First impressions count, we all know that! Have you got a drab entryway to your home with no soul?

One great way to create a welcoming space is t add a console. A narrow table that is really a great way to add some interested to a entry, hallway, a room divider behind a sofa or even just in a small living space.

I love this console by Globe West, it's simple in style but just so beautiful and a perfect vehicle for some added decorative items.

The key to using a console is to create `Vignettes' of interesting objects. You might start with something tall like the artwork, a tall plant or a vase of flowers. Then cluster your beautiful objects at either end.

The old designers trick of using odd numbers comes into play here. For example, a group of 3 vases of varying heights or 5 stacked books. Lamps also look great on console tables. A great way to bring a softer light into your living room without finding room for a freestanding lamp.

Don't be afraid to perhaps use one kickass item, for example this giant cactus gives both height and really offsets the console table beautifully.

This console by Globe West is an artwork in itself. It doesn't really need much `dressing up' perhaps a simple stack of architectural books and a lamp would certainly be a statement. It would also be good in a bigger living room, you need some distance to stand back and get the full effect.

There's a huge range of console tables around modern through to more french provincial like this one with a zinc top. They suit all sorts of homes and give you somewhere to display beautiful items you may have collected on your travels or simply a few shells and a piece of driftwood from the beach...you are only limited by your imagination.

Let's talk navy walls. For years the norm has been to paint your home in neutrals, for fear of 'getting it wrong'. Don't get me wrong I love white, it's fresh and clean and feels light and happy. But in saying that, the fashion of dark walls in navy and black really appeal to me! I love the dramatic look and teamed with a vivid white or timber they are stunning, inside or out.

Navy walls look great in either small rooms like a bathroom or powder room or big like a kitchen or dining room. They make your artworks in particular pop and create a wow factor in your home with let's face it little more than the price of a couple of tins of paint and some labour. Navy and even black look fantastic in both modern homes or even more traditional Queenslanders or Victorian cottages. They even suit a modern take on your Hamptons look.

Navy walls look fantastic with a splash of colour, yellow, blush, red or greens even, you can bring those in with your soft furnishings.

Here are some great examples of different rooms and styles of homes. If you are worried about making the bold move to paint dark, call a colour consultant to steer you in the right direction and most of all be brave, you won't regret it!

Are you the outdoorsy type, you know, do you like to drink wine outdoors?! With spring well underway and summer just around the corner it's time to have a look at our outdoor spaces where we spend most of our time. What should we be looking at?

1. Outdoor furniture

Is your furniture old tired and mouldy? Perhaps you could just freshen with some new cushions. If not there is strong trend to creating outdoor `rooms'. This might include a sofa with some matching occasional chairs and low coffee table plus a big table and 8 - 10 chairs. Not only does this create another living area but fantastic value to your property. New trends in outdoor sofas almost look like they could be used inside they are so beautiful! We particularly love the Globe West range.

2. Outdoor rugs and accessories

Outdoor rugs can really make a difference to a outdoor space or room. Not only does it look stylish and can add colour, it anchors a table to a space and takes the heat out of a deck that can reflect strong light with adding the benefit of perhaps covering some weathered boards! Cushions are a brilliant way to add interest to a outdoor space and most people feel more comfortable using strong colours outside. Outdoor cushions using Sunbrella fabric are a great idea, they repel water and get less mould and also fade less. Otherwise if you are like me, I don't worry about the fading, I like new cushions every year!

3. Outdoor potted plants and garden beds

I'm not gardener that's for sure but I do love the look of a greenery on my deck or patio. Luckily much hardier plants like palms, succulents and fancy grasses are back in fashion. Indoor plants are also back in a big way if you have a shady spot that doesn't get direct sunlight. I always go for the biggest thing I can fit and afford for impact or multiples of smaller pots can have the same impact. Quite often on Queenslander decks you are disconnected from the garden so some statement plants are a beautiful touch.

So that's a couple of things to think about coming into summer.

Pleaseget in touch if we can help you make some decisions about updating or creating a outdoor room for you, let's face it, outside entertaining is the best...get the wine ready!

Recently I have worked on a couple of really modern homes and apartments that are all stark white. The clients were really struggling to make the space feel warm and homely. In one case they had already bought some furniture and it was all white two pack.

In both cases I introduced some timber in the furniture and cabinetry. It's one way of helping you connect your space with your outside environment and feel much more tactile and warm. You can combine the both you just need to make sure the tones of you timber match or really contrast. Use timber on floating shelves and frames on artworks as well.

Timber goes well with other materials like glass and leather too. Don't be afraid to mix your natural materials. Timber details can be used in all rooms of the house from laundry to bedroom in a feature wall.

Lot's of new furniture was released last month for the winter season. I don't recall a time when pastels were so prominent. It's easy to say that you find pastels too `girly' and wouldn't use them at home but teamed with the right look they can be great.

Pastel cushions, throws and artworks look fantastic against charcoal, black,navy, timber tones and more. It's like a pale pink business shirt with a charcoal suit. Classic and handsome. I urge you to give it a go, start with soft furnishings and go from there.

Furniture trends come and go. The Scandi style never seems to date or go out of fashion but this year we are seeing a little resurgance in 1970's style sofas and chairs, but in a much more tasteful way! Plus lots of metalics in coffee tables, bedsides and more. Gold, brass and copper are still strong this winter season.

Hello and welcome to Little Bowerbird, the interior design and styling arm of Green Grass Home & Body. For 13 years we have been helping customers furnish thier houses making them into the home they dream of.

We felt it was time for these services to have their own website and dedicated blog to talk all things homely! Please check back for tips and updates of beautiful things we have in store for you. Subscribe today...Joc xx