LEMON BASIL BURRATA WITH GARLIC TOASTS

What to bring when they tell you to just bring a “snack” but Chris Hemsworth isn’t available.

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz burrata cheese

• 3 tbsp olive oil divided

• 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced

• 1 lemon zested and squeezed

• 1 baguette sliced

• 1 clove garlic halved

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush baguette slices with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Rub with garlic and lay out on a baking sheet. Place into oven and toast for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden around the edges.

2. While baguette slices are toasting, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, basil, lemon zest and juice in a small bowl. Place burrata cheese in a small/medium serving bowl and slice open with a knife. Pour the lemon-basil olive oil mixture over the burrata. Serve with garlic toasts.

The original recipe is here if you would like to check it out. Fetty’s Food Blog is so good for these little gems.

MY APPRAISAL PROCESS

There will come a time when every home owner considers selling either to upgrade, downsize, make more space in their budget, for a fresh start, etc. Whatever the reason, the most common question is "I wonder how much we could get for our house?" and will often be the key to how far they take this consideration.

Interestingly enough the appraisal is often the last step in this process for most families - often out of fear of obligation - when perhaps getting the appraisal first may streamline their decision making from the get go. I'm all about arming my home owners with great information, to ensure they are making the best choice for them.

I've outlined my process for you, just so it takes the mystery and the anxiety out of it all. I'm here to help, any time, so you don't ever hesitate to ask the question.

SPRING 2023 DECOR

Spring is here. Tomorrow’s forecasted downpour may not realise it but judging by my hayfever flare up, it’s definitely here. So, just in case anyone is wanting to freshen up their homes without knocking down walls or re-painting, here are some decor trends that are going to be super hot this season.

‘IT GIRL GLASSWARE’

Ultimate ‘it girl’ interior designer Kelly Wearstler has collaborated with the brilliant Grace Whiteside to develop a collection of Sticky Glass glassware. It’s so hot.

Below are a couple of colourful iterations - something for every budget

Maison Balzac | Pomponette Glasses | $220

Gigi + Tom | Large Coupe Glass Pink | $24.95

ALL THINGS MEDITERRANEAN

The craze around Mediterranean interior design is spilling over into Home Decor. If you can get your hands on these Gabriella Picone style ceramics, you’re living the dream.

If you don’t have a genie stashed away, here are a couple of other Med inspired pieces I love.

Octaevo | Jaime Hayon Paper Vase | $40

Sam Baron x Maria Collection | Petal Rim Colour Block Vase | $148

MINIMALIST CHROME

Safe to say that between Beyonce and Gigi Hadid on the Chloe runway, silver is back in a massive way. Not surprising that minimalist chrome pieces are showing up strong this Spring. See a couple of the pieces I’m currently coveting below.

McMullin & Co | Theo Vase | $159

FREEDOM | Dome Table Lamp | $299

MY ODE TO THE ORIGINAL YELO

It’s been a whole week since the OG West Coast Drive yelo location got demolished.

I, for one, am feeling nostalgic.  Here’s why I love it and will miss the parts that couldn’t move to Flora Tce:

- they have THE best acai bowls (in my opinion anyway) i would go at least 3 times a week for these

- my kids always love the milkshakes.. and the small area out the back where they could play and draw, was an absolute dream when they were little.

- it was our local - 5 mins walk over the hill

- loved how it gave Trigg a "holiday destination vibe" we could go in bare sandy feet straight off the beach, so many dogs constantly there just hanging out which was the best. It was just super casual and laid back.

- I’ll even miss back in the old days we would go there as kids with my dad as he would buy his bait from there for fishing - it was then called "cleggys"

If you’re moving to the area, I’m sorry you’ve missed out on the old yelo, but I’m sure the new location will still have that amazing sense of community that the old one did.  Some things just don’t change. :)

THE VIBRANT PALETTE: How the Psychology of Colour Can Play a Huge Role in Selling Your House

Imagine walking into a house and feeling an instant sense of warmth and serenity, or stepping into a room that energises and uplifts your mood. Have you ever wondered why certain colours elicit such powerful emotions? The answer lies in the captivating world of colour psychology. From calming blues to invigorating reds, the use of color can profoundly impact potential buyers' perceptions, emotions, and even decisions. Let's dive into the kaleidoscope of colours and explore the psychology behind them in the realm of real estate.

The Tranquility of Blues

Cool, calm, and collected - shades of blue have a unique ability to evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation. In real estate, blues are often utilised in bedrooms and living spaces to create a soothing ambiance that promotes restful sleep and peaceful living. Lighter shades of blue can make spaces feel more open and airy, making them a popular choice for smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light.

The Warm Embrace of Earth Tones

Earthy colours like beige, taupe, and soft browns are akin to a warm hug for a room. These hues bring about a sense of comfort and stability, making them excellent choices for common areas such as living rooms and dining spaces. Earth tones can also serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing potential buyers to envision their personal style against a versatile canvas.

The Energy of Reds

Reds, ranging from rich maroons to vibrant crimson, are attention-grabbers that exude energy and passion. When used strategically, red accents can create a focal point within a room and stimulate a sense of excitement. However, it's important not to overdo it, as excessive use of red might evoke feelings of restlessness or even aggression. Think carefully about where to incorporate this dynamic colour. Lately, I’ve seen velvet throws in deep rusts and maroons and they are to die for. I often think how beautifully it would accent some of those red brick houses in old Carine.

The Freshness of Greens

If there's a colour that effortlessly brings the outdoors in, it's green. Symbolizing growth, renewal, and harmony, greens can create a refreshing and rejuvenating atmosphere. Using green shades in spaces with a view of nature can enhance the connection to the outdoors. Whether through potted plants, accent walls, or decor, green accents can add a touch of serenity to any space.

The Timelessness of Neutrals

Neutrals like whites, grays, and soft creams are the chameleons of the color palette. Their timeless appeal and versatility make them ideal choices for staging and selling a property. Neutrals create a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to envision their personal style and preferences within the space. These hues also reflect light, making rooms appear larger and more inviting.

The Sunny Disposition of Yellows

Yellows are like a burst of sunshine, evoking feelings of warmth, happiness, and positivity. Pale yellows can make small spaces feel more expansive, while bolder yellows can create a cheery atmosphere. When selling, yellows can be strategically placed in entryways or kitchens to welcome potential buyers with a bright and cheerful vibe. I’ve seen yellow be incorporated in a beautiful coastal property in Trigg, through the use of canary coloured linens - and it was stunning against the otherwise white and rattan backdrop.

In my experience, the psychology of colour is a very powerful way of connecting with buyers, creating an atmosphere. By understanding the impact of different colours on human psychology, we can really transform spaces into emotionally resonant environments that leave lasting impressions. From calming blues to energising reds, every colour holds the power to shape our perceptions of a property and influence our decisions. So, whether you're selling, buying, or just enjoying your living space, let the psychology of colour guide you towards a harmonious and joyful experience.

For some inspiration, I’ve pulled a few images together for you on a Pinterest board - because I’m obsessed with Pinterest.

SELLING YOUR HOUSE… WITH KIDS

Selling a house can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you have little kids in the mix. While it may seem like a daunting task, I’ve seen a few clients do it pretty well and even turn it into a bit of fun. So I thought I’d throw a few of the better tips I’ve gathered together. Hopefully it helps!

Decluttering: Get everyone involved

A tidy and organised home makes for a much more attractive listing, so decluttering is always a great place to start.  But who said decluttering has to be boring – and only Mum and Dad’s job? Turn it into a family activity. Gather your little “helpers” and make it a game to find items that can be donated or packed away. Celebrate each little victory with a dance party or a small prize.

 Showing Prep

Preparing your home for showings can sometimes seem exhausting – especially with kids. But I’ve seen a Mum turn it into a decorating game by involving them in arranging pillows, adding fresh flowers, or creating lovely artwork to display. You’d be surprised - their innocent touches can add an extra charm to the overall ambiance – especially if your home would really suit another family like yours.

 Packing

Packing can be bittersweet, but it's also a chance to create a "box of memories" with your kids. Let them decorate their moving boxes with stickers and drawings. As you pack, reminisce about the happy times you've had in the house. It's a great way to cherish the memories while looking forward to creating new ones.

Selling a house with kids can have its challenges, but the families I’ve seen do it really well, tackled it as a team. Embrace the chaos, involve your little ones in the process, and keep it positive. So take a deep breath, keep your sense of humour intact, get creative and enjoy the process for what it is, the start of a new chapter.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCES

This seller came to me a year before we put her home on the market.  Our relationship began 5 years earlier when I was her Property Manager. I helped her and her daughter make a new home for themselves in Kingsley. During her tenancy she purchased a block of land in Woodvale with the view of building her dream home for her family. Over the next fews years while I decided to move into Sales she contacted me as she was relocating to QLD to be with her extended family.  By this stage she had already chosen her builder Vicore Constructions and designed the home she wanted to live in. The process had begun.  

She reached out to me for some advice on whether to rent out the home or sell by this stage she was already in QLD. She also asked me to watch over the build and help choose interior colours and designs that would benefit the sale process to reach the maximum value without over capitalising. The location was in "old" woodvale. At this stage there were not many brand new houses on a 345sqm green title block so it was a tricky one to value.  The design was a 5 bedroom 3 bathroom double story home with a pool. A perfect family home set in an established suburb that was in high demand. 

Over the next 6 months I managed the build making sure everything was running smoothly while liasing with the builders. Having never built a home this was exciting for me, I thrived on the responsibility and the trust she had in me, there was no way I was going to let her down. 

Once the build was complete we staged the home by the talented Heather from Blaq Staging.  The home was warm and inviting while having sophistication and style. My client was thrilled with the outcome. Unfortunately, she was unable to view for herself so most of our communication was over facetime. 

We launched the property that weekend and was inundated with buyers. We saw a total of 83 groups walk through that day and another 45 groups on the following Sunday. Everyone loved it. That weekend I wrote up 8 offers. The lucky buyer was a beautiful family with 2 children, they had planned on building but had been overwhelmed by it all so when this home popped up they had to have it. The home went under offer at $900,000 which at that time in the current market was a fabulous outcome. We all couldn't be happier. 

The buyer and her family were just as lovely and trusting of me as my seller, so much that they then asked me to help them choose window furnishes and new furniture to compliment the home. 

Over the last 5 years of my sales career in Real Estate this sale would have to be by far one of my favourites. To have so much trust and faith in me during one of the biggest financial decisions of your life is so heartwarming and I am forever grateful to have been a part of it. 

INTERIOR TRENDS I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW

In a world where economic uncertainty and personal burn out is around every corner, the desire to escape to our homes is more of a necessity than ever before. Designing our spaces with purpose like never before. It feels as though we have reflected this in our interior desires this year. Blending the modern with the nostalgic safety of the traditional, bringing natural and organic elements into the home seem to leave us more grounded. Plus, personally, I am still such a huge fan of anything Mediterranian, I still love an arch and let’s be honest - coastal vibes aren’t going anywhere where we live. Here are a few of my faves.

Check out my pinterest page to see more.

Organic Forms

Decor trends seem to move more and more towards the use of natural materials such as glass, timbers, pottery and my personal favourite, plaster - extending out of the architectural into forms such as light fixtures. Personally it is the fluidity and lack of uniformity that makes me feel a sense of ‘wabi-sabi’ that I think everyone needs in their lives right now. That sense of embracing the perfectly imprerfect. And even outside of decor, elements such as large windows to bring in more natural light give further proof of our need to feel more a part of nature, feel more grounded. I could just imagine creations like Zhu Ohmu’s below, sitting in the corner of a living room in Trigg.

Neoclassical Design

This trend reminds me of a house in Karrinyup I’ve seen recently. It blended modern minimalism with traditional Italian style mouldings and cornices. Neoclassical can be styles like herringbone floors and gilded mirrors. It’s clean white walls, blended with antique furniture. It’s adding character without totally retro theming the space. It’s subtle and really lends itself to the blended renovations that we are seeing through areas like Karrinyup and Carine.

Woods and Earthy Tones

Warm timber tones, with natural finishes that really highlight the grain lines are bringing a more rustic feel to traditional timber uses in the household, adding depth and character to areas like the kitchen. The natural grounding brings a balance to the bright and white colour palettes that we are all so drawn too. The introduction of more terracotta, mauve, rust and sage tones to our spaces is also adding warmth in a way that again, draws on nature - evoking that calmness we are all craving so much in 2023.

Mediterranean Coastal

What would a Trigg home be without the coastal vibes. And the Mediterranean trend looks like it’s here to stay. The combination of the beautiful natural textures, arches, lots of natural light and the bright, lighter colour palette screams the west coast.