“The Dyson stick vacuums and Airwraps have gone viral for good reason,” Dyson Brand Ambassador Chantel Mila tells Home Beautiful.

“I get so many questions on my Dyson stick vacuums as they make cleaning so much quicker and easier, and we use ours every day in our home resets, so they’re a must-have.”

“I also recently upgraded to the new Dyson Airwrap, and I can confidently say it lives up to every bit of the hype.”

Chantel Mila, Dyson Brand Ambassador

So, if you’re looking to upgrade your vacuum, home appliances or hair tools, I’ve put together an edit of the most valuable Dyson Boxing Day deals available directly through the brand’s website, as well as with retailers including Myer, David Jones and The Good Guys. Because with a brand as desirable as Dyson, products often sell out.

What you need to know for the Dyson Boxing Day sales of 2025

• Dyson vacuum and floorcare Boxing Day deals
• Best Dyson home appliance Boxing Day deals
• Best Dyson hair care and tech Boxing Day deals
• Where to find Dyson Boxing Day deals
• Tips to shop for Dyson in the Boxing Day sales

Best Dyson vacuum and floorcare Black Friday deals

01

Dyson V11 Advanced Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

$1199 at Amazon

The Dyson V8 Absolute stick vacuum cleaner is one of the brand’s more affordable models – but it still packs a punch. It features 40 minutes of run time and the latest hair-detangling technology, so spot-cleaning around the home is easy. If you’re looking for a compact and low-noise unit that is perfect for smaller spaces, the V8 is well worth considering.

“My favourite stick vacuum from Dyson is the V8, and this just got an upgrade with the new V8 Cyclone. It really does make cleaning effortless.”

Chantel Mila, Dyson Brand Ambassador

Also available at:

• $675 at The Good Guys
• $675 at Bing Lee
• $674 at Dyson

Shop Now

02

Dyson Gen5detect Absolute

$1,549 $876 at Kogan

Right now, you can save $673 on Dyson’s powerful HEPA cordless vacuum, the Gen5detect Absolute. With up to 70 minutes of run time and 280 Air Watts suction and automatic adjustments based on the amount of dust and dirt detected, this stick vacuum delivers on power.

Also available at:

• $887 at David Jones
• $877 at The Good Guys
• $879 at Bing Lee

Shop Now

03

Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

$1999 at Amazon

A robot vacuum is a must-have item this Black Friday – and the Dyson 360 Vis Nav includes full-circle visual navigation to intelligently clean around the home. It also has 26 sensors for obstacle avoidance and dual-link suspension, so it doesn’t get stuck.

Want to read more about the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot? Read our in-depth explainer, here.

Also available at:

• $985 at Big W
• $1999 at David Jones

Shop Now

04

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute stick vacuum cleaner

$1449 $776 at Dyson

If you want to know exactly what you’re sucking up from your floors, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute is what you’re after. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head reveals microscopic particles and adjusts suction as you clean – allowing you to achieve sparkling clean and dust-free floors with every pass.

Also available at:

• $777 at The Good Guys
• $777 at David Jones
• $789 at Myer

Shop Now

05

Dyson Wash G1 wet cleaner

$999 $478 at Dyson

The Dyson Wash G1 wet cleaner makes it easy to keep your hard floors shiny. Designed to remove wet and dry dirt from hard floors, this machine will glide and manoeuvre effortlessly around your home.

Want to read more about the Dyson Wash G1? Read our in-depth review by Tahni Mesann, here.

“If you have young kids and pets and find the thought of pulling out a mop too much of a hassle, investing in a Dyson WashG1 2-in-1 wet floor cleaner, especially if it’s on sale, is well worth it.”

Chantel Mila, Dyson Brand Ambassador

Also available at:

• $499 at Myer
• $478, The Good Guys
• $999 at Amazon

Shop Now

Best Dyson home appliance Black Friday deals

06

Dyson Purifier Cool

$949 $647 at Dyson

The Dyson Purifier Cool has a sleek design with no spinning blades and is made to purify your entire room. In summer, it can also cool you down with a powerful stream of purified airflow.

Also available at:

• $949 at Amazon
• $647 at The Good Guys
• $949 at Myer

Shop Now

07

Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde fan heater

$1199 $995 at Bing Lee

The Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde fan heater provides whole-room purification, heating in winter and cooling air in summer. It also features Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology that draws even distant pollutants into the machine.

Also available at:

• $999 at Dyson
• $999 at Myer
• $1149 at Myer

Shop Now

Best Dyson hair care and tech Black Friday deals

08

Dyson Airstrait straightener and dryer in Ceramic Pink

$749 $497 at Dyson

The Dyson Airstrait has taken the beauty world by storm – and with good reason. Leveraging Dyson’s ahead-of-the-curve technology developments, the Airstrait straightener and dryer is known to offer fast wet-to-dry straightening, without the level of heat damage you would often find with traditional hair straighteners.

Also available at:

• $499 at Myer
• $489 at Bing Lee
• $494 at David Jones

Shop Now

09

Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer

$849 $595 at Dyson

If there’s one hair tool to invest in, it’s none other than the Dyson Airwrap. It’s your all-in-one hair tool that curls, shapes and hides away flyaways to ensure you have bouncy and sleek locks at all times.

Also available at:

• $594 at David Jones
• $599 at Myer

Shop Now

10

Dyson OnTrack Headphones

$799 $399 at Dyson

When we asked Dyson Brand Ambassador what Dyson products go ‘under-the-radar’, she drew our attention to these stylish headphones. Designed to be best-in-class for noise-cancelling headphones, they have an enhanced sound range of 6Hz to 21kHz and up to 55 hours of battery life.

“I recently gifted a pair of Dyson OnTrac headphones to my husband, and I think they are the most underrated Dyson product and the perfect gift for those tricky to shop for people in your life,” she says.

“They’re perfect for teenagers, partners, commuters or anyone looking to add more fitness into their 2026 goals. What I love most about them is that they come in a range of colours and custom colour pairings, making them feel like a really personalised gift.”

Shop Now

Where to find the best Dyson Boxing Day deals

• Dyson’s Boxing Day sale: Offers savings of up to $773 on select Dyson products
• Myer’s Dyson Boxing Day sale: Various savings sitewide
• David Jones’ Dyson Boxing Day sale: Various savings on top haircare, floorcare, and home appliances
• Adore Beauty’s Dyson Boxing Day sale: Various savings on Dyson hair tools
• The Good Guys’ Dyson Boxing Day sale: Various savings on floorcare, home appliances and hair tools
• Amazon’s Dyson Boxing Day sale: Various savings on floorcare, home appliances, and hair tools
• Bing Lee Boxing Day sale: Save on Dyson vacuums, air purifiers and more
  

Tips to shop for Dyson in the Boxing Day sales

If your inbox is as cluttered as mine with Boxing Day deals, or your browser is as full of advertisements for them, it helps to have a clear focus. So if Dyson is on your wishlist, here are some simple tips to find the savings you really want.

1. Shop around for Dyson deals

Dyson has a dedicated Boxing Day section on-site, but I’ve already noticed some products have sold out. Having a list of other retailers that sell Dyson vacuums and other tech means you can easily switch to a different site to find what you want.

2. Focus on what will make your life easier

When we spoke with Chantel Mila, she made some great points about Christmas shopping that also apply to Boxing Day.

“At Christmas, we run the risk of ending up with gifts that go unused, adding unnecessary clutter to our homes and eventually contributing to landfill,” she says.

“My biggest tip this year is to look at what your daily pain points are in the home (messy floors, pet hair) and opt for products that make your life easier and will genuinely be used every single day.”

Chantel Mila, Dyson Brand Ambassador

“I think this year, shoppers are becoming a lot more intentional with their spending, opting for durable, high- quality items, built to last,” she added.

3. Check out multifunctional features

Dyson has innovated in the vacuum, haircare and home tech spaces, with appliances that can do more than one thing – and do them very well. But the value of this only really comes into play if you’re aware of what those features are, so it’s worth checking out product specs to help prioritise your Dyson Boxing Day deals.

“As we become more conscious of the number of items we keep in our home and the amount of space they take up, products that serve multiple purposes are becoming more popular,” Mila says.

“I’m noticing this when shopping too – I’m finding myself being drawn to items like washer and dryer combos or a vacuum and wet floor cleaner in one. Or in the beauty space, one tool that can both straighten and curl hair, like the Airwrap. Multi-functionality is definitely the way things are moving.”

When does Dyson’s Boxing Day sale begin?

Each year, Boxing Day falls on December 26th. This means that Dyson’s Boxing Day sales are already live on their official website, as well as on various retailers such as The Good Guys, David Jones, Amazon and more.

How does Dyson’s Boxing Day sale compare to other yearly sales?

Boxing Day is undoubtedly the biggest sale event of the year. However, Black Friday is becoming more and more popular in Australia, and is proving to be of similar scale to Boxing Day sales (in both the amount of savings we’re being greeted with, as well as how many retailers in Australia that take part in this epic sale event).

Popular Boxing Day shopping guides:

• Your ultimate guide to 2025’s best Boxing Day sales
• The best Boxing Day mattress sales of 2025
• The best Boxing Day sales on summer sheets

The post I’m floored by these Dyson Boxing Day deals, with savings of up to $773 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

If decluttering your wardrobe is on your to-do list, here’s help from an expert with a quick and easy hack that only takes five minutes and will transform your entire wardrobe!

“The reverse hanger hack” is designed to be done as soon as the New Year begins, but the concept will work any time of year – pop a date in your diary six months from the day you make the change.

If tackling your clutter once and for all this year is a challenge you’ve set yourself, professional organiser Anita Birges from Mise en Place, has a bunch of clever clearouts to get on board with. Her wardrobe hack promises to change your life instantly – with lasting results. 

The best wardrobe clean out hack:

1. One by one, take all your clothes on their hangers off the rail and reverse them so that they hang in the opposite direction – so the open part of the hanger faces out towards you
2. Set yourself a timer to remind you in six months’ time to recheck your hangers
3. Now, each day as you wear clothes one by one, replace them on the rail with the hangers facing back to the inside as you would normally do
4. Wear your clothes and replace them in this way for the next 6 months
5. In six months to the day, look at which of your hangers have not been turned around – this means you haven’t worn them for the entire season and can remove them from your life! Donate, sell or swap the items with your friends.

Watch Anita’s video from a few years ago with her wonderful explanation of how it’s done:

What to do with your clothes you don’t keep:

After clearing out your wardrobe, you’re likely going to be left with a pile of unwanted clothes. For the items that are still in a good condition, you can try your hand at selling them on Facebook Marketplace or Depop, before donating any other items to your local op-shop.

For the items that aren’t in the best condition (stained, stretched or discoloured), don’t throw them in the bin. Instead, you can take advantage of one of the great companies, such as UPPAREL, that will pick up your old textiles and recycle them properly.

Follow Anita on Instagram here.

The post The wardrobe hack to declutter and change your life appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Paramount to a successful decluttering campaign at home is getting it right the first time so you don’t lose momentum. Whether it’s the whole house you’re about to tackle or specific areas of your home, here are some tips to keep your motivation up and your outcome as satisfying as possible.

1. Rush out to buy storage containers

Don’t rush out and buy loads of pretty baskets or storage bins until you know what you need to store and where. Clean out your clothes, papers, toys or kitchenware before you go shopping for new storage containers, Nicole Anzia of Neatnik told Apartment Therapy. That way you can ensure everything fits in the space you have left.

2. Attempt to declutter everything at once

Rather than tackle your whole home at once, choose one space at a time that’s driving you mad to declutter and reorganise. A couple of hours spent over a weekend or one evening a week for a month will see you work your way through much more productively than burning out and becoming overwhelmed from the get-go. Enjoy the process and your newly organised spaces as you go.

Research by Ikea found that while many are excited about embarking on a declutter, 33% are nervous and overwhelmed about the task. The solution? Start small. Ikea has a list of ‘micro-tidy tasks‘ that take anywhere from five to 10 minutes to complete. 

You can also tackle the task systematically, room by room.

• How to declutter your kitchen cupboards
• How to clear out your fridge
• How to declutter your garden
• How to declutter your kids’ room

Here are some guides to get you started:

3. Get distracted

Don’t walk away once you’ve started, but make sure you complete each area thoroughly. Pulling out everything to sort and store will make a mess to start with so make sure you have time to finish the job properly – right down to taking away donations or putting items in the recycling bin before you move on to another area. If you don’t have time to declutter your whole wardrobe, just clean out your “junk drawer” in the kitchen, or your shoe storage instead – you’ll still enjoy the makeover. 

4. Start without a plan

Crossing things off a decluttering checklist is truly satisfying and encourages you to keep going. Be kind to yourself and realistic about the task ahead. If your home requires decluttering in every or several rooms, it’s not something you’ll be able to conquer in a weekend, or even over a few. Be prepared to spread different areas of the home to declutter over months to come and continue to do your normal life in the meantime.

5. Expect perfection

You may have been inspired by incredibly organised people on social media but your results should be achievable within your budget, style, family and household. Perfectly lined up shelves and colour-coordinated pantry storage may look impressive, but if you have three kids under five, less-than-interested teenagers or one upright cupboard to store all of your food, work within your limitations and find a system that works for you.

The post What not to do when decluttering appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A designated space to organise your clothing and accessories makes you more efficient, beautifully organised and allows you to look after your clothes better. Even where there is no space for a luxurious walk-in wardrobe, customising your entire wardrobe using modular components will ensure no space is wasted. Using modular flat packs that you can assemble by yourself, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit in with careful planning and design.

We spoke to Kinsman Wardrobes Senior Designer Matt Rushmore to learn tricks of the trade to know where to start and how to move forward from there.

Top tips when planning your walk-in wardrobe

1. Design for your storage needs

“A walk-in wardrobe can certainly achieve this with flexibility for differing layouts, compartment heights and various storage accessories, allowing everything to have its place,” says Matt. “If your walk-in is to accommodate two people, you’ll want to start by designing two separate sections, and assess how much full-length and half-length hanging space each will need for dresses, coats and pants; then work in dedicated shelves for shoes, and spaces for other items like bags and hats.”

“Pull-out hanging racks are great for scarves and ties while drawers and wire baskets keep folded items neat and allow easy access,” says Matt.

2. Keep it sleek by concealing

“For the best impression, consider sliding doors to conceal everything in your walk-in wardrobe, creating a sleek, streamlined look for the bedroom,” says Matt. “No matter how neat you are, you’ll appreciate having door panels to hide parts of your wardrobe which you don’t really want on show, such as internal laundry hampers.”

3. Light your way to organised living

“Lighting is a key consideration when planning any walk-in wardrobe, as this layout tends to be closed-in by design and will block out some of the main lighting in the room, which becomes most apparent at night. With a sliding door style, you also have the option of using mirrored doors to reflect light, which can really brighten up a small, pokey bedroom.”

“Consider extra overhead lights, internal lights, and for an extra special touch, use LED strip lighting to illuminate the underside of your beautiful new wardrobe,” says Matt.

3 must-have features for designing your ultimate wardrobe

1. Get sky-high with your storage

“A well-designed walk-in wardrobe always puts storage first,” says Matt. “So for your ultimate walk-in, make sure it maximizes storage space with the height extended right up to the ceiling. The top shelf may be tricky to reach without a step ladder, but you’ll love having a space to store items that you don’t need access to on a day-to-day basis.”

2. Up the luxe factor with your finishes

“Another exciting feature of a modern walk-in wardrobe is the choice of external and internal finishes, which can successfully match the other elements of your home’s style. For example, Kinsman Wardrobes offers an external finish called Beton which looks like textured concrete – a popular finish used within modern industrial-style kitchens and bathrooms.”

“For interiors, the fabric-like Greige Linen finish is a stunning new choice which can match back with bedding or upholstered furniture, making your wardrobe feel luxe and design-led,” suggests Matt. “Similarly, wardrobe handles with various finishes from brushed gold to matt black can be selected to match your existing interior design elements.”

3. Create the ultimate ‘glam space’ experience

“The ultimate walk-in robe will always feature a full-length mirror within its layout, so you can try on various outfits to your heart’s content,” says Matt. “Make sure there’s sufficient flattering lighting above the space – with Kinsman Wardrobes’ tech accessories you can control the lighting via your phone.”

“You can even use the cabinetry as speakers for music to get you in the right mood when getting glam.”

For more information and inspiration on how to design your ultimate wardrobe, visit www.kinsman.com.au

The post How to plan the perfect walk in wardrobe appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Hundreds of comments followed, although the majority agreed the cutlery drawer should be arranged as follows (left to right): large knives, knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons at the bottom. Organisational preferences aside, a beautifully organised cutlery drawer can make a kitchen more efficient.

Elain Maytom, Senior Showroom Designer at Freedom Kitchens, tells us what we’re doing wrong – but more importantly, how to get it right.

1. They don’t use drawer dividers

“Divide and conquer!” says Elain. “Dividers like those designed into cutlery drawer trays are the best way to keep items separated into logical groupings, making everything easy to spot at a glance. Use inserts with variable dividers which are stylish and affordable, and won’t slip and slide around inside the drawer.”

Depending on the style of your cabinetry, choose colours and finishes to match and a combination of individual trays to make up the best solution for your needs.

2. They have too many utensils

“We often inherit bits and pieces or accumulate them when we lose something and replace it, only to find the old item later,” says Elain, who suggests culling the contents of your cutlery drawer before you rearrange it to see exactly what you’re working with.

“Sort cutlery and utensils into two piles,” she suggests. “Those you like and use regularly (or can see yourself using in the future), and those which you never anticipate using or don’t like the look of because they don’t match anything else.”

“Be brutal when it comes to the old ‘junk drawer’,” says Elain. “The kitchen isn’t the place for it. Reserve your kitchen drawers for kitchen items only.”

Elain adds: “It makes no sense having three different types of potato peelers or bottle openers – only choose to keep the tools that work best and look good.”

3. The layout is confusing

Knives, forks, spoons left-to-right or right-to-left? Handles in first or facing out? These are questions that can baffle even the most determined de-clutterer!

“There are no hard and fast rules here, and it also depends on the compartments of your cutlery tray,” says Elain. “However, most people intuitively work from left to right. If you prefer to lay everything out the way you would a table setting, then go for it – forks on the left, followed by knives with blades facing inwards (or to the left), followed by spoons.

“It always makes sense to have the handles facing out and nearest to you, so that’s what you grab hold of when taking them out.”

4. They throw everything in together

“The utensil drawer can quickly get overly cluttered and messy with all of the odd shapes like egg whisks and wooden spoons, so it’s very handy to have dividers here,” suggests Elain.

“Again, have all handles facing out to you, and group like items together – i.e. group baking utensils separately from the everyday cooking utensils. Sharp chef’s knives are best stored in a knife block to avoid any accidents, or making the blades blunt.”

5. Large items take up all the space

“Try to group like items together where it makes sense,” says Elain.

“For example, your barbecue brush and scraper. Tea towels should have their own dedicated drawer, and it’s also nice to have a separate drawer for your foil, cling wrap, and baking paper.”

Three steps to a perfect cutlery drawer

1. Assess: Assess all your existing cutlery, utensils and any other odds and ends you currently store in your kitchen drawers by taking them all out, one drawer at a time.
2. Sort: Sort into groupings of like items. Give away or sell anything you don’t really need – if you don’t use it now or intend to in the future, then it’s just wasting space.
3. Organise: Place your items back into the drawer trays with dividers, keeping the groupings together as much as possible. You can make an exception where it makes sense according to the size of the compartments.

Shop the best cutlery drawer organisers

01

Oxo Expandable Utensil Drawer Organiser

$59.95, David Jones

Best for: Cutlery organisation, easy cleaning

This expandable utensil drawer features handy utensil caddies to keep your cutlery stacked and organised, while removable trays make cleaning a breeze. There’s also a large section those irregular shaped kitchen tools, such as can openers and whisks, while the expandable size means that the organiser will fit inside any sized kitchen cabinetry.

Sizes: Expands to 46cm x 42 x 6cm

Colours: White and Grey

Key features:

• Expandable
• Removable trays
• Square corners

Shop Now

02

Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Expanding Cutlery Organiser in Bamboo

$99.95, Myer

Best for: Visibility, expandable

Those lucky enough to have deep kitchen drawers will benefit from this bamboo cutlery organiser’s clever raised approach to utensil storage, increasing visibility and space.

Sizes: Suitable for drawers with a minimum height of 8cm 

Colours: Natural

Materials: Natural bamboo

Key features:

• Deep-sided cases
• Expandable design
• Overlapping compartments

Shop Now

03

Lina White Cutlery Organisers

$14.99 (set of 2), Temple and Webster

Best for: Small spaces, narrow drawers

Those living with a lack of kitchen storage will appreciate the space saving opportunity that these narrow cutlery drawer organisers offer.

Sizes: 5.8cm x 11.4cm x 39.8cm

Colours: White

Materials: Plastic

Key features:

• Set of two
• Lightweight
• Compact design

Shop Now

04

Joseph Joseph 2 Tier Drawer Store Knife Organiser

$59.95, Myer

Best for: Knife storage

If you struggle to find a place to put your knives in your cutlery drawer then this two-tier knife organiser is going to make your life easier.

Sizes: Suitable for knife blades up to 23cm

Colours: Natural

Materials: Bamboo

Key features:

• Non-slip feet
• Two levels
• Can hold nine knives

Shop Now

05

Shearer 2.0 Multipurpose Pull-Out Kitchen Drawer

$249-$269, Temple and Webster

Best for: Complete drawer storage

Those wanting to completely overhaul their cutlery drawer storage will appreciate the organisation opportunity of this all-in-one pull-out kitchen drawer, which comes with a storage tray, drain tray, dish stands, bowl stands, and a utensil tray.

Sizes: 16.5cm x 56.4cm x 44cm or 16.5cm H x 86.4cm W x 44cm D

Colours: White

Materials: Aerospace grade aluminium, MDF surface

Key features:

• Supports 30kg of items
• Includes invisible drain tray
• All-in-one storage solution

Shop Now

The post 5 things everyone gets wrong when arranging a cutlery drawer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

• products that can be recycled after use
• products made from recycled materials
• products that are made to last
• products designed with the environmental impact in mind

What to look for to avoid plastic products:

3 steps to banish plastic cleaning products from your home

Step 1: Commit to making a change. Draw a line in the sand for the whole family to find ways to use less plastic.

Step 2: Take stock. A good look at what you already have in your drawers and cupboards that can be used more effectively is a great way to get the whole family involved.

Step 3: Phase them out. Rather than buying to refill, replace what you have with reusable alternatives that will last a lifetime.

5 plastic baddies to banish asap

1. Plastic dish brush

Replacing your dish brush with a natural alternative not only looks more stylish in the home, but it’s also better for the environment. Choosing an alternative such as coconut fibre brushes means they’re made from biodegradable materials that are chemical-free. Better still, opt for something made from recycled materials that will last longer too, and when you’re finally finished with them, they’ll go into your compost bin! Can your plastic model do that?

Use this instead:

One Brush

$59.95, Yeseco

This is the last dish brush you’ll ever need to buy. The brainchild and labour of love from beach-loving designer Jamie Phillips, who was frustrated with seeing plastic littering our coastline, this is the last word in sustainable product design. The clever magnet clips inside your kitchen sink to drain, dry naturally and keep your benchtop clear, while the reservoir for dish soap dispenses suds as and where you need them.

Colours: Black, White

Materials: 100% recycled plastic with sisal sisal fibre bristles

Key features:

• Made from 100% recycled plastic
• Clips inside your sink for handy, hygienic storage
• Comfortable, ergonomic handle

Shop Now

2. Cleaning scourers

Possibly a kitchen baddie you hadn’t thought of, the sponge and the scourer part of your everyday cleaning pads may be made from polyurethane, a petroleum-based ingredient. Worse still, many don’t last longer than a couple of weeks before you replace them.

Use this instead:

Eco coconut scourers in Natural, pack of 2

$7.10, Amazon

For plastic-free scrubbing, switch to a natural scourer and you’ll never look back. Comfortable in the hand, naturally anti-bacterial and free from chemicals, they last so much longer than the plastic version and look better on your benchtop as they do so. When you’re ready to ditch it, simply pop it into your compost bin!

Materials: Coconut fibre

Key features:

• Twin pack
• Quick drying and durable
• Natural fibre

Shop Now

3. Paper napkins

This is a no-brainer. Disposable napkins have no place in the home, and a quality linen napkin reduces waste and elevates mealtimes to an elegant affair. Don’t save them for special occasions – instead, dip into Grandma’s heirloom napery collection to mix and match colours and styles to your heart’s content with pretty designs, floral fabrics and new season colours to enjoy every day.

Use this instead:

Embroidered scallop linen napkin in Sky Blue, set of 4

$94, Blue Maisonette

For a touch of class at the table, these beauties have a stunning, hand-sewn scalloped edge in crisp white that thrills without frills.

Materials: 100% linen

Key features:

• Dimensions: 40 x 40cm
• Hand-sewn edge
• Machine washable

Shop Now

4. Cling wrap

Often forgotten in the scheme of things, replacing plastic food wrap is a great place to start when banishing plastic baddies from your kitchen. Rather than always wrapping food and leftovers in plastic, seek alternatives to keep them fresh in the fridge, lunch boxes and when transporting food. Another obstacle to overcome is the dreaded opaque containers lurking in the fridge with lids that no one bothers to open – food that can be seen is more likely to be used.

Use this instead:

Gourmet kitchen silicone lid

$19.95, Temple & Webster

For cooking and covering food, pop one of these non-stick lids onto your leftovers and push them into the microwave for a quick reheat and you’ll forget cling wrap ever existed. Then simply throw it in the dishwasher when you’re finished for fuss-free clean-ups.

Materials: Silicone

Key features:

• Heat-resistant up to 200 degrees Celsius
• Loop for handy hanging inside a cupboard door
• Use on stovetop to keep food warm

Shop Now

5. Shopping bags

Once you’ve mastered the transition to a cloth or reusable shopping bag for groceries, it’s time to take the next step and banish all plastic shopping bags. We mean shoes, clothing, hardware, books, Christmas shopping – anything you buy!

Use this instead:

Envirosax reusable shopping bag, set of 5

$73.81, Amazon

Keep a supply of rolled-up reusable bags in your handbag and glovebox and get in the habit of re-rolling and returning them after each use so they’re ready for next time. For a small initial outlay, these bags can hold up to 20kg of goods, are washable and last decades!

Colours: Hundreds of colours available!

Materials: Polyester

Key features:

• Super strong
• Dimensions: Approximately 50 x 40cm
• Machine washable

Shop Now

The post 5 things to banish from your kitchen right now appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It’s probably a sign that you need to refresh and organise your wardrobe – stat. However, knowing where to start is perhaps the most challenging part. 

Lucky for you, we’re here to help. Read on to find out how to turn your wardrobe 180 from disorganised to organised in six easy steps.

The best wardrobe organisation products 2024

1. Storage bins

Storage bins are a great way to use up shelving space higher than eye level. They’re a great place to store knitted or bulky jumpers and winter accessories like scarves and gloves during summer. Or, if you use your wardrobe to store extra bath towels, this is an excellent spot for it too. 

01

Efluky foldable laundry basket in beige

$47.99, Amazon

Organising your wardrobe and keeping it orderly are two very different agendas, though each are very possible with the correct solutions in place. With this bamboo rimmed laundry storage basket, avoid piling the days clothes on an easy-access shelf, and instead enjoy a laundry-free wardrobe space.

Key features:

• Dimensions: 54 x 37 x 30cm
• Handles for convenience
• Durable and sturdy structure
• Bamboo rim

Shop now

02

Stackable storage bins 8 pack

$97.99 , Amazon

Run out of shelf space? These multifunctional wardrobe storage boxes are the solution for storing or categorising miscellaneous or excess clothing items.

Key features:

• Eight pack multifunctional wardrobe storage
• Made of PP plastic – waterproof and durable
• Slide rails at the bottom of the closet organiser
• Stackable baskets
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 43 x 32.5cm

Shop now

03

Amazon basics under bed fabric storage containers

$24.90, Amazon

Perfect for filling up high shelves in the wardrobe or even under the bed, this storage bag from Amazon is great for storing away off-season pieces. 

Key features:

• Made from vinyl
• Pack of two storage bags
• Flat loop handles for access and portability
• Dimensions: 106.7 x 45.7 x 15.2cm

Shop Now

2. Over-the-door storage

If you’re tight on real estate in your wardrobe, over-the-door storage options are a game changer. Keeping items off the floor and using up every inch of your wardrobe to its full capacity is key to a beautifully organised wardrobe.

04

TAHAVICE over the door storage organiser

$39.99, Amazon

Although this over-the-door organiser is advertised for storing shoes, you can also use it to store small accessories like silk scarves, gloves, beanies, belts, and more. 

Key features:

• Nine spacious compartments
• Five large side pockets
• Integrated hooks
• Dimensions: 140 x 16.5 x 38cm

Shop Now

3. Shoe storage

Most of us fall into the trap of keeping our shoes either in a tangled mess at the bottom of our wardrobe or we attempt to organise our shoes by placing them in their original shoe boxes…only to realise everything is a mismatched mess. 

Enter: shoe organisers. 

The key to organising anything in your home is finding uniform storage containers, and for shoes, this is no different. So, if you’re ready to tackle the task of organising your shoe collection (after a much-needed declutter), below are some of our top shoe organisers that make a huge difference. 

05

Ufurniture shoe box 27 pack

$69.99, Amazon

The art of transparent storage boxes means you can see everything you own at a glance. This pack of 27 shoe storage boxes are perfect for those with a sizeable collection. Plus, they are also are stackable, so you can arrange them in any configuration you like to fit your wardrobe space perfectly.

Key features:

• Dimensions: 33 x 23 x 14cm
• 27 pack of shoe boxes
• Stackable and sturdy

Shop now

06

KQGO shoe slot organiser 10 pack

$21.39 , Amazon

If you prefer having your shoes out of boxes, these shoe organisers are perfect. Plus, they’re incredibly space-saving so you can make space for fresh additions. 

Key features:

• Designed to double up storage space
• Store five pairs of shoes at a time
• Product dimensions: 13.2 x 10.2 x 25.9cm

Shop now

4. Hanging storage systems

Similar to over-the-door storage systems, having storage solutions that use up vertical space within your wardrobe is a fail-safe way to keep clothes off the floor. They’re perfect for smaller clothing items like underwear and socks. 

07

Fixwal hanging closet organiser

$49.13, Amazon

Basic but does wonders for your wardrobe is this seven-tier hanging closet shelf from Amazon. Easy to set up, easy to use and surprisingly sturdy, you can’t go wrong with one (or two) of these in your wardrobe.

Key features:

• Seven levels of storage – three oversized compartments and 12 small compartments
• Non-woven fabric
• Dimensions: 30 x 41.9 x 121.9cm

Shop Now

5. Drawers

Perfect for walk-in wardrobes, or if you’re able to give up some hanging space in your wardrobe for pull-out drawers, we’d definitely recommend a drawer system within your wardrobe. Plus, they’re vital for storing delicate garments that are prone to stretching when hung. Taking care of your clothes does not end in the laundry room, storing them correctly is just as important.

08

SimpleHouseware 3-tire closet storage organiser

$34.87, Amazon

Available in a variety of colourways, this two-drawer unit is great to have on display in the bedroom or inside your wardrobe. With a fabric platform on top, it’s a great spot to display accessories like jewellery, watches, hats, and more. 

Key features:

• Sturdy metal frame
• Two collapsible bins
• Dimensions: 31.1 x 79.4 x 71.8cm

SHOP NOW

6. Hangers

There are a variety of hangers to choose from – wooden hangers for heavy items like winter coats, velvet hangers for lightweight pieces, hangers designed for bottoms, and much more. With the wide variety of clothing pieces in our collection, it makes sense that the hangers we use mirror this. Opting for a variety of different hangers that work for a multitude of clothing items is key. 

08

Adjustable multi-layer hanger non-slip

$26.62, Amazon

If you have the capacity and space, we’d recommend hanging your bottoms. It makes it easy to see all your options in an instant, making the task of choosing your outfit in the morning an easy one. These hangers from Amazon feature an adjustable rod that makes putting your pants on and off the hangers super easy. Plus, its space-saving design is a great bonus.

Key features:

• Two pack of storage hangers
• Rust-resistant surface
• Swivel hook – can be hung vertically or horizontally
• U-shaped rounded corners

Shop Now

Why should I organise my wardrobe?

In case it wasn’t obvious – an organised wardrobe will make a world of difference to your morning routine. Being able to see exactly what clothes you have (no more t-shirts at the back of your drawers, collecting dust) means you’ll get more wear out of your clothes, rather than always reaching for the same grey t-shirt day in, day out. 

Also, it’s a great way to pinpoint which items may be on their way out to your local donation bin.

How to organise a built-in wardrobe?

Organising a built-in wardrobe may seem a breeze, but sometimes more Jenga is required than that of stand-alone wardrobe. With pre-built sections, and pre-determined hanging space, it is important to find organising solutions that will be suited to the space. Firstly, we recommend searching for storage boxes that will sit pretty on your shelving unit. Next, it is a good idea to allocate a hanging storage organiser that can hold the extra bips and bops that you lack drawer space and shelfing space for.

Read more organisation tips here:

Previous

5 laundry organisation tips that will make life easier

Brought to you by LG

How to organise your pantry (and keep it organised) for a clutter-free life

Best ever ways to store and organise your jewellery

Next

The post How to organise and transform your wardrobe in 6 easy steps appeared first on Home Beautiful.

We are here to remind you (and ourselves) that it’s not something to beat yourself up about. With resolutions and goals, there will be ebbs and flows – it’s inevitable. That’s why it’s important to have regular check-ins with yourself to ensure you’re staying on track as much as possible while also giving yourself some slack because that’s only healthy. 

As they say, we are the product of our environment. If you’re constantly in a cluttered space, chances are, it also reflects the clutter in your mind. So, if you’re following…a neat and tidy space allows for a clear headspace too, and we don’t know about you, but a clear headspace is a goal for most. 

So, if you’ve been waking up in the morning only to be greeted by an over-stuffed, cluttered pantry – this is your sign to tackle the task at hand. Read on for our tips on how to organise your pantry, keep it organised year-round, and our top pantry organisation products that’ll help you live a clutter-free life.

The best pantry organisers 2024

01

Ultra Clear SQ sets

$270, Tupperware

Keep your pantry staples fresh with this lightweight, beautifully transparent pantry organiser set from Tupperware. These containers are easy to open with air-tight lids and are also made for stacking to ensure you’re making the most of your pantry space.

Key features:

• Ultra clear design
• Stackable space-saving layout
• Airtight lids

Shop Now

02

The Baskets in Olive

$69, Mustard Made

You can never go wrong with a stylish basket for your pantry. This set of three features two small baskets and one big basket, suitable for pantry staples of all shapes and sizes. Available in a range of colourways to suit your taste, the time to get organised is now!

Key features:

• Set of 3 (1 large, 2 small)
• Slimline carry handles
• Assorted colours to choose from

Shop Now

03

2-tier rotating rack organiser

$24.99, Amazon

A great option to optimise vertical storage within the pantry is by using a two-level organiser like this one from Amazon. Plus, this one is on a swivel that allows it to rotate 360 making the struggle of reaching for sauces, oils or condiments from the back of the pantry a thing of the past.

Key features:

• Made from bamboo
• 360-degree rotation
• Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 17cm

Shop now

04

Under shelf storage basket pack

$25.99, Amazon

Another option to maximise vertical space is a hanging basket. Perfect for storing shelf-stable produce like onions or potatoes, as well as zip-lock bags and cling film. Plus, these baskets are stackable too.

Key features:

• Dimensions: 14 x 26 x 41cm
• Open-front design
• Made from metal

Shop now

05

Acton medium decorative metal baskets

from $14.95, Pillow Talk

Baskets or storage bins go a long way when organising your pantry. These mesh ones are both stylish and practical, simply fill with packaged foods like boxes of cereal, muesli or snack items like chips. Remember to label them too by category to ensure they stay neat and tidy.

Key features:

• Available in three sizes; small, medium and large
• Available in black or white
• Dimensions: 22 x 31.5 x 13.5cm

Shop Now

06

Clear plastic storage bin pack

$39.19, Amazon

With removable dividers, these clear food storage bins are a must for smaller food items that often get lost in the depths of a pantry cupboard. Again, remember to label these to ensure your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Key features:

• Pack of four
• BPA free
• Dimensions: ‎31.75 x 20.96 x 8.89 cm

Shop Now

07

Expert Homewares 2-tier stainless steel kitchen storage organiser

from $58.95, Temple & Webster

If space allows, this two-tier organiser is a game changer. Available in black or white to suit most kitchens, you can place it inside or outside your pantry. With its sliding drawer design, it’s perfect for storing your favourite sauces and spices.

Key features:

• Made from stainless steel
• Available in black or white
• Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 33cm

Shop now

08

Under shelf storage basket pack

$39.95, Joseph Joseph

If it wasn’t obvious, we’re big advocates for using up that vertical space within your pantry. Another great under-shelf option is this spice rack by Joseph Joseph. Slimline in its design, you’ll barely know it’s there while it’s hard at work keeping your spices organised.

Key features:

• Holds up to seven standard spice jars
• Easy pull-out compartment with drawer stop
• Dimensions: 9.3 x 32 x 13.5cm

Shop now

09

Acton medium decorative metal baskets

$39.99, Amazon

When organising a pantry, it’s hard to shy away from classic airtight storage containers like these ones from Sistema. With glass-like clarity and a sleek design, they’re popular for a reason. 

Key features:

• BPA free
• Air-tight seal
• Dishwasher and microwave-safe

Shop Now

What is the best way to organise a pantry?

Start with a clean slate

It may seem obvious, but the first thing to do when organising your pantry (or any cupboard, for that matter) is to take everything out. This way, you can visualise the real estate within your pantry to start deciding what will go where. 

Thoughtfully categorise levels

When we say ‘thoughtfully’ categorise, we mean taking the time to think about which pantry items should take up which level.

Assuming your pantry has multiple shelves, order your items from ‘most-reached-for’ to ‘least-reached-for’. Once you have this sorted, place all your most-reached-for items at eye level, as close to the front of the cupboard as possible. Further, bulkier and heavier items like large bags of flour (if you’re an avid baker) should make their way to the bottom levels for easy access when needed. 

Having your pantry items organised this way not only means food prep is easier, but it’s also easier to keep your pantry tidy for a longer period of time – it’s a win-win. 

Storage containers

Not revolutionary but very, we repeat, very necessary. Storage containers come in an array of shapes, sizes and colours. Find ones that work well with your space – this is key. Our tip? Make sure the containers are uniform and actually work well with the shape of your pantry. Opting for ill-fitting containers is a surefire way to make your pantry messier rather than more organised.

How do I maximise pantry space?

On a similar theme of storage containers, finding pantry shelf inserts is a great way to maximise vertical space within your pantry. Also, there are great options (more on this later) for under-shelf storage which is a game-changer in our books. 

Plus, you can also find slimline shelves that stick onto the inside of your pantry door to maximise every inch possible. 

How do I keep my pantry organised?

Organising your pantry is the first step, but keeping it organised for the year (and beyond)? That’s another story. Here are our tips to ensure your pantry is tidy all year round.

1. Invest in storage containers that work for your pantry. There is no one-size-fits-all, so really take the time to find the ones you want to invest in
2. Organise shelves based on the items you reach for the most
3. Maximise pantry space where possible with vertical storage
4. Throw things out when they expire (don’t wait)
5. Clearly label your containers so your pantry organisation system is easy to use for everyone in the household
   

Read more on storage ideas here:

Previous

10 shelving ideas that will add storage and style to your kitchen

Storage solutions that will stop kids’ toys taking over the house

6 efficiency-boosting small laundry storage ideas

Next

The post How to organise your pantry (and keep it organised) for a clutter-free life appeared first on Home Beautiful.

So take a deep breath and think for a minute. Is your home somewhere you enjoy being, or is clutter getting in the way? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to shine a light on those things that aren’t making you happy, and to say goodbye to them once and for all.

1. Heirlooms

Just because your great auntie’s gravy boat has been passed down to you though the generations, doesn’t mean you have to keep it. Especially if you never use it.

“We hold onto heirlooms/gifts even though we don’t like or enjoy them because we feel guilty giving them away,” says psychologist and author Dr. Susan Bartell.

“They weigh us down emotionally and cause physical clutter. We keep things that don’t match our sense of style, and we then don’t have space for items that would truly bring us joy.”

2. Broken items

How many times have you pulled out a chipped plate and felt annoyed at the sight of it?

“My theory is that it’s a feeling of lack,” says Anjie Cho, architect, certified feng shui consultant and founder of Holistic Spaces.

 “We’re scared of not having enough, it’s a poverty mentality. Which really is about not feeling “enough” or worthy in ourselves. The fear of letting go of things. But cultivating the poverty mentality only perpetuates it, and surrounding yourself with broken items creates a similar broken energy in our inner and outer lives.”

3. Collections

We often collect things during specific times in our lives – but that interest doesn’t always last a lifetime.

“The collection is associated with memories of a time in life or a person, and so the difficulty with parting can be the unconscious feeling you are abandoning the memory or person,” says Dr. Gail Saltz, psychiatrist and host of “The Power of Different” podcast. 

“It helps to create your own very tiny memorial to the memory, like a note describing them or one piece that signifies the rest of the collection kept in a special place so you can know that removing the rest is not forgetting the person or memory.”

4. Your childhood keepsakes

It’s so easy to accumulate stuff from your childhood, but so hard to let it go.

“Facing up to the fact that a former treasure no longer holds its old magic is to acknowledge that we ourselves have changed. And often that realization forces us to ask ourselves, okay, what now would be a source of happiness?” says Waters.

“Change always brings up questions of who we are and what we want out of our lives. To find that the collection of dolls we’ve had since childhood no longer enchants, is to be forced to grow up. Always a tricky prospect.”

5. Piles of paperwork

It’s amazing how quickly that stack of ignored paperwork can grow.

“Paperwork is overwhelming and tedious. Old greeting cards and correspondence is often just like broken items, it represents old memories that people are afraid to let go,” says Collette Shine, professional organizer and founder of Organize and Shine.

“Big piles of paper clutter can bring on anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, shame and definitely stress.”

6. Freebies or discounted items

We tend to place extra value on a freebie or something you’ve scored in a sale.

“This type of clutter is annoying and my clients have a hard time getting rid of this stuff,” Shine says.

“The conference swag also always seems like it would be useful, but it usually just ends up rattling around your kitchen or junk drawer. It’s hard to let an item go when it’s free or on sale, because of the perception that you got a good deal or you think it must be worth something.”

7. Books you no longer love

Books take up a lot of space in our home – literally and emotionally. And while books are a must in any home, if your bookshelf is overflowing, it may be time to cull back.

“Books inspire such strong emotions, because they have been portals into other worlds, they gave us other lives and expanded imaginations,” says Christina Waters, PhD, author of Inside the Flame: The Joy of Treasuring What You Already Have.

“We tend to keep those that have been with us during important times in our lives. It’s like giving up a piece of our lives to let go of a beloved book.”

Books can be sold, passed onto a friend or family member or donated to a local library. To prevent more books from taking their place, consider going digital or signing up for a library card and borrowing books instead.

8. Your children’s things

Kids have their own special type of clutter – and, if you don’t have toy storage solutions in place, it tends to spread quickly.

“Kid clutter makes parents anxious, because it is so difficult to clean up and to find a space to keep it, so it worsens the feeling of being out of control — a feeling that so many parents already have around raising kids, when things aren’t going smoothly,” says Dr. Bartell.

9. Unused craft items

We often start craft projects with the best of intentions – but what happens when we don’t complete them?

“Abandoned or unused hobby supplies are a form of aspirational clutter. It’s much easier to collect the materials for a hobby than to make the time and effort to pursue it,” says Francine Jay, the blogger behind Miss Minimalist and author of The Joy of Less.

“And we feel that as long as we have a closet full of yarn, we’re a knitter — even if we haven’t touched our needles in months (or years!).”

10. Heavy curtains

Heavy drapes can make us feel cocooned and comfortable, but they’re not altogether good for our entire wellbeing.

“Generally, the heavier your furniture and window treatments are, the heavier the atmosphere feels,” says Laura Benko, holistic design expert and author of The Holistic Home: Feng Shui for Mind Body Spirit Space.

“There are certain times when a space calls for a substantial, weightier drape, but choose your window coverings carefully and remember, ‘light and airy’ will make you feel light and airy!”

• Seek support. If you find decluttering overwhelming, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to help share the load and decision-making. Speaking to a mental health professional can also help if you’re finding it difficult to part with your possessions.
• “Value your space as much as your stuff,” says Francine Jay. “We need space to engage in activities we love – be that play with our children, do yoga in our bedroom, or dance a tango in the living room. It’s what we do, not what we own, that makes life memorable and meaningful.”
• Take small steps. There’s no need to declutter every room in the house in one go. Even decluttering one cupboard at a time or setting a 15-minute timer to focus on one part of the house can be hugely productive and take a weight off your shoulders.

How to let go

The post 10 things in your home that are making you unhappy appeared first on Home Beautiful.

From meal kit subscription services to smart cooking devices, here are seven of the best ways to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal you’ve lovingly crafted. 

1. Declutter the kitchen

Kitchen cabinets that overflowing with unused pots, pans, utensils and other appliances? Take everything out and decide what you need and what you’ll never use. This is also a good time to throw out anything that’s stained, broken or, as Marie Kondo says, doesn’t “spark joy”.

Once you’ve cleared out the kitchen, ensure everything has a home. There are various products available to help organise everything in your kitchen, including canisters for things like flour, spice racks and hooks for utensils. This will save you time looking for the right pan, measuring jug, scissors and whatever else you need during cooking.

2. Only buy useful small appliances

After you’ve decluttered your kitchen, invest in good quality products to help make your cooking efficient.

High-tech appliances are worth the investment if they’ll be used. For example, if you like a coffee every morning, a coffee machine might save you time. If you like smoothies or juices, a proper blender is a worthwhile purchase. Appliances such as slow cookers and air fryers allow you to cook delicious meals without having to stand over a hot stove.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a great pots and pans that will replace a cupboard full of cheap ones – and save you in the long run. 

3. Try guided cooking

In case you haven’t heard of it, guided cooking is a new trend that’s been gaining momentum over the past couple of years.

Appliance makers and tech companies alike are jumping on the bandwagon, helping home cooks save time by creating appliances that take you through recipes with clear on-screen instructions, plus temperature and timings are set automatically by the machine. 

Some guided cooking machines you may have heard of include the Tefal Cook4Me or the Thermomix.

4. Make a meal plan

Planning ahead is one of the best ways to save time in the kitchen. Having a meal plan for the week saves time (and stress) thinking of what to make every night. You can then get all your groceries at once and save time on emergency trips to the shop! It also means you can start prepping meals earlier.

Start preparing breakfast the night before, or marinate meat in the morning for dinner that night. Obviously life sometimes (often) gets in the way – whether it’s a last-minute dinner invite or everyone is craving pizza – so leave room in your weekly plan for this. It’s also a good idea to account for leftovers with a “Leftovers Day”.

5. Try a meal kit subscription

Can’t seem to get the hang of meal planning and find yourself ordering UberEats more than you’d care to admit? Meal Kit subscription services such as Marley Spoon and Hello Fresh are more convenient than planning and cooking everything from scratch and will save you money on all of those takeaway orders. 

6. Shop smarter

Making small changes when buying groceries is an easy way to save time in the kitchen. There are myriad products available to help you take shortcuts, but the key is to choose items that save time but without compromising on taste.

Try buying pre-chopped veggies, packaged stock and curry pastes so you don’t have to start from scratch. Recipe bases are particularly good for weeknight meals and can easily be jazzed up with extra spices.

You can buy crushed ginger, garlic and chilli to use in everyday dishes and reserve crushing the fresh ingredients for recipes that need a stronger flavour. 

7. Make the most of leftovers

Repurposing leftovers to create new meals is a great way to save time, since most of the food is already cooked. It also helps to reduce food waste, which is an issue for most households – 35 per cent of the average household bin in Australia is food waste.

Have a few go-to leftover recipes up your sleeve and you can include them in your weekly meal plan.

Cooksmarts has a handy infographic that you can get printed with ideas for repurposing leftovers. Aside from using leftover food for the next day, you can also repurpose things like leftover herbs and fruit to avoid waste – make some pesto, jams, smoothies or banana bread!

The post 7 cooking hacks that will save you time in the kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Covering school books in contact isn’t exactly mandatory but many teachers insist on the practice citing the following benefits: added protection against minor spills and wear and tear, a quick and easy way for students to identify their own books and finally, a way for children to express their personality in the colour, pattern and style of the contact they select. 

Benefits aside, there’s no way around the fact that contacting books is a cumbersome task. Here we run you through the steps of contacting books like a pro (and what to do if you create more bubbles than you were aiming for) and our top hacks to avoid the process altogether if you just can’t even this year.

How to contact school books

What you’ll need

• Self adhesive contact paper
• Scissors
• Ruler

Method

• Roll out the contact so the grid guidelines are visible. Place an open exercise book on top of the contact and ensure the top and bottom of the book line up with the guidelines.
• Using scissors, cut around the outline of the book, leaving a two-centimetre border around each edge. 
• There are two ways to do the next step. Option A: Contact the entire book in one go (this is the Officeworks method) or Option B: Focus on covering and perfecting the front cover and back cover separately.

Option A

• Peel back the top right hand corner of the contact. Line up the top right hand corner of the book’s back cover with the contact (leaving a 2-centimetre border around the edge) and stick the back cover to the exposed contact adhesive. Press firmly on the corner to ensure the book has made contact with the adhesive.

• Next, place your right hand firmly on the top right hand corner of the book and use your left hand to slowly peel the protective backing off the remaining piece of contact. Slide your right hand down and smooth the book into the contact as you pull the adhesive backing away. Continue until the adhesive’s protective backing is completely removed. 
• Flip over the book and use a ruler to squeeze out any air bubbles. 
• Cut away a ‘V’ shape at each end of the book’s spine. Cut the contact across the diagonal of each book’s corner (getting as close to the corner as possible without cutting it off). Fold up the 2cm border of contact. 

Option B

• Peel back just enough of the contact adhesive backing to expose a 3cm strip of adhesive along the right-hand edge of the contact. Place the back cover of the book on the exposed adhesive, leaving a border of 2cm around the cover’s edge. Turn the book and attached contact over. 
• Using a ruler, smooth the edge of the book into the contact and ensure there are no air bubbles. Place your right hand firmly on the edge of the book and contact. Use your left hand to peel away the adhesive backing, smoothing the book into the contact as you go, until you reach the book’s spine. 

• Using scissors, cut the contact across the diagonal of the back cover’s top and bottom corners (getting as close to the corner as possible without cutting it off). Make a diagonal cut (\) towards the book’s spine. Use a ruler to smooth out any air bubbles in the back cover. Fold up the 2cm border of contact. 
• Repeat on the book’s front cover. 

• Avoid the temptation to peel away the protective backing in one go. This is a one-way ticket to the contact sticking to itself, creating air bubbles and wrinkles – all of which will ruin the end result. 
• Keep a ruler handy for smoothing out any bubbles that pop up (and they will pop up). 
• If you’re truly hopeless at contacting school books, opt for contact paper with a busy design. This will conceal any imperfections much better than a cover in a solid colour.

Quick tips for covering school books

Essential school book covering supplies to shop

01

‘Summer blooms’ contact paper, Amazon

$34.46 

Featuring a pretty, vintage floral motif, this water-resistant contact paper isn’t just for books! You can use it to freshen up drawers, as wallpaper and more! 

Shop Now

02

Clear 5m / 450mm school book covering self-adhesive, Myer

$24

Clear contact reigns supreme. You can use it to cover not just exercise books, but important reading materials as well. You can even customise your child’s book coverings by first covering them in a layer of decorative paper or wrapping paper and then sealing everything with a layer of protective contact. 

Shop Now

03

Blue-white gingham contact paper, Amazon

$35.21

Life may not be a picnic, but there’s no reason covering books shouldn’t be! This gingham contact paper is an inspiring shade of blue and will provide the perfect backdrop to your child’s selection of stickers. 

Shop Now

04

Pre-cut self-adhesive book covers, blond + noir

$35

Select your own set of customisable pre-cut book covers at blond + noir. You can pick from a range of exclusive prints and select the size book you need to cover (small exercise book, A4 exercise book and scrap book sizes are available). 

Shop Now

5 ways to avoid contacting books

1. Protective book covers

These days you can get packs of protective book covers that you just slip onto school books so you can get the job while skipping the stickiness. The best part? They’re pretty durable so there’s a fair chance you’ll be able to reuse them again next year.

05

Brilliant basics A4 printed book covers, Big W

$1 (each)

Book covers are a godsend for the contact challenged parent. Simply slip the book’s cover into the pouches and you’re done!

Shop Now

2. Cover with paper instead

Leftover wrapping paper or wallpaper? Turn it into decorative book covers. Simply wrap the book in the paper, tape down the edges and you’re done! This may not protect the books as well as plastic, but it will satisfy the personalisation and self-expression criteria.

It’s also much better for the environment. Your child can further customise their books by decorating with their favourite stickers.

06

Lulu oversized floral cobalt wrapping paper, Typo

$6.99

Colourful wrapping paper is a great eco-friendly alternative to self-adhesive book covers. Use washi tape to secure the edges for even more personalisation potential. 

Shop Now

07

Geo wrapping paper roll in green, Kikki K

$9.99

Colourful, retro, geometric goodness – this wrapping paper will stand out in a pile of boring old school books. It’s made with high quality 80gsm paper and will provide plenty of durability throughout the school year. 

Shop Now

3. Get your kids to do it

At a certain age, kids like to do things by themselves. Hand over the roll of contact paper and watch with amazement as your kids take on the task with determination and gusto. 

4. Invest in professional library supplies

Have you ever noticed how library books are covered in a flexible sheet of protective plastic. It’s not contact which therefore makes it much easier to work with. Non adhesive book covering is available in transparent, clear, red, green, blue and yellow. It’s great for protecting beloved hardback books in your own collection, too. 

5. Fabric book covers

Whip out the sewing machine or head on over to Etsy for cute fabric book covers. Covering books with fabric is a great way to personalise your child’s stationery and use up any spare fabric (an old bedsheet, tablecloth or curtain, for example) you might have hiding in a cupboard at home.

Last, but not least, don’t forget the name labels. 

If you have incredible penmanship, there’s no shame in labelling schoolbooks with a Sharpie. But, for that added level of pizzaz, select a funky name label and let your kids apply the finishing touches. 

The post How to cover books with contact appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Kitchen storage ideas

Organise with glass jars

Feel like a kid in a candy store with an emporium-style display of assorted glass jars in your pantry and drawers. “Clear glass jars are a perennial favourite as you can instantly see what you need,” says Tahn Scoon, interior designer and founder of Tahn Interiors. “It’s common to use them in the pantry, but they work just as well in shallow drawers. If anything, it’s even easier as you see all of your jars at one glance, rather than just the front row.”

Use wicker baskets

Take a tip from the Parisian handbook and embrace French-style baskets to conquer clutter, without sacrificing on style. “Invest in good quality baskets to store all the extras, back-stock, snacks and to hide ugly packaging,” says professional organiser Sarah Shanahan. “Zone the pantry and store ‘like with like’ items together. Determine what is used regularly and the rest can be stored away. For example, you could keep a NutriBullet blender in a labelled basket with all the attachments included for easy access and less visual clutter.”

“Odd-shaped items should be stored in baskets or grouped together to cut the clutter.”

– Sarah Shanahan, professional organiser

Reduce benchtop clutter

Sure, that 15-piece Japanese knife set and top-of-the-range food processor might boast of your culinary skills, but unless you’re using them daily, you don’t need them on constant display. “When styling kitchens, I like to clear everything away and just add a few beautiful pieces in a considered colour palette,” says Tahn. However, creating clear and calm surfaces shouldn’t mean making mess where you’re stowing away those appliances and utensils.

“Keep drawers and cupboards tidy with internal storage,” suggests Tahn. “The Orga-line range from Blum is brilliant, or try Howards Storage World.” Then, when styling, remember the three Fs: “Food, foliage and fabric!” says Tahn. “That might mean a potted plant, a bowl of pomegranates and a linen tea towel.”

Add tiered shelving

Having pantry items at eye level creates a satisfying visual face front and minimises food waste (think of what lies neglected at the back of your cupboard). “Tiered shelving for cans instantly creates order and calm,” says Sarah. “And Lazy Susans and turntables are great for giving easy access to everyday spreads and sauces while adding a bit of fun, meaning you’re more inclined to use them.”

Choose matching containers

Give your kitchen cupboards a glam makeover by replacing clashing brand packaging with a clean, neutral alternative. “Decant dry ingredients into airtight matching containers and label everything,” says Sarah. “Find a good-quality container style that you like, which is in your budget, and use it on repeat to instantly add style, order and calm. Don’t forget to label the containers so everyone in the house can identify the food.”

Fix hard-to-reach places

Low spaces, such as bottom shelves, often fall victim to neglect and clutter. Create simple solutions in small, hard to reach spaces with pull-out baskets that are kind on your back. “Try a side-mount wire basket kit for your internal cabinet,” says interior designer Anna Giannis. “It’s great for deep cabinets that are hard to reach. The wire structure is also ideal for under the sink, because it is easy to clean and prevents damage to your cupboards from spills.”

Living room storage ideas

Use your furniture

Turn design features into hidden storage solutions, such as a plush sofa that conceals a pull-out compartment for linen and board games, or a coffee table that stores coasters and remotes. “One of my favourite tricks when decorating living rooms for families is to use a storage ottoman,” says Tahn. “It’s nice and soft for kids to play on, and gives you somewhere for toys when they’re done.”

“A storage ottoman gives you somewhere to stow the kids’ toys.”

– Tahn Scoon, Tahn Interiors

Add a decorative tray

Marry form and function in this communal area with a statement tray that gives the illusion of an effortlessly tidy space – pair it with a striking coffee table book or sculptural vase to create a sophisticated vignette that also houses your everyday items. “A tray on the coffee table in the living room is also a must for those smaller everyday objects like remotes,” says Sarah.

Bedroom storage ideas

Maximise floor space

Elevate your storage options with a raised frame or dual-purpose bed to maximise your floor space. “Deep drawers are perfect for storing bulky winter items and spare bed linen without losing floor space, however, I’d caution against cheap solutions like plastic containers as they tend to become a bit of a mess,” says stylist Tahn.

Organise with shoe boxes

Create cohesion in your wardrobe with shoe storage that elevates your favourite pumps to pride of place. “Clear acrylic shoe boxes are great for not only creating order and easy access but protecting your shoes too,” says Sarah. Labelled boxes can also be used to store loose accessories like hats and scarves.

Keep jewellery safe

Sparkling jewels laid out on your dressing table might give your bedroom the Hollywood touch, but it’s not the safest solution. “Store expensive pieces of jewellery out of sight in airtight labelled tubs or jewellery boxes with a key,” says organiser Sarah. “Keep most-used pieces in organised jewellery trays for easy access.”

Think outside the box

Investing in storage solutions doesn’t have to mean spending big; instead, look for inspiration around your home. “A wine rack makes a good mini cubby system for your scarves, or attach a decorative curtain rail with some shower curtain rings to the wall and tie them to that,” Anna suggests.

“Swap out your wardrobe seasonally to reduce visual clutter.”

– Tahn Scoon, Tahn Interiors

Bathroom storage ideas

Opt for freestanding shelves

Stepping into your bathroom should create an instant sense of calm, and a rust-proof shelving unit to store towels provides the perfect nod to the spa-sanctuary aesthetic. “Freestanding shelves are a great option for storing bath towels for a relaxed, luxe vibe,” says Sarah. “However, if maintaining the folding is a problem and it starts to look messy, invest in foldable storage hampers or baskets. Use on repeat for instant style and order.”

Categorise and colour-code

When everything has a place, organisation becomes routine rather than a chore. “Invest in acrylic trays, tubs and dividers, turntables with sides and baskets to sort items into ‘like with like’ categories,” says Sarah. “For example, cotton buds, soap and bath bombs should all have their own areas. Colour code the areas for instant aesthetic impact and store less-used products below in drawers and cupboards.”

Go for vintage pieces

Bathroom storage need not be dull and uninspiring; create small design statements with vintage or upcycled items for maximum impact. “Try something a little unexpected, like using a vintage white and gold sugar bowl and creamer set to store cotton balls and buds. Perhaps even add a matching saucer for your soap,” suggests Tahn.

Don’t be afraid of plumbing

While essential, plumbing pipes are unattractive and can take up a large amount of your bathroom cabinetry. Make the most of an awkward space with a smart basket configuration. “Store infrequently used items behind the drain pipe and add a pull-out basket to each side of the pipe,” advises Tahn. “It’s much easier to pull out a basket to look through than rummage around in a low cupboard.”

Laundry storage ideas

Hide away hampers

Getting on top of your laundry can feel never-ending but there are ways to take control. “The most unattractive item in the laundry is the dirty washing, so either integrate a laundry bin into your cabinetry, or splash out on the nicest laundry hamper you can find – preferably an opaque one with a lid,” says Tahn.

Add a stylish hanging rail

Get the most from your home’s smallest workspace with stylish solutions to lighten the load. “A hanging rail above the sink is one of the handiest additions to a laundry,” says Tahn, pointing out that, these days, there are a stunning array of ones available that will upscale your laundry’s aesthetic appeal. Go one better with an extendable version that accommodates more garments for rainy-day drying – it will minimise the need for ironing, too. You can even give it a dual purpose when it’s not in use: “If it’s long enough, you can pretty it up with a lush hanging plant,” adds Tahn.

The post Small storage ideas from 3 expert organisers appeared first on Home Beautiful.

There’s never a better time to streamline your life but it can seem overwhelming and difficult to know where to begin. Here are some quick decluttering tips to get you started!

4 tips for a successful home detox

1. Pace yourself

You don’t want to burn out before you cross the declutter finish line. Divide the house into areas to declutter one by one – such as your wardrobe – then set aside time in blocks at different times each day or week to tackle the clutter.

2. Be aggressive

Look at everything, asking yourself if you truly use and love it. If not, decide how to get rid of it responsibly.

3. Ask a friend to help

Choose someone without emotional or financial attachment who can help declutter your home and provide helpful input, yet be gentle with your feelings.

4. Sleep on it

Then re-evaluate anything you were on the fence about with a clear head on a new day. After some zzzs, it will be easier to let so-so stuff go.

A tidy mind helps focus on what’s important – particularly if a lot is happening in your life. Try these quick decluttering tips to help you focus and move forward.

4 tips for a successful brain detox

1. Stop multitasking

When you’re overwhelmed, it’s best to focus on a single task at hand, rather than flitting among all the things that have to happen today. You’ll be more efficient and calm.

2. Take a break

If you’ve been going full speed, try downshifting for just a few minutes with a mindful moment.

3. Concentrate

On what’s in your control right now, like the recyclables piling up in your house – not how you want to find a prettier storage bin to put them in.

4. Say no

Ask yourself which invitations or meeting you can turn down and what tasks you can delegate to others.

The post How to declutter your home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But first thing’s first: why are cheap sheets so rough? A cheap set of 100% cotton bedding may only set you back about $50, but the thing that distinguishes affordable cotton bedding from luxury bedding is the way the raw fibres are spun, treated and woven before they’re turned into sheets. The good news is that cotton, being a natural fibre, will soften with each and every wash. But if you can’t wait that long and want to speed up the process, here’s how to do it.

1. Bi-carb soda and vinegar

Add 1 cup of bi-carb soda to the detergent dispenser of your washing machine. Wash the sheets on a hot cycle. Once the cycle is complete, add half a cup of vinegar to the detergent dispenser of your washing machine. Wash the sheets on a cool cycle. You may need to repeat this process a number of times.

In 2018, US TV-series Hack My Life put this exact method to the test. They then recruited six people to test the sheets and five out of six testers thought the cheap sheets w ere actually more expensive!

Fun fact

2. Enzyme wash or soak

Another way to speed up the sheet softening process is to wash them with an enzyme laundry detergent. Popular products include Cold Power Advanced Clean Cold Water Enzyme, Biozet Attack Plus Eliminator and Sard Wonder Super Power Stain Remover Soaker Powder.

Enzymes work to soften sheets by lightly abrading the surface of the fibres.

3. Fabric softener

It’s not a good idea to use fabric softener every time you wash your bed sheets (as the product can create a waxy build-up that reduces the fabric’s ability to wick away moisture) but if you have a particularly scratchy set, a touch of softener can help to relax the fibres. 

4. Tumble dry

Most good quality sheet manufacturers swear by line-drying sheets, which is all well and good if they’re already super soft. But, if you need to make your sheets feel softer stat, tossing them straight into the dryer is another quick way to soften them up. Use dryer balls (rubber or wool versions work best) to further work the sheets and soften them up.

The post This $3 hack will soften stiff sheets and make them feel expensive appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A professional organiser and declutter expert, Jo Carmichael has, with her company All Sorted Out helped countless people get their lives well, all sorted out. Not just in a passing fad-clean-out-your-wardrobe-and-sock-drawer kind of way either. Jo has literally helped people move on with their lives.

From downsizing from family and forever homes to styling homes without the clutter and belongings of family to prepare it for sale, Jo knows how difficult it is to let go of belongings – many of which have been with people for a good part of their lives.

“While home can be a busy place we also want to relax there. We’re most relaxed when there is no visual clutter.”

Jo Carmichael, All Sorted Out, Professional Organiser & Declutter Expert

“Saying goodbye to a Grandfather clock is not easy for many,” says Jo, who has seen visible relief in her clients’ faces when she ‘gives them permission’ to let things go. Often the process is empowering and allows others to make better use of objects, giving them life anew.

The experience is an intensely personal one and many people need help to make decisions around downsizing, storage and the next steps to maintain the calm created once clutter is removed.

“It’s not just about putting stuff into baskets,” says Jo, who advocates “purposeful shopping” and a planned approach when looking to buy storage systems. “Baskets serve a dual purpose – they should be pretty to look at but first assess what size they need to be.”

“If you’re asking yourself what you can buy to get ready for a home organisation makeover, buy nothing,” says Jo. “Wait until I get there and we’ll sort it out together!”

Jo’s process of organisation revolves around 5 key rules.

1. Store like with like

Grouping items is key to keeping things organised and under control. “Keeping like with like means it’s easier to put things away & find them, because all t shirts are together, not mixed up with jeans or socks.”

2. Everything has a place 

An age-old saying but a constructive rule to apply when organising your home. Take stock of things storage is required for and go about creating designated areas that best suit things – both in terms of size and shape.

3. Allow your storage to set limits

If your storage space is full, but you have more to add to overflowing, consider whether you need more storage – but it’s more likely you need less stuff!

4. Don’t put it down, put it away

This is our favourite rule! Jo’s idea is to stem the collection of clutter on a daily basis by putting things back into their place every time after use.

5. Labels

“Labels are like street signs,” says Jo. “Imagine driving around without them!” Labelling everything means a neat and satisfying system, finding things quickly and no excuses for where things should go.

The post What you’re doing wrong with your home organisation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Plan and create your own gallery wall in your bedroom, living room or hallway using Command hooks for pictures or a collection of artworks. Use hooks and holders to hang and organise kitchen utensils, cleaning essentials and even storage, such as spice racks.

However, they require careful preparation and application to get the best results and have them (and your artwork) stay put. Take a closer look at the packet for clear instructions on how to use Command strips, but as a guide, here’s what you’re probably doing wrong.

1. You’re using them on rough surfaces

Command strips can only be applied to smooth surfaces. Avoid adhering them to brick walls, textured wallpaper, concrete or timber.

2. You don’t prepare the surface correctly

Strips work best on clean, smooth surfaces, so wipe the wall with isopropyl rubbing alcohol (methylated spirits) first. This will ensure your strip bonds properly with the wall. Avoid using other surface sprays or cleaning wipes, which may leave a slippery residue.

3. You rush the job

If you’ve just painted your walls, you need to be patient and wait at least a week until using the strips. For some Command hooks, once attached to a wall, you’ll need to wait up to one hour before you hang your item on it. Check the packet for correct timing.

4. You don’t press hard enough

The stronger you apply pressure when installing them, the better the strip will adhere to the wall. Read instructions carefully and make sure you press firmly along the whole strip, not just in one spot.

5. You disregard the weight guidelines

The weight restrictions are specified on each product, so carefully weigh your artwork or photo frame before choosing the correct strips. Some hooks can hold over 3kg so they’re great for larger items, or in the laundry or garage to hang tools and cleaning equipment.

6. You don’t pull down when removing

How to remove Command strips properly is key to your success when using them in the home. If you pull the tab towards you, you risk damaging your wall. Pull down firmly on the tab towards the floor. Keep stretching it up to 40cm until the hook releases from the strip.

Where to buy Command hooks

Ready to start hanging? Below are the best places to get your hands on some Command hooks for all your home decorating needs.

• Amazon

• Woolworths

• Catch

• Kogan

• Matt Blatt

• Big W

• Spotlight

The post The 6 mistakes you’re making with Command hooks appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Being in such a beautiful part of Sydney and having a wonderful ocean outlook, we wanted to create a minimalist home that didn’t take away from the landscape,” says Gamze. “We believe that a built space, when designed well, can have a transformative effect on your mood.”

She and Deniz live in one duplex with children, Charlie, six, Thomas, three, and Audrey, now eight months, plus pet pug Oscar, and rent out the mirror-image house next door. Inspired by brutalist architecture, both duplexes boast rendered cement facades, hard-wearing surfaces, high ceilings and a neutral palette. “We love concrete, and with a young family, having a robust concrete floor was important, especially in the living areas,” says Gamze. “Upstairs, oak floors add softness and warmth.”

Who lives here? Gamze and Deniz, who own building and design company Built Lifestyles; their children Charlie, six, Thomas, three, and Audrey, eight months; and Oscar the pug.

Top home inclusion? Deniz: “The Hebel substrate PowerFloor under the engineered oak floors. It feels solid to walk on and was cost-effective.”

Favourite thing to buy? Gamze: “I adore ceramics, especially by Katarina Wells. I love a mix of organic and unrefined shapes and textures.”

What do you love about where you live? “It is a beautiful little peninsula with views of Kamay Botany Bay National Park and the Pacific Ocean. We feel so fortunate to be within walking distance of beaches, golf courses and the National Park.”

Conscious of the space limitations that come with duplex builds, the couple opted to forego a fifth bedroom upstairs to maximise the ceiling heights in the living and dining. Strategically placed windows – from highlight windows in the living area to a skylight in the bathroom, and floor-to-ceiling glazing spanning the width of the master bedroom – help to capture sunlight and provide perpetual views to the outdoors. “Catching glimpses of the sky and garden fills me with a sense of inspiration and motivation for the day ahead,” says Gamze.

Furniture pieces have been kept classic and minimal, with marble and charred timber accents, sheer curtains and woven rugs bringing layers of texture. In combination with the fresh white walls, these selections act as a subtle backdrop for the family’s cherished artworks.

“Art is so important in inspiring us and adding dimension to a space, and we feel fortunate to have invested in these beautiful pieces,” says Gamze, who, as an interior stylist, has the pleasure of selecting artworks for clients on a daily basis. “I love so many artists and styles, but art is subjective and I need to feel an immediate connection with an artwork.”

So where is all the kid-related clutter, you ask? Well, the house has just the right amount of storage, so most things have a home. “This makes it easy to maintain, and a more relaxing, enjoyable space to live in,” says Gamze. In addition, while the kids are little, the downstairs bedroom is used as a playroom. “They are always in earshot and have their own space. We close the door if the toys are out of control!”

Gamze’s kitchen is packed with useful features. Think soft-close hinges in the kitchen cabinets, a durable, low-maintenance Caesarstone benchtop and a family-sized Westinghouse oven and cooktop. Her favourites? “The Schweigen silent undermount rangehood and the Franke wide single-bowl sink – it’s so easy to wash up large oven trays and other big items,” she says. Visit thegoodguys.com.au.

“My inspiration here was for a moody, darker-toned bedroom,” says Gamze of the main bedroom. At night, a Muuto ‘Grain’ pendant light from Surrounding casts a warm glow over Globe West bedsides.The window is lined with sheer curtains from Millenium Blinds and looks out to a raised roof garden that runs along the facade of both duplexes. “We planted hundreds of different succulents, which require minimal maintenance,” says Gamze. “The area invites different creatures, from frogs to beetles, snails to birds, and the kids love sitting in our room and engaging with the garden.”

There’s plenty of room outside, too. A covered entertaining area flows from the living and dining zones and is complete with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven. The adjoining grassed area is big enough for the kids and dog to play, with room for a trampoline and a herb and vegie garden. “Our garden is the perfect size right now,” admits Gamze. “With three small kids and running a business, we couldn’t manage a larger garden.”

Best of all, the young family renting next door are super-friendly and have become good friends.

SOURCE BOOK

Interior design: Gamze Erkoru, Built Lifestyles, builtlifestyles.com.au.

Architect: Martin Bednarczyk, Archispectrum, (02) 8399 2807, archispectrum.com.au.

Builder: Deniz Huseyin, Built Lifestyles, builtlifestyles.com.au.

Kitchen/Joinery: INZ Kitchens, (02) 9607 5511, http://www.inzkitchens.com.au/.

Landscaping: DRH Landscapes, (02) 4647 8351, drhlandscapes.com.au.

Tiler: Thynk Group, (02) 4028 6311, thynkgroup.com.au.

The post A contemporary, clutter-free home for a family of building experts appeared first on Home Beautiful.

This network of volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisations have collectively distributed millions of dollars’ worth of essential nursery equipment and children’s clothing to families in crisis.

Operating in fifteen cities, in all 6 states and the ACT, the organisations share the belief that by reusing and recycling valuable baby equipment like prams, cots and car seats, they give the community a way of sharing the joy of parenthood while making a major contribution to reducing landfill.

These organisations provide a valuable service to their local communities by distributing donations that include everything from triple prams to essentials like nappies, wipes and formula, clothing, kids’ bedding, books and toys.

Nationwide

The Nappy Collective

The Nappy Collective was founded in 2013 by a group of mums who were wondering what to do with all of the nappies that no longer fit their children. They formed a non-profit, and have (as of 2020) distributed over 1 million nappies nationwide.

For more information on where and how to donate, visit The Nappy Collective.

Sydney, NSW

Mummies Paying it Forward

Charity organisation Mummies Paying It Forward was founded in 2014 by a paediatric nurse and is now run by a small team of dedicated volunteers. They currently accept essential nursery items, infant and children’s clothing, wraps and blankets, nappies and wipes, new baby bottles (in packaging), cot linen, bassinets, prams, pram accessories, children’s books and more. For a detailed list of what they can accept and where to drop off items, visit Mummies Paying It Forward.

Note: Mummies Paying It Forward no longer accept cot or car seat donations.

Dandelion Support Network Inc.

Baby car seats are an expensive, yet essential item for many first time parents. If you have a car seat manufactured after 2013 that is a) in good condition and b) never been in an accident, you can donate it to the Dandelion Support Network. The Sydney-based charity is also currently seeking donations of batteries for childrens’ toys, cot sheets and mattress protectors, kids’ undies, baby bath wash and newborn baby clothing. For more information on what to donate and where to drop off items, visit Dandelion Support Network Inc.

Note: Bookings for drop offs are essential.

MORE NSW-BASED CHARITIES TO CONSIDER

• We Care Uniting

Melbourne, VIC

St Kilda Mums

“Our vision is a future where we waste less, share more and care for every baby and child. 96% of everything we gave away is used, but of excellent quality, thoroughly cleaned and safety checked,” says St Kilda Mums CEO Jessica Macpherson OAM.

St Kilda Mums are currently seeking donations of: baby safety gates (without screws), high chairs, reversible newborn car seats, adult and baby toiletries, baby baths, single bed and cot blankets. Donations accepted via drop off, courier and online shopping orders. For more information, visit St Kilda Mums.

Note: Bookings for drop offs are essential.

OTHER VIC-BASED CHARITIES TO CONSIDER

• Big Group Hug

• Sunshine Bendigo

• Olivia’s Place Warragul

• Caroline Chisholm

• Mums Supporting Families in Need

• 2081 Angels

Canberra, ACT

Roundabout Canberra

After seeing the success of St Kilda Mums in Melbourne and the Dandelion Support Network in Sydney, Canberran Hannah Andrevski knew she had to create a similar service in her own city.

The result is Roundabout Canberra, which accepts everything from baby car seats, play mats, clothing, bathing accessories, bottles, baby food, prams and other equipment. For more information and instructions on how to donate, visit Roundabout Canberra.

Brisbane, QLD

Baby Give Back

Baby Give Back is a Queensland-based charity that aims to help vulnerable babies, children and families by distributing used baby items that are still in good condition to those in need. The charity accepts bassinets, baths, bottles and feeding items, change mats, cots, clothing, toys and more.

If you live on the Gold Coast, you can also donate to Baby Give Back’s Gold Coast Warehouse. For location information and opening hours, visit Baby Give Back.

Adelaide, SA

Treasure Boxes

Not-for-profit organisation Treasure Boxes aims to provide South Australian families with essentials for their kids, including bedding, clothes, toys and meals. Items accepted by the organisation include cots, clothing, nappies, high chairs, change tables, toiletries, toys and more.

For donation guidelines and drop off points, visit Treasure Boxes.

Hobart, TAS

Tassie Mums

The dedicated volunteers at Tassie Mums donate everyday essential items to babies and children in need. They accept: clothing, meal accessories, disposable nappies, baby and kids’ bed linen, toiletries, shoes and toys.

For instructions on how to donate and drop-off locations, visit Tassie Mums.

Perth, WA

Little Things for Tiny Tots

Little Things for Tiny Tots partner with a long list of WA charities, and specialise in distributing used and new baby items to families in need. They currently accept newborn clothing (up to size 000) ], disposable newborn nappies, bath and body products, bibs and burp cloths, small toys (without batteries) and more. For a full list of what you can and can’t donate as well as drop-off points, visit Little Things for Tiny Tots.

Note: Little Things for Tiny Tots do not accept large donations including prams, cots and car seats.

These non-profits are united by their belief that every baby and child has the right to equipment and clothing that will keep them safe and comfortable, each organisation is run by locals for locals.

St Kilda Mums’ Jessica Macpherson said “We believe that it is up to us to make the world a kinder place. In a world where what we buy becomes ever-disposable, we hope we can help families to think carefully about what they buy for their children and encourage them to share pre-loved items with their networks and charities like ours.”

The post Where to donate baby items responsibly, in a city near you appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether you’re trying to remove the pet hair that seems to have magnetised itself to every upholstered surface in your home, or want to make your stainless steel cookware look shiny and new, these 11 tricks are sure to help.

1. Vinegar to remove sweat stains from clothing

Yellow sweat and deodorant stains on your favourite white t-shirt? Banish the unsightly marks by mixing one part vinegar with four parts water.

Pour or spray onto underarms, collars or affected areas of clothing and soak for at least one minute. Wash as directed on clothing tags.

2. Aluminium foil to scrub pots

Form a loose ball of foil in your hand to scrub stubborn marks and polish to a clean finish.

Note: only use this cleaning method on stainless steel pots as foil may damage non-stick surfaces.

3. WD-40 to remove glue residue

True to form, ‘there’s always another use’ for WD-40. WD-40 can break down or dissolve the gluey substance, making it easier to remove.

Spray to cover glue residue on hard surfaces, Stanley knife blades or scissors.

4. Deodorise with baking soda

Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a shaker of baking soda and sprinkle across your carpet or rug. Leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum.

You can also use this mix to deodorise other soft furnishings in your home including mattresses and sofas.

5. Dishwashing liquid as shower cleaner

Using a soft cloth or sponge, lather dishwashing liquid onto glass shower doors and tapware.

Rinse the area thoroughly and dry with a microfibre cloth to reveal a scum free shower.

6. Lift pet hair with a squeegee

Lightly spray area furniture and carpets with one part water to one part vinegar.

Drag a rubber bathroom squeegee across the area. Clumps of fur and lint will form around the squeegee blade. Pull clumps away by hand or vacuum to remove completely.

7. Clean chopping boards with lemon and salt

Scatter a generous amount of coarse salt across your chopping board. Halve lemon and use face down on salt to rub on and around the entire area to remove stains, clean and freshen your chopping board.

8. Remove grass stains with sugar and water

Dissolve ½ cup of sugar with enough warm water to create a thick paste.

Apply directly on to the grass-stained fabric. Let sit for at least an hour. Wash according to directions on label.

9. Full fat milk as leaf shine

Dilute full fat milk with a little warm water.

Use it with a soft cloth to wipe down the leaves of your indoor plants to leave them glossy and form a protective coating against dust.

10. Petroleum jelly as rust inhibitor

Ensure surface is clean and dry.

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to metal surfaces such as chrome on bikes, metal tools and outdoor furniture bolts and joins.

11. Banana peels to polish silver

Blend banana peels to a paste in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Use cloth to apply to silverware, then buff to a shine.

The post 11 surprising uses for everyday household items appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Having things organised saves time when you’re getting ready each morning and planning outfits for special occasions. Follow our tips to organise your jewellery and make the most of your collection.

1. Keep it simple

If you haven’t already done so, first do a cull of your jewellery to clear out items that no longer spark joy and you’re unlikely to wear again.

2. Store like with like

Separate your remaining jewellery into sub-categories, such as necklaces/earrings/bangles etc. and look to storing each of these groups in separate containers to make it easier to choose the perfect accessory, on top of your makeup table or in drawers.

3. Store it where you can see it

Organise each group into its own container that fits everything and displays all items at once. For smaller items like earrings and rings, use a container with plenty of dividers for small spaces, for larger pieces such as bangles, something like a sock- or drawer organiser works well.

4. Invest in purpose-built (or bought) storage

Specialty jewellery storage trays are available online and in stores such as Muji and Kmart. Alternatively, use drawer dividers or sewing or tackle boxes for tiny items to keep them paired and in order.

5. Make it pretty

For your favourite, often-worn items, consider making an attractive display with them as part of your room décor.

6. Think outside the square

If you love something, find a way to make it work in your wardrobe. “I still believe in mismatched earrings,” Moda Operandi women’s fashion director Lisa Aiken told Marie Claire. “It’s not necessarily new news, but it feels more modern than wearing two giant matching earrings. It’s got more of an edge. Plus, they were all over the spring 2019 runways, still.”

Top 3 tips for upcycling jewellery you already own

1. Tap into the mis-matched jewellery trend.

2. Look to shells, pearls and beads. Shells are making a strong return in fashion jewellery. Accessorise by mixing old pearls with new by layering more delicate pieces with chunky statement shells.

3. Upcycle your holiday wardrobe. Take your beachy bracelets to the office by teaming a shell bracelet with a sharp blazer, or a statement piece of costume jewellery with a simple, crisp linen shirt.

After a clean sweep and an afternoon of organisation, you may find your wardrobe sparks joy for you, all over again.

The post 6 best ways to store and organise your jewellery appeared first on Home Beautiful.

If more than one person uses the pantry in your home, storing staples in a logical manner will help things stay tidy for longer. More specifically, having a carefully organised selection of herbs and spices in your pantry will see you spending less time searching for your cardamom pods and more time actually cooking your curry.

Here are four tips that will help you get your spice rack in order.

1. Create a dedicated space for spices

The secret to making chef quality meals at home is: seasoning. And the secret to perfectly seasoned food is keeping herbs and spices within easy reach as you cook! The best way to store spices is in a single row, so you can see everything at a glance. But, if this isn’t possible, a tiered spice tray in the pantry will help keep everything within view.

Other great spice storage options include an over-the-door pantry spice rack or, if you have the luxury of a spare drawer in your kitchen, using a spice-drawer insert to lay your spice jars down flat.

Spices will last longer if they’re kept in a cool, dark place that is free from moisture.

While it may be tempting to store them above the stove where they’ll be within easy reach, this is an area where steam and heat tend to build up, so it’s best avoided.

2. Invest in durable containers with stylish labels

You don’t need to order a new set of expensive jars to organise and store your spices, but it helps if all the jars you do use (whether they’re recycled Moccona coffee jars or jam jars) are the same size and shape.

This will help achieve the perfectly uniform look that’s been popping up all over your Instagram feed.

While you may know your dried mint from your dried parsley, once herbs are stored alongside each other, it can be hard to tell them apart. Minimalist spice labels are available from Etsy or you can pick up Kmart’s set of 96 pantry essential labels for just $3.

3. Select your favourite filing system

Have an extensive collection of spices? You’ll need to come up with a filing system so you can always find exactly what you’re looking for. Take inspiration from supermarket shelves and store them in alphabetical order, or consider storing like with like!

Some of the ways you can organise your spices include: storing small items together and large items together, grouping spices together according to colour and grouping spices together according to cuisine … the options are endless!

4. Always restock empties

The key good to organisation is to make sure to replace every item after use so you can find it just as easily next time. Where many cooks come undone is by not sticking to the system.

Spices get stale quicker thank you think so make sure you open only what you will use in a short time. Buying in bulk may seem like a good idea, but only do so for often-used spices so they stay as fresh as possible on your shelves. Keep looking, tasting and smelling spices for freshness.

Spice organisation essentials

Baccarat 16 jar bamboo drawer spice rack, $59.99, Catch.com.au

If you’re starting a spice collection from scratch, Bacarrat’s 2-in-1 spice rack (which can be inserted into a drawer or stored on the benchtop within easy reach) is ideal. It comes with 16 pre-labelled, clear glass jars.

Byron pantry bundle, $149, Seed & Sprout

Designed to last a lifetime, Seed & Sprout’s plastic free pantry containers feature a stylish food grade approved bamboo lid that allows the jars to be stacked on top of each other. These guys are also fridge and freezer safe and can even be placed in the microwave (as long as you remove the lid first).

Practa Solutions white adjustable spice rack, $26.20, Bunnings

Save room in your pantry and keep your spices stored at eye-level with this sturdy spice rack from Bunnings. The PE-coated frame is easy to wipe down and the width of the rack can be adjusted to suit your pantry.

The post How to organise a spice rack appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Not just as the booming property market continues to shrink affordable opportunities to buy in many of Australia’s urban centres. Rather than an inferior choice, renting as an alternative for short term comfort, intermittent necessity or long term financial gain has its pros and cons too, with savings on upkeep, stamp duty, rates and fees.

Look carefully at your rental agreement for any no-go areas or negotiate when you sign the contract to make some simple cosmetic changes to the property, perhaps with the help of professional tradespeople if necessary. You’ll not only improve and add value to your landlord’s property, you’ll acquire the home you’ve always dreamed of!

Having weighed up the options and deciding to rent your house, how can you put your own stamp on it so it feels like a home?

1. Add storage

This is a no-brainer as most homes can use more storage, regardless of whether or not you own it. Incidental shelving, stylish baskets and boxes all help enormously to make for a more streamlined and comfortable home life. Modular storage that comes flat pack and can be built in via retailers like Ikea, Bunnings and Howards Storage World all provide as close to a custom built investment as you can get and often better flexibility.

2. Change tapware

Much like new knobs on a dresser, updating tapware can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. It’s pretty straightforward to do a kitchen makeover in a weekend.

3. Replace window coverings

Remove vertical or venetian blinds and hang curtains in their place for a softer, more elegant look. Be sure to retain the blinds and store safely to rehang when you leave.

4. Add removable wallpaper to walls and cabinetry

The reawakening of wallpaper, in our interiors brings some fabulous removable options that can disguise stains or aged surfaces and, if applied with a careful hand and kept to a simple application can, with a careful hand move out when you do.

5. Style it up

Accessorise as if you’ll be there forever. Don’t leave your favourite items in boxes waiting for a moving day that could be ages away. Style your rooms with love and enjoy the experience and warmth it brings to your home.

6. Hang art

There are many removable options for hanging art safely now without damaging walls where no picture rails are available. Even small marks left behind are worth the little effort to touch up as you go if it means you can enjoy art on a daily basis. Hang lightweight pieces on walls and position larger pieces on mantles or sideboards.

7. Rug up

Nothing says home like a sumptuous statement rug. Be on the lookout for sales and purchase for your entrance, dining and bedrooms as well as your living spaces to make them your own. Rugs will always go with you wherever you live so are worth the investment.

8. Change the lighting

Like tapware, dated lighting fixtures drag a room down but, with some careful shopping around and add to that the cost of an electrician for a day, it could be the best investment you make in your home. If you can’t change the fittings, an overhaul of all the globes can make a vast difference, together with carefully considered task lighting in floor and table lamps.

9. Indoor plant love

Cultivate a lush collection of indoor plants and bring the outdoors in – particularly if your home doesn’t have the garden you dream of. Plants are portable and literally breathe life into a room.

10. Free-standing is your friend

Embrace items such as upholstered bedheads, statement armchairs and modular shelving to create an impact when you decorate.

The post 10 ways to make a rental home your own appeared first on Home Beautiful.

How do you take care of an orchid?

A phalaenopsis orchid is quite easy to look after once you get a few things right. With a little maintenance your orchid will be happy and thriving for several seasons.

Here’s how to care for orchids:

1. Give them a good position

The best place to keep an orchid in your house is in a position with bright, filtered natural light. Direct sunlight is too harsh for the delicate blooms and the roots tend to dry out too quickly.

2. The right temperature

Think Goldilocks – “not too hot, not too cold” – the right temperature for an orchid sits at about 23 degrees Celsius to provide a temperate climate for your orchid to thrive and flower.

3. Air flow

Orchids needs a nice soft air flow but not too much of a breeze, certainly no direct heating (particularly dry heat from a heater or airconditioner) but fresh warm air to keep the flowers intact.

4. Trim spent flowers

Like any flowering plant, an orchid needs to regroup and recharge once it’s produced a flourish of blooms, so any spent flowers should be removed by a snipping the stem just below where the last flower grew from. Take care to keep the little bump below as this ‘node’ will provide new growth.

5. The right amount of water

How often should you water your orchids? Give them a drink straight from the tap; a light water at room temperature once a week is all your orchid needs. Ideally the mossy substance surrounding the orchid roots should not be allowed to become completely dry. Water straight to the roots, avoiding the leaves and ensure good drainage so you don’t let it sit in water in the pot. A gentle poke to the root bed to ensure it remains damp is a good practice as you walk by.

The occasional mist with a water spray is also a nice touch to extend the life of the flowers.

6. Feed and fertilise

All plants need fertiliser to help them grow as they use up all the surrounding nutrients in the soil (in this case, bark and/or moss). Liquid fertiliser to feed your orchid tends to work well with orchids but slow-release is fine too if you have your watering down pat.

7. Repot occasionally

Once a year or every 18 months, give your orchid a little room to move around. Choose a pot that’s a little bigger and a fresh batch of orchid potting mix from your local nursery. Be gentle with the roots as you move the plant across and leave a little room at the top of the pot for watering.

The post How to care for orchids: top 7 tips appeared first on Home Beautiful.

We love Lego for the endless play and learning it offers young minds – the very word itself comes from an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt”, meaning “play well”. From construction to colour coordination, space to super heroes – there’s a creator in every child that comes to the fore when surrounded by the wonder of these colourful bricks.

The balance between keeping the Toy of the Century accessible, ready for play and tidy enough to avoid constant curses (who hasn’t yelped in pain as they traversed the lounge-room floor scattered with bricks and bodies?!) has to be one of the greatest parenting challenges of all time.

The key however, must be to keep it simple and focus on spontaneous play – as Lego says, “All children have the right to fun, creative and engaging play experiences.” If colour coordinated tubs look amazing to you but keeping them sorted is more than you or your child(ren) can manage, it may add more stress to you both.

Things to remember:

1. Keep it simple – it’s supposed to be fun!

2. Consider how easily your child can come and go from play

3. Allow for easy packing away

4. Be creatives to stimulate their imagination

5. If possible incorporate a display area for creations

Here is our roundup of genius ideas from Pinterest and beyond to conquer the (Lego) world:

1. Corner playstation

Top tip: Secure Lego base boards to top of cabinets for stability and instant building

We love: Simple table hack, clever use of corner, sliding tubs underneath

2. Table tub

Top tip: When space is tight, a small playstation works really well

We love: A reversible lid for easy hideaway, compact portability

3. Drawstring playmat

Top tip: Ensure sturdy stiches to standup to regular pulling and tugging. Incorporate padding in the base for added comfort

We love: That you can make it yourself in fabric to match whichever room it will be stored in!

4. Under-bed platform

Top tip: Add carpet offcuts to underside for easy sliding on floorboards

We love: It’s simplicity – anyone can do this!

5. Converted coffee table

Top tip: Upcycle your existing coffee table for this project and upgrade to a new one for your living room!

We love: The low height of a coffee table suits a child perfectly

6. Open drawer under bed

Top tip: Upcycle an existing under-bed tub or old drawer by adding wheels and handles

We love: Easy accessibility – everything is immediately visible to encourage immediate play

7. Sunken table tubs

Top tip: Tap the image to follow the Pinterest link for a great weekend DIY project

We love: A stylish solution to a messy problem

8. Shoe organiser

Top tip: Fix Velcro strips to tops for a travelling wall of Lego!

We love: See-through pockets, easy & affordable idea

9. Corner command station

Top tip: For the serious Lego builder, install shelving above storage for display of creations

We love: This solution for an older child, who can take charge of the organisation and display themselves

10. Colour coordinated

Top tip: Consult your children as to how they’d like to organise their bricks and enlist their help from the get-go

We love: Upcycled printer’s tray hung with mini figures above

11. Mini figure shelves

Top tip: Line shelf with Lego board to keep figurines in place

We love: Space-saving narrow strip shelf doubles as storage and display

12. Zip-up play mat

Top tip: Use oilcloth for hard wearing and easy cleaning

We love: DIY project that doubles as a tidy storage cube

The post 12 of the best ideas for Lego storage appeared first on Home Beautiful.

As one of the busiest rooms in the house, the kitchen suffers from a great deal of food and tableware collecting in cupboards to make it cluttered and less efficient in running the household every day.

Take stock of what’s hampering your processes – remove what’s not needed and store what is in a manner that makes it easy to put your hands on every day.

1. Take stock 

Working from one cupboard to another one at a time, take stock of what’s in there. Pull everything out for inspection.

2. Clean the surfaces

Grime builds up over time in corners and on shelves from food, sauces, dust and daily use.

While you have everything out of the cupboard, wipe down the shelves and other surfaces with a damp soapy cloth, freshly scented with essential oil – try eucalyptus or peppermint.

3. Cull the contents

Anything that hasn’t been used in 12 months should be removed and stored elsewhere or discarded.

4. Stack neatly

Stack and store remaining items neatly so they are visible as soon as you open the cupboard and are within easy reach. Consider adding extra shelves or wire baskets for more efficient storage of smaller items.

5. Consider open shelving

‘Out of sight, out of mind’. Consider open shelving in some areas to minimise lost objects at the back of deep, dark cupboards and maximise the functionality of items used every day.

Open kitchen shelves do need a regular wipe down however when the contents are on show you may be more likely to keep things clean and tidy.

6. Invest in good quality storage

Pantry wizards swear by making an investment for the long term in storage containers of high quality that stack beautifully and look good.

There’s nothing more rewarding than row-upon-row of matching canisters. Use buckets and baskets for larger items.

The post How to declutter your kitchen cupboards appeared first on Home Beautiful.