Welcoming the lovely Carolyn from @leafandwicker to our Happy Homes article where we will learn about her interior styling!
Hi Carolyn! Tell us a little about yourself
I live in Ballarat, Victoria with my partner Steve and our 4 kids (between us) - Kyle 20, Josh 18, Bonnie 15 and Amber 24.
I'm 52 years old and totally out of the blue at the end of last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Obviously it was life changing moment so unfortunately I spent all of 2022 undergoing chemo, radiation and surgery. I am thankfully almost out the other side of it now. So please girls check your breasts regularly and get your regular mammograms!! It has shocked me how many people I've since encountered that have been through the same journey. One positive that came from the whole year is that as i wasn't working, I had some extra time up my sleeve so undertook a Diploma in Interior Design. I have literally just handed in my final assignment - yipee!! I have learnt so much and I would love to one day get into property styling. My partner and I have also undertaken some pretty major renovations over the last 2 years. So far we have completed our kitchen, bathroom, flooring (that was the hardest) and we have now just finished our ensuite. Our next project is our laundry which we hope to have finished before the end of Summer. We do most of what we can ourselves to save $$ - apart from tiling and electrical,we leave that up to the pros.
When did you find a passion for home styling?
For as long as I can remember I have loved home styling and homewares. I have a serious addiction to Adairs!!!
Can you share some tips for styling a bed to look full and complete?
My main tip is to upsize your doona. We have a King Size doona on a queen bed and it looks so much better! I always use 2 euros, 4 pillows (2 on each side) and a cushion or 3 haha. Oh and don't forget the throw.
Tell us about your pets and where they love to hang out around your home..
We have 2 beautiful border collies that we absolutely adore. We have a black and white named Alfie and a chocolate merle named Harvey. They are always featured on my insta page as are always inside with me - spoilt I know! Harveys favourite spot is in our bedroom looking out the front window and barking at the postie. Alfie is content lazing about wherever he can find a sunny spot.
Do you have a favourite room in your home?
My favourite room would have to be our main lounge room, it's definitely where I hang out the most as it's adjoined to the kitchen and also has the comfiest couch (thanks Plush).
Are you currently in your ‘forever home?’
No - we plan to move at end of next year down to the coast so all renovations we have done so far are with prospective buyers in mind - we have kept all choices very neutral and hopefully appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Where do you find inspiration for styling?
I find most of my inspo from Instagram and some from Pinterest. There are so many beautiful accounts on insta that inspire me daily.
What do you do for work and how do you find the perfect work / life balance?
I now work in an administration role in Allied Health Services at our local hospital. I work part time and for me that was the only way I could achieve a work life balance. It was definitely something I struggled with when I was working full time. Prior to this role I spent 10 years at a health and fitness facility which i loved as have always had a passion for exercise!
What do you think the next design trend will be?
Well at at the moment I'm loving the checks, but I think we will see a shift to more colour and a slight shift away from all neutral (or will we?). I know for myself I am loving the addition of some beautiful pastel colours in our home.How would you describe your interior style?
I think modern coastal? I always struggle with defining my style but I love light timbers, white and brass which seem to fit in with that aesthetic.
What are your favorite additions to your latest bathroom reno?
Definitely the brass fittings, frameless glass shower screen and white tiles and VJ - it was so dark before it was screaming for a lighten up!
What are some things you look for when choosing artwork for your home?
Colour first and foremost,so it fits into my home and really from there - anything that I find pretty!
Artwork featured: Archway Breeze and Island Spritz and Luna Charm in A3 size.
What are your top shops / brands to find interior furniture / decor?
Adairs, Target and Kmart (of course). Some local stores that I love are Wen and Ware in Ballarat (this store is worth a trip to Ballarat alone) and Jarvis and Jarvis in Torquay (this is worth a trip to Torquay - its stunning!!)
What is your next project?
As we have just finished our ensuite it's now time to move onto the laundry - yay i can hardly wait to get it going.