Home styling tips that will have you feeling like a blockhead

The Block is back and love it or hate it, it really does get us in the mood to give our home a little refresh… even if majority of us are unable to pull off a new kitchen refurb in a week. Yes, this comes from experience and no it isn’t impossible.

Here are our 5 tips for adding the wow factor without bringing in a team of tradies:

Panelling

Gone are the days of the 70s style ugly timber finish that made your home dark and the wrong type of moody. Now grooved panelling can be purchased in MDF sheets that are ready for you to install to the wall and paint your chosen colour. Perfect to add texture or a relaxed beach vibe. This is a project that can totally be done in a weekend and give you that zen feeling of a coastal holiday retreat.

Linen

Everyone is talking about and crushing over this super durable material for sheets, dining and even your wardrobe. Designed to wear and become softer with age, linen is dream when snuggling up in bed, which with these cold snaps is a totally excusable weekend activity. If the bedding option is a little more than you want to spend, add this must-have to your home in the way of napkins, pillows or throws. Our pick are a set of gorgeous sheets from Bedthreads that become even cosier with each wash.

Natural elements

After the last couple of years, we are looking more towards nature for inspiration, calmness and adding a touch of warmth to our homes. Timber finishes can add warmth to spaces like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and are a great addition to the shiny and coldness of tiles and stone finishes. While we love a timber vanity or benchtop option, we recommend starting off small with a timber stool, accent tray or side table and extend from there… it also won’t break the bank if you decide the style just isn’t for you. Looking for an even smaller scale addition? Add different natural finishes like crystals, shells or dried flowers to the space depending on the vibe you’re after.

Plants, plants, and more plants

70s jungle vibes are back and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Plants are the new pets and many of us are signing up for a whole gang of them. Not only do you get the pretty appeal, you also get the benefit of better air quality. If that isn’t enough to get you across the line, they’ve also been known to improve mood, reduce fatigue and stress. Perfect to add to a shelf, entry table (may also save you money in flowers if you purchase them for the home regularly) or to fill the large corner that has been eluding a makeover. We’re no experts on keeping them alive, but succulents, peace lilies and rubber trees are low maintenance. If this isn’t enough of a styling tip, get creative with different styles of pots – concrete, ceramic or even baskets.

Colour

Feeling like your overall space is lacking something? Neutrals are a great base for any home but the whole space can be uplifted by choosing a colour and adding this in a range of tones. Portray a feeling of warmth, calm or relaxation simply by adding colour, blue and green tones can add calmness, an air of relaxation and reflect nature, whereas reds, yellows and oranges can add warmth and moodiness to a space.