Each year we scour the country – and the whole world for rooms that resonate with us and that we think will do the same for you – inspire, delight and excite you to go on to create your own beautiful rooms at home.
Here are the finalists for our 2019 Beautiful Rooms competition, in association with Temple & Webster who's head of styling Jessica Bellef joined HB acting editor Katrina O'Brien to judge the coveted competition places. Feast your eyes, learn from their insights and fill your decorator’s heart with desire...
1. Divine dining room
50 Beautiful Rooms judges Jessica and Katrina were both enamoured by this light-filled dining room in Sydney, awarding the homeowners a finalist prize of $500 to spend at Temple & Webster. “I love the proportion of the pendant and the height that it sits above the table,” says Temple & Webster’s Jessica. “It makes the space feel even more intimate.” Then there’s that lovely large bi-fold window which, when thrown wide open, forges a connection between indoors and out.
2. Luxe laundry
‘‘Special’ is the word Temple & Webster’s head of styling, Jessica, used to describe this space. “I imagine being in here would feel fresh and airy; it would be a joy to do your laundry!” she says.
From the subtle statement splashback to the herringbone floor tiles and farmhouse sink, every feature in the space exudes an easy elegance – and instantly impressed our 50 Beautiful Rooms judges.
“A statement splashback is becoming a big thing in laundries and this space executes the trend in a really chic way”
Katrina O’Brien
3. Moody outdoor room
The HB team would happily spend an afternoon lounging in this sunny outdoor room. “It really nails the Aussie dream of indoor/outdoor living,” says Temple & Webster’s head of styling Jessica. Notably, the area originally was a secondary car space sitting off the home’s garage, and has been completely transformed into this stylish living zone.
4. Contemporary kitchen
This is a contemporary take on the classic white kitchen, and we couldn’t be more on board. “There’s so much to love here,” says HB acting editor Katrina. “The chevron splashback is fantastic, I like the practicality of the high-back bar stools and the big island bench would work a treat for entertaining or just in daily life.”
“The big balloon pendants are an inspired addition – they look like they’re floating”
Jessica Bellef
5. Curated bedroom
It was “ooohs” and “ahhs” at first sight of this gem – a Melbourne bedroom that speaks of a bygone era. “This homeowner has an innate sense of style,” says HB acting editor Katrina. “The colour combination is so organic and the mix of textures is just divine.” And the award for creative brilliance goes to the vintage artwork, which is effortlessly slung from the picture rail with a piece of string and a bulldog clip. The mix of Bauwerk x Lynda Gardener wall paint in Bleached and General tones is a design triumph.
6. Simple, modern bedroom
The best bedrooms are calming and comfy with classic good looks, and this 50 Beautiful Rooms finalist – and recipient of a $500 Temple & Webster gift voucher – in Melbourne delivers on all those fronts. “Simple lines and a modern monochromatic scheme blend with inviting natural textures to create this retreat,” says HB acting editor Katrina. Self-installed Easycraft VJ panels add instant character, while bedlinen from Cultiver and an Ikea ‘Selje’ bedside table speak of Scandi style.
“This is my ideal bedroom palette - white -on-white with touches of grey and pale timber”
Holly Byrne
7. Fresh and fun bathroom
Why shouldn’t functional spaces be fanciful? This Melbourne bathroom, the domain of three girls, brings a sense of fun to bathtime and teeth-brushing. Patterns and pastels add punch, “yet the room is neutral enough to grow with the children,” says Jessica, head of styling at Temple & Webster.
“The mix of tiles and shapes is quite brave– a risk that’s paid off”
Katrina O’Brien, HB Acting editor
8. Deco dream living room
“What a striking combination!” says Temple & Webster’s head of styling Jessica of this Adelaide living room. “It’s like a club lounge from the ’20s or ’30s – it transports you to another era.” The big black Chesterfield sofa caught the eye of HB acting editor Katrina: “It’s got that old-world charm and really ties in with the original wide floorboards and fireplace.”
9. Heavenly homemade boy’s room
This young boy’s bedroom in northern NSW struck a chord with our judges for its combination of creativity and cosiness. “The mural is beautiful,” affirms Temple & Webster’s head of styling Jessica, as she takes in the mountainous backdrop. And, with the cushy chair and sheepskin rug, the bedroom doubles as a lounge for quiet time.
“It certainly proves that grey needn’t be boring!”
Katrina O'Brien
10. Bathroom goals
As HB acting editor Katrina and Temple & Webster’s head of styling Jessica perused the 50 Beautiful Rooms entries, this Melbourne bathroom was a style stand-out. “Those floor tiles just lift the whole room,” Katrina comments. “And the accents of gold really dress it up.” Jessica also commended the ladder as a chic storage solution and the ‘Prisma’ pendant light from Temple & Webster, inserting a modern industrial accent.
“This is quite a dramatic space – and would be a stunning spot to relax in”
Gavin Kirk
See all 50 Beautiful Rooms in the February issue of Home Beautiful magazine, on sale now at selected newsagents and supermarkets, or go here to subscribe and never miss an issue!
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Our Beautiful Rooms competition winner for 2019!
