Kerrie-Ann Jones is a leading interior styling expert and lifestyle presenter. As the former style editor of Real Living magazine, her impeccable style and eye for trends influence and inspire how Australians decorate their home.
Provide some insights into the home you renovated; what was it like prior to the makeover?
A: Our home is an original mid-century house that was built in the 1950’s. When we purchased it back in 2019, it was in its original condition, complete with a yellow kitchen, cobalt blue tiles in the bathroom and silver, sparkly wallpaper in the dining room - which I’m sure was very stylish for the time! However, it was quite dilapidated which meant there was a lot of work ahead of us.
Tell us more about the style of the renovation; what inspired this look? How would you describe the look or style of the home that you’ve created?
A: I can’t say that the style of our renovation fits into one box; it’s a mix of mid-century vintage and Australian coastal, with a curated and contemporary aesthetic, all wrapped up in a warm neutral colour palette. A combination of many things I love under one roof!
Tell us about the flooring product that you used; what are its features and benefits? How did it impact the look and feel of each space?
A: We used Carpet Court’s Precinct Oak in Champagne for our downstairs level, and we love it - particularly for its wide boards, beautiful matt finish, and for how hardworking and durable it is, given it’s in such a high-traffic area of the home! It also creates a neutral base for the other features of the home and blends in well with our walnut veneer joinery.
Tell us about the home office; what was the brief and how did you bring this space to life?
A: I wanted my home office to be somewhere I felt inspired and able to focus on my creativity and business. I repurposed our old dining table, which is now my desk, and have a mood board on the wall with pictures, quotes, and messages that inspire me.
I also have a custom cupboard which is the same design as my wardrobe – with walnut veneer doors and a wallpaper insert – for storing all my work supplies and props. The office has a lovely view over the water too, so when I need a break, I can open the door and take in the beautiful view of the bay.
When it came to selecting your flooring, what was the brief?
A: When it came to selecting our flooring, I wanted something with soft tones and a matt finish, as I thought this would suit the look and feel of the other timbers and elements in the home. It also needed to be durable for my family and be able to handle the wear and tear of everyday living.
How did your flooring selection impact your other design decisions?
A: The flooring that you select to install in your home will become the foundation of your home’s design. This isn’t something to be taken lightly, as it will play into every design decision that you make thereafter!
The texture, colour and material of your floors will strongly influence everything around you - including your colour scheme, furniture, finishings and home décor. For that reason, we held off from deciding on the colour of our walls, kitchenette cupboards and tiles, until we knew exactly what flooring we would be going with.
To help with the decision making, I always suggest creating a mood board so that you can see how all the elements in a space – wall colour, lighting, furniture, décor, window dressings and of course, flooring – work together before you make the commitment.
What are your top three tips for selecting the perfect flooring for your home?
A:
- Take home samples to see how the flooring will look and feel in the room where it’s going to be installed, that way you can get an accurate idea of how it will fit with the rest of your décor, paintwork, and furniture. Even the lighting in your room can make flooring look different to how it appears in the showroom, so it’s important to try before you buy.
- Ask your local Carpet Court store plenty of questions about the flooring. The more knowledge you have about the product, the better. Tell them about your home, and they can suggest what will best suit your needs.
- Do your research and be open to other options. There are a great variety of flooring products available, and although you might have your heart set on a timber floor, you might find that a laminate or vinyl floor will better suit your needs.
How can people use flooring as the basis of other design decisions?
A: Your flooring is a great place to start when designing the rest of your home – it will influence every other design decision that you make throughout.
For example, the width, style, and colour of your floors can help determine the colourway and textures of the other elements in the home, such as the walls, ceilings, and woodwork. The flooring layout will also determine the placement of your furniture and how everything will flow together. I like to think of flooring as the anchor of a room, both bringing together and complimenting every other design aspect.
What was the biggest setback during your makeover, and how did you overcome it?
A: Our most significant setback was with our windows. We faced some problems at the beginning of the process, which resulted in facing three-month delays! Thankfully, we’re pleased with the final result and how the furnishings complement the rest of the home.
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