2024: Kitchen Trends
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Picking your Perfect Flooring – The Pros and Cons
Building, Styling
Picking a flooring can be a really confusing experience. There are so many different options out there and your decision shouldn’t only be based around how it looks. How if feels, its durability and how easy it is to clean are all important factors to consider when selecting a flooring option that suits you best. And, like everything, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach…you really need to think about your lifestyle and your style preferences to get this right. THINK ABOUT YOUR VISION! I’m going to help you through what is available and the pros and cons of these choices. Come on boots, let’s get walking’!
Please excuse me while I wipe away my drool. This has got to be the ultimate in terms of looks when it comes to flooring. You can’t beat the feel and the sound of genuine timber flooring. And don’t even get me started if it is original timber flooring in a Reno project…..GOALS! But there are certainly some points to consider before hammering this one home.
| Pros | Cons |
| Genuine beauty – you can’t beat the look! It brings so much warmth and character to your home | Cost to install is higher than other flooring options, but once installed and with the proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime |
| Huge variety of colours available and you can also stain later on down the track to change the look | Can be affected by humidity and fluctuations in temperature – may swell in cool, damp weather and shrink in warm and dry conditions |
| Relatively easy to clean by sweeping or vacuuming and mopping with the correct equipment | More prone to termite attacks than other flooring options |
| Non-toxic, organic, allergy friendly and does not tend to trap unpleasant odours | Can be damaged by excessive water and harsh detergents and therefore not recommended for all the areas in your home eg. kitchens and bathrooms |
| Adds value to your home | Prone to dents, stains and scratches |
| Environmentally sustainable | Can be noisy, especially when installing in multiple story homes |
Vinyl planks have come a long way since they were first introduced to the market. It’s a great option due to its cost, versatility, durability and visual appearance. There are some really luxurious options available that can look and feel really high end…but without the price tag of hardwood timber flooring.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost effective and tends to be cheaper than many other flooring options | Easily damaged by sharp or heavy furniture and objects or punctured by something like a falling knife |
| Comfortable due to it’s foam underlay | Tough to remove if renovating or replacing |
| Quieter than timber | Does not add value to your property like hardwood timber flooring |
| Easy to maintain through regular sweeping and mopping | Some vinyls can dent if a heavy object is dropped on them |
| Waterproof and can be installed all over the house including the kitchen and bathroom | Not environmentally sustainable |
| Visually appealing as it can easily mimic genuine timber flooring | Can sometimes be difficult to install – highly recommended to have a professional install this type of flooring |
| Stain resistant as spills can be easily wiped with a cloth |
This is the product I get most excited about, because it is what we have chosen to install in our last two properties. Our flooring is the Quick Step Impressive Ultra and is BEYOND amazing. While our flooring is premium in both quality and cost (going top of the range always is), there are lots of different laminate options across the board that come with lots of different price tags. Timber laminate flooring is made from composite wood pressed together and can be more cost effective than hardwood flooring. It can also be quite easy to install if you have a little experience…Dave and I have installed our own flooring on the past two builds, however Dave is highly experienced in construction. You’ll need to discuss and research this yourself.
| Pros | Cons |
| Waterproof options make this suitable for every room in the home, including kitchens and bathrooms. | Not all finishes are waterproof – discuss this with supplier |
| Click system prevents dust and dirt gathering between the boards | Can not be sanded and re-finished to give a new appearance like timber hardwood flooring |
| Can be placed on top of underfloor heating systems when installed correctly | Like all products, they vary from one manufacturer to another. Do your research on product reviews |
| Solid, pleasant sound | Pattern repetition occurs, as there are generally 5-10 different patterns in the boards when manufactured |
| Extremely strong, hardwearing and durable and very difficult to scratch | As with other products, some people may have reactions to the glues ad resins used in the flooring. Do your research! |
| Will not stain like other flooring options | |
| Keeps original colour even when exposed to sunlight | |
| Easy to maintain and clean | |
| Allergy friendly | |
| Quick and easy to install – no need for glue, mortar or nails | |
| Huge variety of colours and finishes – from timber look to natural stone and concrete look finishes. | |
| Warmer to the touch than other flooring such as bamboo and vinyl planks. | |
| Variety of different thicknesses |
Engineered flooring is a great alternative to timber hardwood flooring, because it basically IS timber flooring…it is just strategically manufactured to give optimal performance. It’s made up of three layers: a protected lacquered hardwood top, plantation grown core, and a pine back.
| Pros | Cons |
| Authentic look and feel due to the fact that is is made of 100% timber | While it is cheaper than hardwood flooring, it is more expensive than the other flooring choices |
| More stable in high-humidity environments | Different manufactures have different quality standards. Do your research to get top quality! |
| More environmentally sustainable than hardwood flooring | Some engineered planks can sound hollow – research different thicknesses for their sound and quality |
| More affordable than hardwood timber flooring | Engineered wood is made with adhesives and resins, some of which can give off harmful gases. Research which is the best for you. |
This products has been described as the best of both worlds. It is durable and strong like laminate, whilst also giving the soft and luxurious look of vinyl planks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Superior scratch resistance | Can be dearer than some other floors |
| Easy maintenance and cleaning | Looks like timber, but doesn’t feel like it |
| 100% waterproof | |
| Can handle huge difference in humidity |
Tiling was the most poplar choice in flooring until technology came along and reinvented timber flooring and their look alike friends. However, because of the different features of tiles, they are still an excellent choice for flooring throughout the home and in particular in bathrooms, laundries and splash backs.
| Pros | Cons |
| So easy to maintain and clean | Because they are so hard, they often break whatever falls on them |
| Glazed tiles are 100% water resistant | Grout can become discoloured and stained due to mildew |
| Extremely durable Ceramic, porcelain and mosaic are able to handle high amounts of traffic. | In cooler months, tiles can be really cold |
| Temperature and chemical resistant so they do not corrode when exposed to chemicals or extreme weather | Needs a professional to install |
| Hygienic and inhibit viruses, mould and fungi from growing | |
| Environmentally friendly when made from clay and raw materials like ceramic tiles | |
| Diverse and affordable so can suit anyone and everyone’s preferences |
Such a statement, polished concrete is one of those products that you either love or loathe. They are suited beautifully to minimal, modern and industrial style homes. They are making a real come back onto the design market, so here is what you need to know about polished concrete…
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely durable | Can be very, very cold in winter and can retain heat in summer |
| Flood and fire resistant | Not suitable for homes that lack sunlight – sunlight is needed to heat the concrete slab |
| Ideal for high traffic areas | Expensive – they sit at a similar price point to timber hardwood flooring |
| Easy to clean and super hygienic | Creating an amazing aggregate, quarts and coloured polish can be very expensive |
| Can be rebuffed to reshine when it becomes a little dull from wear and tear | Can be very hard, especially when standing on for periods of time eg. cooking in the kitchen or when little ones fall over |
| Can incorporate underfloor heating into polished concrete flooring (needs to be discussed and approved during planning stages) | Cracks may appear due to the house settling over time |
| Can be installed to use for so many different surfaces eg. flooring, kitchen benches, vanities, stairs, etc | Will show more dust due to the gloss effect |
| Can be poured on site, so is made to suit your space. For this reason, it is made to measure and will not show join lines like many other products will | May show scratches, however this depends on the sealer that is used. Different sealers have different pros and cons – so do your research on this too! |
| Ideal for those who suffer from allergies | |
| Available in a wide variety of colours, aggregates and finishes | |
| Can create a seamless finish from indoors to outdoors |
Phew! So there you go…..there is so much information for you to digest! I tend to find that clients have a preference for a timber/timber look, tile or polished concrete depending on the style of home they are going for and the vision and mood they want to create when they step foot through the door.
Remember, do what works for you, weigh up all your options and enjoy sliding those feet out of bed in the morning and landing those tootsies on your floor of choice!
If you have any questions, I am always here to help! Contact me through the ‘Contact Us’ page, or alternatively, send me a DM on Instagram. Either way I will be sure to get back to you with whatever info I can offer.
Much love,
Jojo. xx
Mood Board Monday – Elegant Entryway
Styling
Welcome to this weeks Mood Board Monday, Elegant Entryway! I decided to do things a little differently this week, and boy has it been fun! Rather than you guys choosing the space and me creating it to my style, I wanted you guys to take the lead on this one! Thank you to everyone who responded to my stories today and sent through a piece of furniture, a rug, an artwork or a gorgeous decor piece. You guys have amaaaaaazing taste! (Let’s be real, I’m not even surprised!)
SO – the piece i chose to work with was one of the first that came through and it COMPLETELY knocked my socks off! It was beautiful, elegant and so versatile. The gorgeous Insta Pal (you know I HATE the term followers!) who sent this trough wanted to see it styled in an entry way, and boy would this space look SENTATIONAL brought to life. The piece she sent through was a gorgeous Fenton & Fenton blush bone inlay console table. I’ve popped it below so you can see what I was given to work with. Isn’t she a beauty?!
This whole Mood Board Design took me just under an hour, that console gave me so much inspiration! You know that I am a massive fan of the texture and character that timber moulding gives, so it was a no brainer that that entryway included the elegance that it provides.
You know I am a MASSIVE fan of beaded chandeliers, so this gorgeous Elok chandelier was my first choice. I love the curved lines in this lighting fixture that compliment the arches in the beautiful mirror that rests on the console. As it would be located in the entryway, this console needed a beautiful little trinket tray to catch your keys and sunglasses when you walk through the door. And you know that I can’t go past a marble tray, especially one adorned with that brass trim….(drool factor!)
Just because something is beautiful doesn’t mean it can’t be practical as well, so this chic little blush Black mango chair and basket from Ollie Ella are in the entryway for you to be able to sit down, take your shoes off and pop them into the basket out of the way. what a gorgeous rug to land your feet on, while also being ridiculously practical. Did you know Jute rugs are one of the best wearing rugs, while also being environmentally friendly? Win…and win!
And hey….what’s a solo chair without a gorgeous print sitting above it? And this one from The Paper Collective has been on my list of perfect prints to use FOR EVER and it was worth the wait, it just ties everything altogether here. So here she is, and all of her elegant glory. What do you think?
Listed below are the individual pieces used which have been put together to create this stunning Elegant Entryway. These pieces are linked straight to the business websites, so click on through to check them out!
Console – Fenton & Fenton
Tray – Coco Republic
Rug – Miss Amara Jute rug
Flooring – Quick Step Impressive Ultra Soft Oak Light
Basket – Ollie Ella stocked at Norsu
Chair – Black Mango
Artwork – Paper Collective
Chandelier – Elok
Mirror – Temple & Webster
Cherry Blossom Flowers – Pottery Barn
Hope you found a little bit of inspiration from this gorgeous Mood Board Monday. I’m already looking forward to creating next weeks design. Make sure you vote on my Insta stories what you would like to see me create next!
Much Love,
Mood Board Monday – Black Beauty Bathroom
Styling
Welcome to this weeks Mood Board Monday, Beautiful Bathroom style! It’s an absolute beauty this week, a Black Beauty to be exact. A little different to my usual neutral white style, but I’m absolutely LOVING it! And of course, with anything I do, you’ll always find that little pop of blush! So scroll on down and check out all of the pretty little details!
As usual, I’ve linked all the products below, happy shopping!
Listed below are the individual pieces used which have been put together to create this stunning Black Beauty bathroom. These pieces are linked straight to the business websites, so click on through to check them out!
Tiles – Beaumont Tiles
Concrete Basin – Nood Co.
Tapware – ABI Interiors
Robe Hook – ABI Interiors
Handles – Lo & Co Interiors
Vanity – The Blue Space
Towels – Adairs
Mirror – West Elm
Chandelier – Restoration Hardware
Hope you found a little bit of inspiration from this gorgeous Mood Board Monday. I’m already looking forward to creating next weeks design. Make sure you vote on my Insta stories what you would like to see me create next!
Much Love,
Mood Board Monday – Classic Office
Styling
Welcome to this weeks Mood Board Monday, Home Office edition! And in all honesty, this mood board could not come at a better time. In speaking with you through my Insta DM’s, due to the current gloabal situation (let’s not mention the ‘C’ word….I am sure you are sick of hearing it by now!), so many of you are now working from home, and have discovered that your home office needs a little freshen up! So I am here to help. Fingers crossed you are as obsessed with pink as I am and this will tickle all your fancies. Let’s get to work!
Coming in a close second on the weekly Insta Stories polls, the gorgeous space I have designed this week is a classic home office. For all the pink lovers out there (ok, that HAS to be you, otherwise what are you doing here?!).
Natty and Polly are my absolute go to at the moment for pretty wallpaper. They seem to have every shade of every colour of every texture and pattern available. So this week we are going with a gorgeous pink plaid wallpaper in the fabulous shade of Rosa. There is something so old school, homely, yet also structured about this particular design. The perfect choice for the classic home office.
THIS CHAIR! I can’t go any further without mentioning this chair. Isn’t it everything? So luxe and so pretty, it was made for this space! Good news, it is a beautiful Pottery Barn piece (one of my faaaaaavourite chain stores for home furniture and decor)…..bad news…it is only available in the US. Fingers crossed they get their act together and start launching pieces like this in Australia soon!
Bringing some french provincial (when don’t we love that style?!) to this classic office space is the gorgeous desk from Interiors Online. The style and the colour of the oak is just to die for. It’s a winning combination to draw in the timber from the Interiors Online pendants.
As you know, finding art has always been the challenging part of interior decorating for me. But as soon as I knew I was doing this space, I knew exactly the artist that I wanted to include here. Georgianna Lane is the most stylish and creative photographer and captures classic beauty in everything she sees. Architecture, florals, decor, life and cities around the world. Georgianna has just released the third book in her collection, ‘London in Bloom’. It is an absolute treat for the eyes…and honestly, flicking through the gorgeous pages of her books makes my heart skip a beat and my mind start mentally packing my suitcase to jet set off to the glorious places she photographs.
Last but not least in my list of special mentions, is the stunning Linden Lamp, designed by Kelly Wearstler and stocked in the swoon-worthy Montauk Lighting Co. I love the simplicity of the white and the brass, but the bobble texture is a delight to the senses and definitely adds a sense of luxury and sophistication to this work space.
As usual, I’ve linked all the products below, happy shopping!
Listed below are the individual pieces used which have been put together to create this stunning Pretty In Pink girls room. These pieces are linked straight to the business websites, so click on through to check them out!
Flooring – Quick Step Ultra Impressive Soft Oak Light
Wallpaper – Natty and Polly Check in Rosa
Ottoman – Brosa Marken Large Round Ottoman
Pendants – Interiors Online Haven Bell Pendant
Rug – Miss Amara Kapoho Jute Rug
Artwork – Georgiana Lane
Vase – Marmoset Found Cloud Vase Icy Pink
Lamp – Montauk Lighting Co Kelly Wearstler Linden lamp
Hope you found a little bit of inspiration from this gorgeous Mood Board Monday. I’m already looking forward to creating next weeks design. Make sure you vote on my Insta stories what you would like to see me create next!
Much Love,
Mood Board Monday – Pretty In Pink
Styling
Our next installment of ‘Moodboard Monday’ is here and it’s an absolute beauty! It’s sweet, it’s dreamy and it’s one of my favourite spaces to design. The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating this area of your home…so I bet you’re wondering…What are of the home have i designed for you this week?
You voted…..and here it is! A pretty little girls room!
When you voted for a girls room, I have no doubt that you expected it to be a little heavy on the pink (have we met?!) – so I hope I didn’t disappoint!
I’ve always had a massive crush on this stunning Ferm Living wallpaper, since I first laid eyes on it in Minty Magazine back in 2017 as advertisement for Pip and Sox (a gorgeous Australian boutique children’s store). It comes in the most beautiful soft tones and makes a statement without being too bold. It has always been on my list of ‘must use’ pieces, and I am delighted to be able to feature it in this weeks mood Board Monday.
Without a doubt, this room needed an Elok chandelier! They remind me so much of beautiful strings of pearls, and the fact that they can be customised to any colour is so perfect. This one listed below is their Dusty Pink, and it is just perfect for this space!
I’m always o the hunt for pretty art pieces, and if I am honest, I always find this the hardest part. But as soon as I laid my eyes on this gorgeous Christine Hoel Alpaca, i knew it was perfect for this space! Alpaca’s are so on trend at the moment, but this one is so sweet and the colours within it allow for it to be styled in so many different ways, making it a really versatile investment!
I blieve all rooms need to bring their magic, and a Numero 74 canopy will always seal the deal. not only are they aesthetically pleasing, the also are a great way for framing a space, and in this case, framing a little reading nook for little girls who are getting really interested in books and telling stories. Paired with the gorgeous pink velvet lounger, it creates a wonderful little moment in time for a little girls room.
This bed is pure perfection! Pink, velvet and those little pops of brass for the feet – it ties this space together beautifully….and imagine popping your feet out of the bed onto this gorgeous soft Ollie Ella rug. Now THAT’s one way to start your morning!
My little girls is often invading my desk to draw and colour and create things, so I felt the need to create a little desk area n their beautiful room…and that delicious pink velvet ottoman with a touch of brass – my idea of heaven!
Listed below are the individual pieces used which have been put together to create this stunning Pretty In Pink girls room. These pieces are linked straight to the business websites, so click on through to check them out!
Flooring – Quick Step Ultra Impressive Soft Oak Light
Wallpaper – Fern Living Rose Pink Harlequin from Leo & Bella
Ottoman – Temple and Webster
Chandelier – Elok Wood Beaded Chandelier
Rug – OllieElla etched berber rug
Artwork – Christine Hoel Alpaca
Canopy – Leo & Bella Numero 74 in powder Pink
Velvet Lounger – Onxy & Smoke
Lola Bunny Doll – These Little Treasures
Faux Alpine Fur Pillow – Adairs
Desk – Temple and Webster
Hope you found a little bit of inspiration from this gorgeous Mood Board Monday. I’m already looking forward to creating next weeks design. make sure you vote on my Insta stories what you would like to see me create next!
Much Love,
Mood Board Monday – Hampton's Style Living Room
Styling
Our first ever ‘Moodboard Monday’ is here and I am so pumped! I could go into the importance of moodboaring when you’re planning a room, or design boarding as I usually call it, but we can do that another day….lets just jump right on in!
Typically, the Hampton’s Style of interior design is very light, white and beachy. It is sophisticated, effortless and calming. It is an American version of French inspired interior design styles, hence why it is one of my absolute favouite interior design styles.
This week, for our very first Mood Board Monday, i put the question to you, my amazing Insta Pals to let me know what you wanted to see first! The votes were unanimous, you wanted to see a Hampton’s style Living Area, so here she is!
Listed below are the individual pieces used which have been put together to create this stunning Hampton’s Style Living Room. They are linked straight to the business websites, so click on through to check them out!
Flooring – Quick Step Ultra Impressive Soft Oak Light
Wallpaper – Natty & Polly Pratt Weave Navy Blue
Sofa – Coco Republic Avery Sofa Linen Pearl
Mirror – Temple & Webster White Arch Mirror
Ottoman – Freedom Navy Velvet Copenhagen Ottoman
Light – Homary Distressed Wood Beaded Chandelier
Rug – Miss Amara Alta Ivory & Cobalt Blue Distressed Transitional Rug
Side table – Facebook Marketplace Find – Temple & Webster Similar find
Clam Shell – Raw Sunshine Coast Large Clam Shell
Artwork – Life Interiors Winter Tide Canvas
Hope you found a little bit of inspiration from this gorgeous Mood Board Monday. I’m already looking forward to creating next weeks design. make sure you vote on my Insta stories what you would like to see me create next!
Much Love,
Atelier by Jo Curran 