Tag: renovation

onsite detail

  • 24 March 2025

The process of building or renovating can be an overwhelming experience, completion of the plans feels like a milestone achievement worthy of a celebration because surely all decisions are behind you now …  girl you better get ready for round two!

Onsite decisions are a critical part of the build process, now is the time to really focus on how the spaces function and to add the finer layer of detail.

Be prepared to answer questions on installation heights of vanities and taps, placement of power points and lighting, think about what fixings will be needed for window treatments.   How does the height of the fire place interact with the TV,  do you prefer a mantel or a hearth – or both!  How will the junction between wall and ceiling look, where will the changes in flooring materials be, are the products you have selected fit for purpose, where can you add additional storage.

Decisions onsite will happen quickly, you will need to have clear communication with your builder and sub trades.  Having an interior designer as part of your team is an invaluable resource, a great sounding board for ideas, an interpreter of site jargon, and a source of independent advice that is not sales driven, advice that is totally focused on what is best for the client.

Think of me as your onsite support person, ensuring your home is both Beautiful and Functional.

 

 

tips on exterior colour combinations for your house

  • 7 April 2020

Working on a new build project the first job on the to-do list is to decide on the exterior colours, most clients find this really difficult.

We all know the value of street appeal and, if we are honest, the desire to own the best looking house on the street is within us all. The exterior is the first impression of your home and is comprised of products that will last the lifetime of your build, the colour combination also sets the style of the interior, ….. so much PRESSURE and you haven’t set foot inside yet!!

Don’t panic, there is just one easy rule to follow; aim to use a maximum of 3 colours – simple right?

Try to package together the elements, most homes will use more than one type of cladding, for example, brick + cedar so already you have used 2 colours now combine the roof, window joinery and garage door as the 3rd colour.

Villa style homes offer an opportunity to highlight features without breaking the 3 colour rule, below I have used Resene Double Linen on the weatherboards with Resene Half Sea Fog for the trims, Pearl White window joinery and garage door, topped with a colorsteel Flax Pod roof

traditional plain interiors transformed into modern contemporary spaces

  • 22 March 2016

I recently completed a Perfect Combination Project – A blank canvas spec home + existing clients on their second project = boundaries pushed with amazing results!

The newly constructed spec home was beautifully proportioned but super plain – so plain it made you sleepy!! Client brief was to add some personality, warmth and interest so we set to work……..

The Master bedroom was spacious  opening out onto a sunny courtyard but lacked any redeeming features so we added Harlequin wallpaper, Hemptech fabric and Bianca Lorenne Bed linen.

Feature wallpaper was repeated in the Lounge with dramatic effect, an existing David Shaw Chair was revitalized with new Harlequin fabric.

Another stunning Harlequin wallpaper in the entrance added drama

These simple additions change the house to a home.

A space well and truly stamped with the clients personality.