Didn't know anyone still did the free making on curtains anymore, but Spotlight do have a lot of sales on ready mades - it is just getting the size. Most of Spotlight's ready mades are thermal backed too, which could be practical for you, they do make a difference keeping the cold out, but I like to have a sheer behind as they do block out light. I liked the idea of a nice rich cream brocade and there is usually quite a bit of choice in that sort of thing. Loved your outlook too, looks lovely and peaceful. I do like colour through my home but not that much and I weave 3 or 4 colours through the house to tie it all together. Maybe Bunnings had a sale of wrongly mixed colours :)) I think you have done a great job downstairs, you have created a simple backdrop to let your furniture and furnishings shine and set the mood. No, I was talking ceramic tiles for the bathroom, I just had my bathrooms done and had the option of laying tiles over the existing tiles to save costs. I would only do it as a temporary solution, if you think you might redo the bathroom totally down the track, but I know others who have done it to save costs and the step hasn't been a bother, I guess it would depend on the tile you chose. I ended up with a bit of a step anyway because the tiles I chose were quite thick. Just trying to think of options for you. There are also outdoor carpets that might work, they used to be quite patterned, but if you like Persian, you might find something along those lines. Trying to think now where I have seen them. I'm wondering if Bunnings might have something.

Are you putting it in the kitchen also? I have the same dilemna. I also have the issue of requiring sound insulation regupol in an apartment and what gets out down first, the kitchen joinery and floor around or joinery on top. I have selected tongue n groove but have a very uneven concrete floor which now need levelling and doubling flooring costs. So check that you have fairly even underfloor for engineered flooring. Agnes

We went with Monument and I am delighted. I was worried about it making the house hotter, but not at all as we added some extra insulation while the roof was lifted. We look over our roof to Mt Dandenong and it really feels like we are floating above the rooftops now (previously had a lighter color). I have also noticed there is far less glare being darker. Pic below is not my best shots ... but you get the idea. Forgot to add we also have a flat cliplock roof and used a combination of Monument and Dune on the house.

Hi All, thank you very much for your comments and feedback regarding this blog. We have had the privilege of seeing the inside of a large number of homes when providing owners with a property styling quote. It has been interesting to see how many people actually seem to live with their curtains/blinds shut most of the time. Therefore what may seem obvious to some that opening up curtains or blinds makes your home feel more warm and inviting, may not be that obvious to others. Olldroo, your question is definitely valid, where does all the mess go?? A few decluttering tips we provide our clients when getting their homes ready for sale: - This is the perfect time to throw out the old, broken, unused items and start getting ready for when you move to your new place. Make use of your fee council clean-ups in your area and make sure you book these in early! - My rule of thumb, if it hasn't been used or worn in the last two years, throw it out or give it away. Most suburbs have charity bins or a Salvation army and your good quality much loved items will be of better use in another home instead of being shoved in a cupboard or corner. - Use your garage. Most buyers understand that the garage is used for cars or storage. Therefore use this space to temporarily store much needed every day living items such as children's toys, prams, baby cots during the open home. Once the open home is over, you can then bring these back into the home until your next open home. Just be sure not to over stock the garage. A buyer should still be able to get a sense of how large the space is so that they can determine if it will meet their own storage needs. - The value of your property can instantly be increased merely by decluttering. It may well be worth renting a temporary self storage unit in your area to store away unneeded furniture and items during the marketing campaign. Most of these are not too expensive and for a couple of hundred dollars investment, you are sure to get much more than double that back when selling your home. - Invest in plastic containers or storage boxes that can easily be stored and hidden under your bed. This is perfect for those extra toys and clothes that needs to go somewhere! - Finally, I love the practical article on IKEA's website with some fantastic storage solutions -> http://www.ikea.com/au/en/ideas/201812_idli02a/ Happy decluttering :-)