint and some other bits and bobs, this talented mummy from @bula.home transformed the Wooden Play Gym into a chic Scandinavian-style baby play station.

12. Moon Shelf?

This hack was created by the team at Bear and Sparrow. The talented duo transformed the Plywood Round Wall Shelf into a sleepy moon shelf, perfect for your children’s bedroom. You can view the step-by-step instructions here.

13. Hallway Bench Seat

With a fresh coat of white paint and a comfy cushion seat, this outdoor Oasis bench to indoor hallway bench makeover by Belinda from @belinda_leigh_design has us dreaming of Hamptons-style living. This piece makes a great drop zone near an entrance – just add coat hooks above.

14. Basket Lampshade

Brooke from @myhomeofboho expertly turned the Seagrass Low Basket into a boho lamp shade for easy, breezy island vibes.

These basket lampshades can also be striking in a group. Here’s some more inspo from  @chantique_   who has layered them above the kitchen island.

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Kitchen Love #kmarthack

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PS This basket makes for a great planter too!

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15. Marble Side Table

The vinyl adhesive roll has become a staple for Kmart DIYs. If done right it can really help turn something basic into a statement piece. In this hack, @hannah2503 transformed the round side table by spraying the legs with silver spray paint and covering the tabletop in marble vinyl adhesive.

16. Stencil Art Bedside Drawer

Spray paint is great, but have you tried stencils? This folk-style bedside table makeover by @thisoldhousestudio features the Oak Look Side Drawer painted and stencilled for a gorgeous decorative look that will bring character to any room.

Or try a more subtle colour combination to give a shell inlay effect at a fraction of the cost!

17. Succulent Planters

This Pinterest hack features an assortment of Canisters used as succulent planters.  Succulents are a great indoor plant; they require low maintenance, only need to be watered once a week or so and can quickly brighten up any space in the house.

18. Makeup Brush Holders

Perfect for storage, this handy organisation hack by @kmartlovers_ features the Brush and Toothpaste holders as makeup brush holders.

19. Pegboard Playwall

Calling all boho mums! Featuring tiny teepees and handmade peg dolls this is any kid’s dream dollhouse. This creative hack shared by @theartisansbazaar transforms the classic Peg Board into a kids’ playwall.

20. Outdoor Champagne Bucket

Cheese platter? Outdoor table? Ice bucket? Featuring multiple uses for the white planter and round serving board this this clever hack by @sbhshoppingtown has us totally ready for summer parties.

21. Scandi Style Print Framing

This one’s for all the Scandi fans. Along Came Wolfe hacked a white frame by replacing the standard white mat board with a thin piece of plywood to transform a basic frame into something really cool to show off a favourite print.  More details here.

Image via ALONG CAME WOLFE

22. Boho Tassel Cushion

Another clever hack by Along Came Wolfe features the Jersey Woven Bath Mat expertly made into a cushion. “I cut it in half, added tassels and made it into a cushion”. More details here.

Image via ALONG CAME WOLFE

23. Luxe Marble Table

Marble tables are a trend that’s here to stay. Debbie Lemm shared this idea, and we are in love. She sprayed painted the Marble Side Table in gold, perfect for adding a touch of luxe without breaking the budget.

In case we haven’t convinced you yet, here’s another one..

24. Twinkle Light Lamps ✨

What happens when you add Twinkle Lights to an Ambient Glass Vase can only be described as something magical. This hack by @tango2plus will add the perfect touch of mood lighting to any room. These would be a gorgeous styling element or as a table decoration for a special event too.

 

25. Macrame Cushion Cover

Boho macramé accessories can add the perfect touch of chic to any home. @_ashlee_white_ shows us just that with this cushion cover hack. All you need is a $4 Kira Cushion, some Jute Rope, patience and a couple of other bits and bobs. You can watch the tutorial here.

26. Macrame Pot

@Lizzizzysabode had us at Fiddle Leaf Friday? Now that we’ve learnt to macrame from Hack 25, we’re going boho chic all the way! All you need for this hack is a Cache Pot and some Jute Rope.

27. Jewellery Stand

Shared by Kylie Jones on Facebook, for this clever organisation hack all you need to do is purchase a mesh stand and hook on your earrings! That’s it – no extra work is needed. Organised wardrobe AND a cute display? We’re sold.

PS If you purchase the mesh stand we’ve linked above you can use space underneath to store books, a cute little indoor plant or even the twinkle light lamps from tip 24.

Image via Facebook

28. Beer Crate

What do you get when you drill together 6 bamboo pen cups, 2 paddle boards and some dowels? The best “handmade” Father’s Day gift ever.  More details can be found on @lookwhat_i_found. Just add craft beer. You’re welcome.

29. Kids’ Table

Multifunctional furniture is always welcome, especially when kids tend to outgrow things so fast. This brilliant hack shared by Insta mummy @hayleyaholland features the Bamboo Step Stool as a toddler dinner table.

PS This would also make a great arts and crafts table. Just pop down a plastic placemat to protect it from any paint spills.

30. Toy Storage

Fun and functional, this super organised storage hack will help you put away all those pesky toys you’re always stepping on, without having to dig through a bottomless toy bucket. Shared by Joëlle Skinner‎, this clever storage system features a bamboo towel rail, some curtain clips and large ziplock bags.

Image via Facebook

31. Baby Wardrobe

Another bamboo towel rail hack that’s been doing rounds is the baby wardrobe hack that downsizes the freestanding exposed wardrobe trend. Since baby clothes are so tiny a towel rack provides the perfect height for your kid’s wardrobe – and you can enjoy their cute outfits all the time!

Image via Pinterest

32. Indoor Plant Feature

If you thought we were done with the bamboo towel rail hacks, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Showing us just how versatile this piece is @may.jess created an indoor plant feature by drilling hooks into the top rails and adding some hanging planters.

33. Wedding Bouquets

Did you know wedding bouquets can cost more than $200 each? If you’re looking for a budget-friendly wedding flower DIY try this thrifty hack Melissa Scott shared. Using a mix of flower bunches and some jute she created the perfect rustic bouquets that will probably last you forever.

Image via Facebook 

34. Floral arrangements

On the topic of weddings, we love this event styling hack by @bridalbouquetsbybrie who put together this stunning floral arrangement for an engagement party using a copper candle holder as a vase.

35. DIY Spice Rack

This neat kitchen organisation hack by @styledbyfliss features the Bamboo drawer neatly stacked into a spice rack and topped with perfectly labelled spice jars. This pantry is speaking to us on an emotional level, but we’re not sure we have the patience to replicate it. If you can’t deal with sorting out the pantry yourself find a cleaner on Airtasker to help out then live in perfectly organised bliss.

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Finally finished my pantry makeover this weekend ? I’m so in love! I’m so happy I decided to go with white containers and white labels this time ? pictured here are our 3 main shelves in our pantry. We also have another 2 shelves not pictured (one at very top and one at very bottom) so I took some full length shots and will share those shortly too. ? The items I used in my pantry makeover are: White containers – Denny range in sizes 1L, 1.7L and 2.3L from @kitchenwarehouse Container labels – Font 17 @pretty.little.designs Oil Bottles & Labels – Font Tulip @pretty.little.designs Salt & Pepper cannisters – @kmartaus Spice rack – DIY made from @kmartaus Bamboo drawers Spice jars and labels – size 75ml in Font 13 @little_label_co Plates, bowls and mug – @ecologyhomewares Electric salt and Pepper mills – @aldiaustralia White baskets – @ikea_australia • • • • • • • #styledbyfliss #collab #interiordecor #homewares #homedecor #interiors #pocketofmyhome #interiors123 #interiorsinspiration #interiorinspo #homestyling #interior #interior4all #interiordesign #mynordicroom #nordicliving #designinterior #whitehouse #realhomesofinstagram #instahome #konmari #minimalism #scandinavian #mariekondo #declutter #kmartaus #pantryorganization #organization #pantry #productstylist

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36. Luxe Velvet Chairs

Did someone say luxe for less? We hear ya! A can of gold spray paint is all you need for this luxe Navy velvet chair makeover by @nevbetts, creating stylish chairs for your home or office on a budget.

37. Seagrass Planter

We’ve been seeing basket planters everywhere and we are in love! The Seagrass basket makes a great boho chic indoor planter, perfect to hide those plastic plant pots. And, bonus, the handles make them really easy to move when you’re cleaning or your house plants need to go outside for a little fresh air.

Image via Pinterest

38. Indoor Vertical Garden

Created by tlcinteriors this hack is rental-friendly and will make effective use of any narrow space.  All you need are the Industrial ladder shelves to create stacks of space to layer indoor plants, terrariums, candles, art and homewares, no wall fixtures are required. Check out the post here.

Image via tlcinteriors 

39. Marble Look Study Desk

Everyone knows it’s easier to concentrate in a beautiful space, so get your study refreshed with this easy DIY and turn a plain desk into marble with this thrifty renovation by @tiffanyleedonaldson. All you need is any old desk or table and some Marble vinyl adhesive roll. Instant desk goals and a place you’ll actually want to study at? It’s basically a productivity hack to get more done.

PS The vinyl adhesive also comes in black and chalkboard, so get creative!

40. Tropical Kmart Side Table

Love a green theme? Turn your bedroom into a tropical paradise with this clever hack by @ellen_maree89. All you need is a 2-drawer side table and some contact paper from Bunnings. Layer up the style with a trailing indoor plant in a woven basket on top.

41. Embossed Storage Containers

Declutter your pantry with this unique hack by @felicitycook.co.
All you need are some storage containers, embossing powder and clear embossing Markers. That calligraphy might take a little practice, but it beats Dymo labels any day.

42. Bench makeover

This one requires some elbow grease but the results are definitely worth the effort. @carrigleacottage gave the Velvet bench the ultimate makeover by recovering the cushion and sanding down the legs. This is a great way to customise and match any piece of furniture to your decor and can be applied to old chairs, sofas and lounges too. For more complex upholstery, find a specialist with a staple gun on Airtasker.

43. Frog Pond

Keep the little ones busy these school holidays with this fun playtime hack by @thebondipantry. All you need is a cutlery tray and some green jelly for educational play with colourful sensory elements.

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Spontaneous #smallworldplay. We frolicked in the rain yesterday morning but while Master 23 months napped I threw together this #invitationtoplay just in case there was no improvement to the weather in the afternoon. The pond was made from water with a few drops of food colouring, some gelatin sheets and a sprinkling of green glitter and set with a couple of rocks for 2-3 hours. To that I added some bark and twigs collected from outside, blue waterbeads, and mini frogs and insects. We laid out an old shower curtain and this activity kept him occupied for well over an hour!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #23months #natureplay #sensoryplay #playtime #playathomemumma #playathome #kmart #kmarthacks #earlylearning101 #toddlerplay #learningthroughplay #learningthroughplaying #creativeplay #minizoo #waterbeadsaustralia #joinplaysquad #everydayplayhacks

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44. Coffee Station

Coffee cup hooks are so last season. Keep your tea and coffee essentials organised in a tiny kitchen or office with this neat hack. All you need is a Rectangle Wall Shelf.

Image via Pinterest

45. Sandbox or Outdoor Water Play Table 

Keep your little ones entertained with this clever hack shared by Tegan Kramer, all you need is a Timber Storage Bench and a Underbed storage container for the sand or water. Playtime is at exactly the right height for curious bubs!

Image via Kmart Mums Australia

46. Drink Trolley

Drinks trolleys are great multipurpose occasional pieces that can move from room to room with the essentials. Cocktail set? Favourite magazines? Swan planter? Whatever you need, wherever you need it. This hack by @heditaustralia upgrades the classic black drinks trolley to gold, another great example of how painting can make any piece of furniture match your home decor.

47. Vertical Shelves As Succulent Garden

This cool hack was shared by @stylecurator via Cobbitty BakeHouse, hacking the Vertical Wall Shelves into a succulent garden with just a bit of chicken wire and some soil.

The trick here is being patient enough to allow the succulents to establish roots before you hang them up. Lay the garden bed on a flat surface for 4-12 weeks allowing the succulents to settle in the soil before installing on the wall. For more information check out this handy how-to article.

Image via Style Curator 

48. Vertical Caddy Garden

In case we haven’t already, we’re going to take one final go at convincing you to start a vertical garden! This amazing hack was created by @kmartstyling_official  using a Wire Floor Caddy, some coconut fibre basket liners and plants. This would make an amazing centrepiece for an event table or even a unique Christmas tree for a small apartment.

 

49. Pimp Your Seagrass Basket

These multifunctional woven baskets are a household staple this season, so why not give yours a little upgrade to suit your interior style? All you need for this easy hack by @interiorsaddict is a basket and a couple of other craft supplies. You can check out the full list of materials and step-by-step tutorial here.

Image via Interiors Addict

50. Celebration Favours

Honestly, we could go on forever but alas we are at our 50th and final hack for this post. How better to leave a lasting impression on your guests, than to send them off with these personalised favours? All you need for this impressive hack by @kmartstyling_official are the Mini tins, some labels printed on metallic paper and a touch of bedazzle using rhinestone stickers.

 

…but wait, there’s more!

People keep sharing more amazing Kmart hacks with us so consider this a bonus section. Tag us @airtasker on Instagram with yours and we’ll add them in!

51. Matte Black Kmart Chairs

When you’re styling your home with a strict colour palette every little detail counts. @xx.loveyoumorethan.xx painted the legs of the Jaxson Dining Chair black to make them perfect for her super-chic study.

52. Kids Outdoor Play Kitchen

Emma from Play at Home Mummy transformed the Timber Storage Bench into an outdoor play kitchen for the kids, cleverly reinventing a Stainless Steel Dog Bowl as a kitchen sink! And how cute is that hanging rail with the tiny utensils??

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• KMART MUD KITCHEN HACK • About a year ago, my husband hacked this Kmart timber storage bench and turned it into a mud/water kitchen for the girls! . We were playing in it yesterday after giving it a good clean and I thought I would share with you today how we did it! . We used the @kmartaus timber storage bench, and knocked out the bottom of it and placed it on top to make the bench part. We used a stainless steel dog bowl (also Kmart) as the sink – hubby cut out a hole in the bench part so that the bowl fits perfectly ? . Then he placed hinges on the lid, so that it can open and close and creates a ‘backing’ part for hanging things off (we usually hang plants or utensils off it) . We used a kitchen utensil rail from @ikea_australia called ‘grundtal’ to make a rail to hang utensils/jugs/pans from. I don’t think ikea sell that particular one anymore, but they sell a similar one called ‘kungsfors’ ❤️ we also used the ‘kungsfors’ S hooks on the rail to hang things from ? . We get a lot of use out of it in summer, and use it mostly for water and flowers (the girls are a bit precious about mud ??) . I usually put a big bucket of water beside it for them to do lots of transferring with ?? . It’s great because the lid closes so it stays (fairly) clean most of the time – and best part is that it’s an easy hack with a great outcome!! ?? . I will put some pictures of all the things we used in my stories for anyone who wants to make one ☺️ . . . . . . . . . . . #earlylearning #playislearning #teachermum #playmatters #reggiokids #invitationtoplay #childhoodunplugged #playbasedlearning #learningthroughplay #toddlerplay #preschoolplay #earlylearning101 #playathome #stayathomemum #playathomemummy #preparedplay #intentionalplay #slowliving #wherelearningmeetsplay #homeschool #homeschoolpreschool #montessoriathome #childledlearning #letthemplay #waterplay #letthekids #outdoorplay #mudkitchen #kmarthack

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Inspired to bring your dream home to life but don’t have the DIY skills? Find a builder, painter or interior decorator on Airtasker.

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9 Australian interior design accounts you need to follow

These Australian Insta-mavens have all the interior inspo you need, and the expert tips to make it happen, whatever your budget. Add to follow list immediately.

9 Australian interior design accounts you need to follow

There’s nothing like an interior overhaul to bring a fresh mood to your home, but it can be hard to know where to start to create the vibe you’re after. New lighting fixtures? Maybe a rug? Do you need to paint all the walls, or will a cheeky trip to Kmart do the job? Before you get overwhelmed by detail step back from the products, and start by scrolling the ‘gram, but don’t just look at the pretty pictures.

These Australian Instagram accounts have hot tips, insider tricks and expert advice all throughout their captions, so whether you’re looking for a tonal overhaul to bring beachy vibes to your bedroom, an artistic approach to the study or tips to live stylishly with kids around, you’ll learn out how to actually get it done.

1. @zephyr_and_stone

Sisters Kasia and Ania have more than an eye for calming contemporary style – they have all the behind-the-scenes building and renovation tips too! Get inspired by their stone and timber surfaces then follow their practical tips to create the kitchen/bathroom/house of your dreams.

2. @thedesignfiles

@thedesignfiles

Lucy Feagins and team have been blogging about the most beautiful design in Australia since 2008 and know about every development worth knowing in the design world, covering interiors, architecture, gardens, homewares, textiles and more.

3. @coastalhomelove

@coastalhomelove

Jo’s style is part Palmy, part Bali, with all of the blissful beach vibes and none of the sand. Follow for liveable coastal style without a lighthouse ornament in sight.

4. @homelife.com.au

Homelife magazine Australia Instagram feed
@homelife.com.au

The insta account of the Homelife magazine combines aspirational editorial spaces with accessible products, so you can take inspiration from the stunning styles and actually make it happen in your own home. Winning!

5. @thediydecorator

@thediydecorator

Zoe, a Perth based interior decorator, puts together lustworthy mood boards that show you how to effectively plan a room before you run out to buy furniture. She also curates awesome ‘Save or Splurge’ buys so you can get the look you love, whatever your budget.

6. @thestylingmama

@thestylingmama

Kelly is a mum of five whose ever-evolving house always looks chic, cool and miraculously clean! How does she do it?? Follow to find out (and get heaps of family-friendly interior inspo along the way)!

7. @interior_styling

Interior Styling Instagram Feed chic contemporary design
@interior_styling

With a penchant for light-filled spaces, luscious floral installations and quirky architectural details Milenka’s feed shows off some of the coolest interiors around. Follow to get the courage to put in those tiles or that textured wall you know would look knock-out amazing in your home.

8. @budgethomeliving

@budgethomeliving

Mel describes herself as “just a mum who loves bargains” but we think she’s a family home interiors pro! Just saying’, she’s got all the hot tips on the best Kmart and Target homewares…

9. @fenton_and_fenton

@fenton_and_fenton

Fenton & Fenton remind us all to live life more colourfully, with incredible palettes that combine rich hues, patterned textiles and abstract paintings. Their feed shows dynamic, artistic spaces that will brighten any day.

 

Inspired to bring your dream home to life? Find a builder, painter or interior decorator on Airtasker.

11 Scandinavian New Home Design DIY Ideas

Danish and Scandinavian interior design isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Here's how to get the Scandi look on a DIY budget.

11 Scandinavian New Home Design DIY Ideas

The desire to redecorate when you move into a new home is something we all feel, however, the truth is that many of us can’t afford to renovate or splash out at the top designer stores.

Whilst you can’t spend big on furniture, by spending money wisely along with a bit of DIY, you can turn your new home into a place to call your home.

Minimalistic Scandinavian (or nordic) interior styling is all the rage right now with neutral, pastels and natural textures bringing a fresh look yet a warm feel to the home. Better yet, it’s super easy to achieve on a tight budget.

Here are 11 Scandinavian new home design DIY ideas:

1. White

A shade of white should be the base for all three surfaces; ceiling, walls and floors in a Scandi home. Painting wooden floors white with a white wash effect looks great and most ceilings are normally white and may just need a touch-up.

If you’re painting dark walls white it will take a few more coats than usual, so perhaps getting an Airtasker to take care of it will help you get onto other things.

Scandinavian-Design-Light-flooring-and-Ekornes-Stressless-chair
Source: FreshHome

2. Natural Materials

With all that white in a room, it’s important to balance it by adding some warmth. This can be done with natural textures such as wood, rugs and fur. To stay within budget, you could either put it towards one key piece or look at what you can put together yourself, for example; make cushions or even a wooden coffee table.

cb0eb84a5b111544a801cb5fa2b42c2c
Source: Pinterest

Pallets

Pallets are a cheap and affordable way to introduce different textures into your space. You can make just about anything with pallets such as a bed, coffee table or even party props.

What else can you do with a simple pallet… Here are 15 Ideas With Pallet Furniture.

pallet-bed-diy-2
Source: 101palletideas

3. Cork

Cork is the up and rising superstar in home design. It goes way beyond wine bottle stoppers and boring noticeboards. Below are just a couple of DIY ideas that you can easily make.

Coasters

diy-corkboard-coasters1
Source: Craft By Photo

Wall art

diy-pac-man-cork-board
Source: Picsora

Kids room

cork-tiles-wall
Source: Tile Design And Ideas

4. Pastels

Pick a pastel colour, any colour, actually why not pick a few to mix and match. You can pick up statement plates, cushions or paint some of your furniture. Did I mention that pastels are suitable in summer and winter? That means no different colour pallets with the change in season, which saves you money.

e5ec7a12167b65a951349428c52f0c5f
Source: Nordic Days
8-Paint-Dipped
Source: House and Hold
woodspoons41
Source: DigitalSherpa

5. Minimalise

One thing that all Scandi inspired homes have is minimalism. To declutter your space, a good rule of thumb is that for every 5 items you add, take away three (just don’t forget the receipts). And always remember that clean lines are a key pillar to achieve the look. Here are a couple of photos showcasing Scandinavian new home design ideas:

image_title_vl5oe
Source: Hometone
min7
Source: My Scandinavian Home

6. Decorate

With leftover paint, you can change any simple piece of IKEA furniture into an eye-catching centrepiece.

Dip-dyed baskets

Take weaved baskets and dip them in a tub of paint – it can be any colour that takes your fancy.

dipdye13
Source: Real Home Love

Geometric printed furniture

Using stencils (or tape) you can bring a side table or dresser to life.

p2woodbox
Source: tipsaholic
Hitta hem D I Y Lisa 7
Source: Hitta Hem

7. Lighting

In Scandi design, rooms are designed to capture as much natural light as possible. That’s why white is used everywhere to reflect light around the room. However, lamps and lights are a necessity and there are some beautiful minimalistic ones to choose from as seen below.

bupphouse71
Source: Homeditor
Scandinavian-design
Source: Fresh Home

But big beautiful lights can cost a lot. So have a look around for something a little cheaper and then consider changing the lamp shade and consider adding a filament globe.

cat-bulbs-large-770x300
Source: Glasgow Guild
chevron lamp shade
Source: Juneberry Lane

8. Go Green

Adding greenery to your kitchen, living room, bathroom and just about anywhere whether it’s in a pot or hanging from the ceiling, is a lovely way to add life to your home.

You can use old wooden boxes, old pots, make your own terrarium or plant/moss ball.

9. Marble

It sounds expensive but you can cheat with contact paper… Yes, the same contact paper that you used on your school books.

All you need to do is carefully lay it so you don’t get any bubbles.

ikea-lack-refresh-with-marble-contact-paper
Source: Amy Krist
Marble-contact-paper-coffee-table-DIY-project
Source: Decoist

10. Shelves

You can use a bracket shelf and paint the brackets (or turn upside down). If you’re a woodwork master you can make some shelves out of wood offcuts, but if you need a hand hire an Airtasker handyman to get the job done.

k_kristian-vedel-shelves-2 (1)
Source: Martin Glenz
tumblr_na4a2qWBKv1thhuido1_1280
Source: Tumblr

11. Fireplace

OK I admit, a DIY fireplace isn’t really all that easy to do if you don’t have an existing one that you can makeover. However here are some ideas to make your fireplace fit into the Scandinavian styling.

diy-stacked-wood-fireplace-mantel-1
Source: Shelterness
nordic-bliss-scandinavian-style-swedish-apartment-living-room-fire-place
Source: Nordic Bliss