Think rustic retreats tucked into the landscape, off-grid escapes with sweeping mountain views, architect-designed homes and farm stays complete with outdoor pools.

Whether your plans involve coffee hopping through Melbourne’s laneways, soaking up the sun along the coast, or setting out on a scenic alpine hike, there is an Airbnb to match the mood. So, skip the long-haul flight and find paradise closer to home; we’ve spent hours combing through accommodation options to find the best Victoria Airbnbs, and they’re all listed below for your booking convenience.

The best Airbnb in Victoria for couples

01

Little Pines

Tiny home in Tawonga South

Sleeps: 2 people

Tucked away in the expansive Victorian Alps, Little Pines is the perfect Airbnb for couples after an elevated romantic getaway (no pun intended). From the sweeping views of Mount Bogong to the thoughtfully curated, Nordic-inspired interiors, this intimate space is enveloped in beauty, wherever you choose to rest your gaze.

Spend your nights cuddled up beside the fire pit, and your days basking on the sun loungers, breathing in that crisp, alpine air. And if the Victorian summer proves too warm, simply pop on the AC, choose a board game, and settle in amongst the beautiful furnishings.

As one might expect, this thoughtfully designed romantic getaway is another Airbnb Guest Favourite, boasting an average guest rating of 4.94. Nick, who stayed at Little Pines last October, writes, “We had an amazing stay! The place was spotless, cosy, and surrounded by beautiful mountain views. Perfect location, quiet, peaceful, and just a short drive to town.” Chloe, who visited the Airbnb in September, shares, “Little Pines was super cozy yet felt so luxurious – the quality & build were incredible,” adding that, “The shower had amazing water pressure, which was such a treat after long days out.

Key features:

• Air-conditioned
• Fire pit and BBQ grill
• Outdoor dining area
• Sweeping mountain views
• Luxurious Nordic-inspired interiors
• Loft-style bed
• Washing machine & dryer
• WIFI

BOOK NOW

Best Airbnb in Victoria for families

02

The River Road Farmhouse

Entire home in Coral Bank

Sleeps: 8 people

Equipped with four beautiful bedrooms and two bathrooms, The River Road Farmhouse is large enough to comfortably accommodate families of up to eight people and boasts enough amenities to keep the kids entertained for the entire trip. Explore the library, unwind on the outdoor swing bed, head to the court for a spot of tennis, or treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath; there’s no shortage of things to do.

Situated on a hidden rise in the heart of the Victorian High Country, the stay is rather secluded, but don’t expect that to bother you; between a perfect 5-star average rating on Airbnb and many raving reviews, it’s clear that former guests have all been more than happy to make this farmhouse the star of their vacations.

At the start of January, Hugh stayed at the River Road farmhouse and wrote of his experience there, “This is hands down the best Airbnb I’ve ever stayed at. A sentiment shared by our whole group. The house is beautiful and so well furnished. The breathtaking surrounds, the peace by the river. If you can stay here, look no further.”

Key features:

• Private backyard
• Outdoor dining area and BBQ grill
• Fire pit
• Tennis court
• Nearby river
• Air conditioning
• Books, TV, & Bluetooth sound system
• Nespresso coffee maker
• WIFI

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Best pet-friendly Airbnb in Victoria

03

Rustic Bush Escape

Entire cabin in Glenburn

Sleeps: 4 people

Nestled in the natural beauty of Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, this charming, secluded stay proves that finding a dog-friendly Airbnb doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, charm, or experiences. With a fully fenced outdoor area, complete with an outdoor kitchenette, shower, sun loungers, and a BBQ grill, it’s never been easier to immerse yourself and your pets in Victoria’s breathtaking rural landscape. Turn your gaze to the expansive fields surrounding this property, and you might just find kangaroos, along with the horses and rescue sheep looked after by your host.

With an average rating of 4.96 stars and sitting in the top 10% of Victoria Airbnb listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability, this rustic gem has well and truly earned the title of guest favourite.

One vacationer writes, “My husband and I had the most magical getaway at the cabin,” going on to add, “The layout is beautifully unique, with thoughtful touches throughout. Everything was sparkling clean, and the surroundings were peaceful and quiet. The cabin is dog-friendly and is fully fenced, so we were able to enjoy it with our dogs worry-free.”

Key features:

• Pet-friendly with a fenced area
• Breakfast provided
• Air conditioned
• Outdoor shower and kitchenette
• Sun loungers and BBQ grill
• WIFI

BOOK NOW

Best Airbnb with an outdoor pool

04

Oakstone Estate

Entire guesthouse in Mornington

Sleeps: 2 people

Those searching for a truly indulgent Airbnb in Victoria need look no further than this breathtaking guesthouse situated in Mornington, complete with a private heated pool.

Surrounded by the area’s famous wineries, natural parks, and sprawling coasts (with Melbourne a mere 60-minute drive away), there are plenty of things to see and do. However, we expect you’ll spend most of your time enjoying the property, with its thoughtfully curated interiors, picturesque private pool, hot tub, and many other top-tier amenities.

This luxurious guesthouse has been dubbed ‘one of the most loved homes on Airbnb,’ and after combing through the 210 reviews, which add up to an average rating of 4.99, it’s clear to see that the title is well deserved. Kylie, who stayed at Oakstone Estate last November, writes “We had a wonderful stay, the guesthouse was immaculate and even better than the photos. The design and styling were simply stunning, and the surrounding environment and facilities were gorgeous and plentiful. We especially loved the thoughtful touches, like the complimentary bottle of champers and the outdoor fireplace, which made the stay feel extra special.”

Key features:

• Private backyard with a heated pool, hot tub, and dining area
• Tennis and basketball courts
• Sun loungers
• Garden and pool views
• Air conditioning
• 55-inch HDTV and streaming platforms
• Luxurious interiors

BOOK NOW

Best luxury Airbnb in Victoria

05

Vale Hill House

Entire home in Ullina

Sleeps: 8 people

This self-described rural Victorian icon, otherwise known as Vale Hill House, is the perfect luxury Airbnb for those with champagne tastes to unwind and reset.

Styled by the late Stuart Rattle, each room is adorned with decadent homewares, adding to the opulence of this expansive build. Once you’ve explored the interior, step outside and take in the stay’s formal terraced gardens, paddocks housing friendly alpacas and sheep, and one of Victoria’s largest edible gardens.

Dubbed by Airbnb as one of their ‘Luxe’ homes, which officially classifies this stay as an extraordinary stay that’s been vetted for quality, you can rest assured that the accommodation is just as lovely in real life as it is in its pictures. Cynthia, who was a guest at Vale Hill House last December, writes, “We had a lovely ladies/daughters weekend, and all thoroughly enjoyed our time at Vale Hill. It was probably one of the most beautiful and scenic places we have ever stayed. Very close to Daylesford and Creswick, which have some gorgeous stores to explore.”

Key features:

• Private pool
• Sun loungers
• Outdoor dining area and BBQ grill
• Fire pit
• Split-type, ductless air conditioning
• Sweeping panoramic views
• WIFI

BOOK NOW

The most unique Airbnb in Victoria

06

Steam: Vintage Train Carriage

Entire home in Forrest

Sleeps: 8 people

Whether you’re interested in trains, history, or simply love character-filled accommodation, we’ve found the Victoria Airbnb for you. When visiting this unique stay, guests are set up inside a restored first-class carriage from a steam train that was used across New South Wales and Victoria from 1926 to 1980 before being retired to a rail yard in Collingwood. Since being repurposed in 2014, it now lives a new life as a charming three-bedroom stay in Forrest.

Since winning an Airbnb Host Award for the Best Unique Stay in 2023, Fleur, the design-minded host, has continued to improve and upgrade this quirky locomotive, and three years later, it’s just as beautiful as ever. Currently, the Steam Vintage Train Carriage is ranked as one of the most loved homes on Airbnb, boasting an average rating of 4.92.

Skye, who visited this Airbnb back in April last year, writes, “This is a holiday rental done right! Beautiful accommodation steeped in history. Everything thoughtfully put together; beautiful bed linen, fully equipped kitchen, fabulous internal and external living areas and a gorgeous garden. We even had a koala in the tree next door! Walking distance to the brewery, general store and a number of walking or mountain biking trails nearby.”

Key features:

• Fenced private patio and backyard
• Outdoor dining area and BBQ grill
• Hammock
• Cot
• Board games, books, and toys
• Central air conditioning
• French press coffee maker
• Pets allowed
• WIFI

BOOK NOW

Best Airbnb in Melbourne

07

Parisian Pied-À-Terre

Entire rental unit in Melbourne

Sleeps: 2 people

With views of the iconic Flinders Street Station, this delightfully French one-bedroom apartment brings Europe to you. Our top choice of Melbourne Airbnbs boasts thoughtfully designed interiors inspired by the 19th-century Queen Anne Renaissance Style and traditional Parisian Pied-À-Terres. Add luxurious linens, plenty of entertainment options, and plenty of other luxe amenities and the result is a stay that captures complete and total luxury.

Boasting a near-perfect 4.99-star average rating, this stay is another one of Airbnb’s Guest Favourites. Schminkee, who stayed here last December, writes, “From the moment you open the front door. The apartment is impeccable; so elegant, clean, and perfectly styled with designer elements written all over it.”

Sophie, who also enjoyed her stay at the end of last year shared “I absolutely loved staying here; I was in town for a couple of days for a wedding and was able to easily go shopping, go for a run around the tan, visit the NGV on a whim and grab amazing food and coffee within a couple of mins from the Airbnb. The apartment design is very special and made me feel like I was a traveller in a city that I know very well.”

Key features:

• Melbourne skyline view
• Central location
• Luxuriously decorated interiors
• Air conditioning
• HDTV with streaming services
• Coffee maker
• Lift

BOOK NOW

Plan the perfect summer vacation in Victoria

The post The perfect summer getaway destination might be closer than you think appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Unlike work, where screen use is generally unavoidable, your home can be a retreat from the online world. Designing spaces to support offline activities and embracing older, slower forms of technology can help reduce the addictive pull of the online world and return you to the real one.

Creating intentionally analog spaces

Interior designer Hans Lorei first brought up the concept of analog spaces back in 2024, when he described them as an antidote to digital overwhelm.

The main purpose of these spaces is to support offline activities. Whether it’s a living space that helps you host games nights, a reading nook that makes curling up with a physical book or magazine more appealing, or a craft table dedicated to creative hobbies like painting, drawing or scrapbooking, it’s all about intentionally carving out a space where you can engage with the offline activities that you enjoy.

When it comes to designing an analog space, you should think about the type of activity you want to support. For conversational spaces that could also support reading and listening to music, Hans believes that low seats and soft lighting can help create a comforting ‘sense of enclosure’ in an analog space.

However, if doomscrolling on the couch is your main battle, then perhaps a table with comfortable chairs will help you find the motivation to complete a puzzle, create photo albums or work on your art.

Bringing back the computer room

Anyone who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s will remember the computer room – a dedicated space in the home for using the computer. While modern laptops, phones and tablets mean we can access the internet anywhere and anytime, they also mean that we struggle to get away from it.

A digital space might sound like the antithesis of an analog home, but I would argue that these spaces are just as important as analog ones for creating boundaries with digital technology. In an article for Apartment Therapy, Brittany Anas shared that creating a computer room cut her screen time by 80%. By creating a dedicated space for your computer, laptop, or smartphone, your usage is likely to be more intentional and less likely to creep into other areas of your life.

Swapping your laptop for a family-style desktop computer will also make this easier. Whether it’s located in a separate room or a more visible family zone that’s safer for children, the key is that it can’t be moved to the couch, bedroom or anywhere else you believe should be ‘screen-free.’

Embracing analog technology

Attempting to spend less time on a smart device is usually followed by the shocking realisation about how much of our lives are actually dependent upon them. From checking the time and setting alarms to typing our to-do lists into apps and saving recipes to cook later, our devices are designed to make us feel like we can’t live without them.

Yet, analog technology reminds us that we can. Replacing your phone alarm with an analog alarm or clock radio is an easy way to prevent your phone screen from being the first thing you see in the morning. Likewise, a paper planner and good old-fashioned kitchen calendar are just as worthy organisational tools as a Google Calendar or Notion board.

If you’re burnt out on being beholden to streaming services, then you might join those returning to physical media and using DVD, CD, record and cassette players for their favourite films and albums. Tip: head to the op shop or local library.

Analog homes aren’t about giving up digital technology but simply about using it more intentionally and letting our space be a retreat from the noise of the online world.

The post How people are embracing ‘analog homes’ in 2026 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A home that finally fits your family or a renovation you’ve been dreaming about. Freedom to live a little lighter – now and into the future.

Home Beautiful is giving one reader $5,000 and the opportunity to win $1 million.

Enter today for your chance to make it happen.

Good Luck!

The post Your chance to WIN $1 Million! appeared first on Home Beautiful.

At this stage, it’s still too early to get an very accurate weather reading but we’re starting to get some idea of what the day might look like. As we wait for The Bureau of Meteorology to release the official weather predictions closer to Christmas, the experts at AccuWeather is giving us a good idea of what to expect.

Christmas Day weather around Australia

Sydney, NSW

Christmas in Sydney is expected to be a warm and cloudy. While the temperature is set to be a moderate 25 degrees, Sydney’s humidity will probably make it feel a few degrees warmer than that. There’s a chance of a shower or two but we’re crossing our fingers for it to hold off until the evening.

Predicted temperature: 25°C

Melbourne, VIC

Melbourne is set to have a moderately warm Christmas this year with the temperature predicted to reach 18°C. The day is expected to be cloudy with a chance of a shower during the morning.

Predicted temperature: 18°C

Brisbane, QLD

This year, Brisbane is expected to enjoy a hot and humid Christmas with a mix of bright spells and showers. With a chance of a thunderstorm, it’s nothing that Queenslanders haven’t experienced before.

Predicted temperature: 32°C

Perth, WA

As usual, Christmas in Perth is expected to be hot and sunny with the temperature getting up to 40 degrees. It will be mostly sunny with a little cloud cover.

Predicted temperature: 40°C

Adelaide, SA

Those in Adelaide can expect a hot Christmas with the temperature reaching 27°C. The day should stay sunny with decreasing cloud cover.

Predicted temperature: 30°C

Darwin, NT

As expected in Darwin in December, Christmas day is expected to be hot and and humid. The temperature should reach 33°C but feel more like 40°C, making the expected afternoon thunderstorm a much needed relief from the heat.

Predicted temperature: 32°C

Hobart, TAS

It’s going to be a cooler Christmas day in Hobart with an expected high of 17°C and some cloud cover. There’s also a slight chance of a shower.

Predicted temperature: 17°C

Canberra, ACT

Canberra is expecting a hot Christmas with the temperature reaching a high of 29°C. However, there is still the slight chance of a shower, cooling things down in the afternoon.

Predicted temperature: 29°C

The post These Australian cities are getting the best weather on Christmas Day appeared first on Home Beautiful.

If you need some inspiration, then we have come up with five New Year’s home resolutions that will make your life at home more enjoyable in 2026.

5 New Year’s resolutions to make for your home in 2026

1. Stop following microtrends

If you’re an avid decorator, then you might have fallen prey to one or two of the many microtrends circulating online. These trends, which can be identified by their niche label and fleeting popularity, convince us to buy things we don’t need (and in many cases, even like). Whether the coquette-core aesthetic leads you down a rabbit hole of pink frilly bedspreads that now repulse you or the cottagecore trend left you with so many glass jars your kitchen now looks like a medieval apothecary, it’s time to take a different approach in 2026.

Rather than letting the rise of fast decor push you into overconsumption, take some time to identify a style that feels right to you and slow down your homeware purchases. A good way to slow down your consumption is to give yourself a few weeks’ breathing space for buying something that you like. During this time, you might realise that you don’t actually need another patterned lampshade and the money might be better spent on a new kitchen appliance. You might also decide to create a wishlist of items you would like for your home and slowly purchase good-quality versions of these items throughout the year.

2. Simplify your home

If any part of your home is feeling overwhelming—whether it’s your decor or cleaning routine—then that might be a good indicator that you need to start simplifying your space. This might look like committing to slowly decluttering your home over the year and dedicating some time each week to going through those rooms, drawers and cupboards that you never get to in your normal cleaning routine. It might also look like swapping your cupboard full of cleaning products for a simple vinegar, bicarb soda and lemon combination, or adopting a one-in-one-out approach to clothing and children’s toys. If your home feels easy to clean and manage, then it’s also going to be more enjoyable to live in.

3. Create a sustainable cleaning routine

If cleaning your home has become a mammoth, exhausting task that you dread, you might benefit from creating a more sustainable cleaning routine in 2026. Get the whole household together and assign your older children some daily household chores they can tackle by themselves—such as taking the bin out or emptying the dishwasher. While your specific routine will depend on your own household and lifestyle, you might find the viral ‘6/10 list’ cleaning schedule helpful—especially if you can palm off some of those daily tasks to other members of your household.

4. Bring more beauty into your home

It’s easy to get so caught up in cleaning, organising and decorating our homes that we forget what it feels like to really make the most of living in them. This year, try to bring more beauty into your life at home – whether that’s lighting a candle with your evening meal, filling vases with fresh bunches of seasonal blooms or simply appreciating the view out of your kitchen window while doing the dishes, there are many beautiful ways to romanticise our lives at home.

5. Embrace the mess

Our lives are messy—and our homes can be too. In 2026, try committing to a new mindset of embracing the mess when you need to. Whether it’s hosting a spontaneous barbecue with friends at your house, even if the house isn’t in the best shape, or leaving the cleaning for another day to spend time with your kids or have a rest with a good book, don’t let your home demand too much of you. In 2026, remember that your home is a place to rest and relax as much as it’s a place to style and show.

The post 5 New Year’s resolutions to set for a happier home in 2026  appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Welcome

There’s so much of my life that I’d love to share with you, from my journey as a novice gardener to how I host and entertain. In my job, and over the past 20 years working alongside the best of Australia’s interior designers, decorators, gardeners and hosts, I’ve learnt a lot.

And it’s information I hope you find as helpful and inspiring as I have.

Let me know if there is a topic you’d love me to explore!

The scheme

Every year, I decorate for Christmas with a fairly traditional palette of red, white and green. But I like to tailor it for the occasion.

This year, I’ll be hosting an intimate Christmas dinner, which I want to feel elegant and elevated. I’ll be setting a white-on-white table with layers of crystal stemware and French silver flatware to catch the candlelight. The next morning, the whole family is coming over for brunch, so I’m going Scandi-style with a taupe gingham tablecloth, red berry accents and an abundance of cinnamon-scented pastries and leftover ham (and cheese) on croissants. Relaxed and fun, but still beautiful, the morning will be spent sitting on the living room floor around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and sipping mimosas with Aled Jones’s “Walking in the Air” playing in the background.

Previous

50 fabulous Christmas recipes to inspire a memorable festive feast

The glow-up: Why tapered candles are the ultimate tablescape upgrade

15 things you forget in a deep clean

Next

A month out

 Just like Santa, in the lead-up to Christmas, I make a list. But I check it more than twice. You see, over the years I’ve been caught out on a variety of things – not disasters, but my gosh they’re annoying. Hence, the list. To help The Big Day go a little smoother, here’s what I do. One month out I like to give the house a deep clean, and then just keep on top of things throughout the entertaining season.

It means you’re always ready for impromptu pop-ins. But there are some things you may forget. Like, descaling the coffee machine. It’s maddening to see the little light flash right when you’re taking a post-dinner coffee order.

Next, I turn my attention to food supplies. I order the ham and turkey from the butcher, stock up on pantry treats like posh crackers and Fortnum & Mason Christmas tea. And I buy booze. The well-priced good stuff always goes fast, so if you leave it too late it’ll cost you. One premium bottle of vintage Champers is great, but not when you need to share it between 12 people. Looks a bit stingy.  

House clean and pantry stocked, it’s all about decorating. This is when the magic begins.

Two weeks to go

I’ve spent many a Christmas Eve drowning in a sea of wrapping paper, strips of sticky-tape stuck all over the backs of my hands. It’s not calm, it’s not bright. So now I ensure all my gifts are bought and wrapped by the fortnight before Christmas. Setting a festive table, only to discover a stained napkin or two isn’t ideal either, so this is when I launder all the table linens I might want to use. Into a bucket of Vanish they go! If, like me, you love vintage silverware, give it a good polish to avoid tarnishing your celebrations. Speaking of unwelcome surprises, avoid a fizzer of a day and make sure your gas cylinders are all full: sparkling water makers, barbecues, pizza ovens. Again, not a disaster, but annoying.

To really get in the mood, this is when I like to compile my Christmas playlists. Classical choir music for nighttime, jazzy carols for day. Mariah and Wham! for getting ready.

The day before

If you follow my plan, this is when you will be hitting your yuletide stride. With everything in order, you can focus on the final festive flourishes. If you’re expecting overnight guests, this is when to make the beds up – fresh is best. Enjoy setting your dining table, and have a round-the-coffee table picnic for dinner so as not to mess it up. Your partner might think you’ve gone mad, but the kids will love it. And pre-prepare whatever food you can. Trust me, it makes all the difference so you can actually join in the festivities.

Elle’s two-ingredient fruit mince pies

Ingredients

• Robertson’s fruit mince mix
• Carême Pastry all butter shortcrust pastry

Method

• Preheat oven to 180°C
• Roll out pastry and cut 12 rounds to fit a patty cake tin
• Line patty pans with pastry rounds and press down lightly to create a dip in the centre
• Dollop 1 tblsp fruit mince into each pastry case
• Cut 12 stars from leftover pastry and place atop each pie
• Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown

Shop The Edit: From Elle

The post Elle’s Edit: My pre-Christmas preparations list, and why I check it more than twice appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“On previous reno shows, they might do auctions and, unfortunately, only 1 per cent of the viewing audience have the capacity to buy those homes,” Portelli told 7News.

“So, it’s an awesome feeling to be able to take the viewers on an emotional journey, watch the houses get renovated and transformed into a dream luxury home, then potentially win it.”

The show takes place in Melbourne, with the neighbouring properties located in the suburb of Bulleen.

Who is hosting My Reno Rules?

The show will be hosted by Dr Chris Brown, who also hosted Channel 7’s one season reality program, Dream Home. Before moving to Channel 7 in 2023, Dr Chris fronted shows on Channel 10 including Bondi Vet and I’m A Celeb.

The My Reno Rules judges

Former Block judge and interiors expert, Neale Whitaker has joined My Reno Rules as a judge. He’s joined by Luxe Listing’s Simon Cohen and stylist Julia Green.

The My Reno Rules homes

The two properties being renovated on My Reno Rules are located in the Melbourne suburb of Bulleen. Located side-by-side, both homes have three bedrooms and a 604-square-metre block size. While the properties are functional, they’re both very dated and desperately in need of a modern update.

The My Reno Rules asbestos controversy

Filming was reportedly paused mid-season when possible asbestos was disovered inside the homes. Following Victorian laws, all of the work was paused so that licensed assessors could test and remove the suspected asbestos.

When will My Reno Rules air?

My Reno Rules will come to Seven and 7plus in 2026.

The post Everything we know about Australia’s new renovation show ‘My Reno Rules’ appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The biggest source of escape is arguably beautifully crafted lifestyle hardcopy books, filled with exotic and soul-stirring photographs. Perfect for gifting, coffee-table books especially can inspire and teach, and even improve a person’s life. They look fabulous on display, too.

The Home Beautiful team has carefully curated a list of this year’s best new cooking, gardening and interiors books for the crafty, epicurious and houseproud people in your life. And guess what? They’re all under $78.

Best lifestyle hardcopy books 2025

Our editors handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links. Read more here

01

The Plant Book by Tammy Huynh

$33.74 (was $45), Amazon

Best for: Aspiring green thumbs, your mum

In ‘The Plant Book: The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Happiness’, Gardening Australia presenter and horticulturalist Tammy Huynh serves up everything you need to know about caring for indoor plants.

Tammy has curated a list of 50 popular house-plant species and their needs, cultivars and common problems — with photos to help the reader diagnose the issue and bring their plant back to life.

There’s an additional chapter covering general tips on lighting, potting mix, watering, fertiliser, humidity, pests and diseases, buying plants, hydroponics, and pots and planters — no matter what the species. 

Shop Now

02

Colour House by Harper by Design

$29.95 (was $34.99), Booktopia

Best for: Interiors enthusiasts, your bestie

‘Colour House: Vibrant Spaces to Brighten Your World’ is the no-brainer gift for the design aficionado in your life who’s bored with beige minimalism.

Filled with inspirational and bold photography featuring harmonious and colourful interiors, this stunning coffee-table book is a guide to creating rooms with personality.

Known for its beautiful and affordable lifestyle titles, Harper by Design has also published ‘Plant House’ and ‘Beach House’. Why not buy them all?

Shop Now

03

Winter in Tuscany by Amber Guinness

$77.69, Amazon

Best for: Italophiles, keen cooks, your mother-in-law

London-born cook and food writer Amber Guinness takes readers on a tour through her beloved Tuscany, where she lives, sharing fascinating historical notes and stunning photos of architecture and art.

Of course, ‘Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and The Quanto Basta Way’ features pages of local comfort-food recipes with a quanto basta approach, which refers to the Italian philosophy of “just enough”.

This quality hardcover cookbook will delight any family member, friend or colleague who is enamoured with either food or iconic Italy (and who isn’t).

Shop Now

04

Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook by Martha Stewart

$45.18, Amazon

Best for: Green thumbs, Super Fans, your aunty

Believe it or not, ‘Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook: The Essential Guide to Designing, Planting, and Growing’ is the homemaking maven’s 101st book.

Perfect for gardening gurus and novices alike, Martha’s 368-page tome reveals all the knowledge and skills she’s garnered (over decades) that the reader needs to design and cultivate a flourishing garden. It also includes photographs of her own gardens.

Martha said it best in her Netflix documentary: “If you want to be happy for a year, get married. If you want to be happy for a decade, get a dog. And if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, make a garden.” This beautiful book is a good place to start.

Shop Now

05

The Architect’s House by Stephen Crafti

$65, Aura Home

Best for: Architecture aficionados, your husband

Know someone who inhales interiors content, fixates on floor plans and drags you to every significant architectural site on every “relaxing” holiday you take together? This elegant coffee-table book will keep them occupied this Christmas.

Written by Stephen Crafti with photography by Nicole England, ‘The Architect’s House: Inside The Homes of 20 Architects From Around The World’ reveals what designers design for themselves and their families, including Australia’s own William Smart and Andrew Piva.

The homes are diverse — from luxe apartments to impressive houses surrounded by hectares of native forest.  

Shop Now

06

The Madrusan Cocktail Companion by Michael & Zara Madrusan

$69.99, David Jones

Best for: Aspiring mixologists, your dad

Hospitality power couple Michael and Zara Madrusan have created a comprehensive guide to classic drinks from every era, plus modern cocktails, with contributions from world-leading bartenders.

Based on the manuals they’ve curated for their award-winning bars and drawing from their own extensive library of books that date back to 1862 , there are more than 2,800 drinks covered in this ‘encyclopaedia’ of mixology.

It’s the only cocktail-recipe book a home bartender will ever need.

Shop Now

07

Beyond Baking by Philip Khoury

$55, David Jones

Best for: Home bakers, health-nut friends

What do Peanut Butter Choc Chop Cookies, Light Fruit Cake, Pistachio and Raspberry Cream Dream and Glazed Doughnuts all have in common? They’re entirely plant-based; in Philip Khoury’s beautiful cookbook, anyway.

Australian-born Philip is a world-renowned pastry chef and sustainability advocate who doesn’t believe you always need eggs, dairy or highly processed alternatives to create mouth-watering desserts.

As well as recipes and info on foundational techniques, ‘Beyond Baking: Plant-Based Baking For A New Era’ includes QR-code tutorials to walk the reader through every step.

Shop Now

08

A Visual Feast by Jono Fleming

$65, David Jones

Best for: Interiors addicts, yourself

In ‘A Visual Feast: Ingredients That Make a Home’, interior designer Jono Fleming explains how to combine all the best elements of design to create a harmonious and stylish space — while still reflecting your unique personality.

Featuring inspiring images and digestible tips, in this book you’ll learn how to make a room feel, not just look, beautiful, thanks to all the nous and experience Jono’s gathered over his career.

And naturally, ‘A Visual Feast’ is a chic styling item in its own right.

Shop Now

09

Vietnam: The Cookbook by Anaïs Ca Dao van Maneng

$55.75 (was $55.75), Amazon

Best for: World travellers, cooks, colleagues

If you think Vietnamese food is all pho and bánh mì, you are mistaken. ‘Vietnam: The Cookbook’ is a journey through a rich and diverse tapestry of flavours, cooking techniques and tradition. 

Chef and author Anais Ca Dao van Maneng travelled across Vietnam, from the hectic city of Hanoi to the highlands of Hà Giangis, to curate more than 400 authentic home-cooked dishes — faithfully presented and beautifully illustrated with step-by-step instructions.

Recipes include Summer Rolls, Chicken and Banana Blossom Salad, Savoury Sticky Rice and Mung Bean Dumplings and Baked Palm Sugar Honeycomb Cake. Dee-licious.

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10

Padella: Iconic Pasta at Home by Tim Siadatan

$56.75, Booktopia

Best for: Gastronomes, your father-in-law

Tim Siadatan is the co-founder of iconic London restaurants Padella and Trullo, and a former protégé of Jamie Oliver. His second book is the ultimate pasta-lover’s cookbook.

Beyond its tactile cloth cover, this book features quick, everyday meals to more high-end dishes such as Pappardelle with Beef Shin Ragu — and every recipe is easy to understand with guaranteed delectable results.

‘Padella: Iconic Pasta at Home’ is going to be one of the most coveted cookbooks this Christmas. We said it here first.

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The post 10 affordable interiors, cooking and gardening books to gift this Christmas appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Every interior design enthusiast knows that the act of upgrading your furniture and homewares usually comes with a hefty price tag. And if, like us, you have champagne taste without the matching budget, bringing your vision to life can be a little tricky. However, when Black Friday sales roll around, so does the opportunity to take home your most coveted wishlist items at a reasonable price; no more overspending, and no compromising on quality, either.

And if you want a shopping editor’s advice for making the most of 2025’s best Black Friday sales, it’s simply to approach them with a plan. Work out what you need ahead of time, prioritise the big-ticket items, and consider how pieces would look together. After all, great interior design hinges on two key considerations: cohesion and thoughtful combinations.

What you need to know for smarter Black Friday shopping

• Editor-approved Black Friday deals
• Tips for simple shopping this Black Friday
• Full list of Black Friday sales from 2024
• Black Friday 2025 FAQ

A Shopping Editor’s guide to the best Black Friday finds

To help you bring home the season’s best deals, we’ve been collecting a list of all the best sales, wishlist-worthy items, and expert advice for smarter Black Friday shopping. From furniture staples to stand-out pieces, you’ll find everything you need to build the home you’ve been dreaming of, below.

You might also like I can’t stop thinking about this white KitchenAid mixer – and 19 other homewares on my Amazon wishlist

The furniture deals on our wishlist

Jasper Modular Curve Sofa
$15941 $7690, King Living

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Multi-Colour Distressed Rug
$299 $209.30, Miss Amara

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Crescent Bedroom Set
$3457 $2069, Castlery

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Finley Muse Rust Armchair
from $1599 $959, James Lane

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Dreamy, design-led homeware deals

The Culinary Trio
$375 $300, Maison Balzac

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Shades 6pc Cookware Set Terra
$599.95 $239.98, Myer

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Cacao Duvet Cover Set
from $270 $205.20, Bed Threads

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Ollie Stripe Throw
$120 $96, Sheet Society

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Practical and sleek appliance sale picks

HydroVac Pro XL Cordless Cleaner
$499.99 $299.99, Shark

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Smeg 50s Style Espresso Machine
$1349 $918, Appliances Online

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Dreame Airstyle Pro
$599 $399, Dreame

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Dyson Purifier Cool Fan
from $1099 $897, Amazon

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Getting ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28, with Cyber Monday following suit on December 1. However, you’ll likely notice retailers rolling out their sales from late October to early November, with generous discount offers across fashion, travel, toys and our personal favourite, homewares.

And with Black Friday falling so close to the end of the year, it’s the best excuse to start your Christmas shopping early. So, grab your carefully curated wishlist (and your Christmas gift guide) and start bringing home the best deals before they sell out.

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Your 3-step guide to navigating Black Friday sales

Shopping sales effectively (especially Black Friday) is not for the weak. That’s why being prepared early is a great idea. Below is your handy three-step guide to ensure you get the best sale deal this Black Friday.

Step one: curate your wishlist

Who doesn’t love a good wishlist? If you’ve been thinking of biting the bullet on your next air fryer, or perhaps you’re after some fresh linen sheets for the summer, write down the big-ticket items you’ve been eyeing up in one curated list.

Step two: do your research

It’s one thing to write down ‘robot vacuum‘ on your wishlist, but it’s another to write ‘Ecovacs Deebot T3 Pro’. In other words, this is part of the journey where you’ll want to research heavily to ensure there are no impulsive buys during oh-so-tempting sale seasons. Our best advice? Read up on our expertly curated buyer’s guides, especially for small appliances, to ensure you’re well-informed.

Step three: find the best Black Friday deals

Once your wishlist is sorted, it’s crucial to know which brands or retailers are offering Black Friday deals. And if you’re excited about the savings to be had, you’re at the right place.

Check where the items on your wishlist are being sold, especially if there are multiple retailers. That way, you can jump on the best deals, or if it sells out somewhere, you can check for other Black Friday deals.

Before diving into sale season, browse through Home Beautiful’s expert buying guides. From kitchens, bathrooms, to laundry and outdoor buys, you can be confident you’re buying the best of the best – no matter what you’re searching for.

HOME BEAUTIFUL’s HOT SHOPPING TIP:

Full list of Australia’s best Black Friday sales in 2025

Furniture Sales

Black Friday Homeware Sales

Appliance, Cleaning, and Tech Sales

Black Friday FAQ: What to expect

Shop year-round deals from a range of brands with Home Beautiful’s promo codes and deals.

Read more Black Friday content:

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I’m floored by these Dyson Boxing Day deals, with savings of up to $773

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The post The dreamiest Black Friday sales on homeware, furniture, and appliances just got better appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The best farmers’ markets in Sydney for summer produce

Northside Produce Market

Northside Produce Market takes place every first and third Saturday of the month in North Sydney. The market is held under the trees in Ted Mack Civic Park, where there’s plenty of soft grass and shade to pop down a picnic rug. Some of the market’s highlights include the colourful flower stall, organic meats, homemade pasta and plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

When: Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 8am to 12pm
Where: Ted Mack Civic Park

Orange Grove Market

Local growers, farmers and bakers gather at Orange Grove Public School in Leichhardt every Saturday morning for the Orange Grove Market, which is an institution for Balmain, Lilyfield and Rozelle residents. Here, you will find plenty of seasonal produce, flowers, market seafood, free-range meats, organic dairy, baked goods and boutique wines.

When: Every Saturday, 8am–1pm
Where: Orange Grove Public School, Leichhardt

Concord Rotary Farmers’ Markets

Head down to the Crane Street Carpark in Concord on the first and third Sunday mornings of each month for farm fresh produce, free range meats, organic honey, olive oils, cheese and freshly baked bread.

While this farmer’s market lacks the grassed areas of some others, it makes up for it in its array of fresh produce, homemade food and lively community spirit. Just be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen in high summer.

When: Every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month from 8.30am
Where: Crane Street Carpark near Concord High School

Mosman Farmers’ Markets

Taking place on a Wednesday morning, Mosman Farmers’ Market is the perfect family activity for stay-at-home parents and even those with a more flexible schedule. The markets are held on the corner of Suakin and Dominion Drive in Georges Heights, with all of the goods you would expect from a regular weekend farmers’ market – only midweek.

When: Every Wednesday, 8am – 2pm
Where: Corner of Suakin & Dominion Drive, Georges Heights

Oxford Street Farmers’ Market

Oxford Street Farmers’ Markets are your new go-to inner city farmers’ markets. Taking place in Taylor Square, Darlinghurst, the market offers plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, street food, and hot coffee.

When: Every Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Where: Taylor Square, Darlinghurst

Marrickville Markets

In true Marrickville fashion, this Inner West market buzzes with live music, creativity and plenty of good food. There’s plenty of shade for lingering with your gourmet food find, and these markets are also dog-friendly. Being within walking distance of the new Metro station at Sydenham also means you can skip the parking hassle and stroll straight in, then head back via a visit to one of the many local breweries.

When: Every Sunday, 9am – 3pm
Where: Addison Road Community Centre

Carriageworks Farmer’s Markets

Carriageworks Farmers’ Markets are the ‘cool girls’ of farmers’ markets right now, becoming popular on social media for their aesthetic location at Sydney’s Carriageworks and large variety of bougie boutique vendors. Head down early for the best choice of colourful blooms aplenty, fresh produce, good coffee and brunch options to savour on site while your pup meets up with fellow local pooches.

When: Every Saturday, 8am-1pm
Where: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

The post The best farmers’ markets for summer produce in Sydney appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Welcome

There’s so much of my life that I’d love to share with you, from my journey as a novice gardener to how I host and entertain. In my job, and over the past 20 years working alongside the best of Australia’s interior designers, decorators, gardeners and hosts, I’ve learnt a lot.

And it’s information I hope you find as helpful and inspiring as I have.

Let me know if there is a topic you’d love me to explore!

Heaven scent

Whenever I clean the house, my four-year-old son asks ‘Who’s coming over?’ It makes me think, do I really only deep clean when we are expecting guests? That’s a worry. But we do entertain quite often, so the house is generally tidy. I was asked recently for my top tips to elevate an interior, and one of them is a fancy, aromatic multi-surface spray. I love the Tasmanian Pepper and Lavender range from Bondi Wash and the Diptyque La Droguerie multi-surface cleaner – sprayed on benchtops, they scent a room quicker than a candle while making things sparkling clean. Bonus tip: use them to wipe down your front door inside and out for a beautifully fragranced welcome.

Walk this way

When people arrive at your home, the most important thing to do is tell them where to go. I know that doesn’t sound very polite, but hear me out. People need to be guided through and invited to sit down. Have you ever gone to someone’s house, only to stand around wondering whether you should loiter in the kitchen or head through to the living room? Set the scene for your guests. A simple “Come on through to the garden and take a seat while I get you a drink” will suffice. A note on drinks: I always keep a bottle of sparkling wine and some sparkling water in my fridge for impromptu get-togethers, but if you know who you’ll be hosting, try to stock up on what your guests might like. It shows you care if you can offer them their favourite beverage. If you don’t know, serve your own favourite and tell them why you love it – it’s a great conversation starter.

It’s a vibe

I love a theme. Not in the kitsch sense, but rather a palette and a feeling that I like to create when I’m hosting. For example, if it’s a lunch where I’m serving pizzas, I might start with Bellinis while I pop arancini in the air fryer, play 1960s Italian pop music and scent my home with vine-tomato candles. Though the pizzas should be cheesy, the theme doesn’t have to be. At Christmas, I’m a traditionalist at heart and love to decorate with red and green. I’ve found that by going for deeper shades of these festive colours, you can create an elegant setting. Think rich claret and forest greens. Teamed with glimmering crystal glasses, votives and ornaments, and the gleam of polished silver, the effect is truly magical. For a fresh accent, last year I made candle wreaths from glossy holly leaves. They’re incredibly spiky, so I advise to wear gloves, but they look wonderful. I might do the same again this year.

Shop The Edit: From Elle

Festive finery

December is one of the few times of year that you have an excuse to dress up – and I intend to make the most of it! Even if I’m the one doing all the cooking, I love a bit of glamour, and sparkling earrings are my accessory of choice. This year, the ‘Leta’ earrings from Gingiberi are high on my wishlist (darling husband, I hope you are reading this!). Recently, I’ve discovered the Black Honey mascara from Clinique, and I think it’s perfect for that festive flourish. Though, I’ve been wearing it every day, to be honest. It’s a cherry-toned black that really makes blue, green, hazel and brown eyes pop. I promise it’s not scary – I’m conservative when it comes to make-up and it’s my new staple. As for what I’ll be wearing on The Big Day, I haven’t decided yet. And actually, it’s probably more important that I don a beautiful apron! I’ll be
wearing it long enough.

The post Elle’s Edit: How to host with heart, style and sparkle this festive season appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Martine used to say that a room needs something to muddle it up, that imperfection can make perfection.” That guidance aligns with Adelaide’s vision today and her affinity with the imperfections found in the natural world. A torn autumnal leaf, the tiny idiosyncrasies found in handmade seagrass wallcoverings or artisan-blocked textile patterns are equally appealing to her eye.

Adelaide frequently incorporates a painting, cushion or rug into a room to create an unexpected clash with the overall design scheme, piquing visual interest. Often, she’ll introduce a single vivid colour, like mustard, to give a space a cultivated vibrancy. “These are joyous colours, and occasionally, if a room is a little dull, we throw the mustard yellow in, and it goes, ‘Ding!’ There is a certain shade of yellow that works in almost any environment.”

While these rich and deep yellow tones are relatively recent additions in Adelaide’s chromatic lexicon, their associations hark back to some of her earlier memories.

“Buttery yellow is a colour that I love living with. It’s the same shade as the fresh cream brought up from the dairy each morning in tin pails when I was growing up. It was a brighter yellow and thicker consistency than the cream you’d buy in shops. We’d have it with everything, and Mum would also use it to make the very best butter. So, for me, yellow is a happy colour and provides a pop of sunniness that feels joyous.”

Added to the palette she loved at home were the sun-kissed hues of the small seaside town of Terrigal, where the family would holiday for a month each year at their beach house. Aside from the relief of escaping Rossgole’s [where she was raised in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales] high-summer heat and flies, Adelaide loved the fresh sea breeze and delighted in the bleached timber and caramel-coloured sand on offer there.

“Australian landscapes, in all their varied glory, showcase all of my favourite colours – like the deep gold grasses seen in these vast paddocks in the late summer,” Adelaide Bragg.

This may be the origin of her signature soft caramel, a colour she blends perfectly with other shades.

“If you add the caramel, all of a sudden everything else pops. It provides a base that allows you to be brave with strong colours. That grounding tone ensures the really saturated hues, like a very strong yellow, can be truly liveable, balanced and easy on the eye. It is not as massive a jump visually from an earthy colour to a bright yellow as it would be from white to something super-saturated. You can be brave with strong colour in a space when it’s balanced, and the surfaces have a natural weave or texture.”

When Adelaide isn’t using colour to add an element of perfect imperfection into a room, she’ll sometimes introduce a contrasting pattern, like checks, to give a space more personality. In recent times she has also embraced spots, which speak to the halcyon days of her childhood years in the family home. She vividly recalls finding a sheet of newly minted stamps on her father’s desk.

Printed down one side, like little spots of joy, were a series of technicolour circles used by the printers to check the reproduction of each hue. Adelaide stopped in her tracks: she recalls feeling electrified by the colours and she recognises now that it was a defining creative moment in her early life. It’s this level of excitement and delight that Adelaide seeks to share with her clients when using golden hues.

This is an edited extract from ‘City, Coast & Country’ by Adelaide Bragg with Robyn Lea, with photography by Lisa Cohen and Robyn Lea, published by Thames & Hudson Australia, $90.

The post How designer Adelaide Bragg finds inspiration in the Australian landscape appeared first on Home Beautiful.

When it comes to selecting art for the home, what are the key things to consider?

“Start by considering how you want the space to feel and where the piece will live. A large work can anchor a living room, while something smaller might bring curiosity to a reading nook.

Then, consider your medium. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond paintings. Ceramics, textiles and photography can add unexpected depth and personality to your space.

Finally, focus on connection. Choose a piece that makes you pause, that stirs a feeling, memory or curiosity. Because homes styled with intention aren’t just decorated; they’re felt.”

Are there any guiding principles or unexpected rules when it comes to hanging and positioning artwork?

“There are definitely some principles to guide you, but between you and me, the best spaces often come from breaking the rules.

We’re told to hang art at eye level, but that really depends on where you are in the room. In a dining space, you’re seated so slightly lower often feels more natural. In a hallway, a little higher can help the piece command attention. I also love leaning art casually on shelves, a bedside table or propped up somewhere unexpected.  This way you can move things quickly and your home feels fresh.

If you’re hanging multiple works, think of them as one composition. Start from the centre and build outwards, keeping a consistent gap between each piece so the eye flows easily.  Play with colour, or you may place a series of monochrome works together and that subtle interplay between shades may encourage you to look more closely at texture and then light.

Light plays a really important role in how we view art. Natural light brings art to life during the day, while a warm glowing lamp or picture light can transform how it feels at night.”

How do you recommend balancing different art styles, mediums or frames within a single room?

“The trick is to find a gentle conversation between your pieces. They don’t need to match; they just need to make sense together.  It may be that they are thematically similar, or there is a colour or tone that naturally permeates the collection.  This so often happens naturally as we are drawn to a particular colour palette or style of work.

I like to start with one hero piece that sets the tone and carries the room.  The next step is to let smaller artworks support and not overpower.  A bold abstract balanced with smaller prints or ceramics creates contrast and character.  If they share a colour, tone or similar mood, they’ll naturally feel connected.

As for frames, there is no need to worry about re-framing everything in the same finish. Cohesion comes from harmony. A mix of timber, black and brass frames can feel collected as though your art evolved with you, not all bought in one day.  When framing an artwork, I frame to complement the artwork itself.  Build a collection of artworks that you love, and you’ll soon find you have a style unique to you.”

What advice would you give on mixing statement pieces with more affordable works?

“Selecting art for your home isn’t about spending lots of money, it’s about finding a piece that speaks to you and feels right in your space. A smaller or more affordable piece can still be the one that stops you in your tracks and holds the greatest wall power.

If you have your eye on a statement piece, pair it with limited-edition prints or handmade ceramics. Together, they bring rhythm, balance and a sense of curation to your home. After all, it’s connection and not cost that makes a collection truly special.”

How do you see the role of art evolving in interior design? Are there trends or shifts you’re noticing in how people are styling and living with art today?

“Art has moved from being the finishing touch to being the starting point. People aren’t waiting until the end of a renovation anymore. Instead, they’re choosing a piece first and designing the room around it. I love seeing that shift because it shows growing confidence and emotional connection to art.

We’re also seeing people embrace art as something you live with and enjoy, instead of displaying on a pedestal out of reach. For example, ceramics within reach, a small painting propped on a sideboard or sculpture in the kitchen.

There’s also a real appetite for authenticity. People are less interested in trends and more drawn to pieces that reflect their personality and values such as works by emerging artists, handmade objects and art that tell stories or a marker of time.”

Have Breakfast with Home Beautiful’s Editor

Join Elle Lovelock, Home Beautiful’s Editor in Chief in an intimate group breakfast at Affordable Art Fair Sydney on Friday the 7th of November at 9am as she shares her tips and tricks to having art in your home. 

Get your tickets here. Tickets include coffee/tea and pastries, plus a general entry ticket to the fair.

The post How to style art in every room appeared first on Home Beautiful.

From bold abstracts to understated still life, a simple piece of art can make a house a home. With guidance on how to pick the size of an artwork, to how to decide on a colour palette and even the style, this is the perfect way to start your art-collecting day at Affordable Art Fair. After the Breakfast with the Editor event ends, this ticket becomes a general entry ticket for you to enjoy the rest of your day perusing the fair aisles with your new found interiors knowledge from Elle.

Spaces are limited for this exclusive event, so snap up your ticket here and don’t miss out!

Get your tickets here. Tickets include coffee/tea and pastries, plus a general entry ticket to the fair.

If you can’t make Breakfast with Elle, the Affordable Art Fair is on all weekend.

Public Opening Hours

Thursday 6 November: 5pm – 9pm

Friday 7 November: 10am – 8pm

Saturday 8 November: 10am – 5pm

Sunday 9 November: 10am – 5pm

The post Have Breakfast with Home Beautiful’s Editor appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Leigh Vardanega

The instantly recognisable style of Leigh’s textured paintings is created with many layers of acrylic paint and finished in oil sticks.

When a piece is almost complete, the artist will leave it for a week or two in a visible spot in her studio or home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. “I add a little bit here and there until I just don’t feel the need to touch it anymore,” she says. “Knowing when a piece is finished is a feeling I get.”

To see more of Leigh’s work, click here.

2. Amanda Tye

Based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Amanda loves to paint her surroundings where the bush meets the sea and towering Norfolk pines dot the coastline.

Her work has the misty quality of salty air and fading memories, offering an emotive interpretation of the landscape. “For me, painting is about escapism and freedom; coupled with music, it
is an obsession,” says the full-time artist.

To see more of Amanda’s work, click here.

3. John Poole

John is a self-taught Sydney artist whose work reads like nostalgic holiday snapshots.

Unconstrained by style or medium, John also enjoys painting abstract landscapes, with happy colours and a loose feeling unifying his vibrant portfolio. “I try to finish a painting in no more than a couple of sessions. Although that is a challenge in oils, the benefits of a sense of immediacy are worth it,” he says.

John’s work is available via bluethumb.com.au.

4. Lauren Jones

Lauren’s quiet vignettes of florals, book stacks and everyday domestic paraphernalia are born from the meditative state the artist harnesses while painting.

“I find joy in the ‘making’,” says the Queensland-based creative. “The outside world melts away for a few hours, and my quiet focus adjusts to the liquidity of the oil paint.”

For more of Lauren’s work, click here.

5. Douglas Schofield

Douglas is a Sydney-based painter and horticulturist who gardens for work and pleasure. His abstract art conveys a physical and personal experience of an everchanging landscape.

“My garden gives a much-needed reprieve from the studio and vice versa,” he says. “The seasons help dictate the ebb and flow of my activities.”

To see more of Douglas’ work, click here.

6. Nikole Ramsay

As an in-demand editorial and commercial photographer, Nikole’s work appears in the publications you know and love (including Home Beautiful). She also sells striking photographic prints with a subject range spanning abstracted aerial landscapes and underwater scenes. “I love translating my inner world and vision into a finished image,” says the Victorian creative, who lives on the Bellarine Peninsula.

“Photography is a beautiful, raw form of self expression that can also be shared and enjoyed by others” – Nikole Ramsay

To see more of Nikole’s work, click here.

7. Kenita-Lee McCartney

“My art is created with the hope of bringing brightness, colour, love and joy into every home,” says Kenita-Lee, a First Nations artist who works on the lands of the Wemba Wemba people along the Murray River in Victoria.

“It reflects my vision of a brighter, more hopeful future – one filled with unity, strength and the enduring spirit of community.”

To see more of Kenita-Lee’s work, click here.

8. Presten Warren

Presten is a South Australian-based Indigenous artist who creates works that foster understanding and celebrate the beauty of First Nations traditions.

Having accrued awards, collaborations and commissions that span the globe, he says, “I’m excited to continue exploring ways to bring Aboriginal storytelling into new spaces and forms”.

To see more of Presten’s work, click here.

9. Emma Stenhouse

Emma is an Indigenous artisan with Ngarrindjeri heritage, who is based in South West Victoria.

She explores her connections to culture and Country through evocative paintings and woven artworks. “The storytelling within Aboriginal culture is very important; nothing is shared without explanation,” says Emma. “When I teach weaving workshops, I always acknowledge those who taught me.”

To see more of Emma’s work, click here.

10. Lauren Freestone

Lauren’s softly hued artworks are inspired by her Wiradjuri roots as well as the country on the mid-north coast of NSW where she was born.

Her father, artist Lee Freestone, has played a vital role in Laura’s artistic journey. “I was lucky to have his creative environment around me growing up,” says Lauren. “It’s been a great bond for us to share.”

To see more of Lauren’s work, click here.

11. Nicole Slater

Nicole’s arresting large-scale equestrian portraits reflect her deep reverence for horses. Her life is centred around these majestic creatures via her art practice and at Slater Thoroughbreds, the stud farm in Melbourne that she runs with her sports personality husband, Billy Slater.

Nicole is drawn to capture the powerful vitality of her beloved subjects. “I prefer to depict the horse in motion, allowing for a dynamic representation of the flowing mane and tail,” she says.

To see more of Nicole’s work, click here.

12. Jane McKenzie

Jane’s parallel career in architecture informs her precise ceramic studies of geometry and negative space.

The multifaceted creative who lives in Castlemaine, Victoria, prefers to leave nothing to chance when she forms her clay sculptures.

“Often I’ll sketch about 10 different iterations before I come to a shape I’m happy with, and then I’ll do more detailed drawings to scale,” says Jane.

To see more of Jane’s work, click here.

13. Anna Fitzpatrick

Reinterpreting nature and native landscapes, Anna paints with gestural energy and lush colour. Her recent exhibition at Handmark Gallery in Hobart explored Australia’s famed summer highlight event, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

“Painting it took me on an emotional journey through the inevitable agonies and ecstasies of the creative process,” says the Melbourne-based artist. “You sometimes need to go through those metaphysical breakdowns with an artwork in order to create something significant.”

To see more of Anna’s work, click here.

14. Claudia May Bloxsome

Claudia is a Melbourne-based creative who entwines personal narrative with the age-old traditions of weaving and tapestry. Her day job as an interior designer also informs the meticulous process of bringing her wall hangings and wearable art to life.

“There’s a lot of critical thinking in both interior design and weaving,” she shares. “It’s so important to have the ability to react and respond creatively to problems and be able to adapt and change through that process.”

To see more of Claudia’s work, click here.

15. Penny Brooshooft

“I believe a house is not a home unless it is full of things that shout individuality!” says Penny, a former zoologist from Perth, whose vibrant vessels and art bring zesty zing wherever they land.

Working under the name Eclette, with sustainability as a driving ethos, Penny hand-crafts her tactile pieces using 100 per cent recycled cardboard pulp.

To see more of Penny’s work, click here.

16. Louise Frith

To observe an oil painting by Louise is to be immersed in the textures, light and colours of the Australian bush.

“I grew up with a bush backyard with a creek that ran down to Lane Cove National Park,” explains Louise, who now resides on Sydney’s North Shore. “It’s the feeling of being at home in the bush and the constant change in nature that I am most interested in.”

To see more of Louise’s work, click here.

17. Tan Arlidge

With a background in fashion set design and visual merchandising, Tan is well-equipped to create dynamic art.

Since 2015, she has been shaping polymer sculptures with heat to create soft, fluid forms that bring beguiling movement to a flat wall. “My work can be enjoyed from many different angles,” says the artist who
lives in Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

To see more of Tan’s work, click here.

18. Simone Berry

Simone’s distinctive hand-formed clay vessels celebrate the textures and forms of seedpods and other botanical ephemera.

Her studio on Sydney’s North Shore is located near a national park and enjoys a leafy outlook that inspires her endlessly. “The textural inspiration I find in the native flora is deeply embedded in all my work,” says the artist.

To see more of Simone’s work, click here.

19. Natalie Popovski

Natalie is a Sydney-based artist who predominantly paints but also crafts quirky ceramic pop sculptures under the name Austin Flowers.

“I feel I can be more cheeky with Austin Flowers, whereas my paintings still feel a little personal,” says Natalie, whose recent oil series explores the intimate forms of flowers.

To see more of Natalie’s work, click here and here.

20. Ellie Sutton

The rhythmic, sweeping lines of Ellie’s pieces express the interconnectedness of human experience and the delicate threads that bind us.

Ellie, who lives and works west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains, started painting after a chronic illness turned her life upside down. Art, she tells us, is her saviour and true calling. “I am always at my happiest when I’m creating.”

To see more of Ellie’s work, click here.

21. Nicole Nelius

Upbeat and skillfully composed, Nicole’s paintings, photo prints, and assemblages are happy affirmations about the beauty in everyday life. The multifaceted artist also works as a stylist and has a honed intuition for colour and composition.

“Everything I do, from styling to photography and painting, ends up feeling connected without being intentional,” says Nicole.

To find Nicole on Instagram visit @nicole.nelius.

22. Natalie Uhrik

Natalie’s abstract landscapes are studies of spirituality, connection, and the universal search for meaning. “I use art as a tool to calm me,” the Sydney-based painter shares.

“I allow myself to channel whatever emotions I have at the time into my work. It’s all intuitive, and I walk away from it in a state of calm.”

To find Natalie on Instagram visit @natalieuhrik_artist.

23. Mitchell Cheesman

When Mitchell was in high school, not that long ago, teachers would endlessly reprimand him for sketching instead of studying.

Now pursuing his art practice full time, the young Queensland-based creative produces impasto paintings of still life settings, with thickly applied oil paint adding dimension to the work.

To find Mitchell’s art visit @curatorialandco.

24. Lucas Wearne of Neighbourhood Studio

Creating in the realm where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design, Lucas established Neighbourhood Studio in 2020 and quickly garnered acclaim for his Australian limestone sculptures.

“I start with sketches to get a sense of shape and concept. But once I start working with the limestone, it becomes more of an intuitive process,” he shares.

To find Lucas on Instagram visit @neighbourhood_studio.

25. Kirsten Perry

“I am attracted to flaws and vulnerabilities,” says Kirsten, a ceramicist who lives and works in Melbourne. Her designs echo geometries in nature, with tactile surfaces bearing evidence of her process.

“The objects have an unusual beauty,” she says. “What I imagine to be some sort of living organism from a planet far away.”

To find Kirsten on Instagram visit @kirstenpp.

26. Emily Raubenheimer

As radiant celebrations of Australian bush botanicals, Emily’s paintings feature fluid, energetic lines and playful colour combinations. Before living rurally in northern Victoria, the artist resided in Melbourne and painted abstract compositions. The tree change crystallised Emily’s artistic focus on native flora and her relationship to the wild landscape.

“I enjoy painting flora in situ in nature and then again as still life, switching from the grandeur of landscape to the more intimate home setting.”

– Emily

To find Emily on Instagram visit @the.colour.keeper.

27. Jacob Sarra

“The overarching theme of my art is the journey taken, the different pathways throughout life and the connections made with people,” says Jacob, a Goreng Goreng painter from Ipswich, Queensland.

His artworks are deeply personal explorations of his past, present and future, and his recent introduction to fatherhood has been a powerful creative muse.

To find Jacob on Instagram visit @jacobsarra_art.

28. Karen Napaljarri Barnes

Karen employs flat planes of bright colour and simplified forms to create joyful paintings of wildlife, with a focus on cheeky birds.

The young artist was born in Lajamanu, a remote Aboriginal community on the edge of the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory. Her bold, graphic style has captivated art collectors globally.

To find Karen’s art visit artmob.com.au.

29. Maria Watson-Trudgett

Maria is a proud ‘freshwater’ girl of the Wiradyuri people. The First Nations consultant and self-taught artist paints to strengthen her connection to her Country and culture. Her painting style is contemporary and abstract, using flowing lines and groups of Aboriginal symbols to narrate a story and preserve cultural traditions.

“It’s the way my old people communicated with me, via line and symbol drawings in the ground”, says Maria.

To find Maria on Instagram visit @mariawatsontrudgett_.

Beyond dot painting

Aboriginal art holds deep cultural value and has stylistic diversity. Painting styles and themes are unique to specific communities and regions and may reflect ceremonial designs, symbols of the environment and people, and stories of the ‘Dreaming Time’.

“Some people have a preconceived idea that dot painting is the traditional and the only true form of Aboriginal art,” says Maria Watson-Trudgett, a First Nations artist and consultant. “But that is not the case and is flawed thinking. Our traditional art was drawing in the sand, body painting for ceremony, carving into rocks or trees and marking tools for identification”. According to Maria, “Dot painting is contemporary and emerged in the 1970s with the Western Desert Art movement from Papunya, north west of Alice Springs.”

There are many styles that Aboriginal artists use to convey their stories and cultures, such as dot work, cross-hatching, dub-dub and naïve style. “Aboriginal art is anything an Aboriginal person paints that connects them to their Country and culture and creates for them a sense of belonging,” explains Maria.

For more on First Nations art and how to buy ethically, visit aboriginalart.org.au or indigenousartcode.org.

30. Hannah Lange

Growing up in Sydney’s Blue Mountains on Darug and Gundungurra Country attuned Hannah to the natural environment and her ancestral heritage. The proud Wiradjuri woman captures the fragile intricacies of nature that often go unseen.

“I try not to limit myself to a particular style and just stay true to who I am and what feels right at the time.”

To find Hannah on Instagram visit @hannahlange.art.

31. Christina McLean of Trade the Mark

Trade the Mark is Christina’s evolving creative studio, currently focusing on hand-built and painted ceramic vessels, bespoke art pieces and textile design. Mark-making and clay have been a constant in Christina’s career, as has her dedication to the handcrafted.

She has collaborated with top Australian fashion labels and lifestyle brands, producing unique pieces that sing with her signature style.

To find Christina on Instagram visit @tradethemark.

32. Hannah Cooper

Hannah’s handwoven works represent countless hours of a slow and methodical process that begins with the artist naturally dyeing her thread using foraged botanicals and natural ephemera.

The self-taught weaver works on a large loom from her studio in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

To find Hannah on Instagram visit @sundaywoven.

33. Ash Holmes

Ash is a fourth-generation artist who paints layered abstracts informed by colour psychology, nature, and notions of home. “Its interpretation is open to the sensitive eye and imagination of others,” says Ash, also a co-founder and creative director of Hake House of Art on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. “People often feel or see different subjects in my work that I haven’t considered.”

“I’m conscious of the energy that goes into my work, as it reflects outwards like a mirror. I’d like to offer the most authentic energy I can.”

– Ash

To find Ash on Instagram visit @ashholmesart.

34. Emma Sheehan

Beautiful domesticity and poetic tablescapes are core themes in Emma’s lavish paintings, reflecting her formal training in art curation and interior design.

“I deliberately use a wild harmony of bright colours and pattern mixing in my works to instil a sense of joy within the viewer and to bring a space to life,” she says.

“Art can be seen as a vital layer of colour, pattern and texture that brings a space to life.”

– Emma

To find Emma on Instagram visit @emmasheehanartist.

35. Annie Hawkins

When Annie walks into her Sydney studio, the scent of oil paint fills her with immense pleasure. The self-taught painter captures the Australian landscape’s breathtaking light, texture and tones in a realistic, soulful way.

“I spent most of my younger years trailing behind my grandparents through the bush and soaking up all that nature could offer,” Annie shares.

To find Annie on Instagram visit @annie_hawkins_ah_interiors.

36. Rachel Rae

Rachel’s vivid ocean-themed paintings speak of her reverence for the Australian coastline, where lush colour and sunny memories swirl in harmony.

“I want to transport the viewer to smell the salty ocean, feel the breeze, hear the waves, and to want to dive into the artworks,” says the Sydney-based artist.

To find Rachel on Instagram visit @rachelrae_art.

37. Kerryn Levy

Kerryn’s clay sculptures are organic expressions created by the traditional hand-building processes of pinching, coiling and slabbing. “When working on new designs and forms, I will often refer to images of the human body – particularly in states of movement like dance – interesting shaped trees or rock formations, and even fruit or vegetables,” says the Adelaide-based artist.

To find Kerryn on Instagram visit @kerryn.levy.ceramics.

38. Jennifer Rosnell

Jennifer’s painterly sunbathers, vintage ferries and fish market vignettes are a response to her surroundings on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The graphic designer and art teacher also explores portraiture and life drawing and is regularly recognised in highly regarded art prizes.

Regardless of the medium or subject matter, Jennifer’s creations radiate a quiet kind of joy.

To find Jennifer on Instagram visit @jenrosnell_art.

39. Kass and Lauren Hernandez of Crossing Threads®

Established by the Hernandez sisters in 2015, Crossing Threads® is known for crafting woven formations inspired by nature, expressed in rich, grounding colour palettes.

Made with upcycled fabrics and natural materials like Australian Merino wool, the duo’s highly textural creations can be found in homes, public spaces and Australian galleries.

To find Kass and Lauren on Instagram visit @crossingthreads.

40. Laura Reid

Laura’s love of ocean pools is palpable in her award-winning, sun-soaked photography, as is her passion for taking photos.

“I know it’s the right time to press the shutter because my heart starts to race with excitement as I see the magic happening before my lens,” says the Sydney local who released her debut book, Aura, in 2022.

To find Laura on Instagram visit @laurareidphoto.

How to buy Indigenous art ethically

Purchasing an artwork by a First Nations person represents more than just decor for your home. It is a time-honoured reflection of their connection to family, culture and Country. Sourcing artworks from unethical operators can be damaging to both the industry and the livelihood of Aboriginal artists.

As a buyer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and products featuring reproductions of their artwork, you can play an important role in ensuring artists get a fair go. An art dealer, gallery or retailer that is operating respectfully will be transparent about its relationship with an artist, so do your research and ask questions like, ‘Who is the artist and where are they from?’, ‘How does the artist get paid?’, ‘How did the artwork or product come to be in a gallery or store available for purchase?’. And if the piece is a reproduction of an artist’s work, ask ‘How are royalties or licensing fees paid to the artist?’.

Also, find out if the art dealer or seller is a signatory of the Indigenous Art Code, which was created to ensure the ethical conduct of art dealers and fair treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Visit indigenousartcode.org to learn more.

The post 40 Australian artists to watch in 2025 and beyond appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Armed with a list of must-haves helps make for a more efficient browse and others in your shopping party may have more patience if you can scan the wares efficiently and move on to the next. Here are the top 12 treasures you must keep on your hit list.

Did you know that January is one of the best times of year for op-shopping? According to a US study from Goodwill, op shops see an influx of donations in the weeks after Christmas and New Year as people get rid of their unwanted Christmas gifts and start decluttering their homes. Spring is also a good time to hit the second-hand stores as people get into their annual spring cleans.

Tip: the best time of year for op-shopping

1. Silverware

Often dumped in together in a bin, basket or back aisle, a careful sift through for precious metals may yield the real thing – real silver will look tarnished, but polishes up a treat with a little care and baking soda.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s an egg cup, a candle holder, dessert spoons or an entire set of tableware, silver is always worth buying. Not sure if it’s genuine silver? Give it a tap – it’ll make a ringing sound if genuine – and look for a stamp or engraving. For example, ‘925’ indicates the piece is sterling silver.

Sterling silver can be worth up to $2250–$2400 per kilogram. Full antique or vintage sterling silver flatware sets by makers such as Gorham or International Silver can fetch up to $8000. Not too shabby! 

2. Old books

Hobart woman Renee Woodleigh is offloading her 1937 first edition of Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which she purchased at a St Vincent de Paul op shop as a teenger 31 years ago.

She is selling the precious book online for $44,000, which rare book specialists say is in line with current market value.

Yes, rare first and second editions are few and far between and there are many practised eyes ahead of you, but, if you’re happy to part ways with your treasured book, you’ve hit pay dirt.

Meanwhile, a collection of similar bindings or colours make a beautiful vignette and a bigger haul can become a feature.

If you don’t find any valuable old books, keep an eye out for design or coffee table books. Buying these books brand new can sometimes set you back hundreds of dollars, so if you spot a gem on the second-hand market, snap it up.

3. Corningware or casserole dishes

Did you know that some Corningware casserole dishes are extremely valuable? Dishes with rare patterns have been known to sell at auction for upwards of $10,000.

Even if you only ever come across the brand’s most recognisable (and common) ‘Cornflower’ pattern, old casserole dishes in good condition are still worth collecting.

They make a great gift, especially for new parents or a neighbour knocked over by the flu. Simply bake a delicious meal in it (like this nourishing mushroom lasagne) and send it on – you don’t even need to worry about asking them to return the dish.

4. Wicker baskets

If you’ve ever tried to keep clutter at bay in your home, you’ll know you can never have enough baskets to keep it all contained.

Wicker baskets are also beautiful to look at and can instantly add warmth and texture to some of the home’s most unsightly areas. Laundry piling up? Pop it in a wicker basket. Shoes collecting by the front door? Pop them into a wicker basket. Toys taking over the living room? Throw them all into a wicker basket. You get the idea.

When you feel like updating your decor, consider selling your hardworking receptacles. A second-hand 60cm wicker basket recently sold at Lawson’s for $80, double the estimate.

5. Kids’ toys

While we’re on the subject of toys, it’s worth talking about second-hand toys. Duplo and wooden Montessori-style toys are so wonderful for toddlers, but collecting numerous sets can set you back a small fortune.

They’re also used for only a very short period before your child moves on to the next big thing. Buying these items secondhand is a great way to save money and prevent perfectly useable toys from entering landfill.

Concerned about germs? Many plastic toys can be safely washed in the top rack of the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. If you don’t have a dishwasher, simply wash the toys in warm soapy water and, if desired, soak in a solution of Milton Sterilising Fluid for 15 minutes before allowing to air dry.

Soft toys can be washed on a cold, gentle machine cycle and hung out to air dry. Alternatively, soak soft toys in a solution of oxygen bleach before hand washing, rinsing and allowing to air dry.

Other collectible vintage toys include: Polly Pockets, original Tamagotchis, Pokemon cards, ViewMasters and Cabbage Patch Kids. Rare Pokemon cards have been known to garner six figures.

6. Mirrors

It’s amazing how much a single mirror can completely change the look of a room. They create the illusion of more space and help to bounce light around a room. They also add functionality, and it’s a great idea to have a mirror positioned close to the front door so you can do a last-second once-over before you leave the house.

But the best thing about a mirror? They never really go out of style. So if you see one hidden behind some bric-a-brac at your local op shop, squeeze it into the boot of your car and take it home.

Mirrors’ resale value is excellent if kept maintained. Antique-style gilt mirrors — so, they needn’t be from a vault in a French chateau — can be sold for hundreds of dollars on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

7. Interesting vessels

Old earthenware jugs, coloured glass vases, handmade pottery – all are worth collecting if you see them collecting dust on an op-shop shelf.

One of the hottest interior movements at the moment is the ‘Urban aunt’ trend which involves styling your home with collected finds and interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces. Vases and urns are a great way to add sculptural beauty to your home, and you can leave them empty or fill them with bunches of your favourite flowers.

While picking up interesting vessels is more of a style hunt than a treasure hunt, there are some valuables to be found. One US woman picked up a coloured glass vase from Goodwill for $3.99USD only to discover it was actually a rare example of Murano glassware. She ended up selling the piece at auction for $107,000USD!

8. Collectible porcelain

Tea is literally heaven in a cup. If you agree with this statement, then you should consider collecting porcelain teaware.

There’s nothing quite like brewing delicate tea leaves in a pot and sipping your favourite tisane from a vintage cup adorned with a stunning pattern. Collectible brands include Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Noritake, Spode, Royal Copenhagen and Shelley.

A Wedgwood single saucer and cup can sell for $10 at the lower end and up to $200 for rarer patterns or styles on eBay, for example.

9. Original art

It’s always a good idea to look up and scan the walls above the shelves – you never know, you might spot a piece of original art that just tugs at your heartstrings. It could be a tiny watercolour, a time-worn original oil painting by an unknown artist or a delicately sewn cross-stitch.

When shopping for art at an op shop, look for pieces that have been professionally framed, items with an artist’s signature and pieces that just speak to you.

In 2023, an anonymous woman in New Hampshire, US, sold an original N.C. Wyeth painting that she had bought from an op shop in 2017 for $6.15AUD. The new owner forked out roughly $287,600AUD. Bananas.

10. Picture frames

Even if you don’t see a piece of artwork that you love, keep an eye out for beautiful frames. Custom frames can set you back anywhere from $150 for an A4-sized artwork, and even more if you select a complex style. A vintage frame will save you plenty – and you can always switch out the artwork later.

11. Mid-century furniture

While we’ve all enjoyed this trend for some time now, there are still bargains to be had, particularly among Australian made brands, such as Parker and Knoll.

The trend is moving into the 70s, too, and with upholsterers on every corner it’s now more affordable to revive an armchair, bar stool or lounge chairs – with cane insert panels if you’re lucky!

If your parents or other rellies are downsizing, let the know that a set of four vintage Parker dining chairs could fetch up to $4400 at an antique dealer such as Collécte.

12. Vintage suitcases

According to Luxe.It.Fwd, a second hand Louis Vuitton luggage bag may be sold for up to $6500. That’s mint condition, mind you.

While it’s not wise to hold your breath for an LV, there are great styling and storage opportunities in smaller, mainstream pieces with a well-worn look.

The post 12 things you should never, ever pass up at an op shop appeared first on Home Beautiful.

With these features in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best beach houses to book all around Australia — from the wild coast of Western Australia to the prettiest corners of New South Wales.

Best beach houses to book in Australia for 2026

01

Eyre Peninsula, SA

Best for: couples, seclusion

Located on the Eyre Peninsula, this gorgeous little surf shack sits on a secluded section of the South Australian coastline. The shack’s interiors have been lovingly curated by South Australian interior designer Sarah Hall, whose choice of muted yellows and laidback furnishings give the home its nostalgic charm.

The highlight of the home is its ocean-facing front deck, where guests are invited to spend hours lazing in the hammock and watching the waves roll in. An indoor fireplace and record player bring an element of romance to the home, while an outdoor fire pit is the only place to spend cool evenings under the stars.

Key features:

• Beachfront location
• Off-grid and solar powered
• Pets allowed

book now

02

Falmouth, Tasmania

Best for: couples, families, winter escapes

This lovely fisherman’s cottage draws the romantics to Tasmania’s sleepy seaside town of Falmouth. The home’s careful curation of vintage knick-knacks, outdoor bath and proximity to the ocean make it somewhere that’s just as beautiful in a winter storm as it is in the morning sun.

Days are spent eating fresh oysters and spotting the local sea life, while nights consist of curling up with a glass of Tassie wine by the outdoor fire place and listening to the sound of the ocean.

Key features:

• Ocean views
• Cosy interiors
• Outdoor bath

book now

03

Narrawallee, NSW

Best for: groups of friends, big families

Beach holidays are better spent with friends, and this sunny beachfront home in the New South Wales town of Narrawallee ticks all of the boxes. With its high ceilings, stylish Hamptons-style interiors and deck overlooking the ocean, it’s a beach house that will please everyone — and with space for up to 10 people, you won’t have any problems fitting them all in.

The location on New South Wales’ beloved South Coast is also a highlight, with the property being just a 10-minute walk (or two minutes’ drive if you’re feeling lazy) to Mollymook beach.

Key features:

• Hamptons-style interiors
• Balcony views
• South Coast location

book now

04

Bremer Bay, WA

Best for: families, groups of friends

Nestled into the dunes of Western Australia’s beautiful Bremer Bay, this beach house sits on a generous 100 acres of bushland. With its big ocean-facing windows, timber-lined walls and oversized deck, the unique design embraces its spectacular natural environment.

The cosy woodfire fireplaces add to the property’s charm and make it hard to do anything else than curl up with your favourite book.

Key features:

• Nestled into the landscape
• Timber-lined interiors
• Cosy wood fireplace

book now

05

Bedarra Island, Qld

Best for: families, groups of friends

Fulfil your Robinson Crusoe fantasy at this secluded four-bedroom, three-bathroom beach-house hub on Bedarra Island in Far North Queensland. With a palm-fringed, white sandy beach on your doorstop, you can skorkel, kayak, fish for your dinner or simply rot on a beach blanket with a book… or three.

Because there are three buildings, including a renovated cottage once owned by Australian artist Noel Wood — which he lived in as a recluse for 45 years — there’s plenty of space for a couple of familes or a group of mates.

Key features:

• Large covered deck
• Freestanding bathtub with jungle views
• 500m from the centre of Bedarra Island

book now

06

Kangaroo Island, SA

Best for: summer escapes, large families

Kangaroos are literally your neighbours at this elegant new beach house in iconic Stokes Bay. Tastefully decorated in calming hues, ‘Coast’ will have you inhaling and exhaling slower than you ever thought you could.

Two spacious living areas mean that kids and adults can do their own thing, while a vast outdoor deck and BBQ with views over the bay and cliffs will bring everyone together to watch the sun go down. Take a 4-minute stroll to the beach, then wash the sand away in a beautiful stone outdoor shower.

Key features:

• Sleeps 8 people
• 50km from Kingscote Airport
• Air-conditioning, dishwasher and streaming services

book now

07

Yamba, NSW

Best for: couples, singles

Design enthusiasts will adore this lovingly restored beachside apartment in Yamba on NSW’s north coast — one of just three — reimagined by One Teaspoon designer Jamie Blakey.

The one-bedroom ‘Sundowner’ suite embodies midcentury surf culture and psychedelic vibes with a chic, harmonious colour palette, and it’s just steps from Yamba village, the main beach and an ocean pool. Its king bed is dressed in French linen, the bathroom features playful chequerboard tiles and there’s a communal backyard for unwinding after a surf.

Key features:

• Record player
• Custom kitchenette
• Full laundry access

book now

08

Marengo, Vic

Best for: families, groups of friends, pets

With only the Great Ocean Walk separating this pretty blue beach house from the sea, this property is the perfect place to spend some time on Victoria’s Otway Coast.

Outside, there’s a big ocean-facing deck to enjoy your morning coffee and a firepit for nights curled up with a glass of wine. The interiors are just as impressive with the property’s large kitchen boasting ocean views, which turn even doing the dishes into a pleasant task.

The home’s proximity to one of the country’s best walks, access to a private sauna and its acceptance of our furry friends only give the property bonus points.

Key features:

• Pet friendly 
• The deck’s ocean views 
• Private sauna

The post 8 of the best Australian beach houses to book for a summer holiday appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It’s being offloaded by former fintech exec Stuart Grimshaw and his wife, Annalise, who, late last year, listed the property for sale with hopes of $19.5 to $21 million, then again in March 2025 with a $17.75 to $19.5 million price guide.

In other words, you could snap up this significant heritage-listed house at a (roughly) 20 per cent discount. Sounds like a bargain.

Also referred to as the Eric Pratten House after its first owner, the Pymble pile was Walter Burley Griffin’s largest domestic commission in Australia, and the last residential project he designed before he and his wife, fellow architect and collaborator Marion Mahony Griffin, relocated to Lucknow, India, in 1936. Sadly, Walter died there from complications following gall bladder surgery in 1937.

Originally from the US, the Griffins also dabbled in town planning, designing a wee city called Canberra, as well as the affluent Sydney suburbs of Castlecrag and Castle Cove and the NSW Riverina towns of Griffith and Leeton.

They championed the Prairie School of architecture, characterised by horizontal lines, overhanging eaves and flat or hipped roofs, solid construction, earthy palettes and ornamental features.

Coppins is a beautiful example of the style, although during its last renovation, many of the home’s original features were gutted. Court orders were placed and some features were reinstated (thank gawd).

The result? An architectural, historical gem that is 25 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, and comes with sophisticated modern-day trimmings. Forbes Global Properties is taking expressions of interest from those with deep pockets.

Luckily, looking is free.

Kitchen, dining and living

The black-and-white themed kitchen, dining and living spaces — featuring Cole & Son ‘Procuratie e Scimmie’ wallpaper — provide a neutral base for future homeowners.

The kitchen’s been reimagined with stone benchtops, fresh cabinetry, a double oven and a wine fridge. Tucked away is a well-appointed butler’s pantry.

Kids’ bedrooms

Among the four bedrooms in the main house, the kids’ rooms are standouts, with chandeliers and slightly whimsical wallpapers, as well as leafy views — sure to inspire young minds during homework time (maybe).

There are an additional two bedrooms in a separate guest house or entertainer’s cabana.

Bathroom

With floor-to-ceiling marble, a dual vanity and deep bath, this bathroom personifies luxury on steroids. Coppins sports five bathrooms altogether.

Outside

What’s better than one luxury house? Two luxury houses. The estate includes a spacious guest house or entertainer’s cabana at the rear, featuring two bedrooms with ensuites, a five-star outdoor kitchen and an alfresco area.

While it was factored into the original garden design — purportedly by Marion Mahony Griffin — the laned swimming pool wasn’t completed until 15 years after Coppins was built.

The Griffins were methodical, leaving no stone unturned (literally) when it came to their vision. It’s rumoured that Walter even designed the dog kennel on the country-style property.

The post The last house Walter Burley Griffin designed is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The internet is, of course, full of places to buy second-hand furniture online. However, competition for the best pieces on Facebook Marketplace can be fierce. Sometimes, stumbling across a hidden gem in person can the best recourse—for price, quality and authenticity.

We’ve already curated our pick of places to shop second-hand furniture in Sydney—but what about our readers in Victoria? Scroll on to find some of the best op shops, boutiques, and markets for vintage and second hand furniture in Melbourne.

The best second hand furniture stores in Melbourne

Retropolis

Entering the colourful Preston warehouse is an immediate sensory trip. With 40 different vendors under one, very large roof (see: @retromania_melb, @ilovelucyvintage), you’ll find yourself idling away the hours in this psychedelic haven. From unique, one-off vintage furniture, to lighting, decor, kitchenwares and clothing, Retropolis caters to a range of aesthetics and eclectic tastes.

Website: retropolis.com.au
Opening times: 11am – 5pm, every day
Delivery: May vary between vendors
Location: 1 Newman St, Preston, Victoria 3072

Smith Street Bazaar

An emporium of fine vintage furniture, Smith St Bazaar is lovingly curated by the locally iconic Eryca Green and Eddy Opmanis. Specialising in European and Australian mid-century and modern design, Fitzroy’s oldest vintage design collective frequently showcases the work of lauded vintage furniture designers, from Gio Ponti to Australia’s Grant Featherston.

Website: smithstreetbazaar.com
Opening times: 10:30am-5pm, Monday to Saturday; 10:30am-4pm, Sunday
Delivery: Limited local delivery available, on a case-by-case basis
Location: 305 Smith St, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065

Green’s Furniture

A stalwart of the Melbourne furniture market, Green’s first began operating in 1960 under the capable hands of furniture maker, Billy Green. Since then, the store has been handed down to his son, Paul, who continues to stock a mix of hand-made and second-hand items at the Thornbury store.

Website: greensfurniture713.wixsite.com
Opening times:  12-5 pm, Monday to Friday; 11am-5pm, Saturday; 1-5pm, Sunday
Delivery: Yes, within Melbourne
Location: 713 High St, Thornbury, Victoria 3071

Retro Rehab

Staying in Thornbury, you can also schedule a visit to the Retro Rehab warehouse for the best mid-century seating around. If you’re looking for hands-on assistance, especially if you’re restoring vintage furniture in Melbourne, this could be your solution. The bulk of Retro Rehab’s operations happen online, but you can pop in to view pieces in store on a Saturday.

Website: retrorehab.com
Opening times:  11-2, Saturday; By appointment, Monday to Friday
Delivery: Yes
Location: 350 St Georges Road, Thornbury, Victoria 3071

Grays Affordable Quality Objects

This family business has been operating since the 1880s. However, for the past 30 years, they’ve been set up in South Melbourne, welcoming the local community into their passion project. Grays operates on consignment, selling a curated selection of second-hand furniture, books, rugs and homewares for reasonable prices.

Website: grays303.com
Opening times: 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday; 1-3pm, Sunday to Monday
Delivery: Yes, enquire with the team for custom delivery options
Location: 303 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205

The Secondhand Man

The Secondhand Man loves second hand furniture as much as you do. The large Preston-based warehouse stocks a range of pieces, at a range of prices, including couches, tables, armchairs and decor. As well as second-hand furniture and vintage pieces, The Secondhand Man also occasionally has ex-display pieces up for grabs.

Website: thesecondhandman.com.au
Opening times: 10:30am-4:30pm, Friday and Monday; 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Delivery: Enquire
Location: 252 Plenty Road, Preston, Victoria 3072

Waverley Antique Bazaar

Another aggregator of vintage wares, you can get lost in a world of anything and everything at Waverley Antique Bazaar. While second hand furniture can be found around every corner, so can house plants, records, homewares, decor, clothing and more. Affordable prices can make this market worth the rummage.

Website: Instagram @waverleyantiquebazaar (website under construction)
Opening times: 10am-5pm, every day
Delivery: Enquire
Location:  88 Garden Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3171

The best affordable second hand furniture stores in Melbourne

Recyclers Depot

An excellent source of affordable second-hand furniture, at Recyclers Depot, you can get a couch for as little as $10. Quality second-hand furniture will fetch a higher price (such as new-condition Koala dining tables or vintage designer coffee tables), however, there are plenty of bargains to be found. You can stop by the warehouse when it’s open, or you can browse the online store on Facebook Marketplace to get an idea of the stock and price point.

Website: Recyclersdepot.com.au ; Facebook Marketplace
Opening times: 10am-5pm, Thursday; 10am-2pm, Saturday; 10am-1pm, Sunday
Delivery: No, collection only
Location:  43 Winterton Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168

Op shops

If you’re really trying to find affordable second hand furniture, you can’t go past an op shop. Fortunately, Melbourne has no shortage of op shops and charity stores through which you can rummage for furniture and decor. You can try your luck and virtually any Savers or Salvos, and (fingers crossed) find a gem. However, there are some locales that have especially big spaces, better suited for larger furniture instead of decor. Consider these the best op shops for furniture in Melbourne:

• Vinnies, Moorabbin: 261-263 Wickham Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189
• Savers, Brunswick: 330 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC, 3056
• Savers, Heatherton: Moorabbin Super Centre, 430 Warrigal Road Suite 4 & 5, Heatherton, VIC, 3202
• Savers, Greensborough: Shop 7, 108-114 Main St, Greensborough, VIC, 3088
• Salvos, Moorabbin: Kingston Central Plaza, Shop 6B/288 Centre Dandenong Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3194
• Helping Hands Airport West: 14 McIntosh St, Airport West, VIC 3042

Find locations near you: Savers; Vinnies, Salvos, Sacred Heart Mission, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Helping Hands

The post Where you’ll find the best second-hand furniture stores in Melbourne appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Nancy Meyer’s Something’s Gotta Give is perhaps the most beloved of Diane Keaton’s movie interiors. The film didn’t just give us the dream beach house but even pioneered its own aesthetic – the coastal grandmother – more than a decade and a half after its release.

In the film, Diane Keaton plays divorced playwright, Erica Barry, who ends up caring for her daughter’s much older, playboy boyfriend (Jack Nicholson) after he has a heart attack at her house. As the pair fall for each other, audiences can’t help but fall for the incredible beach house, which features sumptous furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, a Hampton’s style kitchen, and an incredible writing desk looking over the ocean.

Father Of The Bride (1991)

If Something’s Gotta Give gave us the dream beach house then Father Of The Bride gave us the dream family home. In this film, Diane Keaton plays Nina Banks, a loving mother and wife navigating the excitement and chaos caused by her husband George Banks (Steve Martin) in the lead up to her 22-year-old daughter’s wedding.

The house, with it’s white picket fence, climbing ivy and cosy Nancy Meyer’s styled interiors, does not only provide a beautiful set for the film but also serves as the physical symbol of the Bank’s family unit. For George Banks, who is struggling to come to term’s with his little girl getting married, it also holds the magic of Annie’s childhood.

“I love this house. I love that I taught my kids to ride their bikes in the driveway. I love that we carved our initials in the tree out front. This house is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and look spectacular with Christmas lights. It’s a great house and I never want to move,” George says in the film.

The Family Stone (2005)

Diane Keaton plays another mother with a beautiful family home in the Christmas classic, The Family Stone. In this film, the children have grown up but return to the family home for Christmas with their partners and families. Directed by Thomas Bezucha home is a lot more cluttered and chaotic than the typical Nancy Meyer’s style interiors Diane Keaton’s characters tend to belong to, so much so that Keaton initially found all of the mess a little off-putting for herself but perfect for the film’s characters.

While the home was a little more lived-in than other movie homes, that was exactly what made it feel so special. Between the fridge magnets, the stacks of books and all that comfy furniture, the movie feels just like coming home for Christmas.

Baby Boom (1987)

In Baby Boom, Diane Keaton plays a New York career woman who ‘inherits’ a baby from a relative, prompting her to leave her Manhatten apartment for a gorgeous yellow farmhouse in Vermont. Being Keaton’s first film with Nancy Meyers, it’s no surprise that the film features incredible interiors.

From the country kitchen with the sweet blue cabinetry to the patterned wallpapered walls and pretty yellow exterior, the home is just as charming as the film.

Interiors (1978)

It only seems fitting that Diane Keaton starred in a movie called Interiors. Directed by Woody Allen, the film follows three sisters (with Keaton playing one of them) in the wake of their parent’s divorce and mother’s suicide attempt.

Their mother, played by Geraldine Page, is an interior designer whose impeccably curated spaces demonstrate her need for control over her life and family. While the subject might be dark, the interiors are beautiful.

The post 5 of Diane Keaton’s most memorable on-screen homes appeared first on Home Beautiful.

This year, we’re commencing celebrations a little early with Pillow Talk’s brand new range of Christmas decorations, designed to inspire joy in every corner. And if you’re worried about garish ornaments clashing with your carefully curated interiors, there’s no need. These pieces effortlessly blend Christmas cheer into your existing aesthetic, regardless of what that might look like.

Christmas trees and decorations:

A beautiful Christmas tree does more than hold decorations; it anchors the entire festive look. With styles ranging from classic to contemporary, Pillow Talk’s latest collection makes finding “the one” effortless. Then comes the best part: dressing it up. From shimmering baubles to textured ornaments, these pieces will make your tree, and your home, shine.

Noel Christmas Tree
from $269.95

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Parker Pine Potted Christmas Tree
from $39.95

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Ophelia Christmas LED Tree
$599.95

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Twinkle LED Tree
from $149.95

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Abigail Velvet Bow Christmas Garland
$29.95

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Sugar and Spice Snowflake Decoration
$14.95

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Capiz Dreams Tree Topper
$59.95

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Willow Rattan Christmas Tree Skirt $59.95

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Festive Home Decor:

Once the tree is trimmed and dressed, it’s time to let the festive spirit spill into the rest of your home. Think rich red bows, calming shades of green, and tableware that makes every meal feel like a celebration. With Pillow Talk’s festive homewares, it’s easy to create a space that feels both elevated and inviting.

Christmas Tree bell Stocking
$49.95

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Christmas Gingerbread House Plate
$19.95

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Bow Doormat
$24.95

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Sugar and Spice Gingerbread House
$59.95

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The post Christmas decorations too pretty to save for December appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The following list is the culmination of hours spent strategising, comparing, and combing through Amazon’s extensive website, all so you don’t have to; populated with hand-picked items that are currently in our very own carts and home essentials set to sell out. In short, these are the very best deals on offer, so we recommend taking them from cart to checkout before someone else beats you to it.

Top Amazon deals in Australia 2025

The best Amazon kitchenware deals:

• De’Longhi Eletta Explore Perfetto Automatic Coffee Machine, $1669.97 at Amazon
• Tramontina Grano Stainless Steel Frying Pan, $179.98 at Amazon
• Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer, $899.00 at Amazon
• Philips 5000 series air fryer, $699.00 at Amazon

De’Longhi Eletta Explore Perfetto Automatic Coffee Machine, $1669.97 at Amazon

shop now

Tramontina Grano Stainless Steel Frying Pan,
$179.98 at Amazon

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Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer, $899.00 at Amazon

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Philips 5000 series air fryer,
$699.00 at Amazon

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The best Amazon home technology and appliance deals:

• ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1999.00 at Amazon
• Philips Essential Air Fryer, $299.00 at Amazon
• Philips 9000 Series Robot Vacuum and Wash, $2499.00 at Amazon
• Goldair 94cm Bladeless Tower Fan, $159.00 at Amazon

ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1999.00 at Amazon

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Philips Essential Air Fryer, $299.00 at Amazon

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Philips 9000 Series Robot Vacuum and Wash, $2499.00 at Amazon

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Goldair 94cm Bladeless Tower Fan, $159.00 at Amazon

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The best safety and security brands on Amazon:

• EufyCam Home Security System, $429.95 at Amazon
• Xega Outdoor Solar Surveillance Camera, $179.99 at Amazon
• REOLINK CX810 ColorX PoE Camera, $189.99 at Amazon 
• Arlo Pro 5 Spotlight Wire-Free Camera, $279.00 at Amazon

EufyCam Home Security System,
$429.95 at Amazon

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Xega Outdoor Solar Surveillance Camera,
$179.99 at Amazon

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REOLINK CX810 ColorX PoE Camera, $189.99 at Amazon

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Arlo Pro 5 Spotlight Wire-Free Camera,
$279.00 at Amazon

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The best Amazon furniture items:

• Koala Kirribilli Bed Base, from $1084.06 at Amazon
• Aworesis Faux Marble Coffee Table, $599.99 at Amazon
• Koala Sofa Bed 2.5 Seater, $1890.00 at Amazon
• Oikiture 4 Chest of Drawers Dresser, $225.90 at Amazon

Koala Kirribilli Bed Base,
from $1084.06 at Amazon

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Aworesis Faux Marble Coffee Table,
$599.99 at Amazon

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Koala Sofa Bed 2.5 Seater,
$1890.00 at Amazon

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Oikiture 4 Chest of Drawers Dresser
$225.90 at Amazon

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The best Amazon home décor:

• Rug Culture Arabella Rug, $1199.95 at Amazon
• Nlc Premium Tapers, $63.00 at Amazon
• Laura Ashley Home Euro Sham Set, $62.37 at Amazon
• Waterford Crystal Markham Case, $172.00 at Amazon

Rug Culture Arabella Rug,
$1199.95 at Amazon

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Nlc Premium Tapers,
$63.00 at Amazon

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Laura Ashley Home Euro Sham Set
$62.37 at Amazon

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Waterford Crystal Markham Case,
$172.00 at Amazon

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The best household and cleaning products on Amazon:

• Dettol Multipurpose Spray (6 pack), $42.00 at Amazon
• Electric Spin Scrubber, $59.99 at Amazon
• DEWEL Wood Furniture Repair Kit, $35.99 at Amazon
• Pine O Cleen Biodegradable Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes, $42.00 at Amazon

Dettol Multipurpose Spray (6 pack), $42.00 at Amazon

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Electric Spin Scrubber,
$59.99 at Amazon

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DEWEL Wood Furniture Repair Kit,
$35.99 at Amazon

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Pine O Cleen Biodegradable Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes,
$42.00 at Amazon

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The best Amazon storage and organisation tools:

• Hallway 2 Flip-Drawers Shoe Cabinet, $106.99 at Amazon
• SONGMICS Storage Basket, $93.99 at Amazon
• StorageWorks Storage Bins, $45.99 at Amazon
• StorageWorks Closet Storage Bins, $56.99 at Amazon

Hallway 2 Flip-Drawers Shoe Cabinet, $106.99 at Amazon

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SONGMICS Storage Basket,
$93.99 at Amazon

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StorageWorks Storage Bins,
$45.99 at Amazon

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StorageWorks Closet Storage Bins, $56.99 at Amazon

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What are Amazon Big Deal Days?

The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event is an annual sale event that offers exclusive deals for members, giving you access to low prices across all categories, including electronics, home and kitchen wares, Amazon devices, everyday essentials and more across a variety of much-loved brands.

While we don’t know all the upcoming deals as of yet, during previous Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale events, we’ve been spoiled with huge savings across Amazon’s plethora of categories, from Home improvement to kitchen to beauty and more. Whether you’re after a brand new Kindle to feed your Romantasy-loving soul, a new pair of Apple headphones to block out the noise, or a new KitchenAid to feed the happy gourmand at home, this sale brings together the best of shopping, savings, and entertainment for over 200 million paid members worldwide.

Do I have to be a member to participate in Prime Day sales?

Yes, you need to be a Prime member to shop the Prime Day sales, but you can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime to access these deals. Membership also gives you a host of year-round benefits, including fast, free delivery options and premium entertainment. After the trial period, membership is $9.99 per month or $79 per year, and you can cancel at any time through your account, including during the trial period, if you want.

When is the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale for 2025?

In Australia, the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event is live from Tuesday 7 October until Tuesday 14 October, 2025. That’s seven days for you to shop ’til you drop!

Our top tips to successfully shop Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

We love Amazon, but frankly, the website can be tricky to navigate at times. To make the process easier for you, we’ll be updating this page with any need-to-know deals, plus these great tips we’ve used ourselves:

• Join Prime early: You can try Prime free for 30 days by signing up here. This will carry you through the sale, while reaping the benefits of premium entertainment and free delivery.

• Create a Wishlist: Prime members can build a Wishlist and turn on deal alerts to be notified when those items go on sale.

• Bookmark this page: Make sure you come back to this page every couple of days for any sale updates and deals of the day. Happy shopping!

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The post Don’t wait for Black Friday to shop these trending home upgrades for less appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Taking to the roads of Italy behind a steering wheel is a brave choice in any of the country’s 20 regions, but as locals will proudly tell you, Sicily is in a league of its own. The speed limits on road signs seem to be mere suggestions, and the blaring of a horn overrules the colours of a traffic light. Parking along narrow, cobbled streets is cortisol-inducing and you’ve got to stick to the right side of the road (that is, not the left). But with more than 25,000 square kilometres of volcanic terrain, rugged coastlines, and picturesque townships to explore and thousands of years’ worth
of history to discover, it’s well worth the risk.

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Where you should travel next, based on your interior design style 

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A crossroad of cultures, Sicily has a complicated history having been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and the Spanish. Each rule left behind remnants of culture and tradition, making the island a true melting pot of the Mediterranean, which influences everything from architecture to the local cuisine – you’re just as likely to spot couscous on the menu as you are pizza or pasta, and may find yourself admiring a grand baroque church as well as an ancient Greek theatre all in the same day. It is the birthplace of arancini, the fried rice ball believed to have been invented during the time of Arabian dominance, and you can find dishes of every course seasoned with the pistachio nut or ‘green gold’ as it’s known.

“While breezy seaside towns such as Cefalù and Taormina are the common itinerary headliners, the southeastern corner shouldn’t be overlooked.”

The island region is celebrated for its seafood, too, which should come as no surprise given its positioning in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, this also means you’ll find some of the most blissful beaches (and beachside resorts) in Europe. But while breezy seaside towns such as Cefalù and Taormina are the common itinerary headliners, the southeastern corner shouldn’t be overlooked. Just over an hour’s drive from Catania Airport is Val di Noto.

At its core, this region is an agricultural hub where local farmers work to produce everything from almonds, olives and citrus to beef and pork. Rolling green hills lined with crops ripe for the picking appear uninterrupted until you arrive at any of the eight townships of the area, all on the UNESCO World Heritage List, where it feels as though time moves a little slower. There are still beautiful beaches to enjoy – and just as with everything on this enigmatic isle, even the architecture has a unique Sicilian fingerprint.

The grand old town of Noto itself is described as the capital of Sicilian baroque, a distinguished and flamboyant style of architecture born here while part of the Spanish empire, after the region was destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century. While the mainland’s Puglia region is known for its white buildings, Noto is distinctively ochre as homes, palazzos and soaring cathedrals were crafted from local limestone. Along the logically linear streets, artisanal shopfronts and charming trattorias are an exhibition of the region’s finest produce and crafts.

Perhaps the greatest gem to discover near romantic, old-world Noto is Dimora delle Balze. The fortified 19th-century estate is about 20 kilometre south of Noto and has been transformed into farmstay-style accommodation. Sun-bleached courtyards, ancient gates and a regal bell tower make a grand first impression, while the rooms – some of which were once stables and storage– have been lovingly restored to become luxurious lodgings without compromising the historical character and charm of the property. Earthy hues, organic textures and balanced lighting imbue warmth more akin to a home than a hotel, while sweeping views of the surrounding farmland is a wholesome touch.

The post Why Sicily is the bucket list trip everyone’s talking about appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The series has even taken off overseas. Foxtel sold the format on to Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany and Brazil. “It’s been a huge success,” says Neale. “I’ve been dubbed in German. I get people contacting me from all over the world.”

Well, a whole new set of homeowners are about to get help deciding if they should stay or sell as Love It or List It Australia is hitting our screens with a sixth season in 2025.

Is Love It or List It coming back?

Yes, in exciting news Love It or List It Australia is returning, with casting having just commenced. Foxtel and Beyond Productions announced on January 22, 2025 that the Foxtel original series hosted by renowned real-estate expert Andrew Winter and respected design guru Neale Whitaker is going ahead.

In a promotion for the series, the property duo shared the announcement. “Guess what, Love It or List It is coming back and because of that we’re going to need to find some homeowners who need our help,” said Andrew. “If you or your partner have fallen out of love with your home and you’ve got a healthy renovation budget stuffed under the mattress, apply now,” added Neale.

What is the release date for Love It or List It?

In an exciting update, Foxtel has revealed that the new season of Love It or List It will premiere on Wednesday 1 October at 8.30pm AEST on Foxtel’s LifeStyle channel.

Should you love it or list it?

If the show itself is anything to go by, there is no hard and fast rule on whether you should stay in your current home and renovate it to suit your needs, or find a new dream home. So much depends on the couple. “On a show like Love It or List It, all the couples are different. All homeowners are different,” Neale tells Home Beautiful. “They all had a different set of problems. We had empty nesters for whom the home was now too big because all the kids had moved away. We had young couples who were just starting a family for whom the home was too small. And every problem in between.”

People sell because they dream of something else, says Neale, or they have problems they can’t resolve where they are. On Love It or List It Australia, as is the case in real life, a huge reason people come to sell is because there is something out there they love. “Let’s not forget the beautiful real estate that my colleague Andrew [Winter] showed them, which opened their eyes,” he says.

It sounds “very cynical”, but “in the case of the homeowners who decided to love it and stay, it was often a case of the property not realising the value, the resale value, that they’d hoped it would”, says Neale.

“That was a major influence. Let’s not underestimate the power of finance in all these things. I would say the majority of homeowners who decided to stay and love it, it was because it just wasn’t going to make them the profit that they hoped it would.”

Should you build or renovate right now?

Building costs, interest rates… Isn’t building or renovating too scary right now?

Neale acknowledges building costs are high. “There is definitely an increase. But that can often be offset by the increased value of the resulting home, if you plan to sell it. If you are renovating purely to sell, then just at this precise moment, you’re likely to be selling that property for an awful lot more money than you would have done a couple of years ago.”

If you’re not planning to resell after the renovation, Neale says, “I think it would be prudent to just sit tight for a little bit longer and see what happens with interest rates and the cost of building materials”.

“I think we’re probably going to see a lot of growth around the makeover market, as opposed to the full blown renovation market”

Neale Whitaker

“People are scaling down their renovations. They’re not maybe taking on the full-scale renovations that they were years ago. They’re picking just certain rooms of the house, doing more a makeover than a full blown renovation. Maybe doing a bathroom or two bathrooms, and not doing the kitchen. Whereas a couple of years ago they might have done the kitchen and both bathrooms.”

There are plenty of ways a refurb can add value to your home, and a kitchen renovation is one way many homeowners achieve this. Giving a lacklustre exterior a magic makeover can create a whole new vibe for a home as well.

What are the most popular renovation styles?

Australians love a renovation, says Neale. “I genuinely don’t think there’s another country in the world that is as obsessed with renovations as Australia,” he says. But whether Australians are going to renovate or find something new, they’re looking to tick certain boxes to suit their needs. Right now, when it comes to modern homes, Australians are prioritising specific needs.

James Hardie released a design forecast last year that outlined the kinds of houses those people who are planning an extension, renovation or new build in 2024 really wanted. It detailed seven popular, enduring and emerging contemporary home styles in its report. Through an extensive research piece combining advanced AI-driven technology, desktop research and interviews with architects, designers and key industry professionals, James Hardie believes its new Modern Homes Forecast 2024 has decoded the current and future trajectory of home design.

Neale says anyone deciding whether to renovate or find a new home needs to consider their very personal needs. For many Australians, an increase in regional migration and dissatisfaction with city life has fuelled aspiration for a modern farmhouse style house. The large-format design gives people the chance to have multi-generational living, and it accommodates the needs of different age groups under one roof. More of us, as couples on Love It or List It Australia have also found, want a home that caters for hybrid living and working as the modern farmhouse style does.

When should you list your property?

Sometimes it’s time to move on. Even Neale has sold houses in the past, deciding to pack up and “list it”, and start fresh somewhere else. In 2018 he put his stunning Sydney apartment in Alexandria on the market, only two years after he bought it. The apartment, which the television host and magazine editor shared with partner David Novak-Piper, was filled with eclectic high-end furnishings, artworks and had a spacious balcony and large windows that filled the various rooms with natural light. So what was not to love?

“It’s very unusual for us to be moving on [from a home] as quickly as this,” Whitaker told Domain. “We have a huge love of the South Coast, particularly the Berry area. We’ve been going back and forth … and suddenly realised, there’s nothing to stop us now from having our main home further out of the city,” he said.

Neale still lives in the South Coast, in the same home. “Whether to stay or sell is such a personal decision,” he tells Home Beautiful. “Some people are never going to sell, they just love their home too much.”

Is Love It or List It staged?

Australia’s favourite property duo were reunited once again when Foxtel and Beyond Productions released the highly anticipated fifth season of Love It or List It Australia. It followed the same pleasing format, which follows homeowners across the country who are struggling with whether to renovate and love the home they are in, or to sell up and find a new home somewhere else.

Real estate agent Andrew and interior designer Neale tour the couple’s home before meeting with them, and typically Andrew finds mostly negative things to say about the house while Neale thinks a renovation will transform it. Armed with an understanding of what each couple wants, Andrew is tasked with finding a new home for the couple while keeping location, needs and budget in mind. Neale is briefed on what the couples would like to see in their current house and his budget for the entire project.

Andrew then goes on to find three potential homes for the owners to explore and consider. Meanwhile, Neale works on the reno. The homeowners are then given a tour of their renovated home, while Andrew gives the couple an evaluation of the home’s new market value. Each couple has to decide: will they love it or list it?

While each episode and season follows this format, Love It or List It is not staged, it’s very much a reality show, shining a light on real couples with real problems and real decisions to make.

Love It or List It, the non-Australian version, is now streaming all eight seasons on Binge. You can follow Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp as they go head to head – like our Neale and Andrew – and convince homeowners to either sell their home or refurbish it.

Why do Australians love renovation shows?

It’s a national obsession, says Neale Whitaker. Australians love talking about renovations, they love doing them, they love watching them on television. “Australians love a renovation show,” he says. “We have so much, like The Block, and Selling Houses Australia, like Dream Home and all the shows that have been on over the years. They’re all prime time shows, and many are on free-to-air television.”

“For about 20 years Australians have been fed a diet of this stuff. It’s like a national sport, isn’t it? We are passionate about renovating and we are passionate about sport”

Neale Whitaker

Neale points to what he calls “the Bunnings phenomenon” as a sign of the national obsession. “There is no equivalent to that in the UK, for example. British people do not go to the DIY store on a Saturday morning unless they’ve got something that they need to fix urgently. We go there for pleasure. If you go to Bunnings, the world will be okay. Whatever problem you’ve got, you’ll find something there that will sort it out. It’s like a pharmacy. There will be something to make you feel better at Bunnings,” Neale laughs. “And that’s a uniquely Australian thing.”

Who is the cast on Love It or List It?

Neale appears as host on Love It or List It Australia with Andrew Winter, a residential property expert and host of Selling Houses Australia. Andrew has more than 25 years’ experience in the global property market. The duo bring their unique dynamic to the small screen. While Andrew is a residential property expert who encourages people to list and sell so that they can move into a new home, lifestyle expert Neale helps couples with his design knowledge that comes in handy during renovation.

Where to watch Love It or List It Australia

Watch Love It or List It Australia on Foxtel. All episodes from season one through season five are available to stream on Foxtel in Australia, with season six coming soon.

The streaming service also houses other home renovation favourites such as Selling Houses Australia, Grand Designs Australia and Pamela’s Garden of Eden.

Stream Love It or List It Australia on Foxtel Now with a 10-day free trial. Subscribe here.

The post The new season of Love It or List It Australia has a release date appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The owners, a real estate heiress and a former reality TV producer, had bought the Spanish-style hacienda in Brentwood, California, in 2023 for $8.4 million ($12.7 million Australian in today’s money). The couple promptly requested to demolish it, since they already lived on the adjoining block of land and intended to create one large property.

While the City of Los Angeles initially permitted them to raze Marilyn’s final home, which was built in 1929, a city councillor called for an emergency vote to block the demolition by granting the house, named ‘Cursum Perficio’, landmark status.

The plucky couple continued to ‘fight city hall’ for two years, arguing that many of the 14 custodians who’d owned the house since Marilyn’s death in 1962 had renovated it.

But the matter’s been put to bed; last week, a judge ruled in favour of keeping the landmark designation. Meaning no one should ever be able to knock down Marilyn’s former home and refuge.

When did Marilyn Monroe live here?

Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe bought the Spanish colonial revival house in March 1962 for $75,000 (about $1.2 million Australian in today’s money).

While she lived in homes with her former husbands, including Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, this four-bedroom hacienda is the only house she ever purchased on her own. (Back then, it was a more modest two-bedroom house.) 

Having survived a traumatic childhood that included living in foster homes and orphanages, the Golden Globe-winning actress coveted lasting love, stability and a peaceful home life. She reportedly moved more than 40 times in her short life.

While Marilyn lived at the Brentwood, Los Angeles, house, she flew to New York to appear at Madison Square Garden for a Democratic fundraiser gala that also celebrated President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday. In front of around 15,000 guests and wearing a flesh-coloured, rhinestone-covered gown, Marilyn performed her sultry, history-making rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.

It would be one of her final public appearances before her death. 

Can you visit Marilyn Monroe’s house?

You can visit the gate to Marilyn’s final home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Brentwood, which is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.

Unfortunately, you can’t see the secluded Spanish-style home from the street due to privacy landscaping, but it’s a common pilgrimage site for fans, who often leave flowers and tributes in the street.

Brentwood is a haven for Hollywood heavy-hitters, such as Harrison Ford, Jennifer Garner and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Reese Witherspoon sold her English-style Brentwood estate a couple of years ago for more than $30 million. 

Where did Marilyn Monroe die?

Sadly, in August 1962, just six months after buying it, Marilyn was found unresponsive in the bedroom of her Brentwood home by her housekeeper and her psychiatrist. She had died from an overdose of barbiturate drugs at just 36 years old. The world mourned the loss of its first true movie starlet, ‘a candle in the wind’.

Marilyn’s tenure at the house was so brief that unpacked boxes were found throughout the home after she passed away.

Eerily, the house was named ‘Cursum Perficio’, which loosely translates to ‘Here ends my journey’. Decorative tiles marked with those two little Latin words are embedded in the home’s doorstep. 

Take a tour of Marilyn’s house

The kitchen

The living room

The backyard

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Calling all Austen fans! The ‘Pride and Prejudice’ house is for sale

I love you, most ardently: An ode to the decor of Pride and Prejudice

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1. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s books have captivated readers for more than 200 years, and one of her most beloved, Pride and Prejudice, is being adapted again for the screen. Currently in production for Netflix, the six-part limited series will feature Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell and Emma Corrin, with Jack Lowden as the iconic Mr Darcy.

Since filming only started in July, the locations remain a mystery and Netflix has released just one tantalising image of the Bennet girls walking demurely through a grassy field so far. But you can visit some of the more recognisable settings of previous adaptions, and even Jane Austen’s real-life home.

Open to the public, Lyme Park in Cheshire, UK, subbed in as Mr Darcy’s (Colin Firth) grand estate ‘Pemberley’ in the 1995 adaptation. The lake out the front of the historic mansion was the setting for that iconic swimming scene.

Bookworms flock to the Hampshire cottage in which Jane wrote all of her six novels. She lived there for the last eight years of her life; today, it’s a cherished museum.  

2. We Were Liars

Lovers of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket architectural style, characterised by shingles, gambrel roofs and preppy coastal interiors, will froth over the We Were Liars sets.

Based on the young adult novel by E. Lockhart, it tells the story of a mysterious wealthy American family ‘summering’ on a fictional private island, Beechwood Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. The property boasts four separate (made-up) homes: Clairmont; Windemere; Cuddledown; and Red Gate.

The series, which just premiered on Prime Video, was in fact filmed in Nova Scotia, on the Canadian coast. A sprawling beachfront mansion on Meisner’s Island posed for the exterior shots of the family’s main homestead, Clairmont, while interior shots were reportedly filmed on sound stages in LA (sorry to spoil the mirage).

A rustic cliff-top cottage in Indian Harbour, which was once a holiday rental, plays the part of Cuddledown in We Were Liars.

Lunenburg, a colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site settled in the 1750s by Europeans, provides a picturesque backdrop for the town scenes, including at a ye olde ice cream ‘shoppe’ and a saltwater taffy stall.

3. Outlander: Blood of My Blood

The wildly popular book series and TV show Outlander ran for seven seasons until 2024, and spanned countries and time periods — from 1940s Scotland to 18^th century Scotland (and Paris) to North Carolina during the American Revolution.

It’s all a bit confusing, but there’s no shortage of mesmerising locations to drool over when you binge this ‘historical time travel romance’ series. Fun fact: since much of Outlander’s principal photography took place in rugged Scotland, the country has enjoyed a boom in tourism in recent years.  

Outlander buffs and ‘Heughligans’ — the community of fans of star Sam Heughan — were given even more geographical eye candy when the show’s prequel, Blood of My Blood, premiered in August.

Set entirely in Scotland, key locations include medieval castles Midhope (‘Lallybroch’ in the show) and Doune (Leoch in the show) and the quaint lakeside village of Luss, which are an easy drive from Edinburgh. If you don’t dilly dally, you can visit them all in one day.

If crumbling castles and bucolic hills tickle your fancy, then queue up Blood of My Blood on Stan.

4. The Family Next Door

Bestselling author Sally Hepworth’s novel, The Family Next Door, has been adapted for the screen and we are here for it. Most of the drama occurs in a quintessential Australian cul-de-sac, Pleasant Court, when single, child-free Isabelle (played by Teresa Palmer, who in real life has many kids) moves into the family-centric neighbourhood. Naturally, Isabelle starts to unravel the neighbours’ secrets, and they’re not thrilled.

While the series is set in the idyllic Melbourne Bayside suburb of Half Moon Bay, according to Reddit sleuths, the cul-de-sac featured is actually an hour away in Eltham. Other scenes were captured in spectacular Anglesea, on the surf coast of the Great Ocean Road, and potentially Aireys Inlet.

“It is an honour to be bringing Sally Hepworth’s celebrated novel to the screen, and to be not only filming in the state where it is set, but showcasing to the world the spectacular Victorian coastline,” executive producer Melinda Wearne told the Surf Coast Times.

The interior of each 80s-era house reflects the personalities of the women who live there, from ambitious Ange’s spartan yet stylish renovation to vegan couple Lulu and Holly’s bohemian, low-tox abode.

Despite their different values and aesthetics, the women love a wine of an afternoon, in retro folding chairs on the street, while their kids run between backyards. It’s a lovely snapshot of Aussie suburban life… if not a little foreboding.

5. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Like We Were Liars, this smash-hit series, now in its third season, embodies classic American coastal design. Think, wainscoting, light sconces, floral wallpapers and more hydrangeas than you can poke a secateur at.

Protagonist Isabel’s (‘Belly’) picture-perfect family home, in the fictional Cape Cod town of Cousins Beach, is actually a private residence on a golf course in Wilmington, North Carolina. So, unfortunately you can’t take a peek.

According to People, the real home in The Summer I Turned Pretty has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, an infinity pool and a private boat ramp. A landscaping team was brought in to elevate the already beautiful garden. As for the very Nancy Meyers-inspired kitchen and ‘coastal grandma’ interiors, these were reportedly created on sound stages (sorry).

The country club scenes were shot at the 130-year-old Cape Fear Country Club, while the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill subbed in for Finch College. This was author Jenny Han’s alma mater, making the filming of those scenes are full-circle moment for the writer, no doubt.  

This season, we see Belly flee to Paris — a feast for the eyes for Francophiles and architecture devotees. Come along for the ride on Prime Video.  

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The cool inner city buildings where they filmed Colin From Accounts

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From the renowned chef who designed the menu for Meghan’s royal wedding to Harry, to outspoken model and major foodie Chrissy Teigen, they’re as varied as they are fancy. We’re sensing food is a common theme… and the edible flowers, followed by Meghan’s sell-out product line, was just the beginning.

Guest line-up for ‘With Love, Meghan’, Season 2

Buckle up, here’s who we can look forward to binge-watching Meghan making completely impractical things with this time around.

• Chefs David Tang and Christina Tosi
• Model and TV host Chrissy Teigen
• Queer Eye fashion expert Tan France
• Author and chef Samin Nosrat
• Podcaster Jay Shetty and cookbook author Radhi Devlukia
• The chef behind Meghan and Harry’s wedding menu, Clare Smyth
• Chef and humanitarian Jose Andres
  
  While living like Meghan might not be entirely realistic for the rest of us, there’s no harm in taking a little inspiration from the Duchess herself. The stunning house, incredible vegetable garden and, of course, the chickens and beehives (that come with helpful staff to take care of them) might be beyond our reach, but there’s no reason we can’t take cues from this hostess. 

Whether it’s her knack for turning everyday moments into something extraordinary or her love of thoughtful details, Meghan’s approach to living and entertaining can bring a sense of joy and beauty to our own routines. 

7 simple ideas worth stealing from With Love, Meghan

Want to inject a little Meghan magic into your daily life (or, you know, your dream life)? Below were our biggest learnings from Season 1 and we can’t wait to level up our rustic-royal hosting skills even further with Season 2.

1. Have an offering when guests arrive

Welcoming guests with a thoughtful gesture – whether it’s a buttery croissant or a refreshing peach mimosa – not only shows warmth and consideration but also sets a relaxed tone, giving everyone something to enjoy while you put the finishing touches on the meal.

2. Take something everyday and elevate it a little bit

Press dried flowers into shortbread biscuits, crown a cake with fresh berries or turn store-bought pretzels into a charming gift with a ribbon and handwritten label. Meghan has a way of adding that little extra touch, proving that everyday moments can feel effortlessly elevated.

3. An organised space is an organised mind

In the series, Meghan is all about organisation. Everything has its place, and ingredients are always decanted into special bowls or containers. She also keeps things tidy while cooking, and Chef Roy Choi, who appeared on the show, agrees that cleaning as you cook is the way to go. If it works for them, it’s worth a try.

4. The forgotten fun of board games

Inspired by Meghan playing mahjong with her friends, we were reminded of the forgotten fun of board games – simple, nostalgic and a great way to connect. And of course, a few cocktails on the side never hurt either.

5. Simple ingredients can be truly special

Meghan took fresh berries from her garden and turned them into preserves, adding flavour to everything from parfaits and cakes to crepes and cocktails. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.

6. Throw perfection out the window

We like Meghan’s philosophy that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being passionate (although she does seem pretty perfect). From candle making to floral arranging, embrace the process and make it your own. Where there’s a will, there’s a way – if you’re Meghan, at least. 

7. Love is in the details

You can put a little extra heart into everything. Sandwiches become more engaging for both young and old with ladybug toppers, while hand towels are made extra special with a dunk in lavender water. And when in doubt, make a charcuterie board!

Catch every episode of With Love, Meghan on Netflix.

The post Every famous friend joining season two of With Love, Meghan appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Which toys do dogs love the most?

The answer to that really comes down to your own dog, their energy levels, their habits and their personality, says PetStock ambassador and pet behaviourist expert, Lara Shannon. “If they like to chew, then choose tough toys designed for chewers. If they prefer cuddles and comfort, and maybe even sucking on their toy, then soft plush toys can be good. Do they like to play, chase and need some extra enrichment in their day (most dogs need this)? Then choose interactive treat dispensing toys.“

An energetic dog may love a toy they can chase around a big backyard. A clever dog may benefit from a class of toys known as ‘enrichment toys’ (think treat puzzles, snuffle mats and Kong treat dispensers) designed to stimulate their brain and stave off boredom. A dog that’s been gnawing on furniture left, right and centre, may benefit from an indestructible and irresistably tasty chew toy.

“Many anxious dogs like to have a soft toy they can suck on and knead with their paws to give them some comfort, so they can be useful to help calm and soothe a dog as well.”

Dog toys Lara loves

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Lexi & Me Plush Toy Croissant

$12.93

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Tasty Bone Nylon Bacon (Large)

$15.97

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Rogz Gumz Ball (Blue)

$9

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Buddy & Belle dog treat puzzle (Easy)

$23.94

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Dog toys to avoid

Not all dog toys are created equal, says Lara, who says pet owners should avoid “cheap, chemical-laden plastic toys.” Instead, “look for BPA free toys made from tough, durable plastic.” Other dog toys to avoid include anything battery-powered (“these can be lethal if chewed and ingested by dogs”) or small items that may present a choking risk.

“If your dog is a chewer, avoid soft toys with squeakers inside, or else only allow during supervised play,” says Lara.

Some dogs are sensitive to noise, so always keep that in mind when selecting toys. “Don’t choose toys with a rattle or that is hard, if you have floorboards,” says Lara.

Durable dog toys for power chewers

Some dogs treasure and guard their soft toys with their life. Others (also known as aggressive or power chewers) will destroy them in an instant. “While no toy is totally destructible, there are some that are a bit tougher than others, so look for those designed specifically for chewers and therefore made out of tougher materials.”

If your dog is particularly aggressive with their toys, you can curb the behaviour with some positive reinforcement, says Lara. “Teach them the right way to play with their toy, rather than just leaving it with them and hoping for the best.”

What are enrichment toys?

Enrichment toys, like interactive treat dispensers or treat puzzles, are designed to keep your dog’s brain and body active, says Lara. “Make sure you show them how to use it first and that you aren’t choosing one that is too hard,” she says, adding.

The best dog toys to shop Australia

Hugo Boss dog ball set in white, $59

For some dogs, only the very best will do. These Hugo Boss dog balls are aesthetically pleasing and the handy 3-pack means you’ll have one for the car, one for the backyard and a spare to boot. They’re made tougher than regular tennis balls, which means they’ll withstand a strong bite. 

Dog lick mat in khaki, $17, Dog by Dr Lisa

Vet Dr Lisa Chimes’ own range of pet products is a gamechanger. This lick mat (which has suction cups on one side to keep it in place) will keep your pooch busy for ages. Smear it with peanut butter and let them lick away. Perfect for distracting your pet as you wash and groom. It’s dishwasher safe too, which means less mess for you to clean up. Also available in blush and light blue. 

Lexi & Me rope toy ring, $9.18

Show your dog some extra fun and attention with the Lexi & Me Rope Toy Ring! With a highly durable finish, this toy will keep your dog engaged and entertained with its stimulating textures.

ZippyPaws interactive puzzle donut slider dog toy, $23.99, Pet Circle

Tap into your dog’s natural talent for sniffing out treats. This clever toy is designed to combat boredom by keeping your pooch preoccupied for a prolonged period of time and the cute donut design won’t upset your home’s stellar style.

Kong puppy toy, $12.99 (Medium, assorted colours), Budget Pet Products

The Kong wobbler is beloved by pet parents, vets and dog trainers everywhere. It’s an amazing all-rounder tool for exercising, training, stimulating and entertaining your dog. This version is perfect for puppies who are still honing their biting and chewing skills. Is your puppy all-grown up now? Buy the adult Kong in a size suitable for your dog.

Tasty Bone nylon peanut butter trio, $43, Petbarn

It’s no secret that dogs love to chew. They chew to entertain themselves, to relieve stress and to relieve boredom. But if your dog has been chewing on something they shouldn’t be (furniture legs, skirting boards, indoor plants … the list goes on), try redirecting them towards a delicious toy instead. The tasty bone is a great option: it’s made from nylon that has been infused with human grade food flavours and has been designed with powerful chewers in mind.

Penta Ball, $10.20, Dog Friendly Co.

Made from heavy-duty, food-grade natural rubber, this ingenious rubber toy stimulates activity and appetite with a built-in treat dispenser. The best part is the pentagonal shape means it won’t roll away too far.

Pet squeaky toy in lilac haze / neon orange, $15.95, Frank Green

The company that makes your favourite emotional support water bottle now makes them for your dog too. Made from recycled PET plastic, this toy is tear-resistant, easy-to-clean and makes a squeaky sound your dog will love. 

Perfect Pet Burrito Wrap plug dog toy, $3, Big W

Enjoying a burrito at the end of a long night can now involve the whole family – furry friends included! Toss this plush burrito wrap toy to your pooch and let them snuggle the stress of the day away without the fallout of sharing your real takeaway fare.

The post 12 toys for dogs that will entertain, comfort and combat boredom appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a show that will truly redefine TV. Along with Simon and Julia, I get to share my experience with a new generation of Aussie renovators in one of my favourite cities,” Neale said in a statement from Seven.

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Arriving on Seven and 7plus in 2026, My Reno Rules promises to “raise the stakes and flip the script” on building shows. It seems to be a spin-off of My Kitchen Rules, combined with an evolution of Channel 7’s successful Dream Home, which was also hosted by the ever-charming Dr Chris Brown.

The series will be based in Melbourne and follow four teams having their homes renovated, while two ordinary Australians will also win a multi-million-dollar, fully furnished and landscaped home.

Backing the series is billionaire entrepreneur Adrian Portelli, a familiar name to Block fans for his headline-making auction bids – most notably helping sisters Maddy and Charlotte score their winning $1.65 million profit in 2024, plus an extra $100,000 prize. He’s since put those holiday homes on the market as a package deal.

Adrian has become a key player in the renovation reality TV landscape, thanks to his high-profile persona and business, LMCT+, a subscription-based rewards club that’s sparked its share of debate. Publicly, there’s been more than a little “he said, she said” over his decision to exit The Block.

Scott Cam has previously shared the show’s position: “To be honest, we said to Adrian, ‘We’d love you not to come next year, if that’s all right. But you know, it’s up to him, it’s a public auction and he can do whatever he wants,’” he told Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie.

Adrian’s version? On Instagram, he said: “Scotty, you’re talking porkies. I told you guys I was leaving. There was never a conversation of being told to sit out of this season.”

Shelley Craft has also clarified: “We don’t pay Adrian to be there. He’s not on staff at The Block. He’s not a part of the production. Having said that, I’m sure past contestants are extraordinarily grateful Adrian was at their auctions, because otherwise there might have been crickets in the crowd.”

As for Neale, the former magazine editor and interiors authority – most recently co-hosting Love It or List It on Foxtel – brings a wealth of design expertise and credibility to any renovation stage. Whatever the network, we’ll be tuning in to see him do what he does best: inspire us to create beautiful homes.

The post Neale Whitaker joins My Reno Rules as judge in 2026 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

We make our way up the stairs to the second floor of our cabin and find our assigned, heated seats beneath a panoramic glass-domed roof. Our onboard hosts Toni and Dyllan greet us with smiles and steaming cups of coffee. As the train chugs forward, we’re waved off by the Rocky Mountaineer staff, then watch as the landscape slowly shifts from urban cityscapes to the lush fields and cloudy blue rivers of the Fraser Valley.

This is the beginning of the iconic ‘First Passage to the West’ route; a 900-kilometre sojourn that takes us from the coastal city of Vancouver in British Columbia to Alberta’s bucket listtopping resort town of Banff. It’s the first of four rail routes crisscrossing Western Canada and the Colorado Rockies, following the same historic trails that early settlers took on foot more than a century ago (albeit ours is a more lavish experience).

By lunch, we’re cruising alongside a turquoise blue lake framed by golden yellow larches and rust-red Douglas fir trees. As part of our premium GoldLeaf Service, we’re ushered downstairs to a dining room complete with plush booths, white linen-covered tables and crystal-clear picture windows (SilverLeaf travellers are served at their seats).

The three course menu by executive chef Kaelhub Cudmore highlights locally sourced produce with hearty mains like Alberta striploin steak, Fraser Valley chicken paillard and pesto gnocchi, all made fresh in the onboard custom-built kitchen, accompanied by a drinks list stacked with Canadian wine.

I opt for a vintage rosé from BC’s Okanagan region, and clink glasses with my fellow travellers. The energy in the car suddenly turns raucous; someone’s just spotted a bald eagle perched in a scraggly nest on the right side of the train, but there’s a dramatic canyon begging for our attention on the left. It’s a recurring first-world problem we’re faced with throughout the trip: which way to look?

Thankfully, our hosts point out the best photo opportunities and must-see landmarks well ahead of time. As we roll by gushing rapids, rocky outcrops and glacial rivers they launch into tales of the Overlanders, Gold Rush villages and First Nations territories, providing a fascinating glimpse into the Pacific Northwest’s storied past. And to ensure we don’t miss a single view, we stop at sunset and spend our first night in a comfortable hotel in the prairie town of Kamloops, before departing again at dawn.

“This part of the trip is beautiful and lush and you start to get the feeling that you’re going up into the mountains but you’re not quite there yet. There’s a sense of anticipation that I love,” chef Kaelhub tells us the next morning at breakfast. To get closer to the action, I venture out to the open-air observation deck; if my morning coffee didn’t wake me up, the ice-cold autumn wind certainly does the trick. I pull my coat tighter as I lean over the rail to get the perfect shot: the cobalt blue and gold Rocky Mountaineer curving onto itself before disappearing into a tunnel.

The second day passes in a joyful blur of snow-capped mountains, deer sightings, ‘Gin Rocky’ cocktails and laughter with new friends as we head into the World Heritage-listed Banff National Park. We arrive at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, an exclusive mountain retreat, after dark and are greeted with a nightcap in their cosy Larkspur lounge.

Hours later, I’ve finally fallen asleep – lulled by a phantom rocking motion from two days aboard a train – when the phone rings with a message from the concierge desk: it’s the aurora wake-up call. Upstairs at the hotel’s portico, the northern lights are on full display. A huddle of guests whisper in excitement as ribbons of emerald green and deep magenta light dance in the star-strewn sky above us. From first light to midnight aurora, this truly is the train trip of a lifetime.

Plan your trip to Canada’s Rocky Mountains

Where to stay

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver Locally known as the ‘castle in the city’, this luxury hotel is located downtown.
The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff Searching for the northern lights? Stay here for their aurora wake-up call.

Where to eat

RawBar, Vancouver Sustainable sushi paired with cocktails.
Teahouse in Stanley Park, Vancouver An elegant dining experience with views of English Bay.

Where to visit

Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Stanley Park, Vancouver The 400-hectare public park is a green oasis in the city.
Lake Louise, Banff Book the ‘Voyageur Canoe’ experience in the warmer months, or enjoy ice skating in winter.
Banff Gondola, Banff For sweeping views of the resort town.

Where to shop

Gastown, Vancouver For designer stores, gift shops and cool cafes and wine bars.
Downtown Banff, Banff For the year-round ‘Spirit of Christmas’ store and genuine Canadian goods.

Getting there

Vancouver is a 14-hour non-stop flight from Australia. Flight prices start from approx. $2246* for a round trip from Sydney to Vancouver with Air Canada. Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘First Passage to the West’ runs
between Vancouver to Lake Louise and Banff. The five-night journey starts from $3576* per person and includes two days onboard Rocky Mountaineer. Visit rockymountaineer.com

The post This luxury train through Canada’s Rockies is worth the splurge appeared first on Home Beautiful.