Shop local for a summer apartment makeover

Did someone say makeover? Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your apartment, so today we’re sharing the top interior trends for summer 2023 and where to shop for them in Neutral Bay. First, let’s dive into the top summer interior design trends.

Focus on unique pieces

A curated home is out and a home filled with unique pieces and beautifully designed furniture is in. The idea is to blend textures and prints with special objects you might have collected on your travels or from op shops to create a layered and meaningful look.

We’ve included lots of options below where you can find pieces that perfectly fit this brief. But don’t be afraid to combine vintage and modern pieces in your living room to give the space meaning.

Channel your inner Coastal Grandma

Have you heard the buzzword, Coastal Grandma yet? According to Better Homes and Gardens, it’s “relaxed yet refined, casual but elevated.” To embrace it in your Neutral Bay apartment, focus on neutral layers that remind you of the coast: white, sand, tan and light blue. Then add texture, like rattan, jute, linen and sheer curtains.

Go bold

Bright whites are always popular in Sydney and suit our coastal location. But this summer, break up the white with a pop of colour. This might be a statement furniture piece, a feature wall or a vibrant new artwork.

Another way to go bold is by adding prints via wallpaper or accessories. Top prints for 2023 include floral, geometric and animal.

Embrace warm minimalism

If you prefer to keep things minimal, we’ve got you. Warm minimalism means combining a minimal aesthetic with warm earthy tones, indoor plants, natural materials (wooden furniture) and organic layered textures (linen, bamboo and rattan).

Update the outdoors

Outdoor living is king in Sydney and we recommend bringing these trends outdoors this summer, even if you only have a balcony. For example, opt for wooden furniture with a patterned rug to make a statement.

Where to shop for these trends

Now you know the interior trends you want to bring into your home, here’s where to shop for them in and around Neutral Bay.

• Koskela in North Sydney specialises in Australian-made furniture and ethically sourced homewares, art and rugs. It has a large collection of First Nations art that includes everything from modern prints to bark paintings.
• The Modern focuses on warm Scandinavian-designed furniture and homewares. It also stocks brands like Marimekko and Normann Copenhagen and has a showroom up the road in Cremorne.
• A similar option is BoConcept. With a flagship store in Crows Nest, its focus is on beautifully designed Danish furnishings.
• Fanuli is a family-owned business spanning three generations that specialises in contemporary Italian and Australian designer furniture. You can shop for every room in the house, including the outdoors.
• An online store that’s based in Neutral Bay, channel your inner Coastal Grandma with a rug from Sydney Rugs Online.
• A fan favourite in nearby Artarmon, Fantastic Furniture stands by its tagline: Australia’s best value furniture and bedding.
• Strictly Comfort in Crows Nest is about customised Australian-made furniture, including lounges and beds. We think the beds with built-in storage are made for Sydney apartments.
• Head across Sydney Harbour to The Rocks, where you’ll find these eight amazing Sydney artists.

We also love to find unique and timeless pieces on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and at op shops. Along Military Road near Woolies, you’ll find four op shops. Trash and Treasure in neighbouring Crows Nest is also an upcycled used furniture store.

With the high prices of Sydney real estate, who can say no to saving a little money upcycling or turning someone else’s trash into your treasure?

Thinking of selling your Neutral Bay apartment?

Are you ready to sell your Neutral Bay property and want some informal advice? We’re an independent boutique agency based right in here in Neutral Bay, and we’re always happy to give you an overview of the ever-changing market – give us a call today.