Money
Market latest: Australia
Market indices 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Currencies 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Europe
Market indices 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Currencies 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Japan
Market indices 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Currencies 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
US
Market indices 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Currencies 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
UK
UK market news
Market indices 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
Currencies 23 November,2009
23/11/2009 09:46 Sydney, Australia.
|
|
|
|
First Home Buyers

Websites to inspire your new home

Also in this section
Do you like this article?
Share this with others

By Megan Tidd

Buying your new house is challenging enough. Figuring out how to renovate or decorate it is another project, entirely. Before you tear out the sinks or buy that chaise lounge, however, take some time to do some research and get motivated by your new place.

Here are 10 websites for home inspiration. From architecture reviews, to the latest in green home technology, to ideas on digging your own herb garden, these websites can help you narrow your choices down — or open your mind to even more.

  • Cheap ways to add value...

    Architecture and remodelling

    Australian Design Review
    Celebrating the latest and greatest in Aussie-based architecture and design, the ADR is the combined web-effort of Architectural Review Australia and (Inside) Interior Design Review. Guiding you through a huge collection of award-winning projects, with tonnes of pictures and floor plans, this should be your first port of call if you're looking for local inspiration on a renovation or new build.

    Dwell
    This slick, US-based publication leads the way in promoting ultra-cool, modern architecture and design. From woodsy prefabs of cut glass and corrugated metal, to historic renovations-turned-green, Dwell is always at the cutting edge, and is a great source of inspiration for your upcoming reno or build.

    Inhabitat
    Hipster homebuyers rejoice! Sustainability focused and bang on-trend, Inhabitat is blogging its way to the new age of home design. A smattering of young experts — from designers to landscape architects to raging scenesters — combine to explore incredible new buildings, review rooftop gardens, and articulate their love of palm fibre-made furniture.

    Trendir
    Here is where you'll find your new home's signature piece. A simple blog with images, Trendir is less of an editorial site and more of a catalogue of fab futuristic design and renovation ideas, à la The Jetsons. Cavernous new asymmetrical marble baths, touch-screen mirrors with inbuilt digital music players, and inbuilt climate-controlled kitchen wine cellars all offer themselves up as muses for your new home.

  • Avoid renovation nightmares...

    Home decor and design

    Design Sponge
    This well-loved DIY, craft and interiors blog has millions of followers, and was recently included in the Guardian's list of 50 Most Influential Blogs. Taking a primarily handmade, vintage and rather twee approach to design, "d*sponge" suits budget renovations and quainter tastes, and is simply brimming with cheap decor ideas.

    Desire to Inspire
    With a tagline like, "An Australian and a Canadian trying to inspire the world one room at a time," you've got to expect something quirky and remarkable. With reader makeovers, reviews, and plenty of full-spectrum interior photography, Desire to Inspire gives a broader scope of interior design, and is great for getting ideas on your home's overall aesthetic.

    Decor 8
    US-German design consultant Holly Becker runs this cute design blog, which features small, independent designers and products, and heaps of adorable things. Looking like a scrapbook full of magazines clippings and swatches, Becker's primary reason for the creating site is for inspiration, itself.

    Apartment Therapy
    Specialising in city living, Apartment Therapy consists of six US city-based mini-sites and one main site that cover all aspects of the urban dwelling: balcony garden how-to guides, vintage furniture makeovers, and featured products. Look here to find ideas for renovating and decorating small spaces.

  • Dealing with homebuying stress.

    Gardening

    Martha Stewart Living
    Martha, Martha, Martha! If you're in need of a garden party table setting or schooling on the correct usage of a trellis, look no further than the queen of all things "home". Although Martha Stewart's site is heaving with information, her outdoor living section is the jewel on the crown. Here you'll find how-to gardening videos, landscaping ideas, and no end of craft and decorating projects for your garden. You'll be dining with fresh herbs under moonlight on your new patio, in no time.

    The Manic Gardener
    Gardening blogs that don't incite boredom are difficult to find. Namely helpful gardening blogs that don't incite boredom. Enter The Manic Gardener. Just quirky enough to hold interest, Kate Gardner (city-girl-turned-country) runs her organic garden with the sort of effective aplomb that has her readers digging compost bins with zeal. She posts videos and has a fantastic list of links for a green thumb of every persuasion.

  • Get the luxury coastal life, on the cheap...



  • SHARE:
    MESSENGER
    FACEBOOK
    MORE
    Blog on Spaces
    Add to delicious
    Add to Digg
    Share on MySpace
    ?
    Share, bookmark, and save your favourite ninemsn articles and features.  Learn more.

    Vote
    Aussie house price mapping tool
    Find out where the good places are to buy, sell, rent and invest.
    Partner guides
    advertisement



    Latest video
    People like me - Reka
    Your home - First home buyers

    Looking to buy your first home? Find tips and more in our First home buyers section.

    Your home - Movers

    Looking to upgrade to a larger home? Find great info in our Movers section.

    Your home - Refinancers

    Paying too much on your mortgage? Find out more in our Refinancers section.

    Your home - Investors

    Looking to make money in property? Find tips in our Investors section.


    Toolbelt

    Currency converter

    Site services