Before Rapid Reno Mate, I used to use excel spreadsheets to track our reno budgets, I’ve used just about every project management program you can imagine, but none of them offered me the features that are so important in managing a renovation.
With Rapid Reno Mate I now have all our projects at my finger tips on my phone and I can easily access data with the convenience of each project at a swipe of my finger. I wish we had this app years ago, it has taken the stress out of managing multiple projects.
So many people underestimate the cost, and many renovators never complete a full renovation or compromise on the original design as they blow the budget or run out of money.
To have a successful renovation, its important to understand the trades needed as well as the order and timeline things should happen in, budgets are also top of mind when it comes to renovating, to ensure you’re not getting ripped off, the app allows you to check what the average price of trades and services should cost you so you never pay more than what you should, giving you peace of mind an confidence when you receive quotes.
One of the best features by downloading the free app, is that you get exclusive deals and access to products to that will fit within your budget, you can even calculate the amount of materials you need so no more wastage or buying too little of carpet, tiles, floorboard or any product for your project, and if you don’t know where to source materials, Rapid Reno Mate will help you find the nearest supplier, saving you time!
Reasons to give Rapid Reno Mate a go:
By using Rapid Reno Mate, your renovation won’t become an endless Money Pit.
Click the link below, download it today and thank me later!
https://ra8dj.app.goo.gl/CarpetCt_LinkC
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I don’t know about you, but in Melbourne we have already had the heater on, and we've started adding layers to keep warm.
Creating a warm, snuggly ambience at home doesn't mean you have to invest in all new soft furnishings to get that warm welcoming feel when you step in the front door of your home.
Simple tricks like using the right lighting with a warm coloured light, creates warmth in any room. The flicker and scent of a beautiful candle and the soft light it radiates can relax the senses and create a warm comfortable environment.
With the range of candles and scents available makers of candles have a fragrance to suit everyone. I have my so many candles it is hard to choose a favourite, as it depends on the day and my mood. But for the cooler months I love candles that have a woodier, more masculine scent.
Some of my favourites are:
3. Coco Lux do a stunning range of candles and I always have one in our home, my favourite winter scent is their Spice / Wood scent it has base notes of amber which I love for creating that cosy feeling
Once you’ve got your home fragrance sorted, then nothing says snuggle and relax more than a big chunky throw or a faux fur throw. This seasons colours are all moody and rich colours and tend to compliment most neutral toned rooms. Mulberries, navy and forest green are big this season but you don’t have to go with the crowd, choose a colour that best fits with your existing pieces in your home, layer up and you’re set!
Gorgeous throws this season:
1. Adairs Chunky knit rib throw in charcoal
2, Sheets on the line Jungle Throw
3. Home Republic Knitted Throw in Teal
These small touches, such as a throw, the flicker of a candle, mood lighting and a couple of textured cushions can instantly change the look of a room and you have added instant ambience and warmth.
Throws, lamps, and candles aren’t just reserved for the loungeroom, layer your bed with a luscious throw, burn a relaxing candle before bedtime, have a warm low wattage lamp next to your bed, and us this perfect time to change your doona cover to something a little heavier and warmer, mix it up with some of this seasons gorgeous fabrics such as velvet, cotton jersey and flannelette.
As winter is a time of hibernation and relaxation, all that’s left to do is grab a good book and snuggle under your warm chunky throw.
Some of my top picks are:
This book is tragic but beautiful at the same time – warning, will make you cry! I could not put this book down and would rate it up there as one of the best I’ve ever read.
2. The Lost Pages by Marija Pericic
This book won the 2017 Australian Vogel's literary award and I honestly couldn’t put it down, a great read with lots of twists
3. Humans of New York Stories
As the name suggests, this book tells stories both sad and happy, of everyday New Yorkers.
Now that you’ve got your winter survival guide, snuggle up and enjoy what this season has to offer!
Lauren x
Main Image from: Sheets on The Line
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Our ceremony was short and sweet, and a little bit cheekie and there were lots of laughs and happy tears!
We lapped up the bubbles and soaked up the sun,, then it was off to celebrate and have photos with our stunning bridal party before our reception commenced! Stay tuned for part two where I'll share with you our gorgeous reception in the barn.
Much Love,
Lauren xx
]]>Now these guys do require a bit of attention, but the reward you get in return for keeping your green friend well hydrated speaks for itself really - luscious, gorgeous, glossy green leaves are enough to put a smile on anyone's face!
The trick here is to find a happy medium between too much, and not enough water, I generally water mine when the soil feels dry to the touch, this is usually a good sign that your beloved Ficus is thirsty and could do with a drink.
Be sure to make sure that it gets plenty of natural light too, my husband is a horticulturalist by trade and constantly reminds me that our indoor plants are like batteries that need to be charged by the sun or they'll die, so it makes sense really to either position near a window or have one that is easy to move into the sun a few times a week.
2. HOYA
Coming in at a very close second is the Hoya. These guys rock! They can look amazing simply potted into a vessel, or hung up high and left to cascade and show off its long green tendrils, they are one of my favourites to use on shelves and bookcases for this very reason, just make sure you don't overwater them and again, give them a nice dose of constant, natural light and they will be happy little editions to your home for years to come!
3. MAIDEN HAIR FERN
The Maiden hair fern is an affordable, and readily available option for those wanting to add some greenery into the home.
They look great in bathrooms or kitchens, or small spaces, their fine, papery leaves are delicate to the touch so treat with care. Like most indoor plants they don't require lots of water, but they do need their dose of daily sun light.
I like using these guys in areas where they are placed at, or below eye level, where they can show off their flowing leaves.
So grab one of these three beautiful indoor plants and discover how quickly your home will feel more balanced, recharged and grounded, simply by introducing some greenery into your home.
Enjoy!
Lauren x
Images via Pinterest
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So, it is quite fitting that Dulux has chosen a soft, fleshy, airy and organic colour palette to match its touchy, feely name- Sentience'' as part of it's 2017 colour trends, and to be honest, I love it!
The palette is soft and feminine, and focuses on texture, soft greys (ofcourse I was going to love that) and warm earthy pinks
"New beiges" (yep, beige-my most LOATHED colour of all time) features heavily throughout the palette, beige is a colour most of us associate with "boring, or safe, outdated is another word that comes to mind, but pairing these new, softer beiges with the natural rawness of blonde timbers, and tactile elements such as natural stone, and the "new beige" Dulux has introduced to us, can surprisingly be a delight to your visionary senses!
My top picks in the Sentience palette are (in no particular order) are Parchement paper, Beige Mystery and Pinkham.
Greenery in the home is something I always aim to introduce into just about any space I'm designing, the Sentience palette offers a subtle contrast with the colour "wasabi" its pastel, grainy like tone, provides relief to a washed out palette and injects a hit of freshness to the mix. All the colours in the collection are meant to evoke a sense of being, and to me, there is nothing that makes me feel more in touch with my inner self than being in, or around nature.
Dulux Kitchen above feature Dulux "Humble Fawn" and cupboards in "Wasabi"
If you're looking at giving your home a fresh new update, but you're afraid of colour then the Sentience palette is a good place to start my tips for using this colour palette in your home are-
STEP ONE
Choose a "base" colour from the range, this colour will be your starting point for shaking things up a little and giving your place a fresh new feel. Use this colour on 70% of your walls within your home, for example, in your living room if you have 5 walls in your room, then you would use this base colour on around three of those walls. NOTE: your base colour should be the lightest colour you choose to work with
STEP TWO
Select your secondary colour, whatever colour you choose, make sure that it is at least a shade or two darker than your base colour, use this colour on walls where you want to create a subtle contrast, for example inside a recessed shelf or a nib wall.
STEP THREE
Choose your statement colour! This colour will be used as your accent colour, it will be the boldest or darkest hue out of the three you've chosen, use it to create a feature wall, for example it could be used as a backdrop behind a bed to add interest, or as a feature wall in the main living room.
No matter what you decide to try out, just remember that paint isn't permanent, if you try something out but don't fall in love with it, then try again until you find the right colour that suits your own individual style and aesthetic.
Happy Painting!
Lauren x
All images from dulux.com.au
]]>For example, is your kitchen in a complete state of disarray where nothing seems to work because it has a poor layout? Or is it simply just needing a facelift?
Recently we revived a tired old kitchen right in the heart of Richmond.
Our client had already explored other options which had consisted of completely changing the floor plan, layout, and basically starting from scratch, this didn't seem like a viable option as he would of overcapitalised on his very expensive renovation, for no more than a "new look" and layout.
So after some clever consideration and planning, and taking a closer look at the space, we were able to recognise that the space was actually very functional for our clients needs, he didn't need a whole lot more than what he already had (maybe just a few extra drawers, because lets face it, you can NEVER have too much storage!) so we decided to keep costs down we would work with the existing layout, and give this kitchen just what it was crying out for- A Facelift!
BEFORE
Now anyone who has actually attempted a quick "make over" on their kitchen knows that sometimes it does seem easier to start from scratch and rip everything out, but we are a determined bunch, and keeping our clients costs to a minimum, while also providing him the desired aesthetic he wanted was our main focus.
We did part of the demo ourselves to keep costs down on labour (don't attempt this at home if you haven't done before!) and then we called in our tradies to do the rest
The kitchen was screaming to be brought into the 21st century. Our clients brief was "minimal, and Nordic" so we selected a fresh, neutral palette to compliment the rest of his scandi style apartment.
A basic white subway tile, used in a herringbone pattern added interest and contrast, without being too "showy" we introduced a sleek concrete benchtop to keep within the neutral colour palette, and replaced the overhead cabinets with touch close fittings for a seamless, modern look.
AFTER
We replaced the old outdated sink with an under mounted one, and replaced the tap with a sleek gooseneck tap in Matte black.
To match, we incorporated matte black drawer and cupboard knobs to the base cabinets to break up all the white and balance it out.
Adding in some additional deep drawers offered space for large pots and pans, as well as storing cleaning products under the sink.
We kept our clients existing appliances, but slightly relocated them to bring them in line with the fire safety codes (it was not to code previously and posed a fire risk)
Above: using a basic subway tile, but laying it in a different way, adds interest and impact when working with a tight budget.
All in all, our client was very pleased with his new Nordic inspired kitchen, next we will be working on his bathroom! If you need a hand with your next kitchen renovation, but don't know where to start, get in touch with us.
We can help you with everything from the concept, design and installation!
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For years, UI has been my go to for incredible artworks to use in both in my own home, and my lovely clients homes.
Since they first launched back in 2012 they have grown enormously and now offer a huge range of gorgeous textiles, furniture and home décor, making United Interiors my one stop shop for all things gorgeous for the home.
I am now lucky enough to host their very first VIP shopping night on June 8th and I invite you all to come along and share some drinks and nibbles with us as I show you how to style a room and transform your home using some gorgeous UI artworks!
Now it wouldn't be a VIP event without an exclusive VIP offer! All guests who attend on the night will receive a huge 30% OFF STOREWIDE special offer to spend on the night and I'll be there to dish out expert advice, so you know you're making all the right choices for your home decor!
There is LIMITED CAPACITY available so I able to spend as much time answering your questions about all things interiors, so reserve your place by RSVPing now!!
Full Details below
VIP SHOPPING NIGHT WITH @united_interiors and @lauren_silvaria_stylist
Date: Thursday 8th June
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: United Interiors Showroom-
253 Wickham Rd, Moorabbin VIC
RSVP essential to: info@mylittleempire.com.au With your full name and maximum of 2 guests to secure your spot
See you there! xx
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This beautiful Bayside home I designed in the lead up to my wedding last year was a good six month project, my client was a loyal My Little Empire customer, and I was lucky enough to get to know her and the family well enough to be entrusted to take on this mammoth project!
This home truely is a place where you can be yourself, my client has three young daughters, and they all lead busy lives, it was so important that the home not only felt like a tranquil and relaxed place to be, but it had to be functional in order to cater to this lovely family of five.
My main focus was ensuring I selected furniture and pieces that would grow with the family's lifestyle and stand the test of time, while also creating a harmonious balance of laid back style without any pretentiousness.
With three young girls bedrooms to design, I was conscious that the bones of their rooms must be able to adapt with them as their tastes grow over the years. I opted for timber and white furniture that can easily accommodate to other colour palettes in years to come. The youngest' bedroom needed to be girly and relaxed at the same time, I chose a soft pink colour palette and incorporated splashes of gold polka dots throughout for a fun vibe.
A fold down desk offers a place to read, draw and paint without taking up lots of valuable floor space.
The master bedroom was by far my favourite room to design as I knew that my client would let me be bold and create a feature wall, so that's exactly what I did! I chose Dulux "Baltica" as this colour really worked well in the space and added the depth and dimension we wanted to create. I offset the richness of the paint colour with a stunning leather and timber bedhead in a luxurious tanned leather, which helped to add warmth and sophistication.
Layers of subtle texture were used in the linen and cushions to add to the snug factor of this gorgeous bed, making you want to face plant into at the end of a long day!
I'm a big fan of greenery all throughout the home as it lifts a space, and in my opinion helps create a sense of calm. From the bathrooms, kitchen and bedrooms little pockets throughout the home feature bright pops of greenery, and fresh flowers, and the bedsides were no different.
]]>Now that winter is well and truely on it's way, many of us find ourselves staying at home more, and those morning sleep ins become even more treasured as we dread leaving the snuggly comfort of our beds to face the wintery days.
Well, I am giving one lucky person the opportunity to have their bedroom completly transformed for winter!
TO ENTER:
1. Make sure that you are following my instagram page @lauren_silvaria_stylist
2. Send me 3-4 photos of the bedroom you would love to have transformed with a short paragraph on why you would love to have a bedroom makeover and your preferred style. Emails only please to: info@mylittleempire.com.au
3. Stay tuned, one lucky winner will be selected in the coming weeks and announced via my instagram page!
This offer is open to all Victorian residents
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