Air condition is called aircon, the combo air conditioner & heaters that you hang high on a wall are called swingers. Countertops are called benches, yards are called a gardens, closets-wardrobe, bonus room-rumpus room, hardwood floors or any wood is called timber. Living in the country is living in the Bush. Carpenters are called a Chippy, electrician -Sparky, brick layer-bricky, plumber-dunny driver. Downtown is called CBD. Neighbor is spelled neighbour. If a room is painted and decorated in updated colors & pattens they are called “Fresh”. If a house is updated in higher end-sophisticated materials it’s called “smart”. Fittings-are basically light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances. Color is spelled colour. Picture rails are still pretty common. Queenslander-is a traditional style of home in Queensland that has a bungalow/Victorian/country/cottage feel. “security screens” are popular on windows & doors-which is a metal lattice. Full fences around your property are also popular.

I agree with Catherine. I see more effort put into the design of a study/home office area than ever before. If my clients don't have the extra room to create a working space then we look at how they can incorporate a workspace into their living areas. I'm also finding that a lot of people don't have the time or expense to keep updating their interiors but instead are looking for timeless designs when it comes to furniture and kitchen/bathrooms. A space can be updated with accessories and art. Another trend I have seen is for more people to put more of themselves into their home design. I have seen so many homes that look exactly like showrooms or display houses (which some of them I can say are stunning but they all look the same) - however my Clients have said "well the designer told me this is what is on trend and that this is what homes look like'. And my Clients don't even like the end result! They just go with it because. People want their homes to stand out from their friends and neighbours and this can only be done with using the Clients personality tastefully.

Hi Tania, Congratulations on getting this far, It can be so baffling to take a project on by yourself, furnishings and design. I believe a monochromatic colour scheme is always interesting when pairing black, greys and whites with different textures. Black is one of the few colours that actually matches with everything, It is the most versatile of colours. Any style, including scandinavian, industrial contemporary or mid-century modern can incorporate black into the colour scheme so whatever style you choose will work fantastic and timelessly. If you so wish, have a peek over on my page. It is a sanctuary to black and white and prints of most works are available. Q1. Recommendation on artprint/artwork (of course I'll suggest my own works ;) they work equally well in both living areas and bedrooms as they have no loud colour scheme, however the 'Spheres' work are particularly soothing in a bedroom area. http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1700859/contemporary-black-and-white-large-scale-charcoal-artwork http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1967180/new-series-spheres-grids Q2. How many art print to hang above the couch or bed? depending on the size of the works you choose, one in a landscape layout above the bed of a series of three may work equally as well. Q3. A suitable colour scheme (pillows for sofa, prints) monochromatic, greys, whites and blacks like I mentioned above mixed with various textures and a soft pastel pallet for cushions etc. Good Luck Tania and be sure to post photos afterwards! Miriam :)

Hi there, I was a little confused when I saw this post, I thought I had written it and forgotten about it? I had exactly the same dilemma! I’ve been looking for exactly the same thing for exactly the same reason. I really like the Tuffty too from Space Furniture, except I’m not prepared to pay their asking price. I ended buying a modern low 3 seater with an 3 extra ottomans. I’ve placed the ottomans along the back of the lounge with extra cushions to give the look of the double sided sofa. It looks great and is very comfortable.