I built my first home in 1996, I know, that was some time ago! The decor was a pretty shade, or not so pretty shade of apricot and greys. I LOVED that home.<\/p>\n

Being young and my first home, the budget was limited. Choices were also limited, which is probably helpful when you’re 19 and have no real clue about anything, much less the perfect way to style your home. Think slate look grey and black lino, apricot tiles and curtains. Maybe I’m being more harsh on myself than necessary, it was the ‘in thing’.<\/p>\n

Fast Forward to 2014 and I find myself building again. This time after living in multiple rental homes, then finally buying a small red brick home in the Western Suburbs of Adelaide. I meet my current and PERFECT husband (well perfectly suited to me!). He declares the home is too small for me, the kids and a million fish tanks! (that’s another blog waiting to happen),we start looking at builders. WOW! It’s tricky and time consuming. We choose a builder with a fabulous reputation for quality homes, I begin by showing them roughly what it is I want and begin the process.<\/p>\n

I LOVED building and if I win the X lotto, I’d do it a few more times. Chat chat chat..this is about decorating not building..<\/p>\n

Here are my tips to creating a beautiful sanctuary that reflects who you are :<\/strong><\/p>\n

1 – Magazines.<\/strong> We’re all online mad these days, but I got a lot of inspiration from magazines. Buy and cut out the bits that you absolutely adore. Make a style inspo scrap book.<\/p>\n

2 – Pinterest.<\/strong> Create an account (of you don’t already have one!) and pin away. Do room by room, plus overall style. Do you love Scandi, Beachy, Country, Modern, Bohemian, Industrial, Shabby Chic or blends of a few styles?<\/p>\n

3 – Colour palette<\/strong>. It’s really easy to style a home if you choose 3 or 4 colours in various shades. The more colours the trickier it gets, unless you love crazy eccectic non style. We did our home in greys, duckegg, blonde woods and the odd pop of colour with art.<\/p>\n

4 – Think about time frame<\/strong>. Will this be your ‘forever home’? Is it short term home that will be an investment property? A forever home you can afford to spend a little more cash and time getting things, just right. A for now home that will be rented or sold is best staying neutral and a little less luxurious.<\/p>\n

5 – Fresh flowers!!<\/strong> I adore flowers and they add such beauty to every home. It doesn’t need to be expensive, grow your own, ‘borrow’ some hanging over a fence on a walk, check out Woolworths.<\/p>\n