Our favourite items from the 2020 IKEA Catalogue

One of the best things that happened this week is the release of the 2020 IKEA Catalogue. For those of you who have been looking to renovate or just need some inspiration to start redecorating their homes, this is perfect for you. This year’s theme is “Save our Sleep” which is totally relatable for so many busy Aussies!

In this blog, we’ve rounded up a few of our faves.

HILLEBORG Blackout Curtains

If you want a continuous good night sleep without the disturbance of the outside light, this pair of curtains is perfect for your bedroom.

Image: IKEA ($49, 1 pair)

BERGPALM Duvet Cover Set

According to the IKEA website, this cover is made up of thicker yarn “to create a handcrafted, vintage expression that feels casual and relaxed, inviting you to unwind.”

Image: IKEA ($39.99)

KNIXHULT Floor lamp

This modern twist to your good ol’ lamp aims to produce a minimal environmental footprint.

Image: IKEA ($59)

EIDSÅ Mirror

This classic mirror design is perfect for both bedroom or bathroom wall. You can even install the LEDSJÖ LED wall lamp on both sides for a more elegant look.

Image: IKEA

BESTÅ Wall mounted cabinet

If you’re looking for a clean and edgy, elegant vibe for your bedroom, this wall mounted cabinet fits perfectly.

Image: IKEA ($495)

SKOGSLÖK Ergonomic Pillow

Whatever your sleeping position is, this pillow can give you a comfortable, relaxing support while you’re sleeping.

Image: IKEA ($19.99)

What are your favourites?

So many new things you can add to your home and give it a new look—perfect for the Spring season! Have you had the chance to browse the catalogues? If you don’t have a hard copy, you can download it here.

Hope you find inspiration with this new collection and if you’re worried about finance, happy to discuss your options for you!

Let’s get that dream renovation starting!

References:

https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_AU/catalogue/IKEA.html

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative Number 486927 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post Our Favourite Items From the IKEA 2020 Catalogue appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

Toni Coates, owner of The Coat Box

The idea of decluttering and reorganising comes with the New Year. Removing the clutter from your home and organising your life can leave you with an environment filled with things you love and you actually use. For some of us, it somehow gives us a clean slate to start with and the idea that something is truly working for you.

Whether you have been inspired by Feng Shui, minimalism or the recent trend, the “KonMari method,” learn a thing or two from a Perth Girl boss herself:

What is ‘The Coat Box” all about? (What’s your inspiration for your business name?)

The Coat Box is a Professional Organising Business. I help people declutter and organise their homes or areas in the home where clutter and disorganisation is causing my clients stress or anxiety, or physically impeding the use of space in the home. The Business name I must admit is a little quirky! It was inspired by my surname (Coates) and my partner and kids’ surname (Box). As a family owned and run business, it just made sense – and could also sound like a kind of storage item.

What pushed you to start this kind of business?

From the first time I ever lived on my own, I became quite fussy about tidiness and organisation. This only grew as I got older and especially after I had children. When we moved into our current home, I had to become creative in the way things are stored and also somewhat ruthless with decluttering as my home has little storage available.  I came to the realisation that I actually really enjoy decluttering and organising and was pretty good at it! Why not help others with their home? I know that a lot of people struggle with clutter and disorganisation so I could help others at the same time as doing something I enjoy. Also as a Mum of 3 young daughters, running my own business with hours I could make suit our lifestyle meant I could still be home on weekends and after school to spend time with my family and do all the mum stuff (like driving back and forth from dance lessons!).

How are you able to go the extra mile for your clients?

My service is a very personal one. I’m working in people’s homes with their personal belongings so a high level of respect, compassion, understanding and empathy is a must. Every one of my clients is different and every home is different. Sometimes I may need to work closely with a client who suffers from mental or physical illness or perhaps with a client who has lost a spouse or loved one. Or maybe it’s a time poor family who are overwhelmed and just need some help and support. I’m a naturally friendly person so I find that after the initial questions, I like to just chat with my clients, listen to them and try my best to relate to them and their situation. In any, job it’s necessary to maintain a level of professionalism but it’s also ok to share something of yourself!

What are the struggles you encountered in building your business along the way and how did you overcome these?

Well! Funny story – when I started working on putting my business together I got unexpectedly pregnant with my 3^rd child! This put the brakes on for a couple of years but I stayed focused and continued trying to learn as much as I could for when I could “officially” start work. I’ve now been in business for 2 years.

Also as a business run from home and on a budget I opted to build my own website – this was a big learning curve! I managed to get it sorted though and with some great advice from a wonderful client on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) my site is now ranking high on Google search and this has improved my business exponentially!

Please share some valuable tips to our readers about decluttering and organising.

If you’re considering doing some decluttering and organising, depending on the time available and how motivated you are, start with the area that most frustrates you, or is most pressing – such as a cluttered kitchen that you have trouble working in, or a wardrobe where you have trouble finding what you’re looking for!

For those who are more hesitant or overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, maybe find something smaller, a drawer or just one of the kitchen cupboards. Then it doesn’t take as long and the visible results can boost your confidence and motivation.

Very importantly, go into any project with the aim to declutter first, then organise the items left back into the storage space. Try not to keep buying more and more storage as this can actually add to the clutter.

Don’t be afraid of empty space! People often see empty space and have the urge to fill it with something, don’t get pulled in by this feeling, instead, look at the space and try to appreciate it, one day you may need it.

Last but definitely not least, don’t be afraid to seek help, there are professional organisers all over Australia (and the world). Our professional Industry body IOPO (Institute of Professional Organisers International) has a database on their website you can search to find an organiser in your area.

The future ahead of you is dark. You are holding a ‘magic light bulb’, which has the power to illuminate any part in your future. (Means you can take a peek of your future) What part are you seeing?

Oh this is a hard one – there’s so much I’d love to see! My hope is that I could look forward to a time in the future when my business is still strong and successful, my family is happy and healthy and my daughters are growing up into smart, sensible and strong young women – one of the other big reasons for starting my business is to help support my family and be a good role model for my girls, so I’m really hoping this is in that illuminated future!

Organising and decluttering go far beyond improving the aesthetics of your home or work space. It’s essential to both your physical and mental wellbeing.  Find a way (and time) to start somewhere and just like what Toni said, if you’re not sure where to start, find something smaller. You got this!

The post The Illuminate Series: ‘The Coat Box’ appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

2018 top trends in home interior

Home stylistic theme are anticipated to be bolder than years before—from clear gem tones, luxury velvet, and metal offset with natural accents present in the home interior game. If you are one of those people who finds remodeling therapeutic, or just really love revamping your home interior every now and then, we have sourced out the internet, browsed some of the top home interior blogs and listed down what might work for your home!

Regardless of whether you are building your first ever house, revamping a whole room, or simply looking to just make a couple of updates and redesigns all through your property, here’s a rundown of a few of the most sizzling 2018 home interior trends.

Wabi-sabi

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese trend which seems to be the major home interior buzz this 2018. It is all about finding beauty in imperfection. It involves grounding oneself by forming a deep connection to the earth and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. It values simplicity, uncluttered, underplayed, and modest surroundings. Authenticity is key to wabi-sabi philosophy: the presence of cracks and scratches in things are considered to be symbolic of the passing of time, weather, and loving use–and should be embraced. Another facet to wabi-sabi is the idea of the “obvious pretty” vs. “unique beauty.”

Rich Pigments

“Grey may still be the neutral of choice for many interiors, but colour is set to be bolder this year. We’re feeling braver with colour choices – on both walls and furniture pieces, as sofa colour choices of late have demonstrated. Moody interiors are more popular than ever, too, with brooding violet, navy and striking emerald green all key colours for 2018.” (from Ideal Home UK)

Circle Patterns

“Hard geometrics are going to be huge and circles are the new triangle. You can start small with accent pillows or dive in with graphic wallpaper.” (From House Beautiful) Plus, the circle being the symbol of infinity, it also suggests a myriad number of solutions for storing and decorating your home.

Statement Ceilings

For centuries, the statement ceiling was the ultimate sign of luxury (think Versailles). For 2018 top trends on home interior, you can adapt this very style. With the right paint, fabric, or decorative plaster, the ceiling can become a striking statement. Ceilings have a large effect on the overall ambience, outlook, and lighting of your home. Walls notably carry eye-level color and decorations, but ceilings set the tone and character of your property.

Spa-inspired Bathroom

There are different ways to escape the weekday stress. Some go for out of town trips on weekends, some sleep their way during rest days, and some others find way to relax and recharge at their own homes—inside the comfort of their bathrooms. This trend adapts the look of a spa, or a vacation spot which consequently allows peace and relaxation.

There you have it. Whether you’re looking to just make a few updates and upgrades to your home or thinking about remodeling an entire room or your whole house, 2018 is a very exciting year for home design. Here at Soul Finance Group, our goal is to offer financial guidance to homeowners wanting to improve their lives, such as renovating the look of their homes. If you’re looking to upgrade and improve your home in 2018 but needing help in finance, call Kirsten on 0408 081 082 for a complimentary consultation.

References:

www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration

www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends

www.idealhome.co.uk/news/home-decor-trends-2018

Disclaimer:

Credit Representative (486927) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

The post 2018 Top Trends in Home Interior appeared first on Soul Finance Group.

5 smart renovation tips you need to know

Upgrading your home proves to be one of the most profitable decisions you can make because it adds value to it. This is possible by making it more aesthetically appealing, upgrading fixtures, adding a new coat of paint, replacing any old or worn flooring, and making other design changes.

Renovation is also a long term investment because all the decisions – from planning to design execution, will have important consequences along the way. Quick tip: try not to change your mind too much. Even though this can’t be avoided, you have to know that every time you change your mind, it could result into a minor or major change which calls for added costs.

Listed below are 5 smart tips to nail that home renovation:

1. Plan ahead.

Before taking the first step to renovating your home, set your goals first. Determine what you wish to achieve at the end of the project. Do you need more light? More space? Better interior? You can create a timeline which you can review every other day and which will help you stay on track. Know what home renovations you want ahead of time.  Otherwise, you might find yourself being steered toward spending a lot more money than you ever intended.

2. Know your budget.

Without a budget, renovation won’t be possible. Hence, it is important to make a list of all the things you need and research on their market prices to save time and money. It’s also a smart idea to have a buffer in your budget and it could be at least 10% of the total budget. Setting a budget will keep you from overspending.

3. Find the help of the experts.

Although you can plan the renovation on your own, it’s always a wise idea to seek the help of a professional. It saves you money in the long run and you know where you stand. Builders, contractors, and/or interior designers have access to suppliers and they can help you to get a better deal. Moreover, since this is their area of expertise, you are assured that you get the value of your money. Got problem in finance? We can help you secure finance for your dream renovation. Consult a Soul Finance Group broker now.

4. Think of the design thoroughly.

Don’t work without a design. Revision after execution hurts your budget. Since you have employed a professional with you, his/her keen understanding of your project will aid you in achieving this wisely.

5. Manage the renovation.

One of the best ways to achieve your renovation project is to communicative effectively. Relay your insights to your contractors, builders, and designers. Prepare your timeline to stay on track. As much as possible, stay hands on so you’ll be able to monitor the progress of the project.

Disclaimer: Your full financial needs and requirements need to be assessed prior to any offer or acceptance of a loan product.

 Corporate Credit Representative (486927) is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

The post 5 Smart Renovation Tips You Need to Know appeared first on Soul Finance Group.