Remember watching television with the family when your channel choices were limited to four or five stations and the youngest child was the one who had to get up to change the channel?

Screens were small, the tube was big and cumbersome and a remote control was an absolute luxury. How times have changed. Now you can change the channel simply by speaking, screens are ultra-thin, crystal clear and sometimes even curved, and an internet connection means you can watch whatever you want whenever you please.



“TV habits have definitely changed,” says Maetham Roomi, senior product manager at Panasonic’s home entertainment division. “We’ve become active viewers, rather than passive. We’re streaming more, using multiple screens and devices at the same time, and want to watch content at a time that’s convenient for us.”

According to statistics from the Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA), more than 50 per cent of us watch TV or films online and with the proliferation of subscription streaming services such as Netflix and Presto this number is sure to rise.

But rather than squint to see the latest episode of Orange Is The New Black on your phone or tablet, smart TVs include apps — just the like ones on your mobile devices — so you can watch online shows just as you would view normal TV.


“All the things you can do on your phone — watch Netflix, look at YouTube and even browse the web — you can now do on your smart TV,” says Brad Wright, Samsung’s director of audio visual. Brad says “smart’’ features are one of the three most sought-after aspects people look for when buying a new TV.

“Picture quality is the most important thing people are after,” he says. “High definition and the new ultra high definition are definitely the standard people want. Quality is closely followed by screen size and the ability to watch video on demand services such as Netflix and Presto.

“What we’re seeing now compared to how people bought televisions even five years ago is so completely different — it’s a whole new ball game.”

What constitutes a smart TV?

Basically, a smart TV is a TV that can be connected to the internet. Manufacturers use a variety of terms to label their smart TVs including internet TV or Net TV and often the models have other features such as high definition, ultra high definition or 3D. It’s important to note simply having high definition or 3D capabilities alone does not constitute a smart TV.

What’s the difference between HD and UHD?

Ultra high definition (UHD) is one of the latest features on the market and is the next step up from what’s called full HD, the official name for the display resolution of 1920 by 1080. UHD quadruples that resolution to 3840 by 2160 or 8.3 million pixels. “Colours look more natural, objects look more solid and three dimensional and there’s a greater sense of depth in every image,” explains Maetham. UHD is also sometimes referred to as 4K by some manufacturers (including Panasonic).

Are bigger screens better?

Apparently yes, according to both experts and consumers who are now buying screens as big as 88 inches (measured diagonally from corner to corner of the screen). “We’ve seen a big increase in screen sizes in the past few years with the standard for TVs in the living room now around 55 inches,” says Brad.

Some experts such as David Katzmaier from tech website CNET say if you can only upgrade one feature, make it your screen size. “Stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money,” he says. “One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints I’ve heard is from people who didn’t go big enough.”

David recommends making sure you leave at least an inch on the sides and top of the TV cavity to allow for proper ventilation. One of the other advancements in screen technology is the curved screen which, according to some, creates a more immersive experience for both vision and sound by mimicking the curvature of the human eye.

Do I need a hi-tech setup before I buy a smart TV?

A smart TV operates in exactly the same way as a normal television so you don’t need any hi-tech setup at home to get going.
“The only extra thing people need is a network connection — either wired or wireless to connect the television to the internet,” explains Brad.
If you’re planning to download movies, stream a lot of content or use your TV to watch YouTube, you should also ensure your internet plan is sufficient.
Depending on how many people are in your household a monthly data limit of around 100GB is advisable.

Do you have to be a tech whiz to operate a smart TV?

Most TVs are “plug and play” which means all you need to do is plug them in and you will be guided through the complete setup. “It’s as easy as connecting your antenna or cable TV box and turning on the TV. The TV does the rest including guiding you through setting up the network connection,” says Brad.

First published Home The Daily Telegraph 4 July 2015

They're the hub of the home and often the scene of a retelling of the day’s activities. With elbows planted firmly on the bench, it’s the place where schoolgirls recount the latest news from their friends and where a shared cuppa and a couple of bikkies can solve the problems of the world.

But in recent years, the kitchen has become so much more.

Kitchen by IKEA

The rise and rise of open plan home design has moved the kitchen firmly into the centre of the home — often with the living, dining and outdoor areas positioned around it.

Instead of being away from the action, the home chef is now connected with the rest of the family and the island bench or breakfast bar has become a gathering spot for friends and family both during the week and on weekends.

But the geographic changes have also lead to changes in how we see our kitchens.

“The kitchen is still known as the heart of the home for a reason,” MasterChef judge Gary Mehigan says. “We all have that romantic notion of grandma’s kitchen where all of our fondest memories are and that idea has gradually crept back into Australian home design in the past 10 to 20 years.”

Especially for those of us who like to entertain, the kitchen has now become a showpiece in the home — the design and look of the space is just as important as its actual function.

Reality renovation shows such as House Rules, Selling Houses Australia, Reno Rumble and The Block have opened our eyes to design ideas and features while cooking shows such as MasterChef are showing us that almost anything is possible when we have the right equipment.

Masterchef can show us what's possible in our kitchens

“The phenomenon of reality TV shows and cooking shows has had a huge impact on the way people style their homes,” Hulya Suleyman, executive chef for kitchenware retailer Williams-Sonoma Australia, says. “Never before have we been given such an intimate glance at people’s personal spaces. Shows such as MasterChef not only showcase inspiring recipes, they also demonstrate how to use kitchen utensils and appliances people may not have seen before.”

Julie Hanover from The Good Guys Kitchens who supply kitchens for The Block says the show encourages customers to think a little more creatively when it comes to inclusions for their kitchen space. “The contestants have so many great ideas, and this inspires viewers to create their own dream kitchen too, “ she says.

Design is king

Kitchens have definitely become more than simply the place where the evening meal is prepared. Modern design is reflecting this with an emphasis on the overall look of the space rather than just its practicality.

“The focus of kitchen design seems to be moving more to a space for entertaining rather than just preparing meals,” Hanover says.

“Today, people are wanting to showcase a clean, streamlined and uncluttered space. The butler’s pantry is ideal for storing small appliances out of sight and keeping unsightly kitchen mess to a minimum.

“This is especially true in open plan designs as the butler’s pantry provides an excellent space to prepare meals and is also the perfect location for dirty dishes, so during a party the host won’t miss a valuable moment with their guests.”

High end appliances like these ones from Smeg are becoming more popular

And it seems our fascination with the look of our kitchens is extending to the appliances we choose to include with many of us opting for the high-end products we’re used to seeing on renovation and cooking shows.

“The Australian fascination with food has accelerated beyond even what those hardened foodies would have imagined over the past six or seven years,” Gary says.

“People are so well educated now and very specific with what they’re shopping for. If you like coffee, you want a coffee machine in the house and for wine connoisseurs, a fridge is simply not enough anymore — they need a temperature-controlled wine storage facility in their kitchens.”

Another trend is to choose professional standard major appliances, with upright ovens and double ovens now becoming common in many new homes. Multiple cooktops, warming drawers and integrated appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and rangehoods are other inclusions gaining momentum in the market.

“People are not only taking functionality into consideration when choosing an appliance, they are also making a design statement with the products they are choosing,” David Crane from Winning Appliances says.

“Traditionally 90cm ovens have been the standard in Australian kitchens, but now we’re seeing a number of people opting for two 60cm ovens in their homes.

“One oven is used for baking purposes and the other one for ‘dirty’ cooking — cooking meat, fish and vegetables.”

Form over function

With all this emphasis on design, is it possible we’ve forgotten what the kitchen was actually designed to do? “Nothing drives me crazier than a great looking kitchen that’s just not designed with functionality in mind,” Gary says.

“You see these beautiful big sinks set into these amazing benchtops but with no draining board — it’s ridiculous. I’m a big fan of a working kitchen. Give me a big wooden chopping board, plenty of bench space and storage and I’m happy.”

But retailers say savvy customers are looking for the best of both worlds.

“While aesthetics in the kitchen have come a long way, consumers today definitely demand more than just good looks — it’s got to work efficiently to make life easier,” Julie says.

Multi function appliances like the Thermomix are among the most-wanted kitchen accessories

Design ideas such as deep drawers for storage of pots and pans and dedicated appliance cupboards are leading the list of kitchen must-haves, with a strong focus on keeping benchtops clear of clutter. Niches for tablets and laptops are also becoming a common inclusion as family life moves to be centred around the kitchen.

“I think if you create a beautiful kitchen space that you love to spend time in, and a functional one that makes life easier, it stands to reason that you will be more likely to cook and entertain,” Julie says.

A recent study by Ikea found kitchen organisation was one of the main things people wanted to improve in their homes, with many people admitting to being ashamed of how messy their kitchen is.

In terms of cooking and food preparation, multi-function appliances are among some of this year’s bestsellers, with products such as the Thermomix among the most wanted.

“People still want to invest in quality kitchenwares that will look great but also be functional,” Hulya says. “If anything, kitchens are becoming more functional with the introduction of time-saving appliances such as slow cookers.

“Conventionally, the kitchen was used as a space to cook, but as consumer attitudes have shifted, more and more people are transforming their kitchens into multi-functional cooking and entertaining spaces.”

First published Home, The Daily Telegraph 25 June 2015

The Accent bedroom suite by Forty Winks

More than your couch, kitchen table or favourite armchair, your mattress is probably the most-used piece of furniture in your home. If you sleep an average of seven hours per night, that’s more than 2500 hours per year of use for your mattress. Understandably, it makes sense to think carefully about what you’re buying and purchase the best you can afford.

If you’re due for a new mattress (experts say we should replace them every 7-12 years), here are my tips for ensuring you get the best possible night’s sleep.

Know how you sleep

Before you head out to look at new mattresses, think about your sleep position. “If you sleep on your back and have a small frame, then a three zone spring system will be enough for you but it will be a different story for side sleepers or people with larger frames who need more support,” says Michelle Scaplan from Sleepmaker.

Let the sales assistant know your needs and they can guide you in the right direction. The type of mattress that will be best for you can also be dependent on how much you toss and turn during the night or, for that matter, how much your partner does.

“If you suffer from partner disturbance, a pocket spring mattress (where springs are contained in individual pockets) will be best,” says Michelle.

Sleepmaker's Cocoon mattress

To spring or not to spring

Latex and memory foam mattresses don’t contain any springs. Traditionally, these options will come in at a higher price point but, according to Michelle, if you can afford it they are well worth the investment.

“The latest gel-infused memory foam technology means a new mattress will lose less than 3 per cent of its height,” she says.

These types of mattresses are also better for a good night’s sleep. “Most people move about 40 times per night but these mattresses will recover their shape within around 4.5 seconds so you won’t find yourself ‘falling’ back into the groove which can actually disturb your sleep,” says Michelle.

Base level

Your bed frame or base is another determining factor for how comfortable your new mattress will be. “If you are using a slatted base system, the slats should be no more than 8cm apart and of good quality,” says Michelle. “Slatted bases should also contain a centre support rail with at least one leg to the floor, to avoid ‘roll together’ in the centre of the mattress.”

The Marvin suite from Forty Winks

A good way to check the support of your slat base is to try your mattress on the floor and see if it feels any different. Sprung or platform ensemble bases are another popular choice but can lack ventilation for your mattress meaning you will have to turn it more often.

Delivery

“At first, your new bed may feel a little different to the mattress you have been sleeping on and sometimes your body will tell you so,” says Michelle. “Don’t worry, your body will soon adjust to the benefits of your new mattress while your mattress also adjusts to your sleeping style but this may take several weeks.”

To prolong the life of your new mattress, you should turn or flip it regularly — every two weeks for the first four months and then every three months thereafter.

Whenever we start a new relationship, at some point us girls will get to the point when we can't help but think "is this the guy?". A lot of people say they know right from the start but I think of it more of a slow burn than a lightbulb moment. At least that's how it worked with me.


From our first date I knew my boyfriend was someone I wanted to get to know better; we laughed a lot right from the moment we met and I knew we had a connection. But it wasn't until a couple of months down the track that I "knew".

That probably had something to do with the fact I knew that at some point we were going to have to tackle the whole long distance thing. Well, here we are almost eight months down the track and I'm planning to move states so we can be together. My instincts were right!

I'm aware though that a relationship is based on more than a feeling. There are any number of stories online that talk about communication, openness and loyalty but yesterday I read a story about the little things in a relationship that can show true commitment.

"Anyone with cash can spend a bomb on a romantic dinner out or a balloon ride over the Serengeti, but real love means showing up for the more mundane daily labours of affection," psychologist Zoe Krupka writes on news.com.au.

"When it comes to love, it pays to sweat the small stuff. And as my mother would say, the ability to be kind, to say please and thank you, to put yourself out for other people, to listen and to be dependable are all things that show character. And good character and good loving go hand in hand."


Reading through Zoe's list of five small affections that spell big love I'm happy to report all are present in my relationship (thank goodness). So what are they? Read on!

• Small kindness "Making her tea in the morning, turning the electric blanket on when he’s coming home late, getting her clothes off the line before it rains; all these small acts of kindness build a kind of loving safety in your relationship," says Zoe.

• Saying thank you "People who love you well aren’t afraid to say thank you and they’re not too proud to sing your praises either. Without someone reflecting back our good points we become like cats with no pats; a bit feral and prone to straying. Praise and thanks make us feel seen, appreciated and important," says Zoe.

• Trying "their thing" "One of the most important ways to show some real love action is to risk doing something your sweetie really enjoys that you’re not so sure about. I’m not talking about sex you don’t feel like or major tax evasion, I’m talking about movies, food, sport and travel destinations that are a bit outside of your comfort zone," says Zoe.

• Making time to check in "I’m not suggesting you pester your paramour with constant queries and messages of love and life minutia, but please don’t forget the business of checking in with how they are," says Zoe. "Ask about the things they’re working on and struggling with. And don’t forget the key ingredient to a good check in; really listen to what they tell you."

• Protect "us" "Make your time together sacred. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you say you’re going to show up, show up. Don’t let your plans together be hijacked by work, chores or general slackness," says Zoe.

The mid-century trend seems to be everywhere right now — from architecture to furniture and interiors, the 1950s are back in a big way.

And in the true spirit of “everything old is new again”, one of the mainstays of 1950s living rooms is making a comeback, too.

The Foxed Mirror Bar Cart from West Elm

The bar cart is enjoying a renaissance and with it has come all the elegance and glamour associated with hosting cocktail hour at home.

Interior designer Marie Turner describes the bar cart as a “travelling party”. “Mad Men and martinis—there’s something grown-up and fun about the resurgence of the cocktail hour,” she says. “Look for one with extra storage and a rail that holds everything in place.”

A scene from Mad Men

And of course, cocktail hour just wouldn’t be cocktail hour without the right accessories. Stock the basic glasses: wine, lowball or rocks, and highball glasses, as well as something for cocktails such as martini or coupe glasses.

And for an uncluttered look, don’t keep all of your glassware on the bar cart but decorate it with the most commonly used.

Emily Burns from online retailer Wayfair says: “Use trays to group like items together for a neat and tidy cart. “Bar carts should be visually appealing, so display just a few of your favourite glasses and bottles rather than putting everything out.”



Bar tools are also a necessity: a cocktail shaker, bar spoon, a jigger to measure and a muddler ( like a pestle) if you’re serving mojitos.

If you’re not a drinker, the bar cart is still stylish, functional and versatile so consider using it as a side table, traymobile or for extra kitchen storage.

Come Sunday, my boyfriend and I will be setting off on our first ever overseas holiday as a couple. Sure, we've travelled domestically together for the odd long weekend getaway but this will be the first time we've pulled out our passports and tackled that great leveller together - the international departures queue.



All the relationship experts out there say holidaying with someone for the first time can be an eye-opening experience and can bring out the best (or the worst) in someone. They also say going on vacation together can offer a valuable insight into how your partner copes with the unexpected.

Travel - especially international travel - can be a stressful experience. We're often tired after a long flight and dealing with a new place, trying to work out directions, currency, language and just getting your bearings can mean tempers get short and arguments start easily.

But that's all the bad stuff - travelling with a partner (new or long term) can be a wonderful experience creating memories that last a lifetime. To make sure you and your love fit into the latter category rather than the former, follow these tips for a holiday to remember for all the right reasons.

Start small

All the experts agree your first holiday as a couple should a short, no-pressure getaway. "That way, if you end up having arguments, you won’t have a week’s worth of awkwardness to battle through before you’re homeward bound," says an article on match.com. My boyfriend and I started with an extended weekend in Melbourne about a month into our relationship which was the perfect non-holiday holiday if you know what I mean. This time round we're heading to Queenstown, New Zealand for four nights so although we're going international, it's not a long-haul flight so jet-lag induced crankiness won't be a problem.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Discuss your budget

"Although you shouldn’t plan your holiday rigidly you should have a bit of an idea of your budget, and how much you plan to spend," advises an article on the Durex website. Make sure that you and your SO both agree on the kind of cash you’ll be spending and how you will pay for things while you’re away. If it’s a new relationship, this can seem awkward but you need to be honest about what you can afford to avoid stress and financial difficulties.

Be flexible

Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm a planner. Lists and spreadsheets are my go-to tools when planning a holiday but I've been making a big effort lately to be a little more flexible in my approach. While it might be a good idea to have a rough plan of what you’ll do and the things you want to try while you're away, it's important that you’re not too rigid with your plans. Scrap the itinerary and treat each day as it comes. Decide what you want to do each morning and keep your plans fairly loose.

Get over it

Relax! You're on holidays! "Yes, she might pack too much; yes, he might have hideous swimming trunks…but that’s life, so have a laugh about it," says match.com. "If you get on well and stay together, you’ll enjoy reliving these fun memories in the years to come."

Some would say it’s a match made in home heaven. And judging by this recently renovated property in Sydney’s east it would be difficult to argue.



Founder of The Design Hunter retail store and design agency Melissa Bonney and her builder partner Brendon Bott of B2 Construction bought their Kingsford home three years ago with the express purpose of renovating with a view to sell. But now the two-phase renovation is done, Melissa says letting go might be difficult.

“When we were planning this renovation, I was very careful to keep things neutral and only inject a little bit of our personal style because our plan was to sell,” says Melissa. “But now it’s all done and dusted, I think it might be a little harder than we planned to leave this place behind.”

Space for everyone

With the paint barely dry on the second- storey addition, moving on is still a little way off for Melissa and Brendon, their two daughters and one year-old son. It will come as a relief for the girls, who until the second-storey was complete were sharing a bedroom downstairs.

“Everyone was sharing,” says Melissa. “When we started the downstairs renovation we only had the two girls but when the baby came along we were kind of forced into getting the upstairs going pretty quickly.”



The second addition includes three new bedrooms, a new bathroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite adjoining the master bedroom which features a raked ceiling to capture extra height. “It was important to us that everyone had their own space and that we also had room for guests so the girls’ rooms are big enough for whenever they have friends stay over.”

The girls were allowed to help in the design of their rooms and a special inclusion was Porters Paint’s Higgledy Piggledy Stripe wallpaper in Pink Ginger by Anna Spiro. Both rooms also have integrated dressing table nooks in the robes.

Like the first phase of the renovation downstairs, a focus on a neutral palette and natural materials continued upstairs. The master bedroom features a timber wall in blackbutt and custom macrame pendant lights, all complemented by luxurious Bemboka bed linen while new Bottoncino
honed tiles and mosaics add interest in the stylish bathroom.

The perfect foundation

Melissa says the basic materials and colours used for the second storey don’t differ too much from what was originally used on the ground floor downstairs.

“We were very careful that the decisions we made downstairs also worked for the second storey,” she says. “Both Brendon and I do this type of thing every day in our respective jobs so we were very lucky in the sense we knew exactly what we wanted, what would work and also what wouldn’t work. The focus of the renovation was probably the natural materials and a neutral colour palette which both make the property easy to live in and maintain.”



Melissa and Brendon achieved this through the use of concrete and timber floors, solid timber joinery, and natural stone which are all repeated throughout the floorplan to bring a cohesive feel.

Transformation

The original property was small, cramped and dark — a single-storey semi with three bedrooms, one bathroom and a small kitchen and dining area.

The first priority was to open up the rear of the home and promote the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces. “One of the things that was really important to us was a big, open living area,” says Melissa. “We wanted that indoor- outdoor connection because we entertain a lot and always seems to have friends over for a barbecue, especially during summer. We wanted to have a connected living space so that we can be in the kitchen and still be able to watch the kids when they are playing the backyard.”



In addition to this open plan living, kitchen and dining area, the home also has a separate lounge area. “It was a deliberate decision on our part not to have a television in that open-plan space,” says Melissa. “Instead we have a centrally-located living area where we have the TV.”

Storage was another priority and Melissa says she was careful to use every available space for the purpose. “It’s a very easy house to live in because we custom-made storage for exactly what we needed,” she says. “We have hidden storage under the stairs and a nook bed in the roof cavity which all, in turn, maximised the space in all the rooms.”

First published in Home, The Daily Telegraph 13 December 2014
Pictures: Paramount Studios

With just 89 days to go until I head north to start the rest of my life with my boyfriend, the countdown is most definitely on. In just 13 short weeks I'll say goodbye to my little Harbourside apartment and hello my first Queensland summer!

I went and picked up some boxes yesterday and plan to start loading them up this week. To tell you the truth, the task seems quite overwhelming. I only live in a one bedroom apartment but I seem to have accumulated quite a bit of "stuff".

The fact I'm moving so far is making me really think about what I need to take, what I can give away or sell and what I should trash. I also need to consider what my boyfriend already has in the way of furniture and things like plates and cutlery, linen and other home accessories.

I want our new home to be a reflection of both of us - I don't want my stuff just "filling in the gaps" with stuff he doesn't have but I'm also mindful that we don't want to end up with two whole houses worth of furniture. Seeing as I have to cart everything up the Pacific Highway, it's probably the more sensible option to keep his stuff when double ups occur.

To make things a little easier for myself I've done a little bit of research about what to cull and what to keep when moving in with your partner.

Cull: Non essential books

I have two bookshelves full to bursting with all kinds of books - fiction, reference, coffee table and cook books. I would love to take them all with me but I know that's probably not going to happen. They weigh a ton and really, how often do I look at them? Designer James Andrew tells Elle Decor: "Ask yourself: Do I refer to it often? Does it continue to inspire me? Do I truly love it? Is it a collectable?," he says. "If any of those are a yes, it's a keeper. Otherwise, this is your opportunity to sift through your collection and toss the novels that were just eh, or the cookbook you've never used, or the coffee table book that no longer feels relevant."

Keep: Heirlooms

I have a beautiful cabinet from the early 1900s that once belonged to my mother's grandfather that will definitely be coming with me. At the moment it's filled with a mix of photos, alcohol and some pieces I inherited from my Nana which are also on the "must move" list. Designer Kelly Wearstler agrees. "You should keep vintage china or glassware that was given to you by your parents or grandparents," she tells Elle Decor. "It's all about curating the table and mixing old spirit with new spirit."

Cull: Furniture from Ikea

Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with Ikea but the fact is, the cost of moving my TV cabinet, desk, book case and coffee table is probably more than leaving them behind and picking up new stuff when I get up there.

Keep: Collections

I don't really collect anything specific but I do have a bit of a thing for pieces picked up on my travels - a vase bought in Bali; a photo of my mum, sister and I in Disneyland, and; a set of laser-cut prints picked up at a Brooklyn flea market. These are all definitely coming with me! "If you care about someone, you have to find a way to be open to their 'thing,'" says James. "Anything that brings you or your partner that much joy deserves to stay, so be considerate and thoughtful." Truly no place to display it? Choose a few pieces to be out in the open and put the rest in an agreed-upon place.

Cull: Second rate cookware

Who really has room two sets of pots and pans? "Say one of you has a set of All-Clad pots and pans, and the other has a pile from the hardware store...that's the one that needs to go," says James.

Let the packing begin!

They’re the dream of women all over the world. An expansive walk-in wardrobe with built-in storage spaces created especially for skirts, shirts, dresses, jackets, jeans, T-shirts, shoes, bags, jewellery and just about anything else you can think of.

Full-length mirrors, built-in vanities, perfect lighting, custom-built seating and co-ordinating hangers are just some of the luxurious touches seen in contemporary walk-in wardrobes. These enviable spaces have traditionally been found in only the most exclusive homes — think Hollywood starlets, pop divas, A-list socialites and fashion icons.

Giuliana Rancic's enviable walk in closet was designed by Lisa Adams from LA Closet Design

Increasingly, though, we’re seeing walk-in wardrobes — albeit on a smaller scale than those of the rich and famous — in modern home designs from everyone from project builders to reality renovation shows such as The Block.

“Walk in wardrobes have essentially become an extension of the master bedroom,” explains interior designer Jennifer French from Inside Out Colour and Design. “This bedroom is more of a retreat with ensuites, walk-in wardrobes and seating areas, depending on the space available of course.”

Scott Kelly from Stegbar says there is no doubt that walk-in robes have become increasingly popular in recent years. “There are two trends fuelling this increase,” he says. “Firstly, the rise in popularity of renovation shows where walk-in robes are always a feature, and secondly, more and more new homes have, as standard inclusions, luxurious walk-in robes.”

Getting the design right

Whether your walk-in robe is created simply by installing a bulkhead wall to enclose a devoted closet space, or is larger and takes up an entire room, ensuring you have enough space is paramount when designing your wardrobe.

“It really comes down to your individual circumstances. If you are a single person you can get away with a smaller space but generally we would recommend a minimum of four metres of lineal wall space,” says Scott. “This will generally allow for all the important elements to be included in a walk-in robe.”

Enough room to actually use your space for its intended purpose is another necessity according to Jennifer. “The most effective walk-in wardrobes are those where you cannot only store your clothes but can actually change in them,” she says. “So I think space for a cupboard and a space to stand and change is the minimum requirement.”

Space for everything

The experts agree that while there are some common attributes that make a successful wardrobe, the main one is customising your space to suit your personal needs.


“Planning a walk-in wardrobe is quite a personal thing and everyone is different,” says Scott. “Some people need more hanging space, others more room for shoes, and yet other people may require more shelving. The options really are endless. To make the process somewhat easier, a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve is a great start and your lifestyle will play a big part in the layout you require.”

Jennifer says thinking about your most- worn items and creating space devoted to different types of clothing and accessories is important. “I always start with what needs to go inside the wardrobes and then wherever possible create spaces for those items,” she says.

“Whether it be shoes, handbags, full length clothing, heavy winter gear, hats or scarves, if each item has a particular spot then it makes it much easier to find and store your belongings.”

It seems Australian women are unleashing their inner Carrie Bradshaw with shoe storage among the most requested inclusions in modern walk-in wardrobes. “Drawer towers are always popular inclusions, but we are now finding more and more customers looking for solutions for their shoes,” says Scott. “Our adjustable shoe shelves are proving to be very popular at the moment.”

No space? No worries

If you’re reading this with a healthy dose of “I wish”, the experts say there are still plenty of ways you can organise a regular closet so it feels more spacious and luxurious.

“Keep things ordered by hanging like articles together,” says Jennifer. “I like to colour code them as then you can easily find things. Looking for a red top to wear with the black skirt? Easy. Don't overstuff the racks or shelves, put off-season clothes into a suitcase and store them until required.”


Lisa Adams from LA Closet Design advises using all the available space — even the dead space up above your closet.

“If you have high ceilings, opt for pull-down hanging rods so everything is reachable,” she says.

“I would also recommend pullout shelves to access the full depth of the shelves and avoid the ‘black hole’ which becomes the back row on stationary deep shelves. You can also use the end panels of the wardrobe for hanging belts and scarves.”

Originally published in Home, The Daily Telegraph on 13 September 2014

A few days ago I wrote about one of the worst things about being in a long distance relationship - being apart on special occasions... like birthdays.

Two of my closest friends and a couple of other colleagues were in on the secret and managed to keep it from me all day. This is even despite my questionable mood in the afternoon when a package he'd told me would arrive at work failed to show up and his phone was going straight to voicemail. Turns out there was no package and he was, of course, on the plane when I was trying to get in touch with him. 

He's returned to Brisbane today but with a date in mind for my move north I'm more optimistic than ever for our future together (there wasn't even tears at the airport this time!). 

Surprise!

Today is my birthday and one of the worst things about being in a long distance relationship is that I don't get to spend it with the person I love.

Just a few weeks into our relationship, we managed to be together for our first Christmas and we also swung it so we were in the same city for Valentine's Day and his birthday earlier this year. So today is the first special occasion we've had to spend apart and it's making me miss him even more than usual. Those tears that plagued me when we said goodbye two days ago have resurfaced with a vengeance.



Missing your long distance love on days like today isn't unexpected - I knew today was going to be tough but I can't help but feel like a bit of a downer. Before I left him a few days ago, I was presented with my first birthday present - a gorgeous new bike complete with detachable basket. My friends and family are aware of how much I'm missing my boyfriend today and I know they'll also make a special effort to make me feel loved. But to be honest I feel as though no matter how much fun I have and how spoilt I am with gifts and cake, something will be missing.

Despite the fact our relationship is still relatively new (7 months and going strong), my boyfriend has quickly become a very important part of my life and, I guess, of me. I can't imagine a future without him in it and am looking forward to the day we can finally call the same city home - which now seems a lot closer than ever.

If one good thing has come from the emotional roller coaster that has been the past three days it's that we've agreed on an end-date to the long distance part of our relationship. Yep, we've set the date, so to speak! The countdown is on and I honestly feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

My shiny new bike - a birthday present from my boyfriend!

Through the oceans of tears, the thought suddenly dawned on me: "Why am I doing this to myself? When the one thing that will make me happy is to be in the same city as my boyfriend, then what am I doing here all alone?".

Don't get me wrong, I'm under no illusion that moving cities, leaving my job and saying goodbye my friends and family, will be as easy as packing a suitcase and heading off into the sunset. But I also know that life's too short to be miserable or, more importantly, not to take a few risks. I mean really, what am I waiting for?

Recently, a friend was unexpectedly diagnosed with a serious illness and, as these things tend to do, it made me reassess my priorities and think about what's really important in life.

So yesterday afternoon I consulted my calendar and tried to outline a schedule that would work for both of us. I came up with a date in the (very) foreseeable future and, right now, that's the goal we're both working to. I know things might not go exactly to plan with jobs etc., but it's amazing what having an end-date in mind can do for morale.

Of course, I'm still disappointed we can't be together today but just knowing we will be together soon will make today that little bit easier. Miss you sweetheart!

I've just spent the most wonderful 11 days with my boyfriend. With no work commitments, we were free to spend as much time together as possible - we ate, drank, laughed and enjoyed each other's company immensely. We did all the stuff normal couples get to do with each other every day - make breakfast, have friends over... even something as mundane as walking around the local shopping centre was made more exciting because we were doing it together.

But, like all good things, the fun came to an end yesterday when I had to make that all-too-familiar trek to the airport and head back to reality.



The goodbyes seem to be getting harder. Yesterday I was an emotional wreck and cried so much I worried my boyfriend would think I was crazy... or a little too needy. I cried before we left for the airport, I cried on the way to the airport, I cried when we said goodbye, I cried while I was waiting for the plane to take off and again when I landed in the city I call home but suddenly feels so empty to me.

It wasn't that I was leaving him that made me feel so upset, it was that I was leaving this ideal world where we would wake up next to each other every morning and do those things that other couples probably take for granted like sitting next to each other on the couch and discussing the latest dish on Masterchef or what's really behind Delta and Jessie J's feud on The Voice.

Regular readers will know I headed off on the weekend for a long-awaited reunion with my boyfriend after three agonisingly slow weeks apart.

I was, of course, really looking forward to seeing him and we had a beautiful couple of days together. But while we were enjoying the Queensland winter sun, a thought crossed my mind - I had built our meeting up so much in my mind, what if it hadn't gone as planned?

In long distance relationships, there's this thing called the 'reunion anticlimax' and it's a hell of a lot more common than you might think.

"When you get to see each other again, chances are both of you will have built up great expectations of how fantastic your reunion is going to be but the reality often doesn't match up to the fantasy," explains couples counsellor Trina Dolenz.

"Many couples feel disappointed and frustrated when things aren't as they'd hoped. You may also find that rather than making love all day there are awkward silences or even arguments.

"You can prevent this by making sure you've talked about how you want the reunion to be and recognising that the anticipation is often better than the consummation. And remember, it may take time to get used to being around each other again."

Thankfully we had none of those problems last weekend and spent our first full day back together riding our bikes on the Gold Coast (there's a whole separate blog post in that alone!), enjoying a couple of beers while watching dolphins off the coast and checking out a local food truck meet up. Perfect!