Downsize With Style: Recent Episodes
Bettina Deda
Discover new colour trends and learn more about the Dulux colour forecast 2017 Antidote - A Colour Cure in my interview with Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour Planning & Communications Manager at Dulux Group. We met at an event hosted by the Design Institute of Australia at Sydney Design Festival. The four colour trends at a glance: […] The post DWS 74: Dulux Colour Forecast 2017 appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode, I talk about the act of ‘letting go’. Letting go of thoughts, actions, things that do not serve us any longer. I would like to encourage you to think about things, beliefs and habits that you have been holding on to for a while, or maybe years, and what this does to […] The post DWS 73: Letting Go appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Colour is the most powerful tool in non-verbal communication. Colour impacts on a subconscious level on our behaviour, wellbeing, emotions, and decisions. No matter if you would like to become clear about a creative process in your personal or professional life, it is helpful to know the basic meaning of colours. Colour not only plays […] The post DWS 72: Colour Psychology for Home Decorators appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode of the Downsize with Style podcast show I talk about the power or positive psychology and establishing routines to become more creative. I also share my five strategies to boost your creativity when it comes to decorating your home or apartment. Show Notes Positive Psychology White Paper Book Tip: The Organised Mind […] The post DWS 71: 5 Strategies to Boost Your Creativity appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In Episode 70 of the Downsize with Style podcast you will hear: Tips to choose the right chair for your home What to consider when deciding between fabric and leather Where to download resources to help you make the right decisions Show Notes Downsize with Style toolbox resources HomeStyling 101 e-course The post DWS 70: Finding the Right Chair appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 69 of the Downsize with Style podcast you will hear how you can use the versatile mood board technique to visualise your retirement lifestyle. Translating your ideas on a vision board will • Provide Clarity: How and where do I want to live after downsizing? • Provide you with a tool for communication […] The post DWS 69: How to Visualise Your Retirement Lifestyle appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Interview with Jola Jackson, who publishes the UK blog Build Mum a House. When her mother could not maintain the family home any longer and it was time to downsize, Jola and her husband decided to build her a house with all the facilities she would need to enjoy her own home despite her reduced […] The post DWS 68: Build Mum a House appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Interview with Naomi Findlay, CEO of Silk Home and Founder of the International Institute of Home Staging about styling your home to live in. Topics: 3 Tips to style your home for sale Do not de-clutter the soul out of your home How to optimise storage in an apartment How to spruce up a bland […] The post DWS 67: Styling Your Home to Live in appeared first on Bettina Deda.
You might have been living in your apartment for a while and feel that it’s time for a change. If you’re looking to update your home decor, it can be difficult to know where to start – especially if you are not an expert in interior decorating. So, before you take on the task, listen […] The post DWS 66: 5 Tips to Spruce up Your Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
January usually is the month when we are full of energy in regards to the things we want to achieve in the upcoming months. We intend to start fresh and organised in the new year to get on top of things. Maybe your goal is to downsize your home, to start a new hobby, to […] The post DWS 65: 10 Tips to Stay Organised at Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
This episode of the Downsize with Style podcast features extracts of three shows that have been most popular in 2015 to help you downsizing your home: 1. Decluttering by Categories 2. 7 Things to Consider when Downsizing 3. Case Study: From Empty Nest to No Nest If you could leave a rating on iTunes to […] The post DWS 64: Best of 2015 appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Are you overwhelmed with the number of retirement housing options to choose from? Are you not sure if a retirement village is your thing? Would you like to learn more about community living? Stay tuned to this podcast and you will find out why living in a retirement village could be the right choice for […] The post DWS 63: The Gracewood Community appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Have you ever considered community living and moving into a retirement resort? Would you like to hear first hand what the advantages of apartment living are? Are you curious to learn more about the life in a resort-style community? Tune in to episode 62 of the Downsize with Style podcast to listen to Sydney couple […] The post DWS 62: Case Study: Community Living appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode, I share seven things to consider when downsizing your home, such as costs, lifestyle, location, funcitonality, and your social network. I also talk about mood boards and why you should consider using a mood board when furnishing your new home and interior decorating. Show Notes: 5 Reasons Why you Should Consider a […] The post DWS 61: 7 Things to Consider When Downsizing Your Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Affordable housing for a growing population is a hot topic in Australia. In the past year, I interviewed many people on this podcast helping empty nesters find the right place to live for their retirement. In the US, shared housing is a massive trend and follows the sharing economy from Airbnb and Uber. According to […] The post DWS 60: House Sharing for Empty Nesters appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode, I chat with Veronica and David, a couple from the US, who downsized from their family home to a campervan travelling the world. They share their their experiences on their blog and in their book Going Gypsy - One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at all. You will hear […] The post DWS 59: From Empty Nest to No Nest appeared first on Bettina Deda.
You are downsizing and looking to create an inspiring, stylish, and personal home. In order to achieve this, you need to find your personal decorating style. I believe that everybody has a certain decorating style, some people just don’t know how to name it. Don’t be confused if you like a mix of different styles […] The post DWS 58: 3 Strategies to Find Your Decorating Style appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 57 of the Downsize with Style podcast, I share 5 Tips to de-clutter your paperwork. Show Notes: DWS 36: Downsizing Case Study Case Study: Embrace Clever Design and Live Smarter The post DWS 57: Decluttering Paperwork appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Australia’s first apartment dog park has been announced in Melbourne. The Gardenhill Project will feature a securely fenced ground floor off-lead area for dogs with seating, drinking facilities and a dog-cleaning station. According to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), there are over 33 million pets in Australia, with 39 […] The post DWS 56: Downsizing with Pets appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Downsizing, de-cluttering, selling your family home, moving to a smaller space – the entire process can be very stressful. Therefore, it is important to look after your health and wellbeing when starting your downsizing journey. In this podcast, I talk with Susan Kath, a Nutritionist and Wellness coach. She is very passionate about food and […] The post DWS 55: Eating and Ageing Well appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Do you have difficulties to let go of things because you might need them someday? Well, you are not alone. "Someday" is the our biggest enemy of most people, as it prevents us from focussing on the things that are important to us right now. In this podcast, I share a little exercise from The […] The post DWS 54: Decluttering by Categories appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 53 I share three essential steps to make most out of a spare bedroom. Often, spare bedrooms are not very spacious in the first place. You might also find built-in wardrobes or large windows that take away wall space and make it even more difficult to work out the best room layout. Tune […] The post DWS 53: Multi-Purpose Rooms appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Do you want to know How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life? Tune in to episode 52 of the Downsize with Style podcast with leadership coach and author Victoria Rose. Her book is a celebration of smart, single women over 60 and the many roles they play over their […] The post DWS 52: From NOW to WOW appeared first on Bettina Deda.
You turned 50 and now what? How are you going to navigate the next stage of your life or career? What are you passionate about? What is important to you? In this episode, I speak with Joanna Maxwell about her new workshop Journey Without Maps, tools to spark your creativity, methods to sort out your […] The post DWS 51: Navigate Your Life appeared first on Bettina Deda.
A while ago, I came across an article in The Retiree Magazine from psychologist Fiona Robards, author of the book What Makes You Happy. The article summarised a chapter of her book where she suggests that the easiest way to feel happy and confident is to dress as though you already feel it. Fake it […] The post DWS 50: Personal Style Makeover appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this podcast, I speak with Lisa McAdams, a personal trainer and transformational couch specialising in helping women, who went through a divorce or are in the process of divorcing. Lisa's motto is Life by Design, not by default. A divorce is often a reason to downsize your home. The family home is going to […] The post DWS 49: Downsizing after Divorce appeared first on Bettina Deda.
I have been working on a downsizing campaign with Howard's Storage World over the past six months. In this podcast, I speak with Cathy Player about the two downsizing case studies published in the July catalogue, storage concepts for apartment living and how to participiate in the Downsize With Style Facebook competition. The first prize […] The post DWS 48: Living With Less appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 47 of the Downsize with Style podcast, I chat with interior designer Babette Hayes about love in the home and how to create a happy home - no matter how big or small it is. We cover a broad range of topics such as colour, storage, space planning, decorating essentials, art placement, de-cluttering, […] The post DWS 47: Love Your Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Apartment living is becoming more and more popular. A Tsunami of articles has flooded the media landscape about minimum sizes, affordability, and the importance of good design in smaller spaces. Life in Windowless Box: The Vertical Slums of Melbourne is the title of an article by Ralph Horne and Megan Nethercote, RMIT University, stating that, […] The post DWS 46: Strata Information Library appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode of the Downsize with Style podcast show we are talking about Lifestyle Planning and what to consider when downsizing. It is vital to become clear about your emotional needs after downsizing in order to avoid costly mistakes. • Do you want to stay in the same area? • Would you prefer to […] The post DWS 45: Lifestyle Planning appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode, Bettina talks about versatile apartment furniture – spotted at IKEA – for living areas and bedrooms as well as some interesting solutions to create a small workspace in your apartment. She also discusses why it is a good idea to browse furniture showrooms if you are downsizing to an apartment or smaller […] The post DWS 44: Versatile Apartment Furniture appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 43, Bettina speaks with Chris Johnson, CEO of the Urban Taskforce Australia. In the first part, Chris shares his downsizing journey and how he let go of an extensive aboriginal art collection and some of their furniture. He also explains how their lifestyle changed after moving to a 2-bedroom apartment. In the second […] The post DWS 43: Interview Chris Johnson appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Do you know your finances? Do you have an idea what you will need for your retirement? What lifestyle you would like to have? Are you in a position to make informed decisions about your future? Tune in to our podcast this week to hear a discussion with financial planner Steve Barber. Steve and I […] The post DWS 42: Financial Security appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this episode, Sally Hart reports live from New York City where she speaks with former clients who have downsized several times and now live in a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. They also own an apartment in Sydney. Tune in to hear how this couple managed to de-clutter, why it is important for them to […] The post DWS 41: US Case Study on Downsizing appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Did you know that 56 percent of Sydneysiders are involved in apartment living? And that 40 percent of apartment owners are baby boomers? In episode 40 of the Downsize With Style podcast I share some interesting research results from a poll commissioned by the Urban Taskforce Australia. Tune in to hear who is attracted to […] The post DWS 40: Apartment Living in Sydney appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Granny flats are an option to keep your family home for your children and downsize on your property to a more compact space. Our interview partner today is Wally Gebreal, Head Designer and Partner of Grannyflatsolutions. Grannyflatsolutions is a granny flat builder and division of BuildSense Solutions, bringing together a dedicated team of qualified architects, […] The post DWS 39: Granny Flats appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Moving to an apartment or smaller home means to start from scratch with your home entertainment system. You might face difficulties in setting up your internet connection in the rooms you want, moving your TV away from the pre-installed connection, or setting up an audio system throughout your apartment and outdoor area. Listen to this […] The post DWS 38: Home Entertainment Systems appeared first on Bettina Deda.
When downsizing to a smaller home or apartment, people often take the oppportunity to create something new, a different style, a different look in their new home. As I get often asked where to buy stylish and functional apartment furniture, I invited Eliza Williams, Marketing Manager of BoConcept, to the show. BoConcept is a Danish […] The post DWS 37: Interview with BoConcept appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 36 of the Downsize With Style podcast, I interview Tami Marlowe, who downsized with her husband from a 3-bedroom property in the suburb of Eastwood to a 2-bedroom apartment in the iconic Sydney beachside suburb of Manly. Learn about their biggest challenges, why they decided to downsize and how they found the ideal […] The post DWS 36: Downsizing Case Study appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Have you used your garage as art studio or workshop? And now you are wondering where to move this favourite space with all its items when downsizing to an apartment with no extra storage? Defining your future lifestyle and what is important for you after downsizing is an important topic to discuss before moving. Your […] The post DWS 35: Creative Ways to Accomodate Your Hobbies After Downsizing appeared first on Bettina Deda.
"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action." Benjamin Disraeli Tune in to this episode of the Downsize With Style podcast where Sally and I discuss simple things you can do to feel happier at home. Some of them do not cost the world and only take a few minutes […] The post DWS 34: Simple Strategies to be Happier at Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 33 of the Downsize With Style podcast, Sally Hart talks with Laurel Grey from Happily Organised, specialising in streamlining digital work spaces, about how to sort out your paperwork, email and life – online and offline. Hear about some great apps that are free to download and will help you reduce stress and […] The post DWS 33: How to Organise Your Paperwork and Digital World appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Storage is a major topic for any homeowner – no matter how large or small a home is. And it is even more important for empty nesters downsizing to a more compact space. We all tend to have too much stuff and accumulate more and more over time. Therefore, it is vital to have a […] The post DWS 32: How Architects Can Add Value to Your Retirement Lifestyle appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Today I am talking to Julie Nelson, an aromatherapist, natural beauty consultant and artisan perfumer, about how aromatherapy can help you reduce stress when downsizing. The idea to invite Julie to the show was born when I read an article in the Australian Financial Review last year that downsizing is one of the major causes […] The post DWS 31: Aromatherapy or The Power of Smell appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode number 30, I am talking with Arif Imran from Shady Designs in Sydney's Inner West, offering bespoke lampshades. We met a couple of years ago, when I introduced my art-inspired fabrics to him. He recently told me that they have quite a few empty nesters as customers, asking for help with new custom-made […] The post DWS 30: Bespoke Lampshades and More appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Discussing one of Sally's ideabooks on houzz Australia, we share some strategies and tips to find the right mindset for de-cluttering and accumulating less in the future. We talk about philosophy, behaviour, and creating your individual systems to keep your home tidy and organised. Tune in to our podcast show, as downsizing has never sounded […] The post DWS 29: Clutter Busters appeared first on Bettina Deda.
This is the first episode with storage designer Sally Hart as co-host. Sally will join me and contribute with her knowledge and tips to make your life easier when downsizing. In this episode she shares her unique downsizing story, having downsized in her family home without moving and selling her property, which she and her […] The post DWS 28: Downsizing in Your Family Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Finding your personal decorating style can be challenging and is one of the reasons why Australians use houzz, a combination of an interior design online directory and glossy design magazine. What started out in the US in 2009, has now spread over the globe and connects homeowners with industy professionals in ten countries. The online […] The post DWS 27: 2 Epic Online Platforms for Home Decorators appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In the podcast I talk about a book I recently came across and that is very close to my heart: Be Happier At Home by Gretchen Rubin. In one of her chapters she suggest being a tourist in your own city to discover the beauty that lies in everything around you. As this relates very […] The post DWS 26: Be Happier at Home appeared first on Bettina Deda.
What are people looking for in a retirement property? Two bedrooms or more, a community setting and public transport are on top of the wish list for retiring baby boomers. This episode of the Downsize With Style podcast reveals the latest survey results from Seniors Housing Online from over 1,000 people taking part in the […] The post DWS 25: Retirement Property Survey appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Especially after downsizing and letting go of a big house with lots of chores people often free up time for hobbies, travelling, or the things they are passionate about. Even after retiring from the workforce, a lot of people enjoy working a few hours and contributing their knowledge, their expertise to the community or a […] The post DWS 24: Working Part-Time as Retiree appeared first on Bettina Deda.
It is the time of the year to think about and write down your major goals for 2015. Have you thought about your New Year resolutions? When I started thinking about mine, I realised that I first need to reflect on 2014 and acknowledge what I have achieved this year. When writing down all my […] The post DWS 23: Reflections 2014 & New Year Resolutions appeared first on Bettina Deda.
This episode of the Downsize With Style podcast features an interview with storage designer Sally Hart from Clever Closet Company. Storage is a major topic for homeowners - no matter how large or small your home is. When downsizing, it becomes even more important. No wonder, that storage optimisation is one of the major challenges […] The post DWS 22: Getting Started with Storage Design appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Today we are talking about the basics of Body Corporates and what every empty nester, thinking of buying an apartment, needs to know about their investment. Are you thinking of buying an apartment off the plan? Are you hesitant because you are not sure if you understand all the responsibilities that are involved in such […] The post DWS 21: Buying An Apartment appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Handling emotions and dealing with sentimental items is one of the hardest things to deal with when downsizing. We project our memories in our belongings and feel we will lose those memories when we do not possess the belongings anymore. To overcome those feelings, the first step is to understand that our memories are NOT […] The post DWS 20: 11 Tactics to Deal with Sentimental Items appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Storage is a major topic for any homeowner – no matter how large or small your home is. This episode of the Downsize With Style podcast looks into storage optimisation, where to find storage in a more compact space and how to define your storage needs. You will hear about storage tips for different rooms […] The post DWS 19: Storage Solutions For Small Spaces appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Episode 18 of the Downsize With Style podcast provides tips and tricks from professional stylists for home decorators. You will learn How to have some fireplace decorating fun How to style a vignette How to curate a bookshelf How to decorate walls creatively To get an automatic notification of new episodes, please download a podcast […] The post DWS 18: A Quick Guide To Decorating appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode 17 of the Downsize With Style podcast we look at how to create an interesting and unique interior by mixing and matching. If you would like to inject your personality into your new apartment, mixing and matching is a good way to go: mix old and new, very expensive and very cheap, colours […] The post DWS 17: Foolproof Decorating Tips for Apartment Downsizers appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In episode number 16 of the Downsize With Style podcast show I am talking with Conway Stensness, founder and director of Relax and Move, a relocation business based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. If you keep listening you will learn how to make your move as relaxed and least stressful as possible. You will learn How […] The post DWS 16: Relax and Move – Expert Advice on Moving appeared first on Bettina Deda.
If you are downsizing, you are moving to a smaller space. A lot of empty nesters find it hard to prioritise what to keep and how to optimise the space in their new home. In episode 15 of the Downsize With Style podcast you will discover five methods to make a space look larger and […] The post DWS 15: How To Make Small Spaces Look Larger appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Small spaces require clever space management and room layouts. Every square metre needs to be used. Another important point to consider is the traffic flow through your apartment. Plan your home’s circulation and your space will work automatically. In episode 13 of the Downsize With Style podcast you will learn about clever apartment room layouts, […] The post DWS 14: Clever Ideas for Apartment Room Layouts appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Welcome to episode Nr. 13 of the Downsize With Style podcast to help empty nesters overcome procrastination, get rid off their clutter and stuff and eventually achieve a stylish and functional home in a more compact space. In this week's podcast, I am interviewing interior designer Babette Hayes. We are talking about how to make […] The post DWS 13: Interview with Babette Hayes appeared first on Bettina Deda.
You have come a long way now and can be proud of your achievements. You have mastered the unpopular task of de-cluttering and have decided what to take to your new home. You also went on a self-discovery journey and immersed yourself in the creative process of visualisation. Once you have decided on the look […] The post DWS 12: Epic Formula To Make Your Interior Work appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Step 3 of the 5-step process to downsize with style is a creative task which will help you visualise your ideas, thoughts, and findings. To visualise your ideas on a mood board or in a style journal is an important step along the way to create a stylish and functional home — especially if you […] The post DWS 11: Visualise Your Ideas appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Today I would like to invite you to learn more about Step 2 of the 5-step process to downsize with style. Now that you have de-cluttered, tidied up and created your lists of what you want and need, it is time to go on a self-discovery journey and find your personal decorating style. As American […] The post DWS 10: Find Your Personal Decorating Style appeared first on Bettina Deda.
I am not a big gardener I have to admit. I know, however, that many empty nesters had big gardens and find it very hard to let go of them. In this week's podcast I am talking to Nadia Pomare, landscape designer and owner of Stylish Gardens, how to set up a garden on a […] The post DWS 09: Essential Things For Balcony Gardens appeared first on Bettina Deda.
In this podcast we are focussing on the most important pieces of furniture to start a new chapter of your life in a smaller space. But don’t worry, I encourage you to dream big and to add the icing on the cake later. We all have to work to a budget, and therefore it is […] The post DWS 08: Decorating Essentials & Wish List appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Have you heard of Feng Shui but don't know how to incorporate it in your home? Feng Shui is the study of time and space and seeks to harmonise nature’s forces within your living or working environment. Feng Shui is 3000 years old and originated in China. It has been practised with a lot of […] The post DWS 07: Key Benefits Of Feng Shui Interiors appeared first on Bettina Deda.
You are planning to move to a smaller home or are in the process of downsizing already. Even if you are super-tidy and organised, you may face some de-cluttering challenges. For most of us, de-cluttering is not a favourite task and therefore frequently postponed. Do you wake up in the middle of the night, wondering […] The post DWS 06: The Ultimate Decluttering Guide appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Handling emotions and dealing with sentimental items is one of the hardest things to deal with when downsizing. We project our memories in our belongings and feel we will lose those memories when we do not possess the belongings anymore. To overcome those feelings, the first step is to understand that our memories are NOT […] The post DWS 05: Creative Ways to Deal With Sentimental Items appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Finding the right place to live when downsizing is one of the hardest tasks for empty nesters. There are many factors to take into consideration when looking for a new home, which should be cosy and comfortable as this is vital for your wellbeing. Are you overwhelmed with the number of retirement housing options to […] The post DWS 04: How to Find the Right Retirement Village appeared first on Bettina Deda.
I recently was invited to speak at a downsizing event about property styling and how to best dress your home for success when selling. Over 150 people attended this information session with Andrew Winter from Selling Houses Australia at The Gracewood Community in Kellyville. The attendants asked a lot of questions about how to de-clutter […] The post DWS 03: How To Style Your Property For Sale When Downsizing appeared first on Bettina Deda.
I recently had my first author talk at the lovely Bookoccino book store in Avalon, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. With 20 guests and the staff seated between book shelves we had a nice and cosy atmosphere to discuss downsizing challenges. I gave an overview of the 5 steps to downsize with style with a more […] The post DWS 02: Downsize With Style Author Talk appeared first on Bettina Deda.
Welcome to the Downsize With Style podcast show to help you create a happy home and refine your new lifestyle! A I keep getting a lot of positive feedback to my book I decided utilise another media channel to share my message with you - the Downsize With Style podcast show for people, who are […] The post DWS 01: Introduction of the Downsize With Style Podcast Show appeared first on Bettina Deda.