Latest news with #LucySutherland
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
The three interiors trends you'll be seeing in homes across Australia this year
When it comes to homewares, for a long time in Australia it's been all about classic neutrals, white and a light, bright, coastal feel. But those with a penchant for something with a little more personality will love the fact that Australia's largest online furniture and homewares retailer Temple & Webster is seeing a shift towards something a little more colourful and bold. In the store's very first 'trend report', Temple & Webster have found three major design movements set to transform Aussie homes: Mix and Max, Past Forward and Sumptuous Sanctuaries. The report, informed by millions of customer interactions and shopping behaviours, identifies a significant shift towards bold self-expression, nostalgic comfort and wellness-focused living spaces. 'We're seeing Australians become more confident in their design choices, moving away from safe matchy-matchy interiors and towards spaces that truly reflect their personality,' Director of Insights and Trends Lucy Sutherland tells Best Picks. 'At the same time, there's a strong desire for homes that actively support well-being and provide respite from our fast-paced world.' Below, Best Picks reveals the three trends set to dominate Aussie homes, and the top buys to invest in for each. Mix and Max The first trend set to dominate spaces has been dubbed Mix and Max. Taking inspiration from high fashion's maximalist approach, the Mix and Max trend embraces bold colour clashes, unexpected pattern collaborations and sculptural furniture pieces. Think wavy furniture (increased by 29 per cent), boucle beds (increased by 286 per cent) and patterned accessories (increased by 23 per cent). As a lover of cosy cottage style, I am a big fan of mix and max as a concept. My recent investment, the Braden Coffee Table (currently $699), is the perfect epitome of the style, thanks to its patterned top, mosaic finish and gold base. But there is plenty of inspiration on Temple & Webster, like the Paloma Boucle Bed (from $599) or the stunning Darvin Striped Armchair (currently $309.99). One of the store's most popular Mix and Max buys of the moment is the Lilly Lamp (currently $89.99), which has a beautiful glossy base and natural raffia shade. Another top seller is the wavy Milos Mirror (currently $299.99), which makes the perfect modern infusion to any space. Past Forward The second trend set to dominate has been dubbed 'Past Forward', and this reimagines 70s and 80s aesthetics throguh a contemporary lens. In this vein, merlot-coloured furniture sales have increased by 32 per cent, while searches for walnut timber pieces have risen by 95 per cent and in particular walnut coffee tables (115 per cent). Top sellers in this capacity include the Torsby Desk ($349.99) and the Marilyn Merlot Coffee Table ($599). Others are also loving the Orlena Framed Velvet Cushions ($39.99), which are available in a series of colours including olive green, cinnamon, neutral and blue. The Bahamas Bar Cart ($299.99) is also a perfect nod to the past that shoppers are rushing to snap up. Sumptuous Sanctuaries Wellness has been growing and growing in recent times, and it shows no signs of abating any time soon. With this in mind, the Sumptuous Sanctuaries homewares trend is all about creating luxury restorative spaces through natural materials, curved shapes and coloured palettes. Research uncovered by Temple and Webster uncovered that some 57 per cent of Aussies feel the need to create a reflective space at home. Swivel armchairs, for instance, have increased in searches by 185 per cent, while marble and travertine product sales have increased by 25 per cent. Highlights on the Temple & Webster website right now include the store's Viola sconces ($139.99), the on-sale Lennox side table ($179.99) and the Klein Dining Chairs ($249.99). 'These trends reflect broader cultural shifts,' Lucy Sutherland concludes. 'Mix and max reflects our growing confidence in personal expression, Past Forward taps into our need for emotional comfort during uncertain times and Sumptuous Sanctuaries responds to the wellness movement and our understanding that our environment directly impacts our mental health.'
7NEWS
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
These are the three major trends dominating Australian interiors right now
Three major trends are dominating Australian interiors, according to a new trend report released by Temple & Webster. This is the first trend report undertaken by the online furniture retailer and involved analysing millions of customer interactions and shopping behaviours. Through the analysis, the retailer found several key themes emerging including, "bold self-expression, nostalgic comfort and wellness-focused living spaces". "We're seeing Australians become more confident in their design choices, moving away from safe, matchy-matchy interiors and toward spaces that truly reflect their personality," said Temple & Webster's director of insights & trends, Lucy Sutherland. "At the same time, there's a strong desire for homes that actively support wellbeing and provide respite from our fast-paced world." The retailer broke these themes down into three key interior trends that it believes will "transform" Australian homes: Mix & Max, Past Forward and Sumptuous Sanctuaries. Sutherland said these core trends "reflect broader cultural shifts" Australians may be experiencing. "Mix & Max represents our growing confidence in personal expression, Past Forward taps into our need for emotional comfort during uncertain times, and Sumptuous Sanctuaries responds to the wellness movement and our understanding that our environment directly impacts our mental health," she said. The key three trends explained Mix & Max Temple & Webster believes Mix & Max to be an interior design response to high fashion's maximalism trend. It is defined as a trend that embraces "bold colour clashes, unexpected pattern combinations, and sculptural furniture pieces". The report states that this trend is for the "unapologetic individualist; the one who wants their home to tell a story, spark a feeling, or make a statement." If you're keen to introduce this trend into your home, the report states that "Pattern is key". "Think checkerboard with florals, surrealist squiggles, wavy stripes, and oversized prints that make you look twice." Try layering different textures, opting for sculptural shapes, and choose furniture that feels more like art. Customer data provided evidence of this growing trend with a 29 percent increase of wavy furniture sales, sales of stripey and checkered products were up by 23 percent, and searches for boucle beds at 286 percent. Past Forward The Past Forward trend plays on nostalgia and retro styles by reimagining the 1970s and 80s within a contemporary lens. Deep saturated tones, fringing, stripes and coloured glass are some of the key attributes of this trend. The report also mentions interior design features such as sunken lounges, dining nooks and statement shapes throughout the home. This trend was informed by a spike in customers purchasing items with colours and materials associated with the 70s and 80s. Merlot-coloured furniture sales were said to have increased by 32 percent, and searches for walnut timber pieces rose by 95 percent. Sumptuous Sanctuaries It's no surprise that a trend involving wellness emerged in the report. Wellness features are becoming increasingly popular in Australian homes, so much so that Ray White's 2025 Luxury Report found that homes with wellness features commanded 10 to 25 per cent higher premiums than comparable properties without them. Temple & Webster Sumptuous Sanctuariestrend is centred around creating "luxury restorative spaces through natural materials, curved shapes, and calming colour palettes." To get the look, the retailer suggests a palette of warm neutrals and earthy hues, tactile finishes like ribbing and weaves, richly veined stone, curved timbers, and plush oversized seating. Research uncovered that 57 percent of customers felt the need to create a "reflective space" at home. Searches for "swivel armchairs" increased by 185 percent, and product sales of grounding materials such as marble and travertine products increased by 25 percent.
Canberra Times
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Canberra Times
These are the three major trends dominating Australian interiors right now
Three major trends are dominating Australian interiors, according to a new trend report released by Temple & Webster. This is the first trend report undertaken by the online furniture retailer and involved analysing millions of customer interactions and shopping behaviours. A new report released by Temple & Webster confirmed the three major trends. Pic: Temple & Webster. Through the analysis, the retailer found several key themes emerging including, "bold self-expression, nostalgic comfort and wellness-focused living spaces". "We're seeing Australians become more confident in their design choices, moving away from safe, matchy-matchy interiors and toward spaces that truly reflect their personality," said Temple & Webster's director of insights & trends, Lucy Sutherland. "At the same time, there's a strong desire for homes that actively support wellbeing and provide respite from our fast-paced world." One trend involved reimagining the 1970s and 80s within a contemporary lens. Pic: Temple & Webster. The retailer broke these themes down into three key interior trends that it believes will "transform" Australian homes: Mix & Max, Past Forward and Sumptuous Sanctuaries. Sutherland said these core trends "reflect broader cultural shifts" Australians may be experiencing. "Mix & Max represents our growing confidence in personal expression, Past Forward taps into our need for emotional comfort during uncertain times, and Sumptuous Sanctuaries responds to the wellness movement and our understanding that our environment directly impacts our mental health," she said. The key three trends explained Mix & Max Mix & Max is an interior design response to high fashion's maximalism trend. Pic: Temple & Webster. Temple & Webster believes Mix & Max to be an interior design response to high fashion's maximalism trend. It is defined as a trend that embraces "bold colour clashes, unexpected pattern combinations, and sculptural furniture pieces". The report states that this trend is for the "unapologetic individualist; the one who wants their home to tell a story, spark a feeling, or make a statement." If you're keen to introduce this trend into your home, the report states that "Pattern is key". The report states that "Pattern is key" to this trend. Pic: Temple & Webster. "Think checkerboard with florals, surrealist squiggles, wavy stripes, and oversized prints that make you look twice." Try layering different textures, opting for sculptural shapes, and choose furniture that feels more like art. Customer data provided evidence of this growing trend with a 29 percent increase of wavy furniture sales, sales of stripey and checkered products were up by 23 percent, and searches for boucle beds at 286 percent. Past Forward The Past Forward trend plays on nostalgia and retro styles. Pic: Temple & Webster. The Past Forward trend plays on nostalgia and retro styles by reimagining the 1970s and 80s within a contemporary lens. Deep saturated tones, fringing, stripes and coloured glass are some of the key attributes of this trend. The report also mentions interior design features such as sunken lounges, dining nooks and statement shapes throughout the home. This trend was informed by a spike in customers purchasing items with colours and materials associated with the 70s and 80s. Merlot-coloured furniture sales were said to have increased by 32 percent, and searches for walnut timber pieces rose by 95 percent. Sumptuous Sanctuaries Wellness emerged as a major trend in the report. Pic: Temple & Webster. It's no surprise that a trend involving wellness emerged in the report. Wellness features are becoming increasingly popular in Australian homes, so much so that Ray White's 2025 Luxury Report found that homes with wellness features commanded 10 to 25 per cent higher premiums than comparable properties without them. Temple & Webster Sumptuous Sanctuariestrend is centred around creating "luxury restorative spaces through natural materials, curved shapes, and calming colour palettes." To get the look, the retailer suggests a palette of warm neutrals and earthy hues, tactile finishes like ribbing and weaves, richly veined stone, curved timbers, and plush oversized seating. Research uncovered that 57 percent of customers felt the need to create a "reflective space" at home. Searches for "swivel armchairs" increased by 185 percent, and product sales of grounding materials such as marble and travertine products increased by 25 percent. VIEW: Affordable Suburbs Matched to Your Budget
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kmart shoppers go wild over $59 'exclusive' item you can't find anywhere in stores: 'Such a vibe'
Kmart fans are in a frenzy over a new $59 homeware item that's only available online - and it's already being hailed as a must-have for 2025's biggest interior trend: Dollhouse Chic. The Green Boucle Ottoman, listed as an online exclusive, has quickly become one of the most talked-about items on social media, with shoppers scrambling to snap it up before it sells out. The minimalist piece features a rich sage green hue and a plush, boucle fabric - making it the perfect blend of comfort and style. With its compact design and curved silhouette, it effortlessly taps into the current obsession with soft, feminine interiors. One thrilled Kmart customer told FEMAIL she couldn't believe the quality for the price. 'It looks like something you'd find in a boutique furniture store - not from Kmart and definitely not for $59,' she said. 'I need to get my hands on it. I will style mine next to a floor-length mirror with a pastel cushion on top - I'm sure it will be the most complimented piece in my home.' Those who got their hands on the statement piece couldn't get enough of it, with one saying: 'How cute is this Kmart find? The boucle ottoman is my fave.' 'Ottoman is a vibe,' another shared. 'Stunning,' one added. Interior expert Lucy Sutherland previously told FEMAIL that Dollhouse Chic is the antidote to cold minimalism. 'This style embraces soft femininity, delicate details and vintage-inspired charm,' she said. 'Think pastel hues, curved shapes, and romantic textures. It's all about creating a dreamy, inviting space.' The ottoman is designed for daily use and endless versatility. It can be styled as a footrest in a reading nook, extra seating in a living area, or even as a vanity stool in a bedroom. For those wanting to go full Dollhouse Chic, the piece pairs beautifully with candles, ceramic trinket dishes, dried florals, and muted-toned cushions. Think soft pinks, lavenders, powder blues, and the signature sage green that defines the look - all tied together with plush textures like velvet, fluted glass, and rattan. With shoppers already reporting low stock and warning others to 'run, don't walk,' the ottoman is expected to disappear quickly - and with its high-end aesthetic and budget-friendly price tag, it's easy to see why.
Business News Wales
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
National Botanic Garden of Wales Celebrates 25 Years
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is set to celebrate a significant milestone this summer as it marks 25 years since opening to the public at the turn of the new millennium. Since welcoming its first visitors on May 24 2000, the Garden has grown into a globally recognised centre for biodiversity, conservation, horticulture, education and wellbeing. To commemorate the anniversary, a special Garden Party will be held over the late May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th May), offering a packed programme of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a showcase of Welsh music and culture. And in a nostalgic tribute to its opening year, admission prices on Saturday will be rolled back to year 2000 rates – £6.50 for adults and £3 for children. Established as a flagship Millennium project, the National Botanic Garden of Wales was one of the first new botanical gardens to be created in the UK in more than 200 years. The Garden gained international recognition for the innovative Norman Foster designed Great Glasshouse. In 2000, it was the world's largest single-span glasshouse and lauded for both its environmental design and seamless integration into the rural Welsh landscape. Among the Garden's most notable contributions to science is the ground breaking Welsh Flora DNA barcoding initiative, which made Wales the first country in the world to DNA barcode all native flowering plants and conifer species. The resulting open-access database, covers more than 1,473 native plants, continues to support global research and conservation efforts and has been replicated worldwide. In recent years, the Garden has further developed its vast estate and has undergone an extensive landscape restoration, including a £6 million transformation of the original Regency landscape supported by many funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project restored the lakes and waterfalls, and introduced accessible trails, enhancing biodiversity and creating new ways for visitors to connect with nature and heritage. Looking ahead, the garden is set to develop a living collection of Welsh flora, featuring plant species found only in Wales. Designed as a botanical journey through the nation's diverse habitats, from coastal cliffs to the peaks of Yr Wyddfa, the project will also address the urgent threats of habitat loss and plant extinction. Dr Lucy Sutherland, Director for the National Botanic Garden of Wales, said: 'As we celebrate a quarter of a century of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, we reflect on a remarkable journey of conservation, education, and connection with the natural world around us. No other organisations can merge science, culture and the arts in a way that a botanic garden can, and the National Botanic Garden of Wales has really put itself on the map in this regard. 'The Gardens are a truly special place that Wales should be enormously proud of and this milestone is a tribute to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, visitors and supporters who have helped make the Garden a beacon of biodiversity and inspiration for so many. We're proud of what we've collectively nurtured together over the last 25 years, and even more excited for what lies ahead. 'Our garden party will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our first 25 years and for people to rediscover the Garden, reflect on all that we've achieved so far, and look forward to what lies ahead. We're excited to welcome visitors, old and new, to share in this special milestone and to be part of the next chapter of our journey.' Beyond its conservation work, the Garden plays a role in supporting community wellbeing. Collaborations with Health Boards have established therapeutic gardening programmes, offering inclusive spaces where individuals with learning disabilities, neurological conditions or brain injuries can build confidence and wellbeing through nature-based activities. Education is also central to the Garden's mission. More than 11,000 schoolchildren engage with its programmes annually, and a new goal, supported by the Welsh Government and the philanthropic community, aims to connect every child in Wales with the Garden through visits or outreach. A new vehicle will soon bring interactive biodiversity workshops and lessons to schools in underrepresented and harder-to-reach communities across the country. Following the May Bank Holiday celebrations, a full summer programme of events will continue to mark the anniversary, including the Garden's flagship BioBlitz Festival in July, as well as a series of exhibitions, workshops and performances throughout the year aimed at further exploring the Garden's evolving story and vision for the future.
