Are your after-work hours spent pinning beautiful bathrooms on Pinterest or liking stunning living rooms on Insta?
Establishing a unique design aesthetic at home can be overwhelming; with hundreds of colours, textures, furnishings and fittings to choose from, it’s tricky to know where to start.
To help ease the decision-making process, Porter Davis introduced Smart Living for first home buyers on a budget. These homes include the expertise of interior designers from the World of Style, the largest interior design showroom in Australia, and proves the perfect starting point for homemakers to find their dream look.
With so many colours, textures and styles to choose from, it can take time to find your style.
“Choosing your style is a personal decision,” says Patrizia Romeo, interior designer for Porter Davis. “Usually people are drawn to one or two styles.”
A good starting point is to imagine what your dream house looks like. Ideally, you want to create a space that you can enjoy with your family and friends for years to come.
“Choose a style that will adapt and change with you and that you can add to with treasures found on your travels or collections of artwork and photography, or that can adapt to suit a growing family,” says Patrizia
The classic look
If you like a timeless look, the classic style has your name on it. It features strong yet balanced colours and textures, ageless furniture and antiques – all with modern undertones.
A neutral base allows you to layer the Classic style and make it your own.
“A classic theme has a neutral base palette of white through to soft greys. The addition of weathered timber cabinetry and flooring creates a layer of warmth,” says Patrizia.
Layer the style with natural linens, textured cushions and throws, and highlight with charcoal and inky blues.
The contemporary look
This look takes inspiration from nature and the Scandinavian landscape with light timber-look cabinetry and flooring. Think fresh, crisp, clean lines and a balance of natural textures and materials.
Light, timber-look cabinetry and floors are defining features of the Contemporary look.
“The minimalist Nordic look can be created with contemporary furniture and accents of mint and sage. Layer organic fabrics to bring this look together,” says Patrizia.
The designer look
The designer style is inspired by the world’s leading fashion catwalks and the heritage buildings and cultures of popular destinations, from Prague and Fifth Avenue to Miami Beach and Milan.
“This style’s base palette is a mixture of mid-grey tones reflected through concrete-look tiles and bench tops,” says Patrizia.
Mid-grey tones with inspiration from some of the world’s leading catwalks creates this eye-catching Designer look.
“Warm timbers add contrast while accents of mustard, ink and charcoal add depth.”
Complement the look with an eclectic mix of artwork, mid-century furniture and textured ceramics.
The resort look
This style is inspired by the idyllic islands dotted around the Whitsundays and features light, bright, coastal colours through and through.
Light, bright coastal colours are used throughout the Resort look.
“Sand-look tiles and crisp white bench tops pair beautifully with white walls and raw timber accents to create this fresh palette,” says Patrizia.
Continue the natural beach theme with hints of aqua, greenery, organic patterned cushions and fresh light linen textures to complete the relaxed, breezy look.