Tag: home

Home Is

“Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place?” (Stephanie Perkins)

Home Is the latest release from Fallen or Lorenzo Bracaloni has been nicely timed, arriving at the end of a year when reflecting on what Home is has been something many have spent their time contemplating.

Home is anywhere you are at any time or so they say, home is place within you that is your deepest energy, a place that makes you feel safe and nurtured. Home is also a place that can be returned to time after time, full of memories, loved ones or simply the things you treasure, that make you feel comforted, content and blessed. Home is whatever and wherever you are that sooths the soul.

The quote from Stephanie Perkins poses the time old question of what exactly is home, which captured the imagination of acoustic composer Fallen. Translated into a beautiful flow, the work sets about trying to define what it is that makes Home somewhere very special, in a style that is softer, far more gentle than many of his previous works.

Gently drifting the eight track work slowly segues thought he ambient spectrum, delicate in places, sharply jarring, almost haunting in others as the piece Oxygen and Skin reveals. Each of the pieces reflects on the many aspect of Home which are deeply personal.

As a work that floats and drifts, every so often the reminder is there that there is far more depth to Fallen’s compositions than just electronic soundwaves, as he either plays or has utilised Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synthesizers, Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Voice, Field Recordings and Found Objects to create Home Is.

Home Is a delightfully different work and one that is best to simply allow to waft on the ether, allowing the mind and emotions to take you where they will, to discover just where Home Is.

January 7, 2022
Three Birds Renovations: Dream Home How-To

Bonnie Hindmarsh, Erin Cayless and Lana Taylor have been best friends for nearly twenty years. They began the “Three Birds Renovation” brand and began sharing their knowledge of design and home renovations in various ways. Their online courses, The Reno School, and the Three Birds Styling School, have been popular. Their first book, Three Birds Renovations, was shortlisted for a 2019 Australian Book Industry award.

To begin with, the question is asked, “How do you want to feel in this space?” Then the page’s reveal many before and after photographs of houses, rooms and spaces which have been changed. Some in major ways, some with only small adjustments. Every page poses a question such as, “What is the first thing you see when you walk into your bathroom?” This needs to be a feature in some way. The photographs give examples of this.

Chapter one details “Colour me Hampton”, and the following chapters deal with Farmhouse styles, Holiday homes, and the Three Birds HQ. There is also information on Extensions, Cottages, Christmas decorating, and pages showing “Rock Star Renovators.” These people have used the principles outlined and renovated areas of their homes.

For anyone who wishes to work in a small way, or a large way, to renovate their home, the principles and ideas in Three Birds Renovations: Dream Home How To, will inspire and encourage them to begin a transformation. The photographs are clear, and the details are illuminated to draw attention. This is a helpful and fantastic book for all homemakers and a great coffee table read.

December 1, 2021
House Magic

A Handbook to Making Every Home a Sacred Sanctuary

What is that essential magic makes a house a home is a ponderable thought and one that Aurora Kane addresses in the richly welcoming House Magic, A handbook to making every home a Scared Sanctuary.

From the welcoming words of the poetry just prior to the Introduction, to the delicate blessing at the end, there is much knowledge to be gained by working in rhythm with nature, discovering the sacred spirit and personality of the dwelling to create a space that once the door is closed, the stresses of the everyday world melt away.

House Magic can be used as a guide book, as well as a course in creating your magical home full of love and peace. Aurora Kane begins with Manifesting which sets out and explains the reasons for and how to, go about sowing the seeds to create your magical home.

She looks at Blessings, Harmony, Energy, Spells and Rituals, Water and Crystals and finally how to prepare the rooms of the Home to offer warmth, protection, peace and a place that nurtures those who dwell within.

Each of the Sections are made up of many smaller segments, each one filled with information to savoured and built into the fabric of creating a sanctuary, but also offers much about the influence of colour choice, Feng Shui and its importance to good energy flow, the assistance crystals and plants can add to the environment.

For anyone moving into a rental or home that has been previous occupied there is an excellent section on clearing negative energy, along with a charming mantra, in order to cleanse the environment, allowing you to begin creating your happy, welcoming home.

House Magic has something for everyone within the beautifully designed pages even if you do not believe in ‘magic’, but it can be assured that by following many of the suggestions only positive energy, and a welcoming home will be the end result.

April 28, 2021
A Home Like Ours

Set in a small town along the Murray River, A Home Like Ours from Fiona Lowe is captivating from the first page. The drama of homelessness, the fear of bullying, the tragedy of a life once considered as normal, now reduced to a few belongings: a car that is home and the endless fear of never finding anywhere to finally be able to call home, sets the scene for a compelling read that has captured to perfection, life in a small town that like many small towns is full of prejudice, thinly disguised.

Life for Helen Demetriou is terrifying, unstable and balancing on the knife edge of hope and acceptance in the small town of Boolanga. After a more than terrifying experience sleeping rough, her luck seemed to change as she had not only found a small part time job but also accommodation in the town; two things for which she was truly thankful .

Tara Hooper, young attractive, married to the love of her life, Jon, mother of two beautiful children, was watching her marriage slowly dissolve in front of her eyes. She had tried every trick in the book to get Jon to desire her once again, but everything failed. He seemed so tired, pre-occupied but still so damn sexy. Their new neighbours just simply topped off the whole sorry mess. They were unwanted and certainly, Tara did not want them living next door.

Single, well almost single teenaged mother Jade is barely coping to bring up her little boy Milo. His father is hardly ever there, away for weeks on end. Her life has been nothing but struggle-street since she was a small child. She is intelligent, has a massive chip on her shoulder and an overwhelming love of Milo, who she is determined to bring up well. The town library is her salvation.

The Community garden is the place that brings the three women of vastly different walks of life together, along with the other marginalised sector in town, that of the refugee women who are looking to find a small plot of land to grow their vegetables. It is the one place the women can all gather together, to learn, to heal, to share, to grow flowers and traditional vegetables.

Helen, the caretaker of the Community garden which is overseen by local residents who have lived in the town for many long years; women who find change confrontational, have no time for refugees, fear the unknown of different cultures and have an outdated understanding of what is community. Small town prejudice is alive and well in Boolanga.

When Helen uncovers what appears to be underhand dealings within the Council in regard to the garden, can their many issues be put to one side to unite for a common cause; to save the Community gardens and the historic cottage Helen once called home.

Starkly portraying prejudice, small town politics and corruption, A Home Like Ours draws beautiful portraits of each of the women that portray a real understating of the value of friendship, acceptance and when the going gets tough, just what does make up true friendship.

As with all Fiona Lowe novels, the characters come alive on the pages, becoming beloved friends and as the pages turn capture the emotions which enriches the moment with the raw honesty of the characters.

March 31, 2021
The Wild Way Home

Sophie Kirtley has written her debut novel for children, The Wild Way Home cleverly intertwining present-day life with the Stone Age to present a challenging, absorbing, adventure. Her style is immediate and in the present tense. The reader feels as if the happenings are now and he or she is involved.

As a part of a close and loving family, Charlie is about to have his eleventh birthday, while his mother is due to have a second child. Father is caring for the family as Mother has been unwell. The family live next to a forest where Charlie and his best friends play happily, hiding from each other, climbing trees, and exploring. Charlie is a collector and finds things in the forest from earlier times. On this day he finds a deer tooth, with markings.

When the boy returns home, he finds his Mother has gone to hospital and the baby has been born. His father collects him and takes him to see his Mother and his new baby brother. Charlie is ecstatic to meet Dara and is amazed at his tiny size. It is then that the doctor informs them that Dara has a faulty heart and will need surgery.

Charlie is overwhelmed and runs away to the forest where he soon finds himself back in the Stone Age. There has been a time slip and here the adventure really begins.

A boy of a similar age, Hartboy, has fallen into a stream and is unconscious. Charlie drags him to the edge of the water, and together they face survival in a hostile forest. Wolves, bears and other wild creatures threaten the boys, but through cunning and support they manage to find a safe haven.

The Wild Way Home is a gripping adventure as the reader is not sure how Charlie can return to his own world. We also wonder how he can find the courage to love and support his baby brother through the risky times ahead.

September 1, 2020
Home Is Where You Make It

Home Is Where You Make It is a truism as a well as being the title of the latest book from stylist, photographer and lifestyle guru Geneva Vanderzeil, as she guides the home owner or renter through the DIY steps to turn their house, room, flat or apartment into a space that becomes Home.

A firm believer in using what is available creatively, she has over her years of travel turned the space in which she was living into her home; a place which welcomed with love and warmth, rather than a space which was showroom perfect.

But how to achieve this warmth is altogether another thing, especially when you look at the books and magazines, along with certain website that encourage the newest, shiniest, perfect look. But do not be disheartened because, as she states, she firmly believes any space a can be made to look beautiful, perfect for you with a little bit of effort, fun and also cost effectively.

Over the years she has created a six-step process from ‘the ground up’ which is accompanied by DIY tips, along with some basic tricks of the trade so to speak, and the rest is up to you.

Kitchens are considered as the heart of the home; therefor serious attention needs to be given to space available for use, to ensure it is functional but has your personal stamp of warmth and welcome.

Walls are an ideal space to create more than an art gallery. When used well, this versatile space offers so much; from a place to hang your art or hat, a few shelves to help with storage issues, a mirror hung strategically to invite in more light, the choices are endless.

What to do with a tiny bedroom, bathroom, living area, are all issues which have solutions that can be creative with some careful planning, some guidance from Home Is Where You Make It and a little bit of DIY, enthusiasm and creativity. Designed as a guide book to make creating your home less complex, the resources page at the end of the book will also help guide you in the right direction for your budget.

Writing from experience of renovating homes, as well as renting and living in many different countries, Home Is Where You Make It really is the perfect guide to offering solutions, long and short term, to create your special place called Home.

February 25, 2020
Nail your Renovation without getting Screwed: Tips and Advice from an Award-Winning Builder

If you are seriously considering undertaking home renovations based on a need to change your surroundings, a desire to improve or to upmarket your existing property, have watched all the home renovations programs that abound on television and are ready to grab the hammer and get stuck into it, take a little time to do your research, cost out your project and make sure you really do know what you are taking onboard.

Nail Your Renovations without Getting Screwed from award winning builders Steve Burke and Suzanne Burke, is an absolute renovator’s bible of what to do and what not to do, the traps, costings and so much more, based on his many years of working in the home renovation sector, from apprentice to Company owner.

He shares the many aspects of what is involved in renovation projects that are based on fact, not fantasy; the reasons why establishing a budget, funding, working out timelines and then undertaking a feasibility study to begin with, is essential. Sourcing good trades people, how to spot a dodgy deal, researching the marketplace and most importantly, checking with the local council to see what is able to be undertaken and any rulings that may apply, are just some of the topics covered.

Burke suggests before undertaking any renovation, whether it be refreshing the kitchen cabinets, adding a splash of colour to the lounge, changing what seems to be the simple, easy job of tiles in the bathroom, make sure you do the research first to prevent becoming one of the very real, very expensive horror stories, that do abound in the world of home renovating.

Over the years Steve Burke has seen it all; from the horror stories he has been asked to try and fix, to top line professionals delivering a top-quality job and from that perspective his knowledge is invaluable. Each segment has a terrific little tip called ‘Burkey’s Tip’, which can go something like ‘renovate or detonate’, which while is amusing, can be a very real consideration. The A-W index at the rear of the book covers the huge range of valuable information which will make your job a success.

Nail Your Renovation Without Getting Screwed will become your most valuable asset once you venture forth into the what can be very the rewarding world of renovation and will certainly help to ‘nail your renovation’.

July 8, 2019
Leaning Toward Home

Over the past years Holland Philips has released seven albums, Leaning Towards Home being the seventh in the series of relaxing, dreamlike music, many of the pieces being tuned into a vibration that is known to have the ability to settle the mind and enhance relaxation.

This is no exception, commencing with the gentle dreamy Prelude to a Dance, a piece carefully constructed to enhance the elegance of the piano and the synth in a discrete dance somewhere between happy and sad.

Roadside Brew immediately brings to mind breaking a long journey with a refreshing drink brewed up on the side of the road, or in one of the many truck-stops along the way; the combination of instruments used offers a glimpse of wide-open spaces, a touch of the unknown, a country flavour.

Clipping along is Moving Forward in a far quicker rhythm, the change of pace created on digital piano, with a few quirky little side additions evolving with the very clever use of synth, rounding out a delightful piece.

The signature track Leaning Towards Home is an emotional piece enhanced by the dulcet tones of flute, blending with piano to offer perhaps one of the most relaxing and enchanting pieces on the album. Full Circle follows with a full rich orchestral sound, which is fitting as it offers a completion from leaving to returning and all the places in between on life’s journey.

The penultimate song Along the Way is a reflective, intriguing composition which after several listens offers many layers to enjoy, offering time spent to reflect, to listen and to learn.

Bedtime Stories aptly concludes this dreamy, enjoyable album with the vision of being tucked safely up in bed, warm and comfortable, settling to enjoy the peaceful slumbers enhanced by the gentle melodies of Leaning Towards Home.

Holland Phillips has crafted an album which will appeal on many levels to a wide audience, and one that will offer relaxation, refreshment for the soul and peace for the troubled min; an album which will be enjoyed over and over again.

December 19, 2018
Simply Styling: Fresh & Easy Ways to Personalize Your Home

The author has had many years’ experience in home decorating. In fact, she began organizing her own room when she was nine. The production of this book has been a compilation of her many ideas since then, and her many experiences in other people’s homes. Kirsten’s website’, “Simply Grove”, gives a lot more detail of her philosophy and her preferences, but this book looks at ways to smarten up your home without a great deal of money spent. It is more the style than the immediate décor that the author examines.

The book is set out in chapters for various areas. There is the Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Entryway and Kid’s room. The chapter on the Living Room has been divided again into several sections. We look at coffee tables, sofas, walls, rugs, etc. Each of these inclusions into a room is looked at for purpose and design. The coffee table may have a throw put over it to change the outlook, or you may have a small collection of jars or books stored there. The shape and style of the table is discussed in relation to the TV set and the rest of the room. Each aspect of the living room is given this minute treatment and interesting ideas for change.

Much of the information given by Kirsten is very practical and would help people just moving into a home, or people who are settled but need to change things around. There are many full page illustrations, each showing different styles and ways of decorating. Many of the author’s tips are helpful when purchasing goods. When choosing a sofa, the upholstery needs to suit your home and your purpose. Here the emphasis is on functionality.

Gallery walls are quite complex to arrange, so we have steps to follow to complement your style. Family photos can be in a variety of frames, while black and white prints can give a classic look, especially when in a white or black frame. Shelves and rugs are also mentioned, and the types of rug to buy are mentioned for a specific area. Wool is good for high traffic areas, while cotton is strong, but gathers dirt. Many types of fabric are discussed and their suitability shown.

This is a wonderful book for your coffee table. The index gives you immediate access to information on “The Bathroom” and what you can have in there, as with all other rooms. Also at the back is a Glossary of places you can access, via websites, to look at their products. If you would like to look at wallpaper for example, there is a website which shows many designs and patterns.

A lovely book to browse and enjoy.

May 8, 2017
HomeSpace

Now the much loved series The Block is over for another year, the release of this book by Darren Palmer is timely, as we have all sat glued to the tellie trying to work out just how they got that room to look so smart, funky or elegant, with just a few items. The end result is, we are all fired up for do that ‘reno’, preferably before the family gather for Christmas, and desire to be able to achieve at least a modicum of that ‘WOW’ factor, as seen on the tellie; because you rationalise, if they can, I most definitely can!

In HomeSpace, Darren Palmer walks you thought the many and varied steps required to be able to dress your room with that same panache and flair that looks so simple to achieve, but really is quite challenging.

Over five case studies, all vastly different, he talks about structure, design, colour, layering, focal points and putting the pieces of the puzzle together, to achieve the required effects.

His style is like his designs, comfortable and very easy to be able to relate too, and as you work your way through the various case studies you are getting a crash course in interior design, second to none, as has been proven by his track record over the years.

Regardless of your budget, there will be something for every taste to be discovered through the pages, as he offers tips on mixes and matches to achieve such a wonderful, modern, comfortable variety of looks and styles.

In the Pieces of a Puzzle segments he has used the same furniture simply changed the cushions, the items in the rooms, the fabrics used for texturing or layering, to create five different effects within the one area. This shows how to be able to shop to your budget and still create something special within a simple setting.

As each of the projects are real life commissions carried out by Palmer, and he talks you through the many steps required to achieve the ultimate result, it gives an inside perspective of how the client brief and budget can be turned into something which, up until the point of commencing work, is just words, swatches and colours on paper.

There is much to be learned and enjoyed throughout the pages, as you work your way slowly through the information. The glorious colour plates add that touch of luxury to an interesting and informative work which will stand the test of time, as there is no one particular style addressed just the solid foundations of good style, design, structure, impact and design elements required, in whatever stylish medium you choose to work within.

November 16, 2016