Kathy Collins

Kathy Collins a boutique firm which designs, renovates, refurbishes and remodels homes, investment properties and commercial premises. Visit our website at www.kathycollins.com.au or find us on Facebook!

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All About Contrast

Creating a bit of contrast can transform your home from bland to bold. Contrast colours, styles, designs, and patterns, whether it’s in your furniture, wall and floor colours, or other decorative elements such as artwork. 

  How Much Contrast? A little bit of contrast can go a long way in an interior space. Introduce too many conflicting elements and your space might begin to feel a little busy. Aim to create a little bit of chaos in the midst of harmony; for example, choose a few elements for contrast, and make sure the remaining features or elements are complementary.

  Traditional and the Modern Mixing up traditional and modern elements may be the way to go in your home. A modern lamp or chair can create a startling contrast when set against a traditional wallpapered backdrop. Blending modern furniture pieces with traditional-style curtains can also be another way to create interest.

  Minimalist and Extravagant Your home might be a strictly minimalist space, but adding a few extravagant or decadent pieces might be an easy and effective way to enliven a room. Choose a plush, richly textured sofa for your stark white living room, or a colour-filled painting and curtains for your minimalist bedroom.

  Country and City Mixing the country and city can be great in communal spaces such as dining rooms and kitchens. Try contrasting metallic cabinets and appliances against grainy wood, or using sleek modern furniture in a rustic dining room.

  Walls and Floors Walls and floors are an easy way to create contrast in your home. Use paint, colourful rugs, paintings, wallpaper, and tiles to create a contrasting effect between your walls and floors. Consider colour, design, and shape when selecting your materials.

  Written by Kathy Collins www.urbansplash.com.au

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An introduction to photographing holiday lets

Australians love renting holiday homes and apartments on their breaks away, so there will always be plenty of competition for those looking to let.

To help your property stand out, it’s essential that you provide enticing photographs.

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When it comes to deciding whether to do it yourself, or hire a professional, keep in mind that poorly lit or cropped photographs can actually turn people away, and stop them booking. In contrast, beautifully shot photos can really attract people to your property.

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While a professional will of course be more expensive than picking up your own camera, professionalism does count, and the cost of hiring a photographer can be covered by the rental income from the property. If you decide to hire a pro, take a look at the local competition and see whose work appeals. A real estate might also provide referrals, and always ask to see a portfolio before committing.

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If you do have a knack for photography, and the necessary equipment, then by all means go ahead and do it yourself. It’s a good idea to use a wide-angle lens, tripod and separate flash.

When it comes to shooting, make sure to take the weather into account. When looking for a holiday letting, people tend to imagine themselves in the location based on what they see in an image. Avoid grey sky and gloomy photographs at all costs.

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It’s also a good idea to consider the season when photographing. If you have a stunning garden for instance, it will be best displayed during spring when flowers are in bloom. Do you have a cottage in the mountains? Then you might include both snowy exteriors, and a summer shot to create appeal all year round. Light obviously varies greatly depending on the time of day. If you’re unsure, try a few different photos at various times and see what works best.

Finally, show your images to others before publishing anything, so that you can gauge viewer reaction.

Written by Kathy Collins www.urbansplash.com.au

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What to consider when decorating a holiday home

The style and ambience of any holiday home is a major selling point. When considering how to decorate, it’s a good idea to plan your overall look before commencing.

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Décor and ambience – Your décor should be warm and inviting. Neutral coloured walls in cream and white can provide a perfect blank canvas for which to showcase your furniture and accessories, and they can also make rooms look larger and brighter. Always consider your target market before decorating.

Broad appeal – Remember this is not your home. Avoid decking out the property with personal items, as the idea is that potential guest can picture themselves in your property when looking at the photographs, and not feel like they are intruding into someone else’s private space.  

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Practicalities – Look to ways of keeping your property in good condition. Little inclusions like front door mats, placemats and coasters will help preserve the longevity of the décor. Ideally, floor coverings, tiles and furniture should be easy clean and hard wearing.

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Extras that count – The details can help your property stand out from the myriad competition out there. A sink-into mattress topper, quality toiletries, or blinds that effectively restrict early-morning light, will help create the perfect environment. Inclusions such as kitchen appliances, DVDs, books, and for family-friendly properties, a toy box, can lift your property above similar lettings.

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Local inspiration – One way to enhance your property’s appeal is to create a unique environment, which may mean taking the local area as a cue. You might include historic prints or maps of the region, local walking guides or artworks from nearby galleries. These touches can help guests to immerse themselves in the region, and have a memorable time away. 

 Written by Kathy Collins www.urbansplash.com.au

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Buying holiday furniture: Practical meets pivotal

Decking out your holiday home or apartment before letting can be a highly enjoyable task, but it’s important to get it right. Most owners will decorate in a style that’s a personal favourite, and while this can work, it can also go horribly wrong. Here are a few points worth considering before hitting the shops.

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Distance – It’s important to buy for your guests, not yourself. Buying only furniture that you would use yourself can limit the appeal of your property, while a home with broad appeal is going to be more successful. Think neutral colours, comfortable furniture and interesting accessories that will together create a warm and inviting abode.

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Layout – Before you begin making purchases, list the essential items and what’s superfluous. Think practically and consider how guests will use the space. You’ll need enough bedding and seating as a starter, but remember also details like robes to hang clothes, and to decorate for your target audience. If you are looking to attract families, for instance, don’t fill your letting with glass ornaments and sharp-edged furniture.  

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Quality – While you don’t need to choose only expensive, designer pieces, it is important to think about quality. Whether buying new or scouring antique-shops, remember that you want pieces that look good, and won’t fall apart on your guests. Items will need to withstand wear and tear, so you’re better off sticking with quality items, rather than cheaper options that will need to be replaced regularly.

Budget – This of course needs to be a consideration, so be sure to make a budget and stick to it. 

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Buying – Try and buy locally. Unique accessories such as local artwork or framed historical maps might add a unique charm to your property. Local shops and galleries can be a great source of items.

 Written by Kathy Collins www.urbansplash.com.au

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Tips on keeping your holiday home guests entertained, rain or shine

Anyone who lets out a holiday home or apartment is wise to be methodical. With so many holiday lettings on the market, it’s obviously essential to stand out. The challenge is to not only to provide an attractive and comfortable abode, but also to ensure guests will have a time to remember, regardless of the weather. 

Technological diversions Sitting down with a good movie might be just the ticket when it rains. Don’t rely on local television, however. Install a DVD player and provide a selection of movies that will cater to all tastes. Video games such a Wii, X-Box or PlayStation can be a worthwhile investment if you are attracting young couples or families.

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Old-fashioned entertaining goodness Holidays are about relaxation, so it’s a good idea to provide some non-tech alternatives. A bookshelf stacked with classics and popular titles, and a stack of magazines can be a welcome retreat. Board games can also be a great option, but check between lettings to ensure all pieces are intact. 

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Cooking up a storm Many people don’t have the time to cook up a storm on a regular basis, and a holiday or weekend away can be a great excuse to hit the kitchen. Provide a small selection of cookbooks and position one on a cookbook holder, open to a favourite recipe. You might include the ingredients for a gourmet breakfast, or leave out suggested fun appliances such as a bread maker or ice cream maker.

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Local wet weather options Always leave brochures for local activities. These might include local galleries and museums, cinemas and restaurants. Add a page in your provided information or visitor’s book with a list of places to go and things to do when it rains.

Finally, don’t forget to leave an umbrella or two. If your guests choose to head out in inclement weather, they’ll be most grateful. 

 Written by Kathy Collins www.urbansplash.com.au

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Preparing a holiday letting: The key points

If you have a property you’d like to let out as a holiday home, then preparation is integral. From design and décor to marketing, you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure your home is as broadly appealing as possible.

Decorating Furniture and décor play a pivotal role in creating a holiday letting that people will want to stay in. Consider the following: 

The overall look should be warm and welcoming.

Aim for broad appeal with neutral colours, comfortable furniture and unique accessories.

Aim to lift your property above the competition by providing enticing extras. Duck down bedding, a DVD and selection of classic movies, local books, quality appliances and plump bathrobes are just a few suggestions.

Where possible, use hardwearing and easy to clean décor and furniture items. They’ll face wear and tear, so look to items that will last the distance.

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Buying wisely When buying for your holiday home, remember in the first instance, that quality counts. Cheap furniture and décor not only look tacky, they won’t last. You don’t need to buy designer pieces, but always aim for quality. Comfort should be a priority, particularly in the lounge and bedding. And remember to buy based on your target market. A glass-topped coffee table may be fine for couples, but may pose a danger if children will be on the guest list. Look to include some local colour in your property. Nearby galleries, markets and stores are a great source of décor items, artwork and accessories. And they’ll add some unique charm to your property.

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Photographing Once your property is furnished and styled, you’ll need to have it photographed. Unless you are an outstanding photographer with professional equipment, consider employing a professional photographer, as the images of your property are likely to be the ‘make or break’ selling point. Photograph in the season that best shows off your property, and always with a clear blue sky.

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Ensure you have plenty of shots taken, so that you have a wide choice when making your final selection for publication. Move through the property room by room, and photograph each, including also the exterior and possibly surrounding areas. It’s obviously essential that your property looks immaculate, but it also needs to have a ‘lived-in’ feel so that guests can picture themselves there.

When photographing inside for instance, think about the placement of accessories such as a throw rug on the lounge, magazines on the coffee table or a setting on the dining table. Make sure both the exterior and interiors are photographed without unattractive intrusions, such as parked cars or garbage bins. 

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Honesty is essential with your photographs. While a detail shot might be a great way of selling a bland bathroom for instance (think a close up of plush towels), never be deceptive. If guests arrive to something quite different to the promised images, then potentially damaging reviews can be the outcome.

A final point: include enough images to show the look and atmosphere of a property, but not so many as people will lose interest. As a guide, a two-bedroom cottage might use 10 to 15 photographs.

By paying attention to the look, feel and presentation of your holiday let, you can ensure you aim for broad appeal, and give yourself the best chance of maximising your investment.

Written by Kathy Collins www.urbansplash.com.au

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Spring Trends

Winter is halfway over, and it’s time to look forward to the arrival of another spring. As the warmer months approach, you may be thinking about updating your home to keep it feeling fresh and new. Here are some spring updates to rejuvenate your indoor spaces.

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Windows                                                          

Update old, worn curtains and blinds to introduce fresh colours or different textures to window areas. Although more complicated than simply refreshing window furnishings, enlarging your windows to let in extra light is also an option.

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Natural Light

While upgrading your window areas can bring in more natural light, there are other options. These changes can also make your interiors look and feel more spacious. 

Skylights. Consider installing skylights in rooms that don’t have windows, or have small windows.

Widen doorways. Narrow wooden doors can be exchanged for sliding glass doors that open out into the garden, or other private outdoor areas.

Mirrors. Mirrors can be positioned to bounce light around the house. Mirrors are particularly useful for smaller spaces such as bathrooms, where they can give the illusion of spaciousness.

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Outdoor Spaces Expand your existing outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a new deck, patio, sunroom, outdoor kitchen, or pergola, there are many different choices for entertainment and relaxation in the warmer months.

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Kitchens The arrival of spring is a great time to review one of the most frequently used spaces in the home – the kitchen. Try updating blinds or curtains for an instant refresh. Bright canisters for tea and coffee can add a welcome splash of colour to bench tops. Repainting or replacing cabinet doors are also relatively easy ways to brighten up the space.

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Living Spaces In the living room, adding throws, cushions and floor rugs in the latest spring colours and trendy patterns can help banish the last of the winter blues. When it comes to the bedroom, try new linen in a bright and beautiful colour, and perhaps a lamp or candleholders to add some ambiance.

Written by Kathy Collins, Urban Splash  www.urbansplash.com.au

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Making Room for Baby

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You’ve cleared out the extra bedroom for your new arrival and now you’re wondering what you can do to make the nursery truly special. These are some easy ways to help you transform a spare room into a comfortable and functional nursery for you and your baby.

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Wallpaper or Repainting Add a splash of colour with a new paint job. Choose soft pastels or warm, vibrant colours for the nursery. You could combine a new coat of paint with cute animal or cartoon design wallpaper for an authentic nursery feel. Alternatively, if you have an artistic streak, adding a few hand painted stencils can bring a personalised style to the space. 

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Nursery Lighting Choose ambient lighting that offers a dimming option to accommodate your baby’s sleep times. Other lighting options suitable for nurseries include hanging or glowing animal lights, or spinning or rotating lamps. A lamp placed close to the feeding chair can be convenient for parents.

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Rugs A colourful rug makes a great addition to your baby’s nursery, and it will serve a functional purpose when your baby begins to crawl. Add a rug or two to enhance comfort and to bring colour to your nursery.

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Curtains and Blinds Update the curtains and blinds in your room so that you can control or block out the amount of sunlight that reaches the nursery. This will come in handy for your baby’s sleeps during the day.

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Furniture In addition to a bassinet or crib, you might want to include a changing table and a feeding chair. Baby supplies, such as clothing, nappies, and feeding items can accumulate more quickly than you’d expect. You may also want to include plenty of shelving and storage to keep the nursery tidy and clutter-free. 

Written by Kathy Collins of Urban Splash

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Wall Decal Doesn't Have To Be Daggy!

Decorating a wall can be so much fun! That is because of all the new techniques and products that are available to us now. Many people love trying new things or trying things that make decorating easier and faster – and there has been a lot of them!

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One thing that has been invented that has grown in popularity is: the wall decal. A vinyl decal is changing the way people decorate and it is saving them a lot of time and stress. A decal, like a sticker, can simply be peeled off and put on the wall anywhere you want.

People will love a removable decal, and for many reasons. Firstly, decals are so easy to use. We love being able to just have decorations or wall art in place on the wall in a matter of seconds; it can be easily chosen and will change the style of a wall (and the room!) in no time. You also have the option to get more than one vinyl decal and create a whole collage of shapes or designs. The things you can do with a removable decal are endless.

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Second, decals are mess-free. When you are recreating a whole room, the last thing you want is to have to clean up the huge mess made along the way, and because a vinyl decal is like a sticker, it sticks right where you want it on the wall. Even if you get it wrong the first time, simply remove and reapply – no stress!

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Third, decals are super safe. Most decorating involving wall art or wall hangings can damage the paint or even the wall. If something goes wrong, you will likely have to patch holes, not to mention if you decide to move or simply change your mind. A wall decal is safe for paint and walls, as it is easily removed with no harm to the room; the versatility that a removable decal gives you means you can use it for a long time in many different spaces.

Or try some removable wallpaper like this chevron available in so many colour

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Loving a vinyl decal is easy with all of the amazing things it offers to a home or a room – your new wall decal will bring a different look to any room or space, and with such ease

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Written by Kathy Collins

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Brighten Up Your Bathroom

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The bathroom is one of the most important areas in the house for comfort and relaxation. Is there a better way to unwind than relaxing in a hot bath after long day at work? Bathrooms can become run-down and drab over time, and periodic maintenance or renovation can help you brighten up your bathroom. These are some simple ideas to get you started.

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Lighting Installing new lighting is probably one of the most obvious ways to change the look of your bathroom. Whether it’s brighter light bulbs, or new lighting fixtures, choosing the right lights can dramatically lift the mood and brighten up your bathroom. 

Things to consider when choosing light fixtures for the bathroom include size, colour, style, and brightness. The fixture should not be too large, to avoid having it turn into the focal point of the bathroom. Instead, the size, colour, and style should harmonise with the existing décor. The brightness of the lighting should be appropriate, not too dim, or casting overpowering glare.

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Painting A fresh coat of paint is another easy way to update your bathroom. Choose a colour scheme that will harmonise with your other plans for the space. A touch of cream, white, or pastel shades can all bring brightness and light to the bathroom.

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Flooring The flooring in your bathroom isn’t something you consciously notice every day. Yet, like the walls, flooring can impact the look and feel of any indoor space. Giving the tiles a good scrub, or replacing the flooring, can lead to a striking improvement.

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Mirrors Mirrors are wonderful features in bathrooms, because they can enhance the brightness of any indoor space by multiplying light. Mirrors can also make a space appear bigger than it actually is. Try choosing unusual frames or different shapes.

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Renovation Ideas If you’re after a completely new look for your bathroom, consider having your bathroom fixtures replaced. Cabinets, vanities, and basins can be upgraded for a fresh, modern look. Windows can be enlarged and updated, as can showers and bathtubs.  Written by Kathy Collins

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Attracting The Urban Elite

Are you thinking of selling or renting your inner-city property? Renting or selling to corporate executives can be one of the most lucrative ways to maximise your return on investment, but you have to make sure your property is designed to appeal to this niche sector of the market. As well as location and city views (which you can’t change!) there are a number of things you can do to make your property more attractive to the urban elite.

When it comes to presentation and styling, there are definitely a few dos and don’ts for anyone who is hoping to attract affluent inner-city dwellers:

Do make sure the property is immaculate and spotlessly clean, and any maintenance tasks are done.

Do present the impression of luxury by using premium fixtures, and where furnished, high quality modern furniture.

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Do get the property professionally styled, and pay attention to colour schemes and layout when showing prospective buyers and tenants.

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Don’t use cheap imitation fixtures and fittings. Executive buyers are discerning and can spot the difference!

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Don’t leave your own family photographs or paraphernalia lying around when showing it to prospective buyers or tenants. Try to keep the space as neutral as possible.  Source

  Don’t use overly bright lighting or colours – aim for a muted, classic and understated look.

Source It may take a bit of effort to make your property appealing to the inner-city crowd, but if you are successful it is well worth the effort. For home styling advice and practical support, please contact one of our friendly team members today! www.urbansplash.com.au Written by Kathy Collins

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Essential Aesthetics: why fixtures and fittings are so important

Are you considering selling or renting out your property? Or do you just want to upgrade your home without having to go through the hassle and expense of major renovations? Updating your fixtures and fittings can be a cost effective and simple way to give your home a new look, and improve your sale or rental outlook.

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When it comes to cosmetic changes such as painting and installing new fixtures, it is important to be cautious, and even consider seeking professional advice. There is a danger that the wrong type of fittings, or colour choice, could have an opposite effect to the one intended!

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Be particularly wary of doing too much, and overwhelming future buyers or tenants with intense feature walls, flashy or tacky fixtures and fittings that are just over the top or more stylish than functional.

When thinking about buying new fixtures, there are a few things to take into consideration. Cost is a factor for many people, and although it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest fixtures you can find, it is a good idea to think about how they will last.

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Cheap light fittings may not survive the heat, and by the time you get round to selling you may find you need to replace them again. Think about wear and tear, and how durable your chosen fixtures will be, as well as cost and appearance. Premium fixtures might cost more initially, but quality does show.

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Painting is another way to brighten up your home, and give it a fresh look before renting or selling. When choosing the colour of your paint, make sure you take into consideration what you want the overall atmosphere of the room to be. For a relaxing vibe, harmonious or neutral colours work best, for a more energetic dynamic look, try contrasting colours in bright tones. But, again, don’t overwhelm potential buyers or renters with too much colour in the same space – particularly if the room is on the small side.

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With just a few simple changes, you can make your home more attractive to potential tenants and buyers. If you are not sure where to start, why not give one of our friendly consultants a call, or drop us an email? [email protected] Written by Kathy Collins

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Tips for Renovating For Resale

When you are on a budget, and looking to make your property more enticing to buyers, you may not want to undertake major transformations.

Starting with the basics, like replacing flooring and painting walls, can give your home an updated and cleaner look, without the need for extensive work.

Wooden floors can increase your home’s appeal, and neutral carpeting appeals far more than patterns or bright colours.

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A fresh coat of paint is always a good idea before selling. It’s probably better to keep this neutral, too.

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  If you want to do a bit more to renovate your home, the best areas to focus on are the kitchen and bathroom. For a relatively low outlay, doing things like replacing out-dated kitchen cabinets and counter tops, and updating bathroom fixtures and fittings, can appeal to buyers, and increase resale value.

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Written by Kathy Collins

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Welcome to the new Urban Splash blog!!

Here we will showcase some of our renovation work, inspiring interiors & DIY tips!

In the meantime visit our website and don’t forget to ‘follow’ this blog!