Decorating your home can be an extremely exciting, yet overwhelming experience.

To help get you started on your interior design journey, we spoke with Everleigh residents, Jessy (Instagram @thecozyeverleighbuild), and Minnie (Instagram @hampton_down_south) who shared with us their top tips for a comfortable and stylish abode.

 

Tip 1: Find your interior decorating style

“The first thing you should aim to do is establish a theme for each living space in your home,” says Jessy.

“There’s plenty of inspiration to be found on social media and popular interior design websites.

“I discovered my design style by spending a lot of time on Instagram, looking at hundreds of home accounts and from there, I really learnt what style I liked.

“I would also scroll through homeware websites and screenshot what items appealed to me. Then I would create multiple mood boards with different furniture and decor items until I was in love with the end result.

“I was drawn to light, bright and airy homes with a coastal vibe. As someone who spends a lot of time at home, I love having a light space! It's a massive mood booster.”

Minnie says she adores the popular Hamptons look.

“I’ve always been in love with the sophisticated and timeless look of the Hampton’s façade and interior - especially in the kitchen,” she says.

“Rather than a coastal interior, I’ve opted to juxtapose modern urban accents throughout our home with dark vinyl plank flooring.”

 

Tip 2: Don’t follow trends

“Avoiding trends and opting for timeless, classic finishes can save time and money,” says Jessy.

“When I was renting, I realised trying to keep up with the latest home trends was a big mistake.

“Now, I make sure all major furnishings are neutral, so I can change up the soft furnishings or decor and completely transform the space as trends change, instead of feeling the need to repurchase new items every six months.”

 

Tip 3: Know where to save and splurge

“Knowing which items to splurge and save on is a major game changer when it comes to home styling,” says Jessy.

“Only spend good money on items you will use over the long term, like couches and the dining table.

“Beds and bedding can date, especially as children grow, so you can get away with investing less in these items, along with associated soft furnishings in the bedroom.”

Minnie agrees the lounge and kitchen are top of the list when it comes to spending big.

“Think about where you spend most of your time. A comfortable, high quality sofa that easily accommodates all family members is a must,” she says.

“You can be creative with DIY projects for furniture that is used less or is in personal spaces. There are lots of ideas on how to upcycle furniture and mixing old and new, and expensive and budget, furniture can create an interesting effect in the home.”

 

Tip 4: Keep children in mind

Both women agree if you have children, you will need to approach your styling projects with a different mindset.

“When you’re living with children, it’s not only about style, but also comfort, practicality and safety,” says Jessy.

“I have lost count of how many items my nine-month-old has broken since we've moved in, which is why I now use high shelving to ensure anything breakable is out of reach and live by the rule that furniture should be both practical and pretty.”

Minnie says staying away from sharp edges and having a designated toy area works for her family.

“Try swapping a coffee table for an ottoman, and if possible, have a designated play space, like a rumpus or part of your study or spare room. If there is no room for a play area, use cute storage boxes to stow away toys for play time.”

 

Tip: 5 Have fun with it!

Above all, the most important tip to remember when designing your home is to have fun.

“Definitely go with your heart! At the end of the day, it's your safe space and where you spend a lot of your time,” Jessy says.

“What you put inside your home needs to reflect you as a person and make you happy.”

Minnie says, if it’s your first build, don’t feel pressured to have everything perfect straight away.

“Don't worry about trends or other people's judgement - make it yours and add your own personal touch,” she says.

For more interior design inspiration, visit the homes in the Everleigh Display Village, at Olive Avenue in Greenbank. With 19 homes by 12 leading Queensland builders, there is sure to be a design that suits your own personal style.