FROM THE editor MAKING A HOUSE A HOME

from Our Home Autumn 2023 — Echuca-Moama and district

BRINGING DREAMS to life

As a renter of many years, I can begrudgingly admit I may be a little while o buying a home.

My future holds the uncertainty of inspections, house mates and spaces that have been well-loved — and some obviously well-lived in, too.

It’s a strange limbo, especially in an uncertain housing market, but don’t get me wrong — I understand the privileged position I’m in to have a roof over my head. Having gone through eight houses in six years, I’ve obviously developed a knack for moving, but also in making a house a home.

There’s the little things: a fresh set of linen here and discovering which colours go with a ﬂuorescent green carpet there (don’t ask).

Though there’s also the bigger things, like maintaining a garden in hopes to one day have a lush sanctuary of greenery comparative to Shirley Phelan’s (from page 9). Or learning valuable skills for both renting and home ownership — Our Home will show you how to become a DIY queen (or king) to save a dollar or two.

And after discovering the trick to treating and avoiding mould, we couldn’t help but share. If you’re in this predicament, ﬂick to page 21.

Across the many moves, it’s only natural my belongings have dwindled to borderline necessities, so investing in locally produced art has become a staple of my homestead.

Sourcing a piece that is created with love and time makes it all the more special, and being a journalist, I’m a sucker for an interesting back-story — Echuca artist Jess Leigh’s intuitive art (from page 14) ticks just about every box.

The following months will see another move for yours truly, though also another opportunity to start fresh and take along a few tips and tricks from the following pages.

Caitlyn Grant Editor

It’s no surprise that nostalgia is in and ethereal is out. Homes that were once sanctuaries of calm can emerge out of their pandemic cocoons and become full of life again. Our Home sat down with Lisa Cox from I Want, I Need to get her expert advice on bringing personality and playfulness back into the home.

STORY: TAYLAH BAKER.

PHOTOGRAPHY: I WANT, I NEED

SCALLOP-SESSED

What was once only seen in doily form on your grandma’s kitchen table is now getting revamped with a contemporary twist. Say hello to the scallop pattern.

Lisa says heading into autumn, people following the homeware and furniture trends are all about modernising these ripples in any part of the house.

From scalloped edges on furniture to cushions, lamps, and even placemats, that small curve makes the biggest difference. Perhaps it’s the soft edges or the slight throwback, but best believe scallop decor adds that touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.

Green With Envy

It might be controversial in taste, but there’s no denying the rise in greens and golds.

Providing an elegant edge, the deep emerald green can be seen on just about every Pinterest board through feature walls, rugs and furniture with special mention to the velvet couch.

It’s almost impossible to elude the forest hue, so why not become a part of it? Paired with a muted gold lamp or coffee table, your area will feel effortlessly balanced and chic.

The monochrome gold additions will be sure to pop against the background, making just about any piece a statement, no matter how small.

Back To Nature

It’s been a while since lockdowns had us all staring at four walls. As boundaries between work and home blurred, the line between inside and outside has also been crossed. And it’s here to stay. There’s a lot of ways outdoor living can be incorporated into your home think outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools and greenhouses.

As autumn changes its leaves and temperatures cool down, fireplaces and fire pits can be an entertainer’s dream. Throw some marshmallows on sticks for the kids, gather around and have a few drinks with friends and family, or cuddle up with a loved one to relight the flame.

RICH IN COLOUR, NOT IN PRICE

We get it, sometimes trends can be deflating. They circulate frequently and you may feel like you’re reaching into your pocket time and time again.

But it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to spruce up the place!

Trend colours can perk up any space in the house, whether it be through a picture frame, throw or even a small ornament.

Lisa says rich colours are your go to navy, rose, plum, deep and sage greens, and chocolate.

Teamed with everyone’s neutral home bases, Lisa says a few additions of these colours adds the warmth required to a home during the cooler months.

Light It Up

Want to hear a bright idea? Statement lighting. Throw out the plain ol’ lightbulbs and give oversized and large-scale light fixtures, classic chandeliers or light fittings in interesting shapes a go. Whatever style, size or colour you choose, these overhead works of art serve as a focal point to turn any room from bland to glammed. Bold lighting comes with a warning though match the right lighting to your house to ensure fluidity and practicality in your home. You have been warned.

WHEN IN DOUBT, VASE IT OUT

For those who feel their space is lacking that sliver of pizazz, embrace the humble vase.

Vases are a great way to make any room feel warmer without the added effort of being a huge feature piece, they can be placed into any nook or cranny to give a home that cosy feel.

If you’re hunting for the perfect addition, you’d be hard pressed not to fall into the heavenly arms of the textured trend.

An earthy terracotta-look pot is the classic piece to boost any room, filled or empty, the rough touch speaks for itself and they come in every colour under the sun.

Feel free to try things out of the ordinary, popping two coloured vases of differing sizes side-by-side will provide contrast, in turn elevating the pieces to become a focal point of any room.

Vase versatility is never-ending. If it’s starting to feel a little too familiar and itching for a change, don’t scrap it, just change the contents.

A POP OF COLOUR IN THE BEDROOM NEVER HURT ANYONE. ACHIEVE A MODERN, FUN LOOK WITH A COMBINATION OF WARM HUES AND METALLIC STATEMENTS.

Brass taper candle-stand