Brittany Smith
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Features Editor @Home_Beautiful and @reallivingmag Emotions enthusiast and hopeful romantic. Jane Austen is the milo to my milk.
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Articles by Brittany Smith
The ‘Love Island’ villa is an aphrodisiac (and the experts agree)
We reveal the insider secrets you've always wanted to know... Asides For millions of people around the world, the months of June and July are spent clocking in for a time-consuming and emotionally draining second job. That is, tuning in to the reality TV show Love Island. For at least one hour every night, we watch conventionally attractive singles in their early 20s try to find love (or major brand deals).
The kitchen garden is our favourite whimsical decorating trend of 2026
Home Decorate Trend Forecast This garden inspired kitchen trend showcases the beauty of fresh produce, botanical patterns and abundant greenery. Asides Home Beautiful has been keeping a close eye on the interior design trends that are set to capture our hearts and homes in 2026 and beyond. We’ve highlighted the beauty of ‘quietly dramatic’ kitchens taking over our Pinterest boards. We’re ready and willing to begin colour drenching our favourite rooms.
How to grow hedges (and maintain them effortlessly)
Brittany Smith Landscape design is a thing of living, breathing beauty. Of all the plantings rooted in design principles, almost none offer such an array of benefits as hedges. Hedging plants add privacy to inner-city and suburban dwellings, create an effective sound barrier from traffic and also add a lovely sense of shape and structure to your garden . But they suffer from a misconception: hedges appear harder to maintain than they are.
How to grow hedges (and maintain them effortlessly)
Fall into line with our expert guide to hedges and topiaries. Asides Landscape design is a thing of living, breathing beauty. Of all the plantings rooted in design principles, almost none offer such an array of benefits as hedges. Hedging plants add privacy to inner-city and suburban dwellings, create an effective sound barrier from traffic and also add a lovely sense of shape and structure to your garden. But they suffer from a misconception: hedges appear harder to maintain than they are.
This minimalist dinner set is an everyday staple and a hosting lifesaver
White dinner sets are a classic everyday staple that will stand the test of time. Asides One of life’s simple pleasures is a long meal, shared with loved ones with stylish dinner sets. It’s the kind of affair where every mouthful is savoured, the conversation is stimulating and the whole soiree takes place around a beautifully layered tablescape that echoes the tone of the gathering. Getting these formalities right is a bit like learning a mathematical formula. Practise and you’ll never forget it.
Interior designer Lisa Burdus’ foolproof guide to decorating with colour
Learn the simple design rules that make bold colour feel beautiful, balanced and timeless. Asides Of all the facets of interior design that have coloured Lisa Burdus’ career, one recurring theme has been colour itself. Even in the early days of her craft, when she worked on the makeover show Domestic Blitz, Lisa rarely had room for white interiors. Now, as she runs her interior design studio from England and Australia, this core ethos remains.
A novel idea: Create a book lover’s dream home library (in any size)
From small book nooks to spacious reading rooms. Asides There’s a certain magic to spaces filled with books. So many of us have treasured childhood memories of weekends at our local libraries, cocooned in quiet rooms with stories that seemed to suggest anything was possible. It felt at once safe and exciting, cosy yet totally inspiring. It’s only natural that, as adults, we’d want to evoke those same cherished sensations in our own homes.
Visit the set of your favourite period dramas (Mr Darcy not included)
Live out your Bridgerton and Jane Austen-inspired dreams. Asides It’s no secret that period dramas are more popular than ever. Whether explored as a book, television series or movie, historical fiction holds an escapist allure that seems more important than ever in our modern world. The Other Bennet Sister was a book by Janice Hadlow before it was adapted into a television series. (Credit: Britbox/BBC) And this trend is not slowing down.
Heated rivalry: Designers can’t agree on this controversial garden style
We spoke to experts on both sides. Asides When it comes to garden design, there are some styles that are more controversial than others. And as it turns out, those with a green thumb are a passionate bunch. Planning your dream garden can be difficult, especially if you’re torn between styles. The argument can feel similar to the discussions about Type A and Type B personalities. A garden that’s beautiful in its structure and symmetry to some, can feel like a cage to others.
Can this quilt save your hot and cold marriage? We put it to the test
Home Shopping Product Reviews It's not just Katy Perry who's hot and cold. Asides Some people fall in love with the girl next door. Others end up with high school sweethearts or a workplace romance. Then there are those who meet the love of their life in a faraway country, altering the trajectory of their lives, and the countries they live in, forevermore.
Lessons in creativity: The daily habits that changed two artists’ lives
It all came down to a simple question. Asides Darkness used to bookend all of Ling McGregor’s work days. Her job at a law firm was demanding, with hours that crept towards midnight. While she had always been drawn to creative habits, especially drawing and photography, these were relegated to the sidelines of life. The drive to create was still present but only as an oft-neglected whisper in rare, quiet moments. Ling McGregor is a Sydney-based artist.
How to find your art style (based off the pieces you like)
Find your art style with a little help from the 2026 Sulman, Wynne and Archibald Prize finalists and winners. Asides A home without art feels like a stylish outfit with no jewellery, or a band that doesn’t have a drummer. There’s an extra flourish of personality missing that can be felt by everyone in the space. But how do you decorate with art if you don’t know what styles you like?
Dos and don’ts: Is your apartment renovation actually illegal?
Home Renovate Beautiful Builds "One sentence can mean the difference between making a profit and losing lots of money." Asides There’s a common misconception that the smaller the home, the easier the renovation, with apartments being the simplest of the lot to transform. Unfortunately, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. That’s largely due to strata by-laws. “There’s no such thing as a simple apartment renovation,” says Cherie Barber, CEO of Renovating for Profit.
After 20 years, Miranda Priestly’s office is still inspiring us. Here’s why
The Devil Wears Prada 2 comes out in a few short days but in all honesty, we still can’t get over the original movie. It premiered 20 years ago and while the depictions of workaholic schedules, toxic diet culture and unsupportive boyfriends haven’t aged so well (we’re looking at you, Nate) the style certainly has. The Devil Wears Prada revolves around Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway (who was fresh off the set of Brokeback Mountain when she took on this role).
HB’s ultimate shopping guide: 65+ essential Mother’s Day gifts to get and give
Your shopping cart starts here. Asides Whether it’s a mother, auntie, grandmother, maternal figure, or sister you’re shopping for this Mother’s Day, it’s hard to find Mother’s Day gifts that show them just how much you love them. Apart from the obvious – though arguably fail-safe – gift ideas such as fresh flowers and bath robes, finding unique gifts for the mother figure in your life is a task one shouldn’t take too lightly.
Red vines are the vibrant hero in this leafy autumnal garden
In autumn, the garden transforms with a ripple of red. Asides Just like the seasons that turn throughout the year, our lives also progress through different stages. Often, as children grow older, an emphasis on play makes way for more mature pursuits. This was what the homeowners of this East Melbourne abode found, as their two kids became teenagers. As such, a transformation of their outdoor area to suit the new phase of life became necessary.
Dark cottagecore is the latest trend taking the world by storm
Cottagecore is officially joining the dark side. Asides Cottagecore has proven an enduring trend in recent years, filled with charm, cosiness and also comfort. Not only is it beautiful, but it seems to forgive all manner of sins as well. A little clutter looks at home, lest you have a sparklingly clean kitchen that’s at odds with the lived-in look. Now, the style is beginning to evolve into something a little more moody and enveloping. Finally, allow us to introduce you to dark cottagecore.
I invited my entire family over then put this robot vacuum to the test
Home Shopping Product Reviews The future is here and it involves less house work. Asides As someone who lives in a two-bedroom apartment, I’ve never felt the need to invest in a high-end robot vacuum and mop. After all, my home is relatively compact, I don’t have children, and my only pet is a fish (so no shedding fur to contend with!). But when I was offered a trial of Ecovacs’ newest release, the Deebot T80S Omni vacuum and mop, I knew just how to put it to the test.
This small Parisian apartment in the heart of Melbourne is big on style
Home Home Tours Apartments Bonjour, beauty! Asides At first glance, you’d never suspect that this supremely sophisticated apartment once lacked character and charm. But that’s exactly the state developers left it in when they converted the 1891 building into apartments. Two bedrooms were squished into the small abode, and all the architectural character of the Queen Anne Revival-style exterior was lost.
I invited my entire family over then put this robot vacuum to the test
Home Shopping Product Reviews The future is here and it involves less house work. Asides As someone who lives in a two-bedroom apartment, I’ve never felt the need to invest in a high end robot vacuum and mop. After all, my home is relatively compact, I don’t have children and my only pet is a fish (so no shedding fur to contend with!). But when I was offered a trial of Ecovacs’ newest release, the Deebot T80S Omni vacuum and mop, I knew just how to put it to the test.
This baker’s kitchen was designed with a special husband seat
Home Kitchen Kitchen Design A need to knead drove the design of this kitchen, which has a special space for the baker’s husband to join the fun. Asides For the couple who own this sun-drenched apartment located on the serene South Coast of New South Wales, retirement gave them the opportunity to put down roots. “They were drawn to the relaxed pace and coastal lifestyle,” shares Stuart Gibson, design director of Birdblack Design, who took on this renovation in 2024. Top of the wish list?
Beautiful burgundy: Red wine is the hero in this galley kitchen
Home Kitchen Open Plan Kitchen Ideas Cheers to that! Asides The current version of this home in Sydney’s Upper North Shore is far from its first (or second, or third) iteration. Built in 1918, the abode has spent the better part of a century being renovated. In an attempt to bring the space closer to its original form, interior designer Greg Natale had to almost gut it all and start anew. This includes the galley kitchen.
Purr-fect match: These 16 pets look exactly like their interiors
Sometimes the perfect accessory is a furry friend! Asides We’ve all heard of couples who start to look like each other after decades of married life. We notice with glee anytime an owner starts to resemble their pet. Here at Home Beautiful, we’ve noticed a different twinning trend… introducing: pets who match the interiors of their home. Whether coincidental, intentional, or simply inexplicable, these pets have serious style.
Alert the ton! A largely untouched Georgian house is on the market in NSW
Goodbye modern life, hello 1800s! Asides Heritage buildings, with interiors that look as if they’re straight from the pages of Pride and Prejudice (or a scene in Bridgerton), are a rarity in Australia. If we wish to escape to the chateau, we normally have to move overseas. But this Georgian house, built in regional NSW in 1832, is an exciting exception.
Is Italian kitchen design the swoon-worthy trend our homes need?
We're saying "ciao, bella" to this gorgeous kitchen trend. Asides There’s no doubt about it: Italians know their way around a kitchen. And it’s not just the hearty meals they concoct to nourish the family or celebrate in style that make these work spaces so enviable. It’s the vibrant colour and pattern, with a touch of all-important texture, that ensures Italian kitchens are the latest style we can’t get enough of. And we have a stunning example for you to tour.
This Mediterranean-style weekender is a riot of colour and pattern
Featuring two colourful kitchens... but which one do you prefer? Asides Family came first in the renovation of this stunning bayside holiday home in Port Stephens, a two-hour drive north of Sydney. The homeowners, a married couple with three adult daughters, bought the Mediterranean-inspired abode 10 years ago, but it wasn’t until March 2021 that they enlisted the help of interior designer Lisa Burdus to take the rooms from dated to dreamy.
13 brilliant breakfast nook ideas to help you start your day right
Home Kitchen Open Plan Kitchen Ideas Don't blame us if you want to sit here all day! Asides For some people, mornings can be a difficult time of day. Prioritising a quiet moment of calm can go a long way towards helping you fully wake up. But carving out a space to enjoy life’s little pleasures, such as a cup of tea or coffee, can be a balancing act. The dining table is too formal, the kitchen too transient and the bed too, well, sleepy.
Is this the death of antiques?
Fast fashion and fast decor are destined for landfill. So where does that leave the antiques industry? Asides It doesn’t take a psychic to predict the outcome of our current spending habits. Just as fast fashion has swept through our wardrobes, only to be dumped in landfill the second the micro-trend has passed, fast decor is taking over our homes. An antique Balinese dresser commands attention alongside another beautiful find – a vintage armchair – in this home.
Blanket
Soft and warm and always there, Dark or light, you fight my fears, Wrapped around is my safe spot, I love you so much, how could I not, But keeps me warm in the cold, Only happy when tucked in it.
The ultimate cleaning schedule for your personality type
It's made just for you. Asides Three things in life are certain: death, taxes and the neverending burden of cleaning your home. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of advice on the internet regarding the best way to tackle those chores. From time-saving hacks to tips on labour division and room-by-room guides, the sheer volume of info can be overwhelming. But have you ever tried a cleaning schedule designed for your personality type?
8 outdoor kitchen ideas that will have you cooking up a storm
Home Outdoor Outdoor Kitchen The best place to enjoy a summer spread. Asides Indoor kitchens might be the heart of the home, but when the sun is shining and the sky is clear, they can feel almost like a prison. After all, who wants to stay cooped up inside, working over a hot stove, while your family gets to enjoy the brilliance of an Australian summer? Thankfully, that’s where outdoor kitchens come in.
Silvia Colloca cooks with freedom and joy (here’s how you can too)
Slow and steady wins the flavour race. Asides Silvia Colloca is in a constant state of juggling. Even in an industry filled with multi-hyphenate talents, she’s as well-rounded as they come. Italian-Australian, cook and opera singer, TV host and actress. It seems there’s nothing she can’t do. But no matter how busy life gets, Silvia slows it down in her authentic Italian home and kitchen. And she wants you to find that easy paced sense of joy for cooking, too.
Christmas countdown: 27 tasks to do before Christmas Day
The countdown to Christmas is on! Asides Is ‘less stress’ at the very top of your Christmas wish list? Then consider this the only guide you need to a calm festive season. Our Christmas countdown checklist will ensure your big day is easy-breezy and enjoyable for everyone. There’s no doubt the pressure of planning the perfect Christmas Day can be a little overwhelming. There are all the practicalities to consider – mouths to feed, guest rooms to prepare, kids to entertain.
Glow up: The vintage lighting trends we still can’t get enough of
These vintage styles light up our lives! Asides There was once a time, in the not-too-distant past, when the sunset plunged our homes into darkness each night. When Home Beautiful was first published in 1925, many Australian homes didn’t have electricity.
Is quiet luxury the secret to serene and stylish bathroom design?
Home Bathroom Ensuite Bathroom Ideas An opposing play of curves with straight lines brings balance and harmony to this ensuite. Asides Positioned in the heart of Sydney, this ensuite bathroom is a calming reprieve from the cacophony of sounds floating up from the city streets below. That is, at least in part, thanks to the idea of quiet luxury which underpins this space. The apartment was built in the late 1990s with a tired beige scheme in the bathroom.
Step inside Kirsten and Rhys Stanley’s cosy country Christmas
Home Home Tours Celebrity Homes With three young children, Christmas is a particularly special time for the family. Asides A country Christmas, in a home built for their family’s evolution, was the dream for Kirsten and Rhys Stanley. The respective fashion model and Geelong Cats AFL player missed out on several farms before finding this regional Victorian property, where they live with their children Jagger, seven, Sloane, five, and Hudson, two.
Lily Allen and David Harbour’s bold Brooklyn brownstone is for sale
In February 2023, singer Lily Allen and Stranger Things actor David Harbour welcomed Architectural Digest into their home and the interiors instantly went viral. The New York brownstone had been totally transformed into a maximalist marvel with the help of AD100 designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff from Made.
The 4 biggest kitchen trends to look out for in 2026
You heard it here first! Asides It’s no exaggeration to say that kitchens are some of the most important rooms in modern interiors. Their design, material palette and style can leave your home feeling like a daily delight or constant chaos. It’s no wonder then that these spaces undergo frequent renovations, from functional overhauls to cosmetic updates, to deal with changing lifestyles and trends. Thankfully, we know the upcoming kitchen trends to help you make your space functional yet fabulous.
The clever bathroom design trick behind this space-saving ensuite
Home Bathroom Ensuite Bathroom Ideas Rich tones and bold design choices evoke lashings of luxury in this main ensuite. Asides Near freezing mid-winter temperatures are no match against the warmth and cosiness of this ensuite. Designed by The Block competitors Emma and Ben as part of the 2025 season of the television show, the style was influenced by a “mid-century western” feel, befitting the home’s country surrounds of Daylesford, Victoria. Best of all?
This green kitchen is eclectic, unexpected and oh-so charming
A third (and final) kitchen renovation has given this busy family of five the stylish and clever space of their dreams. Asides In the 10 years that Jacquie Pask has lived in this home, situated in a Bayside Melbourne suburb, she has renovated the kitchen three times. This might seem excessive to some, but as the founder of Moss Interiors, the constant evolutions feel inevitable for Jacquie.
Inside the iconic Gilmore Girls home: cosy, quirky and oh-so-TV
Even after 25 years, where they lead, we will follow... Asides I don’t remember watching the Gilmore Girls pilot when it aired 25 years ago, in 2000. I was just six years old at the time. But my older sister and I went on to watch the entire show together, performing the dueted theme song and debating our Team Jess and Team Logan beliefs. Now, a whole quarter century since this beloved TV show first aired, many aspects of the show seem dated. One thing that hasn’t gone out of style?
A surprising discovery changed the course of this garden makeover
Home Outdoor Outdoor Pool Area Ideas A shock discovery led to challenges in this garden makeover but the space is now a restful reprieve from Melbourne's hustle and bustle. Asides This garden looked innocuous when Ed and his family first moved in, but it hid a surprising secret. Ed, his wife Esther, and their children Felix, 12, Bassie, nine, and Jasper, six, had only been living in the North Melbourne home for a short time when they decided to embark on a garden makeover.
Inside a 1930s heritage house with links to famed Sydneysiders
Decorating and designing go hand-in-hand when moving into a newly purchased home. However, for the homeowner of this heritage house, detective work was also at the top of the to-do list. “I was determined to find out what the story was with this house,” she says of the Georgian-style build in Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Along with her husband, she collected the keys in April 2021 and was immediately captivated by its rich history, dating back to 1938.
How to find the best dining chairs, bar stools and built-in seats for your kitchen
Pull up a chair and read our thorough guide. Asides There’s no denying that in recent years, the heart of the home has evolved to encompass far more than simply cooking. Modern kitchens are, more often than not, bustling hubs that require various seating options, including bar stools, dining chairs and other types of seats to suit a variety of purposes.
Colourful interiors and striking sea views envelop this Tasmanian Airbnb
Home Home Tours Traditional Homes Asides Life-changing moments can happen when you least expect it. This was the case for Alison, the homeowner of this Airbnb. For her, the transformative experience occurred while flicking through a copy of Home Beautiful. An editorial by interior designer Anna Spiro about decorating with colour caught her eye. “It was some kind of wake-up call,” says Alison. “She declared war on boring interiors.
10 simple ways to style your sofa like a professional
Go beyond the basics of throws and cushions. Asides Living room decor can be difficult to get right. It has to be comfortable and cosy but not so fussy that maintenance becomes time-consuming. You want to be able to flop down on your sofa at the end of a long day but you also need a space that looks stylish enough for guests. Here at HB, we love a simple fix. And there’s nothing that transforms your living room into an effortlessly beautiful, yet snug, space like a gorgeously styled sofa.
Calling all Austen fans! The ‘Pride and Prejudice’ house is for sale
Home Home Tours Celebrity Homes Mr Darcy sadly not included... Asides It is a truth universally acknowledged that every woman of good fortune must be in want of a Georgian manor. For fans of the BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries, it’s time to grab your bonnets and check your bank balance. ‘Luckington Court’ in England’s picturesque Cotswolds region is on the market again after just two years. And the asking price might just surprise you.
Heaven scent: 9 of the best luxury candles to light up your life
Aromatic and ambient. Asides When it comes to elevating the everyday, luxury candles are an easy win. At once decorative, ambient and aromatic, they are a treat for the senses and help to create a cosy mood. They can also serve as quite a personal gift (for Mother’s Day, Christmas and beyond). Many of the best luxury candles are made by perfumeries meaning that you can gift a loved one a candle in their own personal signature scent.
The secret to serenity: Designer tips for a dreamy ensuite bathroom
Home Bathroom Ensuite Bathroom Ideas Peaceful, indulgent and oh so practical. Asides Designing an ensuite bathroom is no easy feat, although this stunning example seems almost effortless. Down a long, steep driveway and nestled among majestic gum trees stands this Sydney home with waterfront views. When the homeowner of this idyllic abode decided to renovate, she hired Anna Williams, director of Your Beautiful Home.
Step inside Fleur Harris’ wonderful and whimsical home renovation
A chorus of cooing pigeons echoed down the chimney as artist Fleur Harris walked through the house that would become her home. As first impressions go, this one left much to be desired. The Victorian build had been untouched for three years and in that time nature had taken over. “There was years of pigeon poo piled up in the fireplaces,” Fleur recalls.
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