Painted bookshelves are especially popular in living rooms because they add personality, create visual depth and help tie colour schemes together.

If you’re looking for painted living room bookshelf ideas, we’re sharing design advice on how to choose colours, select finishes and style your shelves so they look curated rather than cluttered.

Related article: How to: Style a bookshelf
Related article: How to create a calm, focused workspace at home

Why painted bookshelves work so well in living rooms

Living room bookshelves are rarely just for books anymore. They often double as a place to display artwork, ceramics, plants and personal pieces that make a house feel like home.

Painting your bookshelves allows them to feel intentional rather than purely functional. It can also help built-in shelves blend seamlessly into the architecture of the room or, alternatively, make them the focal point of the space.

While most of the bookshelves in this article feature a solid colour, there are other creative ways to paint bookshelves. For example, painting the back of bookshelves in a contrasting colour can add depth and help objects stand out.

Whether you have existing cabinetry that’s looking tired or you’re styling on a budget and want to elevate flatpack pieces, painted bookshelves are a simple way to create a designer look. Keep scrolling for all our tips.

How to choose the right colour for a painted living room bookshelf

Now that you’re (hopefully!) convinced painted bookshelves are a good idea, it’s time to choose the right colour.

You would have heard us talk a lot about the connection between colour and emotion, and how the right shade can completely transform the feel of a room.

Let’s take a look at the most popular bookshelf colours. From light neutrals to dark and moody tones, and even bold pops of colour, because after all, you’re allowed to have a little fun with it!

Neutral bookshelf colours

Soft neutrals are a safe and timeless option for painted living room bookshelves. Colours like warm white, soft grey, taupe or beige create a calm backdrop that allows styling pieces to shine.

Neutral painted bookshelves also work well in smaller living rooms where darker colours could feel heavy.

Dark and dramatic bookshelves

If you want your bookshelves to feel bold and sophisticated, dark colours bring the drama!

Deep greens, navy blue, charcoal or even black painted bookshelves add depth and stand out beautifully.

Dark painted shelves work particularly well in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, library-style living rooms and homes with plenty of natural light.

Tonal or colour-matched shelves

Another growing trend is colour-drenching bookshelves. This is when the shelving is painted the same colour as the walls (and ceiling), creating a beautiful enveloping feel.

This creates a seamless, custom-built look that makes shelving feel like part of the architecture. It’s particularly effective with built-in living room bookshelves.

What paint finish works best for bookshelves?

Choosing the right paint finish for bookshelves is just as important as the colour.

We recommend a satin or semi-gloss finish for shelving because it is more durable and easier to wipe clean than flat paint.

If your shelves will hold heavy books or decorative pieces, a tougher finish will help prevent scuffs and marks over time.

Matte finishes can work beautifully but may require a little more care.

What style of bookshelves work best in a living room?

When planning the design of your living room shelves, one of the best tips is to include a mix of open shelves and closed cabinetry.

Open shelves allow you to display books and decorative objects — all the beautiful things you want on display. Then for all the not so beautiful things, cabinets are ideal. They provide the perfect storage spot for things like paperwork, electronics, cables and unsightly (but annoyingly necessary!) kids toys.

A combination of both also helps reduce the amount of dust that collects on everything. Plus, if you’re having a messy day, you can simply close the cabinet doors and the room instantly looks tidy again. We’re ALL for that idea!

This approach is commonly used in custom built-in bookshelves and living room wall units because it balances practicality with style. However, you can find plenty of standalone, store bought bookshelves with a mix of both shelving styles. They might just require a bit of a DIY paint job to give them that one-of-a-kind feeling. For more info on that topic, keep on reading.

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How to style living room bookshelves

One of the biggest questions people ask us is how to style bookshelves so they look good without feeling overcrowded.

We go in depth into this topic in our bookshelf styling series here: Part 1 and Part 2. But here are the basics when it comes to bookshelf styling tips, tricks and ideas.

1. Start with books

It may sound obvious, but books should still form the foundation of your bookshelf styling.

Stack some horizontally, place others vertically and leave small gaps between sections so the shelves feel relaxed rather than packed.

2. Add in a mix of decorative objects

It’s no secret how much we adore decor pieces. In amongst your books, we suggest adding in a mix of objects such as ceramics, framed photos, small sculptures or travel souvenirs.

Using objects with different heights, shapes and textures helps create visual interest. You can read all about our fave home decor items here.

3. Bring in greenery

Plants are one of the easiest ways to soften bookshelves.

Trailing plants, small potted greenery or even dried arrangements can bring life and colour to your shelving. If your living room bookshelf doesn’t get a lot of natural light, you may even want to try adding in a few realistic looking artificial indoor plants (yes, they do exist, we promise!).

4. Leave space

One of the secrets to beautifully styled shelves is negative space. Leaving some areas empty prevents shelves from looking cluttered and helps highlight your favourite pieces.

How to DIY your own painted living room bookshelf.

If you already have shelves in your living room (or perhaps you’ve thrifted some!), painting them can be a surprisingly simple weekend project. It’s one of the easiest ways to create custom-looking bookshelves on a budget.

Freestanding bookcases from places like IKEA, Facebook Marketplace or OP shops (or even council pick up!) can be painted to suit your space in whatever shade matches your interior aesthetic.

For the best tips on how to tackle your own DIY painted bookshelf project, we can’t go past this article written by a multi-award-winning painter and decorator. It answers all the key painting questions so it’s definitely worth a read if you’re keen to take on a DIY project.

What style of bookshelf is best? Built-in bookshelves or a freestanding bookcase?

If you’re renovating or designing a living room from scratch, you may also consider custom built-in bookshelves. Custom joinery can be designed to fit your space perfectly, often incorporating cabinetry, lighting and shelving in one cohesive unit.

If custom joinery isn’t in your budget, freestanding bookshelves can still look fantastic, especially when painted and styled thoughtfully.

For renters or anyone who likes to change things up, freestanding shelves offer more flexibility and are a great way to experiment with colour.

At the end of the day, living room bookshelves should reflect your personality. And with the right colour, finish and styling approach, they can easily become one of the most beautiful features in your living room.

We hope this article has given you some ideas and inspiration to add a painted living room bookshelf in your home. For even more design ideas delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to Style Curator.

More living room styling ideas here

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We were curious about this too, so we invited interior designer Nina Di Marco from YDM Design Studio to share her expertise. Nina specialises in creating nature-inspired interiors that support wellbeing, and her approach to design goes far beyond aesthetics. She takes us through the main zones of the home and how you can embrace biophilic design in each area.

Related article: Design greenery into your renovation: How to create an indoor outdoor connection
Related article: How to incorporate elements of Feng Shui into your home

Words by Nina Di Marco

Overview of biophilic design

Natural environments help shift the body from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) into the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and restore). Many researchers refer to this human–nature connection as Biophilia — and biophilic design is an approach to interior design that aims to reap the benefits of this connection to create restorative spaces that feel like a sanctuary.

Biophilic design uses key elements from the outdoors — such as light, plants, layouts and colours — to help us to reconnect with nature within our homes and move us into the rest and restore mode. Today we live very fast paced stressful lives and often come home to a space that feels equally chaotic and stressful. Not having a space that can help to move from that fight or flight response, to rest and restore can be harmful to our health long-term — leading to many issues like increased anxiety, bad sleep, a weakened immune system and difficulty concentrating. 

Whilst biophilic design can have a positive impact on you in every space of the home, there are three particular spaces that we will focus on today to get the maximum benefit: bedrooms, lounge and home office.

Biophilic design in the bedroom

From regulating our mood, hormones and metabolism to helping the body repair and improve our immune system, sleep is vital for our health in many ways. If you struggle to sleep or you just want to get better sleep, biophilic design can allow you to create an environment that can help with this.

Strategic lighting

Our circadian rhythm is an important indicator of how well we sleep. Our bodies need sunlight in the morning and day, and minimal lighting in the evening, to regulate our circadian rhythm. This mimics what our ancestors did, going out into the bright sunlight during the day and enjoying only the low glow of a fire once the sun has set. It’s therefore important to switch from bright overhead lights to warm lights that are eye-level or lower during the evening. This could be wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps or low hanging pendants — and always with a warm white globe. This is particularly important in your bedroom, and any adjacent walk-in robe and ensuite, to set the tone for your body when getting ready for bed. 

Creating ‘refuge’

As our ancestors did when seeking refuge in a cave or a thick canopy of trees, we usually feel safer and more comfortable in spaces that feel enclosed and protected. This cocooning effect allows us to relax and slow down, and can be particularly helpful in the bedroom to create the right atmosphere for sleep. A popular way of creating this is colour drenching — which is where you use a single colour across most (or all) surfaces in a room. When colour-drenching a bedroom, we also recommend using a soothing nature-inspired colour. Green is ideal as it reminds us of plants and landscapes. Blue is another good choice as it brings forth images of water and the sky. 

Natural materials

As well as selecting colours that have a connection to nature, we recommend bringing natural materials and textures into the bedroom. This could be timber and stone furniture pieces, linen fabrics for the bed and/or curtains and wool carpets or rugs. Introducing natural materials that are soft and textured not only triggers that human–nature connection that helps us relax, but they will also help to absorb some noise, creating better acoustics for sleep as well.

Biophilic design in the lounge

The lounge is usually the main place in the home that we go to when we want to relax and slow down. Whether you’re entertaining, reading, or watching TV, using biophilic design principles is sure to make a big difference to how you feel in the space.

Indoor outdoor connection 

A visual connection to an outdoor area through large windows and/or doors, is one of the best ways to bring biophilic design into a living space. As well as providing a relaxing view, windows and doors will bring in natural light and a soft breeze once opened, both of which can help with reducing stress. If you can, position some of the seating to face these outdoor views. Whilst humans seek a space that feels like refuge at night, we tend to prefer having a clear view of our surroundings with long sight-lines during the day. 

If you have small windows or your view is lacking, the next best option is to bring in plants into the space. As well as helping to create a relaxing environment, the plants can help clean the air in your home. When selecting indoor plants, consider the size of the plant and the amount of water and light they require. By selecting the right type of plant for each location (and for your lifestyle) you can be sure to keep your new plants alive and your home healthier and happier.

Embracing organic shapes

Nature always favours its organic, irregular and flowing forms. Bring this into the lounge by introducing curved and rounded furniture pieces, and imperfect handcrafted forms for your decor. It’s also important to consider our preference for organic rounded shapes when it comes to arranging our furniture. In particular we always recommend arranging seating this way (with some extra armchairs, stools or ottomans), as it also helps with encouraging a deeper connection with your family and guests. In a circular/organic arrangement, everyone can see each other and feel like they are equal participants in the conversation.

When it comes to prints for fabric, or even art pieces, there is a type of natural pattern called fractals which humans tend to be very drawn to. These patterns repeat themselves at different scales so that the same shape or structure appears again and again, whether you’re viewing it from far away or up close. Examples of this in nature include the veins on a leaf and branches on a tree, snowflakes, the irregular rhythms of a coastline, and the pattern of cracked dry dirt. 

Transitioning the space

This touches on two points already discussed in the bedroom section, but is important to mention this for the lounge as well. As you move from day to evening, it’s essential to transition the space to suit. This means turning off overhead lights and switching to lamps with warm white globes, and creating a more cocooning feeling in the room. An easy way to do this is through blockout curtains, which create a wall of soft and cosy fabric. 

Biophilic design in the home office

In a home office, biophilic design plays an important role in reducing fatigue, supporting focus and mental clarity. Having items that can reconnect us to the natural environment during small breaks from looking at a screen can be greatly beneficial. 

Natural light

Natural light in a workspace is incredibly important to improve your mood and productivity. As mentioned previously, our body relies on its circadian rhythm to know when it needs to be awake and when it needs to rest. Giving ourselves access to natural light during the day signals to the body that it’s time to be alert and focused. Whilst natural light is important, it can also be quite harsh if it gets very bright or produces glare. Sheer curtains or blinds are the perfect solution to be able to adjust the amount of light that comes in as the day progresses.

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli (or NRSS) refers to gentle, unpredictable moments in nature that capture our attention without demanding it. This could be softly shifting sunlight, trees swaying in the breeze, or slow moving water. As our brains are constantly processing information, this means that highly uniform, static environments can become mentally draining over time. Whilst NRSS might seem like a small thing, it gives the brain small moments of rest and recovery that can help to create a calmer atmosphere. This can be particularly helpful for home offices to let the brain rest without disengaging completely. 

Some examples of how you could incorporate this in a home office are: the natural movement of plants (indoors or through a window), a flickering flame from a candle or a small water feature on your desk. Indoor plants are particularly helpful, as exposure to them in a workplace setting has been linked to improved concentration and mental clarity.

Tactile natural finishes

Having access to natural materials and finishes within a touching distance can help to keep you grounded and calm in the face of stressful situations. Examples of this could be a timber desk, ceramic accessories, linen curtains, wool rugs and woven baskets. Whilst some decor is helpful, do keep in mind not to overwhelm the space as visual clutter can have the opposite effect on our moods. This also goes for cables, devices, stationary and paperwork — which is always best tucked away when not needed to reduce mental stress.

Thank you Nina for sharing your expert insights on how to embrace biophilic design in different areas of the home. From improving sleep to creating more calming, restorative spaces, it’s a beautiful reminder that good design isn’t just about how your home looks — but how it supports the way you live and feel. For more design advice delivered straight to your inbox each week, subscribe to Style Curator.

About the author

Nina Di Marco is the founder and interior designer behind YDM Design Studio. She specialises in creating thoughtful, nature-inspired interiors, with a strong focus on biophilic design and wellbeing. Through careful use of natural materials, light and spatial planning, Nina designs spaces that feel calm, functional and deeply connected to their environment.

Web: ydmdesignstudio.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ydm_design_studio
Facebook: facebook.com/ydm.design.studio.melbourne

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But when you’re designing spaces that are expensive to renovate, it’s important to think beyond what looks good right now. Kitchens and bathrooms should feel beautiful today… and in 10 or even 20 years’ time! That means choosing marble that not only complements the other materials in your space but can also stand up to daily use.

While marble is prized for its natural beauty, different stones vary in density and porosity, which can affect how resistant they are to moisture and staining. Understanding these differences can help you decide where and how to use marble in your home.

To choose the right marble for your kitchen or bathroom, we’re sharing expert tips on how to create a cohesive materials palette, the best types of marble for different applications, and what to consider when it comes to maintenance and longevity. The goal? A design that celebrates natural stone while still performing beautifully for years to come.

Related article: Gorgeous before and after marble kitchen transformation
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Understanding marble in kitchen and bathroom design

Marble is a natural stone formed over thousands of years, which means every slab has its own unique pattern and veining. No two pieces are exactly the same — and that’s part of its appeal.

In kitchens and bathrooms, marble is most commonly used for:

• benchtops
• splashbacks
• bathroom vanities (previously just vanity benchtops but now solid marble vanities are gaining popularity)
• flooring or feature walls.

The soft veining and movement in marble create visual interest without overwhelming the space. It’s a beautiful way to introduce texture while still keeping a calm, cohesive look.

Popular marble styles for Australian homes

Light marble with subtle grey veining has been the firm favourite for decades. Think varieties like Calacatta (with grey and gold veining), Statuario marble (with brilliant white stone and bold grey veining) and Carrara (with subtle grey veining). Whatever variety you choose, they reflect light beautifully and can make smaller kitchens or bathrooms feel more open.

If your home has warmer finishes — such as timber cabinetry or brushed brass fixtures — marble with soft beige or creamy undertones can achieve a more cohesive palette. Crema Marfil is a rich creamy marble or for something more dramatic, Kalahari offers more depth and movement with its veining.

Recently, we’ve seen rich, colourful stones like the deep red Francias Rosso marble and forest green Verdi Alpi marble become favourites amongst interior designers.

Designer tip: If you opt for a bold, coloured stone, we suggest using it as the statement material (such as kitchen benchtop or bathroom vanity — yes, the whole vanity) and choosing equally luxe and rich materials to complete the space. For example, we wouldn’t suggest using a light oak timber which will pale in comparison against these stones, rather walnut or another rich timber would be a better option.

Many homeowners choose to view slabs in person through suppliers such as RMS Traders, widely recognised as Australia’s best marble stone supplier. This allows you to compare different marble styles and find a piece that works with your design vision.

Choosing marble for the kitchen

The kitchen is often the busiest space in the home, so marble needs to balance beauty with everyday practicality.

Benchtops and splashbacks

A marble benchtop can become the anchor of the entire kitchen. Larger slabs with continuous veining create a seamless and elegant look, particularly on island benches.

If you prefer a lighter, more understated aesthetic, white marble can help keep the space feeling fresh and open. Marble splashbacks are also becoming increasingly popular. Extending the stone from the benchtop up to the cabinetry creates a cohesive look that feels refined and architectural.

When selecting marble for a kitchen, consider how the stone will work with the rest of the room.

Your kitchen materials palette includes:

• cabinetry colour
• tapware and hardware finishes
• flooring materials
• window treatments
• lighting.

Lighting plays a surprisingly big role. Natural daylight tends to highlight the depth and veining in marble, while warmer interior lighting can bring out softer undertones in the stone.

Choosing marble for the bathroom

Bathrooms are ideal spaces for marble because the material naturally creates a calming, spa-like atmosphere. However, because marble is a porous stone, it’s important to think carefully about where you install it. Even with regular sealing, marble is susceptible to staining from moisture, such as water rings from the base of shampoo and conditioner bottles.

For this reason, we don’t recommend using marble on the shelf or ledge in showers, or shower floor where it is exposed to constant water and cleaning products. Instead, use marble in areas where it can be the feature without requiring intense maintenance, such as your vanity top, splashback or feature wall.

Vanity tops and feature walls

A marble vanity top can instantly elevate a bathroom and act as a focal point in the room. Pairing marble with timber vanities adds warmth, while pairing it with white cabinetry creates a more crisp and classic look. Recently, we’ve also seen spectacular solid stone vanities (like the one by Three Birds Renovations above) take centre stage in bathroom designs.

Marble can also be used on walls to create a continuous surface that feels luxurious and serene. Some designers choose to match the vanity and feature wall marble to create a cohesive design throughout the space (take a peek at that stunning bathroom below).

Because marble varies so much from slab to slab, many homeowners prefer to view the stone in person before committing. Suppliers such as RMS Traders allow you to explore different colours, veining patterns and finishes so you can select something that suits the proportions and style of your bathroom.

Marble finishes and practical considerations

Marble is available in different finishes, which can dramatically change its look and feel. Polished marble has a glossy finish that reflects light and adds brightness to a space.
Whereas honed marble has a softer matte appearance that feels more relaxed and contemporary.

The finish you choose will depend on the mood you want to create in your home. Polished marble tends to feel more formal and luminous, while honed marble suits interiors that lean towards natural, understated design.

Installation quality is just as important as the stone itself. Careful installation ensures edges are finished neatly and that veining flows naturally across surfaces — small details that make a big difference to the final result.

Creating flow between kitchen and bathroom

If you’re using marble in multiple areas of the home, consider how you’ll create a sense of continuity between spaces.

One approach is to use a bolder marble in the kitchen — perhaps on an island bench — and a softer variation of the same tone in the bathroom. This keeps the design connected without feeling repetitive.

Marble also pairs beautifully with natural materials such as timber, brass and natural textiles. Layering these materials helps balance the stone and ensures the home still feels warm and inviting. We share expert tips on how to go from a mood board to making selections for your project in this article.

It’s also worth thinking about how each space will be used daily and how the marble will work within that routine. When chosen carefully and installed well, marble becomes more than just a surface — it becomes a lasting design feature that adds character and timeless appeal to your home.

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, choosing the right materials can make all the difference. Subscribe to the Style Curator newsletter for more practical design tips, renovation advice and beautiful home inspiration delivered straight to your inbox each week.

More design advice

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Whatever the reason, there’s no denying subway tiles are a stylish, versatile and timeless choice. Suitable for laundry areas, kitchen splashbacks, fireplaces, and bathroom walls and/or floors (depending on type), let’s take a look at the most popular ways to lay subway tiles.

Related article: Real terrazzo vs terrazzo-look tiles, what you need to know
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Vertical offset

Let’s start with an unexpected and modern way to lay subway tiles — vertical offset. Just as the name suggest, this is where the tiles are laid vertically and each row of tiles is slightly offset from the row below. You could also align alternating rows with the mid-point of the row above for a vertical brick layout.

We love an offset pattern as it adds more rhythm to the space and is a contemporary way to lay your subway tiles. It makes a gorgeous statement, especially when you use an undulated tile like the ones pictured below.

Vertical straight stack

One of the most popular ways to lay subway tiles is in a vertical straight stack layout. We see this used a lot on splashbacks — where three rows of subway tiles are generally a perfect fit — as well as on half-height bathroom walls. Of course, this layout can also be extended across full walls or even wrapped around the entire bathroom.

Depending on the style of tiles you choose and other design details, vertical straight stack subway tiles can suit almost any interior style — from earthy luxe and minimalist spaces to farmhouse interiors and modern interpretations of heritage homes.

Horizontal offset

There are many ways to lay subway tiles horizontally, including brick bond (also called running bond), straight stack and offset, and we’ll cover all of these.

Generally when you hear ‘horizontal offset’ pattern in Australia, it means the rows are slightly offset by about a third of a tile like in the picture below. However, you can also offset rows of tiles to create a more linear look.

Whatever offset style you choose, this is another unexpected yet modern way to lay subway tiles.

Horizontal straight stack

If you want to create an architectural look on a budget, our tip is to use a horizontal straight stack subway tile layout. Laying them horizontally works beautifully in contemporary, mid-century or Japanese-inspired interiors.

You can emphasise the layout by choosing a contrasting grout colour, like in the kitchen below, or use a complementary grout for a softer, more understated look.

Brick bond subway tiles

Brick bond is probably the most well-known and traditional pattern for laying subway tiles and we totally understand why. A brick bond pattern is versatile and can fit almost any style of home whether it be modern, rustic, coastal, etc.

This is another subway tile layout that works well with a contrasting grout colour. For example, light subway tiles with a dark grey grout are perfect for an industrial aesthetic. Or be daring and consider using a coloured grout for something truly different.

Herringbone subway tiles

Laying tiles in a herringbone pattern instantly creates a sense of luxe. Perfect for achieving a Hamptons, coastal, contemporary, industrial, traditional… basically any interior design style!

No matter your design direction, the herringbone pattern adds movement and depth to your space. Our tip, use restraint. The bold pattern of herringbone goes a long way so remember: less is more. Consider creating a striking feature wall behind your vanity or in the shower.

Fun fact, do you know where this pattern gets its name? It’s the way it resembles fish bones, in particular, the herring fish.

Double herringbone subway tiles

When one of a good thing isn’t enough, double it! A double herringbone subway pattern creates a bolder look, emphasising the angular lines of the herringbone pattern. It’s a fabulous option for coastal and contemporary style homes. Going for neutral coloured tiles can also create a more sophisticated, luxe and calm ambience in your space.

Basketweave

Gaining popularity, basketweave is a tile layout that uses 2, 3 or 4 subway tiles in alternating tile directions. Sometimes it’s also called cross hatch tile layout. To pull this look off, you need to select subway tiles in the right ratio or they won’t line up.

For example, a 300mm x 75mm sized subway tile would line up when 4 tiles are laid in alternating directions because 4 x 75 is 300mm which matches the length. Similarly, a 150mm x 75mm tile would match up when 2 tiles are laid in alternating directions.

Alternating corridor

Finally, another designer-approved way to lay subway tiles is the alternating corridor pattern. This is where rows of tiles are laid in alternating directions, creating the illusion of a corridor running between vertically stacked subway tiles.

While this method of laying subway tiles hasn’t been widely used in Australia yet, it’s a great option if you want to break away from the highly saturated brick bond pattern and try something a little different.

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Have our design tips on modern ways to lay subway tiles helped you? If you’re gathering ideas for your next renovation, don’t forget to subscribe to Style Curator for more bathroom design inspiration, clever layouts and styling ideas.

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Today we have lighting expert James Nagel with us to share everything you need to know about lighting your bathroom. James is a qualified Illumination Designer with over 15 years experience and founder of lighting specification company Luxygen.

Related article: What height to hang pendant lights?
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Prioritise lighting function first

Other than general lighting, the most important function of lighting in a bathroom is to illuminate your face. Especially when using the vanity mirror. Whether it’s to shave or put on makeup, during these sorts of tasks is where you need your lighting to work for you. The rest of the lighting in your bathroom is considered general or creative mood lighting.

There are many ways you can create functional light at the vanity, including:

• mirror with light ring (either front-lit or back-lit)
• wall lights above or to the one or both sides of the mirror
• pendant lights on one or both sides of the mirror.

Whichever lighting solution you choose, just remember you want to create light that hits the face. Avoid creating directional shadows. So while a downlight directly above a mirror may look nice, it can create an issue with casting downward shadows on the face. Likewise, backlit mirrors look beautiful but they aren’t great at throwing light onto your face so often supplementary lighting is required.

Keep reading further for ideas on how you can create accent lighting in your bathroom.

The future trends in bathroom lighting

Like all things design, lighting goes through trends. You can give your bathroom a design-forward look by embracing some of these future trends in bathroom lighting.

1. New ways to use LED strip lighting

For many years we saw people use LED strip lighting in similar places: below the vanity, below the shaving cabinet and in wall niches. Now we’re seeing more creative uses of LED strip lights.

Strip lights are now compact enough to use in places that weren’t previously possible. For example, James recommends installing LED strip lights just beneath the stone on a vanity, within the shadow line.

Another clever way of using LED strip lighting is to run a thin strip down the side of your mirror. With a simple Perspex cover this becomes virtually hidden and creates a diffuse light to light the face.

Generally mirrors have lights incorporated into them. They provide the diffuse light required to illuminate the face without shadowing problems.

2. Clean ceilings

James says there’s been a move away from standard downlights and traditional styles of lighting. People are favouring clean ceilings in the bathroom — the lack of obstruction creates a much sleeker look.

“A dropped ceiling with an LED strip box is very in,” explains James, “particularly in commercial applications and offers just as much light as downlights. An even more design-forward idea is to use strip lighting along one edge of the ceiling and down one wall.”

Tastics are a functional must-have for most people but you don’t need to go with a bulky design. James says newer models, such as the Tastic Neo, offer the same functionality in virtually flat profiles — keeping the clean line of your ceiling.

3. Less is more

James says overdoing your lighting is one of the most common lighting mistakes in bathrooms. You don’t need to add feature lighting in every possible spot. Decide what statement you want to make and do that.

Design tip: include is a night light on a sensor so during those unexpected trips to the bathroom you’re not having to turn on the overhead lighting. This sensor could either turn on a simple low-level wall light near your toilet or your under-vanity strip lighting.

Technical lighting FAQs

Choosing the right bathroom lighting can be confusing so we’ve answered the most common bathroom lighting questions in Australia. These are questions you’ve either sent in to us or the top searched for questions when it comes to lighting in bathrooms. If you have more questions we haven’t answered, leave a comment below and we’ll add it to the article.

Can I install a 240V light fitting in a bathroom?

You sometimes hear electricians say you must use low voltage lights in the bathroom and it isn’t until you shop for low voltage lights that you realise there isn’t much choice on the market.

James says if a light is inside the protected zones then it will need to be either low voltage, IP X4 rated or double insulated.

You can install a standard fitting so long as it’s outside of the zones deemed unsafe. Your builder, lighting designer or installing electrician will be able to provide you with zone category areas and advise where you can install.

What’s the difference between warm and cool globes and which are best?

Kelvin or K measures colour temperature, ranging from 1000K to 10,000K. Generally, warm lights are around 2700-3000K and have a yellow/warm glow, while cool lights are 4000K+ and have a blue/cool glow.

There’s no right or wrong rule when it comes to selecting warm or cool LEDs as it comes down to personal preference… but James generally prefers warm LEDs and so do we! Cool LEDs can make spaces clinical and wash out your skin tones whereas warm lights are more flattering. Warm lighting also feels softer and more inviting which is especially important in bathrooms where many of the materials and finishes are hard and cold.

Our tip: for the best bathroom lighting, select a warm to neutral light around 3000-3500K. This is the ideal temperature for seeing properly while you do everyday tasks (such as applying make-up) while still being soft and flattering. If you select a light that’s too warm, the yellow tones will make it difficult to get a true representation of how you look… and no one wants to leave the house with make-up like an Oompa-Loompa!

The other thing that isn’t spoken about much is colour rendering. This is how colours appear under the light. James says most LEDs are very good with blue, green and yellow colours but reds are often poorly represented. He suggests looking for ‘high colour rendering LEDs’ as these may have better rendering properties in the red tones and will help make items appear closer to their true natural colour. This is particularly important in bathrooms, as the right lighting helps skin tones look natural.

What height to hang lights?

James says this depends on the light fixture, your space (ceiling heights and scale of bathroom) and your overall design. His tip is to focus on positioning the fixture so the light is hitting where it’s needed. So wall sconces by the vanity should be placed at a height where the light will illuminate the face best.

You may like to check out this article about what height to hang pendant lights for more advice.

How many lights do you need in a bathroom?

One of the most common questions we get is how many lights you need in a bathroom. The answer is, it depends! Rather than thinking about the number of lights, we suggest thinking about the layers of lighting.

In a bathroom you generally want:

• overhead lighting for overall illumination, such as downlights or LED strip lights around your ceiling
• task lighting at the vanity, either the illuminated mirror or wall lights above or next to your mirror
• optional feature or accent lighting for depth and mood, such as strip lighting below your vanity, pendant lights above your bath or other more decorative lighting.

Using a multi-layered lighting plan creates a bathroom that’s both functional and beautiful.

Do you have any other questions about lighting in the bathroom? Pop them in the comments below and we’ll get James to answer them!

More lighting advice and inspo

This article was first published in January 2019 and continues to be updated with the latest information and images.

The post Everything you need to know about lighting your bathroom appeared first on Style Curator.

Gaining popularity in Australia and around the world, Japandi blends the calm restraint of Japanese interiors with the cosy, functional comfort of Scandi living. Think natural timber, low-slung furniture, soft neutrals, and just the right amount of ‘perfectly imperfect’ texture.  

We’ve called on design experts and put together a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about Japandi style and how to bring it into your living areas, bathrooms and kitchens.

Related article: A guide to the 10 most popular interior design styles
Related article: Exploring Japanese bathroom design in Morecombe Home

What is Japandi interior design?

At its core, Japandi interior design is a hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian design — not just in looks but also in philosophy.

It takes the pared-back aesthetic and strong lines, natural materials and the wabi-sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and ageing from Japanese design, and fuses it with light-filled rooms, simple forms, and a cosy, welcoming feeling often described as hygge.

“When I design Japandi spaces, I mainly focus on intentional, human-centered functionality and natural materials,” says Anh Ly, architect-turned-interior designer and founder of Mim Concept.

“The key to success is balancing minimalism with softness. For instance, you don’t warm up a Japandi room by adding more décor. Instead, you warm it up by choosing interior pieces with quiet texture. The goal is to keep the space serene but never sterile.”

Key characteristics of Japandi style:

• calm, muted colour palette: soft whites, warm beiges, stone, mushroom, clay, greige and charcoal accents. You’ll see nature-inspired tones rather than stark black-and-white contrast
• natural, honest materials: light to mid-tone timbers (oak, ash), rattan, bamboo, stone, linen, cotton, wool, paper shades and handmade ceramics
• low, grounded furniture: slimline sofas with timber legs, low coffee tables, floor cushions and simple joinery that sits close to the floor to create a grounded, restful atmosphere
• ‘perfectly imperfect’ finishes: plaster-look walls, handmade tiles, visible grain in timber, slightly irregular pottery — nothing feels overly glossy or showy
• decluttered but lived-in: Japandi is minimal but not sterile. Surfaces are edited, yet there are still books, a favourite mug, a linen throw or a single sculptural branch to give the space personality.

If you love interiors that feel quietly luxurious, functional and timeless, Japandi might be your design soulmate.

How to create Japandi main living areas

When people search for ‘Japandi living room ideas’ or ‘Japandi style homes’, the results are soft, layered spaces that feel calm but still warm and inviting. Here’s how to get that look in your living and dining zones.

“Characteristics of Japandi style include a neutral, earthy colour palette mixed with natural materials like wood and linen,” says Colleen of Satara.

1. Start with a Japandi colour palette

The foundation of Japandi style is a soft and neutral colour palette. Walls, ceilings and large surfaces are muted, earthy and warm.

Main colours for a Japandi interior:

• warm white or soft ivory
• light greige or stone
• pale putty or mushroom.

Accents can include:

• deeper taupe and cocoa
• charcoal or ink (used sparingly for contrast)
• muted forest green, eucalyptus or clay tones.

2. Choose simple, low-profile furniture

Furniture choices are so important in achieving the Japandi design style in main living areas. Avoid overly ornate detailing or heavy, bulky pieces. Japandi furniture should feel quiet, functional and well-considered.

“It’s about clean lines, focus on functionality and craftsmanship,” explains Colleen of Satara.

“It embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection (which many of our timber pieces naturally do). And the Scandinavian idea of hygge, or cosy contentment as many of our designs represent proudly.”

Key furniture pieces and characteristics to embrace the style:

• a low sofa with clean lines, timber or black metal legs and textured upholstery (linen, cotton or a subtle weave)
• rectangular or oval timber coffee tables with rounded corners
• slim sideboards or wall-hung joinery to keep the floor feeling open
• dining tables in solid timber with straight but softened legs, paired with simple chairs in wood, paper cord or upholstered seats.

3. Layer texture instead of clutter

Rather than object stuffing your space, build interest through texture. Whether it’s cushions on the sofa or decor in a bookshelf, you want to embrace fewer things that at the same time tell a more interesting story. This will also create breathing room, instantly achieving that sense of calm and restraint the style is known for.

Favourite textures to achieve this fusion style:

• linen or cotton cushions in solid tones or subtle, small-scale patterns (longer lumbar cushions are a fave shape)
• flatweave or low-pile wool rug in a soft neutral, or jute rugs can also work well
• a single sculptural vase or handmade ceramic bowl on the coffee table or offset on a sideboard
• timber trays, woven baskets or paper lampshades.

4. Bring in nature (in a low-key way)

Connection to nature is a common denominator in both Japanese and Scandinavian design. The goal when bringing natural elements in is to create the sense of the outdoors gently flowing into your living spaces. It’s important not to go too hard or you’ll compete with the other elements in the space… or start giving it a bohemian vibe!

Easy ways to bring subtle hints of nature into your living area:

• simple stems of green foliage (or a single branch) in a vase instead of a full bouquet of flowers
• one or two potted plants with simple foliage, such as olive trees, rubber plants or monstera
• strategically placed mirror that reflects views of your garden, looking like a natural green artwork in your space.

5. Keep styling intentional

Finally, in keeping with the emotional calmness of this style, you need to style with restraint! An easy rule to follow is to think of every piece as having a job. For example, a lamp that gives soft light or a tray that holds remotes or smaller objects.

If something doesn’t serve a purpose (functional or emotional), you probably don’t need it in a Japandi space.

Japandi style bathrooms

Onto one of our favourite zones of the home — the bathroom. Designing a bathroom is an enigma to many… and when you throw a lesser known design style into the mix, it can leave you truly stumped!

We’re here to offer our design insights on how you can achieve a Japandi bathroom. One that feels spa-like, calming and refined.

1. Focus on warm minimalism

Just like decorating a living space, colour palette is one of the most important elements of a Japandi bathroom. All the colours and materials should feel inviting so avoid stark white and try this instead.

Colours and materials of a Japandi bathroom:

• warm white or light stone tiles (and bonus points for those with a speckled glaze or perfectly-imperfect finish)
• timber-look or real timber vanities
• natural stone tiles or vanity top.

You can add subtle contrast with matt white, brushed brass or brushed nickel tapware but keep the shapes clean and simple.

2. Hero natural materials and tactile finishes

The feeling you want to achieve when designing and decorating a Japandi-style bathroom is of a space that’s close to nature and invites slower moments of self care. The easiest way to create a space like this is by incorporating natural materials and finishes.

Ideas to bring natural materials and finishes into your bathroom:

• stone or stone-look tiles on floors or feature walls (or use feature tiles with an irregular finish or colour variation)
• timber framed bathroom mirror
• ceramic or handblown glass wall lights
• timber stools, trays or bath caddies
• linen or waffle towels in oatmeal, stone or soft charcoal
• indoor plant that loves humidity (like a fern or peace lily) if there’s enough natural light.

“Japandi interiors lean on natural, tactile materials: pale timber, veined stone, soft linens and clay tones. Neutral palettes of warm whites, oat, soft greys, and black accents create balance and depth,” says Lisa Goodsall, National Display Home & Studio M Retail Manager, Metricon.

3. Keep lines clean and storage smart

Japandi bathrooms should feel calm, not cluttered. So avoid having baskets full of stuff on display or using the back of your door for extra storage. You want to keep all visual noise to a minimum.

Design tricks to achieve an uncluttered aesthetic in your bathroom:

• opt for a wall-hung vanity with integrated storage (remember a timber grain is our suggested finish)
• use built-in niches in showers to avoid caddies (think about where you can position these so they’re not in view as soon as you walk into the bathroom)
• recess a storage cabinet into the wall so it sits flush or mostly flush as pictured in the bathroom below
• keep benchtops mostly clear, with only a few daily essentials decanted into simple containers.

Kitchens with a Japandi style

Kitchens are the heart of the home so if you want to create a Japandi style interior, it makes sense to focus your attention on the kitchen. Japandi kitchens balance functionality with soft, considered design.

“True Japandi style is a harmonious blend of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, grounded in core principles like quality over quantity and a deep appreciation for nature,” says Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder of LINQ Kitchen.

“It’s a style that appreciates age and raw craftsmanship. It also invites a variety of natural materials, such as wood and stone, to create spaces that feel lived-in yet refined.”

1. Keep cabinetry simple and timeless

A common theme of all the Japandi-inspired kitchens we’ve gathered is timber or timber veneer cabinetry. It’s a fool-proof and timeless choice that will set the foundation for the space.

If you don’t want to use timber cabinetry — or all-timber cabinetry — a matte laminate in a warm neutral colour also fits this style to a T. We love how the kitchen below blends mostly timber door fronts with some matte white overhead cupboards. It gives the space a sense of balance and is a clever design trick to make this tight kitchen feel open and spacious.

Consider using handles and knobs on your cabinetry to bring in handmade and imperfect qualities. Aged bronze or hand carved timber handles, or even stone door pulls would add interest and help you lean into the craftsmanship of this design style.

Whatever you do, avoid high-gloss finishes and ultra-trendy colours!

2. Embrace natural benchtops and soft shapes

If your budget can afford to stretch that far, a natural stone benchtop will anchor your kitchen in this design style. Otherwise, a light and neutral manmade alternative, with a warm base and subtle variation would be our go-to.

Japandi kitchen benchtop ideas:

• light to mid-tone stone or stone-look benchtops with gentle veining
• rounded island corners, bullnose or pencil-round edges instead of sharp, square profiles
• timber breakfast bars or shelves to add warmth.

“Warm minimalism is the heartbeat of Japandi,” says Lisa Goodsall of Metricon. “Clean architecture is softened with gentle curves, natural fibres, and diffused lighting. Practicality comes from storage-smart furniture and multifunctional pieces that maintain flow without sacrificing calm. The goal is uncluttered spaces that feel welcoming and lived-in.”

3. Calm, considered styling

Just like in other zones of the home we’ve already covered, the styling in your kitchen should be kept uncluttered. Keep benchtops clear where possible and just display a few functional pieces (think chopping boards, ceramic utensil holder, teapot or bowl of seasonal fruit).

If you have open kitchen shelves, this is where you could add a few decorative items without going overboard. For example, a trio of ceramics or some beautiful glassware. The kitchen should feel ready to cook in, but not visually noisy.

4. Lighting that feels gentle, not harsh

You’ve heard us say it time and time again, lighting is one of the most overlooked elements of design. Because the Japandi style is all about comfort and atmosphere, you can’t afford to overlook the lighting in your kitchen.

Create a layered lighting plan, including:

• general lighting with downlight on dimmers
• decorative, ambient lighting with wall lights or pendants over the island in paper, linen or simple metal
• under-cabinet task lighting for benches.

Tip: use warm white globes (not cool blue-toned light) to keep things cosy and inviting.

Japandi pitfalls to avoid

Throughout this guide, we’ve shared the principles of Japandi style and how you can translate that into your home… but sometimes it’s easier to learn by hearing what not to do.

“The biggest mistake I see people making when trying to make a space Japandi is trying to copy the look without adapting the mindset. They purchase pale wood furniture, add beige cushions everywhere, and wonder why everything feels so flat,” says Anh Ly.

“What they don’t know is that Japandi isn’t a colour scheme, it’s a discipline of editing. The first thing you need to do is get rid of visual noise before you add anything new. If you are operating on a modest budget, prioritise better lighting and at least one piece made from honest materials, such as ash wood, rattan or stone. This piece will anchor your room and instantly elevate the aesthetic.”

Lisa Goodsall says she sees people confuse Japandi with cold minimalism. “Empty spaces, oversized furniture, or too many decorative pieces can disrupt balance, particularly in smaller homes or rentals. True Japandi relies on harmony, warmth, and intentionality — every element should serve a purpose and contribute to calm. Avoiding patterns is also key.”

We hope this guide has given you a good insight into the essence of Japandi design, and plenty of practical ways you can incorporate it into your home. Is there another design style you’d like to know more about? Drop a comment below!

More design tips

The post What is Japandi interior design? A complete guide to Japandi style for every room appeared first on Style Curator.

Wattyl’s latest colour forecast is a glorious hit of sun-soaked optimism, featuring burnt oranges, sky blues, rich pinks and jungle greens. It’s fun, fearless and full of personality! Their collaboration with Fenton & Fenton shows just how stunning these hues can be when layered together thoughtfully throughout the home.

From terracotta walls to candy-pink furniture and summer-sky blue exteriors, these colours are all about warmth, joy and reconnecting with nature. Here’s how to bring this palette into your own home — with ideas straight from the new season imagery.

Related article: Colour and emotion: How to select colour for the mood you want to achieve
Related article: How colour can transform your home: Insights from a painting expert

Earthy terracotta + sky-blue calm

One of the most striking looks from the collection pairs Wattyl ‘Burnt Clay’ with pops of ‘Ocean Foam’ — a dreamy, summer-sky blue.

Applied to the walls, Burnt Clay delivers an instant sense of warmth and grounding. In the featured living room, this rich terracotta backdrop sets the tone, while blue furniture and décor pieces cool things down beautifully. The mossy ‘Delicate Vine’ green rounds out the palette, tying the whole scheme back to nature.

The result? A nurturing, comforting room with a gentle sense of balance. Layering pattern and texture (like Fenton & Fenton’s chequered rug) adds even more personality.

Garden-fresh pinks against clear-sky blues

Next up is a palette that feels like stepping into a vibrant summer garden. Deep hibiscus pinks, iced-blush tones and the crisp blue of Wattyl ‘After’ combine to create a playful yet serene aesthetic.

In this room, the rosy lounge chair and pink coffee table bring the ‘bloom’, while the blue walls and trim evoke a perfect cloudless day. If you love the idea of colour but want a look that still feels harmonious, this combo is a winner — optimistic, joyful and welcoming.

Mother-earth neutrals with jungle greens

If you just want to dip your toe into the bold colour trend, this next palette is the perfect entry point. The walls are painted in Wattyl ‘Bleached Hemp’, a soft sun-bleached stone tone that instantly calms a space.

From there, nature takes over: a deep moss-green velvet sofa, chartreuse accents and sunshine-yellow cushions give the room a fresh, organic feel without overwhelming the senses.

This combination works beautifully year-round — cosy in winter, uplifting in summer — and brings a quiet, grounded confidence to the home.

Colourful summer exteriors

It isn’t just inside the home where we’re seeing colour make a splash. Yes, exteriors get the colour-crush treatment too! One standout look features Wattyl ‘Forget Me Not Blue’ on an outdoor wall. It’s a statement that practically melts into the summer sky.

Bright pops of Wattyl ‘Charmed Forest’ green and the fabulous Schiaparelli-inspired Wattyl ‘Birthday Party’ pink bring energy and artistic flair to the alfresco space. For anyone tired of greys and charcoals outdoors, this palette is a breath of fresh (and very fun) air.

The verdict?

Bold, warm and joyful — these sun-kissed colours are set to dominate 2026 interiors. Whether you want to fully embrace terracotta walls or simply introduce a pop of chartreuse or pink, this palette proves one thing: colour is back, and it’s here to make our homes feel happier, richer and more connected to nature.

We hope this trend colour forecast has inspired you. Which colour combo is your fave? Tell us in the comments below!

More design inspo

The post Trend forecast: The colours of 2026 are sun-soaked and bold appeared first on Style Curator.

The materials you choose play a big role in the overall look. A classic timber staircase can bring warmth and character to a traditional or heritage-style home. Sleek metal detailing works beautifully in industrial or minimalist spaces. And for contemporary homes, nothing beats the clean, modern feel of a glass balustrade staircase.

Glass railings open up your space, allow more natural light into your home and have a clean and streamlined aesthetic. Instead of bulky posts or dated spindles, glass introduces a fresh, seamless style that instantly elevates the whole room. It’s a simple upgrade with a big impact. If you’re looking for a change that feels bold yet timeless, glass railings are a standout choice.

Related article: Meller House: Capturing mid-century spirit with contemporary living
Related article: Luxurious simplicity: Contemporary Australian meets Mediterranean style

Sleek, clean aesthetics that redefine the space

When you picture a modern staircase, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a clean and open look. This is exactly what glass railing systems bring to a home. Their clear and unobstructed lines create a minimalist effect that updates the room instantly. Heavy posts or decorative spindles can interrupt the view, but glass keeps the space feeling refined and light.

One of the biggest advantages is how much more open your home feels. Light moves through the area without interruption, which brightens hallways and reduces any sense of confinement. Smaller spaces benefit as well because glass visually expands the room without any structural changes.

Glass is also incredibly versatile. It blends well with any interior style, whether you prefer modern, traditional, or something transitional. You can pair it with timber for warmth, metal for a streamlined aesthetic, or floating steps for a bold architectural effect. Glass adapts easily to whatever look you want to create.

In short, glass railings do more than sit quietly in the background. They elevate everything around them by adding clarity, simplicity, and sophistication to your staircase. The result is a feature that enhances your home without overwhelming it.

Maximising natural light throughout the home

One of the biggest benefits of choosing glass for your stairs or balcony is the amount of natural light it lets into your home. Glass railings allow sunlight to flow freely, which brightens stairwells, hallways, and corners that once felt dim or closed off.

Since glass does not cast heavy shadows the way timber or metal balusters do, the space feels open and airy. This is especially helpful in smaller homes or areas with limited daylight. Glass railings make these rooms feel larger and more inviting, even if natural light is minimal.

By installing glass railings, you create a greater sense of flow and bring warmth and brightness into areas that once felt disconnected from the rest of the home.

Homes with unique architectural shapes, such as angled walls or skylight positions, benefit even more from glass because it preserves every available light source. This allows natural light to spread more evenly throughout the home and creates a consistent sense of brightness across multiple levels.

A perfect match for contemporary architecture

Good design relies on balance, and glass railing systems provide a modern look that works beautifully with a range of materials. Pairing glass with timber creates a warm and inviting feel, while pairing glass with steel or other metals adds an urban and industrial edge. The transparency of the glass keeps the lines clean, and the other materials bring texture and personality to the design.

Glass fits seamlessly into minimalist, contemporary, industrial, and transitional interiors. Because it is neutral and unobtrusive, it does not compete with other design elements. Instead, it connects them and makes the space feel more cohesive.

Staircase styles that work especially well include floating steps with glass panels for a suspended effect, metal and glass combinations for a loft style, and timber stairs with a glass balustrade for a warm yet modern finish.

Durability, strength, and safety you can trust

Installing glass railing systems provides more than aesthetic appeal. It also offers strength, safety, and long lasting durability. Most glass railings use tempered or laminated safety glass. This type of glass is engineered to be far stronger than standard glass and is treated to withstand significant impact. If tempered glass does break, it turns into small blunt pieces and not sharp fragments.

Safety glass meets modern building standards for railings because it is designed to bear weight, resist pressure, and provide secure edges during everyday use. Since glass does not rust, warp, or rot the way timber or some metals can, it remains strong and visually appealing for decades.

With proper installation and minimal maintenance, glass railings deliver reliable performance while looking clean and elegant.

Easy maintenance and everyday practicality

Choosing a glass railing system often surprises homeowners because of how easy it is to maintain. All it needs is an occasional wipe with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. It does not require sanding, painting, or staining the way timber railings do.

Glass does not warp, corrode, or rust, which helps it maintain a modern appearance even in high traffic homes or locations with changing weather conditions. This low maintenance nature is ideal for families and busy households because it keeps the home looking tidy with very little effort.

Glass is also resistant to fading, staining, and structural wear. This means it will stay attractive and practical for many years. If you want a railing that looks stylish without demanding constant upkeep, glass is an excellent choice.

Glass railings do more than refresh a staircase. They transform the way your entire home feels. They bring in natural light, open up your space, and suit any design style. With impressive strength, low maintenance requirements, and long lasting visual appeal, glass railings offer beauty, practicality, and lasting value.

More design tips

The post Why glass railings are the ultimate upgrade for a contemporary staircase appeared first on Style Curator.

One of the first choices most people face is whether to go with roof-mounted or ground-mounted panels. Both have clear benefits depending on your property’s size, shading, and layout. But there are also newer, design-focused options that make solar not just practical but beautiful. Understanding what suits your home and energy goals best will help you make an investment that pays off for years to come.

Related article: Electrician advice 10 best electrical improvements when renovating
Related article: Smart summer living: How to keep your home cool and efficient this season

Roof-mounted solar panels: Simple, space-saving and reliable

For most Australian homes, roof-mounted solar panels are the standard choice. They’re installed directly on the roof structure, where they can capture the sun from morning to late afternoon. This approach is especially popular in cities and suburbs, where space is limited and people want to make the most of existing surfaces.

In Australia, the ideal roof orientation is north-facing, since that gets the most direct sunlight throughout the day. Panels can also perform well on east or west-facing roofs, depending on your power usage patterns. With the right pitch and position, roof-mounted systems deliver strong performance without taking up a single square metre of yard space.

Another advantage is how seamlessly these systems fit into everyday living. Once installed, there’s little ongoing maintenance, and the panels can even add value to your home. Buyers increasingly choose properties that already have solar, especially as electricity prices continue to rise nationwide.

Ground-mounted solar panels: Freedom to optimise and expand

If you have spare land or a large backyard, ground-mounted solar panels are worth considering. These panels sit on ground-anchored frames rather than attaching to the roof. This gives you complete control over their angle and direction, which can maximise energy production, especially useful on properties where the roof isn’t ideally positioned.

Ground systems are easier to access for cleaning and maintenance, and they make expansion simple if you decide to increase your energy capacity later. Solar tracking systems follow the sun’s movement and improve efficiency throughout the day.

For rural properties or lifestyle blocks with plenty of open space, ground-mounted setups often provide the best long-term flexibility and performance.

Building-integrated solar: When design and technology meet

For new builds or major renovations, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer the next step in solar design. Instead of attaching panels on top of a roof, manufacturers build the solar elements directly into materials like roof tiles, glass facades, and solar windows.

The result is a home that quietly generates its own power without the look of traditional panels. While still a premium option in Australia, BIPV is gaining attention among architects and builders for its balance of style, sustainability, and function.

Solar carports and pergolas: Power with a purpose

When roof space is limited or you want something more creative, choose solar carports or solar pergolas instead. A solar carport protects your vehicle from the weather while producing power for your home. A solar pergola turns your outdoor space into an elegant energy source, ideal for patios, poolsides, or gardens.

These options are particularly attractive for homes with strict design covenants or heritage constraints, since they generate clean energy without altering the main roofline. They can also make practical use of areas that would otherwise just provide shade.

Adding a battery: Store the sun, use it when you need it

Solar batteries have become the next logical step for many homeowners looking to make the most of their systems. They store excess power generated during the day for use at night or during blackouts, offering greater energy independence and stability. For areas with higher electricity costs or less reliable grids, such as regional parts of Tasmania or far north Queensland, batteries can be particularly valuable.

Some state governments also provide incentives that make batteries more affordable. South Australia’s Home Battery Scheme, Victoria’s Solar Homes rebates, and Tasmania’s energy efficiency programs have helped thousands of households reduce reliance on the grid while smoothing out energy costs year-round. Combined with solar panels, a well-sized battery system can turn a house into a near self-sufficient power station.

Making the right choice for your property

The best solar setup depends on your location, roof type, shading, and how you use power. A north-facing roof with minimal trees nearby might make rooftop solar a clear winner, while a larger property could benefit from a flexible ground system.

Cost, accessibility, and aesthetics all play a role too. Take the next step by speaking with a Clean Energy Council accredited installer. They can analyse your site, measure your solar potential, and help you find the most efficient configuration for your home and budget.

Investing in solar in Australia isn’t just about saving on power bills, it’s about gaining independence, reducing environmental impact, and future-proofing your home against rising energy costs. With so many design options now available, there’s a solar solution for every style of home, from sleek city terraces to wide country verandahs. Done right, your panels won’t just power your house, they’ll become part of what makes it truly yours.

More design ideas

The post Choosing the right solar setup for your Australian home appeared first on Style Curator.

Take someone like Greg Natale, for example. His designs draw on his Italian heritage and love of bold, patterned, high–concept interiors. Others might weave in passions like sustainable living or bushfire-resilient design, shaping a style that feels uniquely their own.

So, how do you carve out your place in the industry? It starts with building skills and qualifications that help you develop your eye, your confidence and ultimately, your own design identity.

Here are the core skills today’s interior designers are adding to their toolkit.

Related article: A day in the life of Interior Designer, Jasmine McClelland
Related article: Interior Designer of the Year Greg Natale opens his doors

Design psychology

Understanding how design influences human behaviour is becoming a powerful tool in a designer’s toolkit.

Basic colour psychology is usually covered in design school, but going deeper — whether through short courses, design-thinking programs or even a graduate diploma in psychology — can help you create interiors that feel thoughtful, purposeful and emotionally aligned with how a space is meant to function.

We see this often in commercial interiors. For example, warm tones that make cafés feel inviting, cool colours that calm hospitals and clinics, and playful palettes in childcare centres.

But design psychology goes beyond colour. Materials, textures and even the shapes you repeat in a scheme can shift the mood of a room. We often hear about how tactile natural wood can add warmth and ground a space, whereas materials like steel and marble can add drama.

A stronger understanding of these elements helps you design with intention rather than intuition alone.

Feng shui

Feng shui has been around for thousands of years, but its principles are more relevant than ever — especially as homes get smaller and apartment living becomes the norm.

Interior designers who understand energy flow, balance and placement naturally have an advantage when working with compact or awkward layouts.

You don’t need to become a feng shui master. Short courses, books and even hands-on experimentation (like rearranging a room and observing how it feels) can help you grasp the fundamentals of feng shui. Knowing how to enhance Chi and create harmony can give your designs an extra layer of meaning and comfort.

Sustainability

Sustainability in design is no longer an afterthought — it’s becoming one of the most in-demand skills homeowners look for when choosing a designer. People want homes that feel beautiful and behave beautifully: energy-efficient, thermally comfortable, low-tox, durable and aligned with the way they want to live.

A strong understanding of passive design is a huge advantage here. Knowing how to work with orientation, glazing, shading, natural ventilation, insulation and thermal mass allows you to design spaces that stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter and reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. And clients love when their designer can explain why a space feels good, not just how it looks.

Material selection is another big part of sustainable design. Designers today are expanding their knowledge in:

• eco-friendly materials with low embodied energy
• recycled or responsibly sourced products
• finishes that are low-tox and VOC-free
• durable selections that extend a building’s life cycle
• water-wise fixtures and smart technology to reduce consumption.

We’re also seeing more designers upskill in bushfire-resistant design principles, particularly in BAL-rated areas, as well as Passive House concepts like airtightness and continuous insulation.

Short courses in sustainability, Passive House fundamentals, or even modules on material life cycle assessment can really sharpen your confidence in this space. Designers who can speak clearly about environmental impact, long-term performance and healthier home choices are positioning themselves miles ahead of the industry curve.

Financial and project management

Interior designers need to be collaborative, oftentimes partnering with property developers, contractors, and architects in creating showstopping built environments. But with all this collaboration, comes ample opportunities to butt heads and lose track of the overarching goals behind any given project, which is why the best interior designers aren’t just creatives — they’re also businesspeople. 

Here, having commercial skills like financial management and project management can help ensure that interior designers maintain an active and authoritative role in design projects, being able to keep their fellow collaborators on track and making sure that all finished results align perfectly with client expectations.

Basic budgeting and financial literacy skills are also a must, because chances are high that most of your future commercial and residential clients will want to keep a firm eye on their bottom line. If you’re able to maintain meticulous financial records detailing the work you’ve delivered and/or planned for, you’re more likely to accrue client trust and gather higher quality testimonials.

Again, even just some short business courses can help equip you with the business management skills you’ll need to support your day-to-day responsibilities as a professional interior designer.

Marketing and promotion 

Finally, being a creative professional, you will need to learn how to market yourself and showcase your portfolio as an interior designer. Here, even basic web development skills like learning how to set up a digital portfolio website can help you get your work out there and bring in some good quality leads.

Alongside this, interior designers should also develop great photography and photo editing skills if they can — just so you can maintain greater control over the design and presentation of your professional portfolio and any accompanying social media profiles (i.e. your Instagram feed, LinkedIn posts, etc.).

You can find plenty of digital entrepreneurship courses online that are designed to help digital-era professionals develop strong marketing and promotional skills. Completing these courses can also be more efficient than relying on learning by trial and error, as digital landscapes can be quite competitive. You don’t want to waste any time in establishing a strong brand to back up your design services.

If you’re an emerging interior designer, we hope this article has given you some ideas on how you can add to your skillset and stand out amongst the rest. Equipping yourself with psychological, sustainable, business or marketing skills, will position you well ahead of the curve.

More design advice

The post Top skills and qualifications to kickstart your interior design career appeared first on Style Curator.

Where should your feature trees go? Would curved garden beds soften the space or would crisp, architectural lines complement your home better? And what style should you lean into — a coastal oasis of palms and grasses, a structured classic garden with hedges, or a Palm Springs-inspired mix of cacti, rocks and texture?

Whatever landscaping challenge you’re facing, using a design tool to visualise your ideas can help you make confident decisions and save you from expensive mistakes. Let’s explore how to bring your garden ideas to life.

Related article: 5 step guide: How to choose the right trees for your garden
Related article: How to affordably landscape your garden: Wow factor on a budget

Why planning your garden visually makes all the difference

Most of us have stood in the backyard imagining a firepit area here, a veggie patch or pool over there… only to get stuck when it comes to making those ideas work together as a whole. That’s where garden visualisation tools like GardenBox 3D come in.

Visualisation tools like a virtual garden planner allow you to:

• map out your design to scale (so you can see if there’s enough space for all those zones and how to flow between them)
• test ideas without lifting a shovel
• see how sunlight and shade move through your yard
• experiment with different garden styles and plant combinations
• avoid buying plants or materials that ultimately won’t suit your space.

Instead of guessing how everything will look, you can ‘walk through’ your garden design and tweak things until it feels just right.

Where to start: Backyard garden planning simple step-by-step guide

Gardens can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re starting from scratch or it’s your first time tackling a new garden design. Once you break it down into manageable steps, it becomes a lot more achievable.

1. Start with your lifestyle goals

All good design starts with a brief and that includes your garden. Before picking plants, think about how you want to live in your garden.

Do you want:

• a space for kids to run around?
• an entertaining area for long summer lunches?
• a shed to store tools or do your weekend DIY projects?
• a quiet spot for morning coffee?
• room to grow herbs and vegetables?

Prioritise your needs because it may not be possible to fit it all, especially in small back yards. And whatever you do, don’t skip this step!

2. Take measurements (boring but essential!)

Good spatial planning relies on reliable measurements. You may be surprised at just how much you can fit into your backyard when you begin mapping out the zones and to do this, you need to know exactly what area you’re working with.

Be sure to measure:

• the size of your yard
• existing structures or trees
• sun patterns across the day
• any areas with drainage issues.

You can input these details into your 3D design so you have a realistic representation of your garden.

3. How to plan your backyard layout using a 3D garden design tool

Garden designers always start with structure — not plants. In step 1, you identified the different zones you want to create and now comes the fun part of mapping out exactly where they can go.

Larger garden elements include:

• patio or deck areas
• garden bed shapes
• pathways
• screens or fences
• storage zones
• firepit or seating areas.

Tools like GardenBox 3D let you drag, drop, resize and test different shapes to get the flow right.

4. Choose a style direction

Your garden should complement your home’s architecture.

For example, Hamptons homes often suit layered whites, hydrangeas and neat hedging, whereas modern homes lean toward leafy greens, sculptural plants and clean lines. Coastal design is especially popular at the moment and these homes suit grasses, palms and textured materials.

A good starting point is to look for inspiration in landscaping magazines or books, Pinterest, and design blogs.

5. Select your plants wisely

This is where the fun begins, but it’s also where most people go wrong. Before rushing to the nursery to buy plants in your style, you need to consider a few important things like different layers of planting — ground foliage vs shrubs vs trees. It’s also important to understand how large your plants will grow so you can allow enough space between each one and keep a safe distance from fence lines or your home. You’ll also need to think about plants that prefer sun vs shade, drought tolerance and maintenance levels.

Australian gardens benefit hugely from natives like grevillea, banksia, kangaroo paw and lilly pilly — they’re hardy, beautiful and attract birds. Seeing these options placed into a 3D design helps avoid overcrowding and guesswork.

6. Take a virtual walk-through using landscape design software

Once your garden design feels right, take a virtual walk through. It may sound weird but if it works on the small scale, it’s likely to work in real life. And on the flip side, if you notice a jarring issue you can resolve it before investing any time or money.

Things to check in your garden design include:

• if paths are wide enough (700mm is a minimum comfortable width but for main paths we suggest at least 900mm)
• whether garden beds balance the space
• how shadows fall in the afternoon
• what you’ll see from the kitchen window.

It’s often during this walk-through that people spot small adjustments that make a big difference.

Smart ideas for small backyard garden design (that work anywhere in Australia)

Designing a beautiful garden isn’t only for large blocks. In fact, small backyard garden design often delivers the most creative results because it encourages you to think vertically, use clever zoning and choose plants with intention. If you’re working with a compact space, consider using raised planters, layered greenery, mirrors or decorative screens to create depth. A 3D garden design tool makes this especially easy, helping you test different layouts until every metre works hard for you.

Garden planning for beginners: Start simple and build from there

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are tackling garden planning for beginners, the key is to start small. Pick one area to transform first — perhaps a sitting nook, a veggie patch or a feature tree — and expand from there. Visualising your ideas in a virtual garden planner lets you experiment without the pressure of getting everything right immediately. It encourages confident, step-by-step decision-making, which is far less intimidating than trying to redesign your whole backyard at once.

Australian backyard design essentials

When planning an Australian backyard design, think local. Our climate demands hardy plants that can withstand sun, heat and long dry spells. Native species such as banksia, lomandra, callistemon and grevillea thrive in a range of conditions and look even better when combined with natural materials like gravel, stone and timber. These choices aren’t just practical — they create a garden that feels connected to the landscape around you.

Eco-friendly garden ideas to future-proof your space

Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of modern landscaping, and it’s easier than ever to incorporate eco-friendly garden ideas into your plan. Rainwater harvesting, permeable surfaces, composting zones, and drought-tolerant planting palettes all reduce your garden’s long-term environmental impact. Using landscape design software helps you experiment with these features so they blend seamlessly with your overall style.

We hope this step-by-step guide helps you feel less overwhelmed when designing your garden. Whether you’re refreshing an existing space or designing a brand new one, using a visualisation tool gives you clarity, confidence and (best of all) the joy of watching your ideas come to life.

More garden inspo

The post Garden design ideas: How to plan your dream garden using smart visualisation tools appeared first on Style Curator.