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Your go-to destination for design inspiration and practical tips to transform your home. Discover the latest interior trends, style hacks, and budget-friendly ideas to create a space you'll love.
Create a Cool Kids Bedroom for Under $800
Kids spend a lot of time in their bedroom sleeping and playing so when it comes to styling their room you want to make sure that it’s functional, stylish and fun - without breaking the bank. So how do you create a space that not only looks great but is also functional to handle hours of play? Mocka have set a challenge to create two stylish kids bedrooms for under $800.00 to show you how easy it is. When styling your kids bedroom start with fundamental pieces of furniture including a bed and storage. Mocka chose their Sonata Bed for this challenge as it adds a contemporary vintage element to the room while enlivening the space with a bright burst of colour. This bed meets the Australian and New Zealand cot safety standards so you can rest assure knowing that your child is sleeping in a safe bed. Storage is a must for kid’s bedrooms and you can never have too much storage to house all of your child’s clothes and toys. To save money choose a storage piece that doubles as a bedside table. For this challenge Mocka opted for the Post Box 2 and Brooklyn Side Drawers for their sleek contemporary design and storage space. For additional storage, place a couple of stylish portable storage pieces in the corner of the room. Portable storage pieces are not only great for holding extra toys but they help to add a decorative element to the space. Mocka’s Stacka Boxes and Wire Baskets are perfect light weight pieces for kid’s bedrooms. Finally, no kid’s bedroom is complete without a cool place for them to sit. Mocka’s great range of kids chairs, seats, bean bags and pouffes provide the perfect place for your child to sit and read a book. Mocka’s new Pod Seat provides a hidden storage compartment to stash away Lego, dolls and blankets. To finish off the room add some display shelves for trinkets and decorative toys and a colourful quilt cover to liven up the space. It’s easy to create a cool kids bedroom for less with the right products and advice. Mocka created these two kids bedrooms for under $800.00 each. The design really packs a punch with style and the price won't break with bank. Perfectly Pink Kids Bedroom Sonata Bed - $249.95 Kids Acapulco Lounge Chair - $129.95 Wire Baskets - $69.95 Post Box 2 - $79.95 Shadow Boxes - $59.95 Little Yawn Bedding Spring Feathers Quilt Cover - $179.00 Total - $768.75 Green with Envy Kids Bedroom Sonata Bed - $249.95 Pod Seat - $59.95 Stacka Box - $24.95 Brooklyn Side Drawers - $99.95 Shadow Boxes - $59.95 Little Yawn Bedding Battle of Narnia Quilt Cover - $169.00 Total - $663.75
Staycation Styling: Sydney Yacht-Front Living with the Jesse Range
Come home to Sydney with the Jesse range, inspired by the thriving, yacht-studded harbourfront of Circular Quay, a city marked by sun-kissed beaches and the iconic Sydney Opera House on a backdrop of Australian bushland. Jet set into the charismatic Australian lifestyle with the Jesse range. Exclusive to Mocka, the Jesse range has been inspired by a relaxed mix of nature and sleek Australian living. Inspired by urban living Your living room is often the heart of your home, more than just a room, it’s a place you create memories surrounded by family and friends. Make the most of your living space with versatile furniture foundations that can be easily restyled for every season. Choose timeless neutral furniture for key pieces in your living space and add layers of on-trend decor to build your style in any room. Style with the finishing touches like soft floor rugs, on trend lamps and striking artwork to balance a room with emotion. The clean lines pair beautifully with the natural creamy timber tones for a neutral palette. Bring nature-inspired city-living into your living room with the trio of the popular Jesse Entertainment Unit, Jesse Coffee Table and Console Table for a canvas to style with your own personal touches. Ample storage If there’s anything we can never get enough of, it’s storage solutions to encourage a clutter-free home. The Jesse range offers just that while adding on-trend style to your interior.  The combination of clean, timeless design with ample storage, allows the Jesse range to fit seamlessly into your space. Explore the Jesse Buffet for beautiful functionality in your living and dining spaces, or the options of a three, four, six drawer or tall boy for optimal organisation throughout your home. Into the office Create an urban oasis for working or studying from home. Add warmth to your home office with the nature-inspired creamy wood tones and grain patterns of the Jesse Desk.  For practicality, the Jesse Desk also features a barrier panel under the desk to help hide power cords from view when placed against a wall. Increase productivity with a gorgeous workspace inspired by the juxtaposition of a nature escape and the hustle and bustle of Australian city living. Start your journey home with the new Jesse range, inspired by urban Sydney harbourfront living.  Jesse | Contemporary, Affordable Home Furniture (mocka.co.nz)
Staycation Styling: Say Hello to the Charismatic Retro Charm of Palm Springs
Welcome to Palm Springs, California. The home of laid-back luxury and old school Hollywood design. The iconic Palm Springs persona is becoming increasingly popular within Australian design due to our similarity in climate and lifestyle. It is notoriously known for being the apex of modern mid-century architecture and interior design with a clean, minimalistic approach accompanied by a cheerful character with vibrant pops of colour and flamboyant décor. Let’s dive a little deeper into how you can easily create the infamous Palm Springs look in your home. The Foundation & Key Features: Simplicity at its finest Iconic elements of design are what makes Palm Springs’ interior and architecture so distinguishable and creates the illusion of effortless resort style living. Focus on using sleek, clean lines throughout your space to provoke a sense of tranquil luxury. These elegant lines are used consistently throughout the architecture with flat or butterfly rooves, breeze blocks and large overhangs that provide that iconic retro flare. Simplicity is even seen in Palm Springs’ landscaping with the main flora being cacti, succulents, and palms. Adding these fun plants into your landscape but also exploring ways to include them as features within the home will add that touch of green without compromising the style. Keeping your design choices simple allows you to sprinkle in those infamous bursts of vibrant colour that Palm Springs is so well-known for whilst keeping your home mature and sophisticated. The Iconic Colour Palette: Minimalism with a twist Palm Springs is recognised by its stark, white-on-white exteriors contrasted with its unexpected but extravagant coloured front doors, heavenly crystal blue pools and exuberant décor and furniture. It’s this colour palette that instantly transports us to the iconic retro Hollywood era and is the most recognisable attribute to this design style. To ensure the bursts of colour aren’t too overwhelming, the rest of the house is usually kept quite minimal and plain with the use of clean lines and simple patterns. The small glimpses of colour are used throughout the home to keep the style consistent and harmonious, so start gradually collecting décor that you can incorporate not only in the main living areas but also outdoors and in bathrooms. The Floor Plan: A home designed for entertaining Palm Springs architecture has perfected the art of bringing the outdoors in by keeping the inside cool whilst taking advantage of the heat for hosting unforgettable pool parties. This has been achieved by creating open floor plans in single story homes that allow elements of outdoor living to trickle its way indoors, creating a sense of easy living while also ensuring the home stays cool in desert heat. Materials and textures such as stone and wood; along with plenty of natural sunlight shining through floor-to-ceiling windows create a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor. Our Pick: The Georgia Range The Georgia Range is our top pick for recreating the iconic Palm Springs resort lifestyle in your home. With the desert-like touch of rattan and luxurious brushed gold accents, contrasted with the eye-catching white frame. This is the perfect range to bring the outdoors in with its nods to coastal living. The neutral colours allow you to style up the range in true Palm Springs style, incorporating those iconic vibrant colours. Embark on your Palm Springs transformation with confidence and remember to have fun whilst planning your renovation or decorative refresh. Following the rule of simplicity and minimalism, adding in pops of colour whilst keeping the space neutral, and bringing elements of the desert will create your new hosting haven that is reminiscent of the infamous Palm Springs design. Start your journey home with the new Georgia range, inspired by the home of laid-back luxury and old school Hollywood design, Palm Springs.
Staycation Styling: Bring Hamptons Modern Coastal Style Into Your Home
Be inspired by global travels and introduce relaxed sophistication into every room of your home with our on-trend Long Island-inspired Hamptons range. Come home to the sophisticated seaside of Long Island marked by long stretches of beach and high end boutiques. Jet set into the Hamptons with a timeless mix of relaxed sophisticated style and beach-inspired furniture accompanied by a palette of beautiful, soft, ocean blues. With the elegance and complementary style of the Mocka Hamptons range, you can choose to fully immerse yourself into Long Island-living, or include soft touches of modern coastal style to your home. Made for entertaining Hamptons style combines simplicity and timeless sophistication, to create the perfect seaside abode for entertaining all year round. Welcome your guests and settle in to socialise with the Hamptons Bar Stools or gather around the Hamptons Coffee Table for a relaxed coastal setting. Style your living and dining spaces with the popular Hamptons Buffet and Entertainment Unit, featuring ample storage and providing a sense of calm tranquillity for a space inspired by reimagined coastal luxury. Bring the Hamptons home with a timeless mix of beach-inspired décor like the classic Kingston Arch Mirror, inspired by authentic Hamptons style windows and add a touch of natural jute with the Jute Ottoman. Tie it together with tones of beautiful blues and greens for an immersed Hamptons feeling. Work from the Hamptons Create a holiday at home feeling even while you work or study with the Hamptons Desk. Versatile, classic and sophisticated for a modern luxury staycation feeling. Transform your everyday office space into your coastal daydream. Pair with a coastal-inspired rug like the Iluka Floor Rug or Ruby Rug to tie your workspace together and carry the Hamptons transformation throughout your home. Create a coastal nursery Carry the chic Hamptons vibe and classic white finishes throughout your home and into your little one’s nursery too. The Hamptons Change Table is a customer-favourite, with four drawers of spacious storage combined with a timeless design. Bring together your luxe coastal-inspired nursery furniture with the staple Hamptons Cot and Toy Box too. Start your journey home to the Hamptons with the new Mocka Hamptons range, designed in-house in Australia.
Living Big in a Small Space
Residing in compact living spaces is on the rise, whether it be an apartment, a small house, or a downsized home. This shift towards smaller living is encouraging us to adopt a design approach that truly feels like home by decluttering, experimenting with colour and making the most of our floor space. While some may perceive limited square footage as a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to discover new possibilities for creative and innovative design. With the right approach, you can make any space work effectively without compromising on comfort or style. Where to start Creating the perfect foundation through key furniture pieces is the most efficient way to begin designing a smaller space. When you’re selecting furniture it's important to consider the size and scale of your space, providing a better understanding of what will fit so you can source the right furniture with confidence. Furniture with clean lines, soft textures and neutral colours, such as the Canyon and Reece Range, can help to create an open and uncluttered ambience that enhances the overall appeal of your space. Tip: To design a cohesive look and feel - Create a quick moodboard that includes links, prices and measurements when sourcing your furniture. Not only will this give you a good idea of what your space will look like once completed, but all the information will be easily accessible when you are ready to buy! Select items that you love and that compliment your space. Be selective with your décor items to allow your space to feel cohesive whilst still letting your personality shine through. Over decorating can make a room feel smaller than it is and can become overwhelming. Taking these factors into consideration will ensure that your small space is furnished in a way that maximizes functionality and your personal style. Make it Multifunctional Living in a smaller space sometimes means turning your dining table into a work-from-office, or your living room doubling as a guest room, this is where multifunctional furniture will become your best friend, providing functional and easy solutions when living big in a small space. Coffee tables and bedside tables that incorporate hidden storage space like Sadie and Hamptons; dining chairs that can stack away like the Pia; and multi-purpose ottomans that serve as additional seating or surface area; are among the many pieces available that can help maximize your available square footage. Not only do they provide functionality, but they also keep your living area organized and uncluttered. When selecting multifunctional furniture for your small space, it is essential to choose items that compliment your style whilst providing the functionality you need. These versatile pieces can add a new dimension to your space and so it’s important to find the items that complement your style and aesthetic. Investing in multifunctional furniture can be an excellent way to optimize your space, while still maintaining the desired look and feel of your home. Optimise Light & Layout In addition to selecting the right furniture, the way you choose to arrange a room can have a big impact on how you feel in the space, so it is important to choose a layout that maximizes functionality and compliments how you use and live in your space. By strategically placing furniture to create designated areas for different activities such as a reading nook or workspace, you can make the space feel more purposeful and less cluttered. Consider the flow of the space and ensure you have adequate floor space for ease of movement around furniture to prevent feeling cramped in your home. Consider how you move from one room to the next, is there something that gets in your way? Or can you seamlessly interact with the space? Additionally, incorporating mirrors and working with natural light can make a significant difference and creates the illusion of more space whilst enhancing the room’s ambience. Mirrors can be especially useful for creating the illusion of a larger room by reflecting light and creating depth. For bedroom spaces, incorporate a standing mirror like the Ola or Jackson and for living rooms and entries consider using a wall mirror such as the Tait or Khalili. Tip: We recommend wall mounted Frameless mirrors for more compact spaces – they seamlessly bring that light in without taking up floor space or overpowering the wall. When arranging the placement of furniture, keep in mind which areas receive natural light and at which points of the day. Natural lighting is essential, as it can illuminate the space and enhance the effects of mirrors, creating a larger and brighter space. By thoughtfully selecting a layout and utilizing mirrors, natural lighting, and furniture placement, even the smallest space can be transformed into a comfortable and inviting home. A breath of fresh air Design a space that you look forward to coming home to, a place that encourages calm and relaxation after a long day. Adding organic elements such as neutral colour palettes, warm textures and plants are a great way to transform your house into your haven. Neutral colour palettes aren’t always white and beige, think about the colours of nature itself. Incorporating hues of blue, green and other earthy tones can still give your space a neutral backdrop whilst creating depth and personality. This applies to texture too – by incorporating natural textures such as rattan and timber, like the Claremont and Canyon ranges, the colour palette will seamlessly blend as they do in nature. Plants can bring life and a touch of nature into your space and even help purify the air. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in small spaces, such as succulents, air plants, or spider plants. Consider incorporating plants into your decor to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Home is not defined by square footage or budget. With the right approach to furniture selection, layout and décor accents, you can create a space that feels beautifully elevated, irrespective of size. By selecting appropriately sized furniture, incorporating multifunctional pieces, optimizing your layout, and incorporating natures beauty, you can make the most of your space and create a home that is comfortably you.
How to Master the Art of Coffee Table Styling: Elevate Your Living Room DĂ©cor
Your coffee table, often the centrepiece of your living room, is a canvas waiting to be adorned with style and personality. Mastering the art of coffee table styling not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also provides an opportunity to showcase your creativity. Here, we'll explore key principles and expert tips to help you transform your coffee table into a curated masterpiece. Principles of Coffee Table Styling Balance and Symmetry: Achieving a sense of balance and symmetry is visually appealing for any coffee table display. Arrange items in a way that distributes visual weight evenly. For example, if you have a stack of books on one side, balance it with a decorative object or a floral arrangement on the other. Layers and Heights: Create visual interest by incorporating layers and varying heights. Stack books or magazines, add a decorative tray for structure, and introduce taller elements like vases or candle holders. This layering technique adds depth and dimension to your arrangement. Personal Touches: Infuse your personality into the styling by including items that hold sentimental value. Personal touches, such as family photos in stylish frames or travel souvenirs, not only tell a story but also make your coffee table uniquely yours. Rules to Live by When Styling your Coffee Table The Rule of Threes: Embrace the simplicity and effectiveness of the rule of threes. Group items in sets of three for a balanced and visually appealing arrangement. This could be three candles, a stack of three books, or a trio of decorative objects. Greenery and Florals: Bring life to your coffee table with the freshness of greenery or florals. A small vase of flowers or a potted plant adds a natural element, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Mixing Textures and Materials: Diversify the visual and tactile experience by incorporating a variety of textures and materials. Combine smooth surfaces with textured elements, such as a woven basket or a metallic tray. This adds depth and sophistication to your styling. Seasonal Transitions: Celebrate the changing seasons by updating your coffee table decor accordingly. In warmer months, opt for bright and fresh elements like seashells or colourful blooms. During the colder seasons, introduce warm and cosy touches like candles or rustic textures. Step-by-Step Guide to Coffee Table Styling Step 1: Clear the Canvas: Start with a clean slate by clearing your coffee table of any clutter. This provides a fresh beginning for your styling project. Step 2: Anchor with a Tray: Place a decorative tray as the foundation for your arrangement. This not only adds structure but also makes it easy to rearrange items. Step 3: Create Height with Books: Use a stack of books or a set of stylish bookends to add height. This serves as a foundation for other elements. Step 4: Add Decorative Objects: Introduce decorative objects like sculptures, figurines, or ceramics. These items contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your arrangement. Step 5: Include Personal Touches: Incorporate personal touches, such as framed photos or small mementos, to make the styling uniquely yours. Step 6: Greenery or Florals: Enhance the freshness of your arrangement with a vase of flowers or a small potted plant. This adds a touch of nature. Step 7: Adjust and Rearrange: Step back and assess your arrangement. Don't be afraid to adjust and rearrange until you achieve a balanced and visually pleasing display. By finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, you’ll master the art of styling your coffee table. With these principles and tips, you can transform your coffee table into a piece that reflects your style and personality. Experiment, have fun, and let your coffee table become a conversation piece in your living room decor.
