My Mission
Making spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements, moving walls, and selecting essential and decorative items - I always run my ideas though with a licensed builder or involve an architect for major Projects. I work alongside a team of local experienced and reliable trades people - Electricians, Builders, Carpenters, Painters, Graphic Designers, Plumbers, Cabinet Makers, Flooring, Window Decor and Upholsterers.
I aim to draw out of you all the things you like and do not like about your home/space and then give you understanding why you need certain colours in certain spaces or the rearrangement of furniture for a better flow. I want to work alongside of you, by offering choice and guiding you through the thought process. Together we will find your heart in your home.
Why use me?
Flexable
I am available for consultations outside working hours and can look at properties on weekends (I just require 48hrs notice).
30 Years Experience
I have been helping Businesses, family and friends with advice for over 30 years.
Reliable
I am reliable and trustworthy. I also work with a team of trades that strive to be reliable. We have a strong communication with each other so if there are any delays, we/you are notified straight away.
My Background
I have studied and worked in graphic art, advertising, interior design, design/manufacture homewares.
I Work to a Budget
I am at my most creative when a budget is thrown at me, and love a challenge, whether it is solving a building problem or negotiating with suppliers or manufacturers for a better/fair price.
Peace of mind
Renovations can be a very stressfull process. I make this process as simple as possible giving you confidence and peace of mind, every step of the way from design through to the finished project.
The 7 principles of Interior Design
.Balance .Emphasis .Contrast .Rhythm. Scale/Proportion .Harmony/Unity .Details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Interior Design and Interior Decorating?
Interior Design is the art and science of understanding people’s behaviour to create functional spaces within a building. While Interior Decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic.
What makes a good Designer?
A good place to begin is to understand the different modern interior styles currently on trend.
Its important to be flexible, adaptable, and open minded to new design ideas. With no influence of the designers preferred style.
Is it worth hiring an Interior Designer?
Hiring a Designer can help avoid costly mistakes, and help you make design decisions that will increase the value of your home.
For example, trying to cut costs in areas where you have no experience in can end up being more costly, let alone stressful and leave a real bad taste, to the point I know of people who were so disappointed with the work they ended up selling as they could not face living in their “dream home”. They felt they had been ripped off, the work done was not to their expectations due to miscommunications, this led to hostile arguments with the trades people, in which they walked off the job! In the end the Homeowner sold the house unfinished and lost money.
What to know before you hire an Interior Designer!
1. Know your budget - sometimes this can be tricky when your really not sure of what your needing done, its more having an amount in your head that your prepared to pay, so when we do meet and I have assessed the job, I will be able to give you a rough price indication, (before getting firm quotes from the trades team) always start with a wish list and we can always cut back…… I love working with Budgets, I do my most creative work when I have a budget.
2. Set a timeline for the Project – this is mainly how far into the future you are wanting to start. E.g.- ASAP, 3 months, or 12 months down the track.
3. Start gathering inspirations – e.g., colours, styles, photos of kitchens, bathrooms etc.
Why would you contract me?
I will take the time to understand your needs, your passions eg- family, travel, entertaining etc. This helps in the design process, I can easily show you the latest trends, but this does not mean it will suit you or your family’s personality. Eg client – I love minimalist and lots of white! Reality – I have a growing active family and do not have time to be cleaning all the time! Answer – we can paint walls white, design some functional storage, and select some user-friendly fabrics for furnishings, that will give the illusion of minimalism yet family friendly.
When should You hire Me?
Sooner the better! The earlier you source an Interior Designer, the smoother your renovation or makeover process will be throughout its duration.
Not sure what I want?
My job is to work out what it is that you are looking for in your home/space. I have designed a simple questionnaire for you to fill out before the consultation. Just contact me below and I will send it to you in pdf form.
Pricing
- Consultation starting price is $240 for a basic make over up to 2 rooms, $450 for an average size home (includes, kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, bedrooms)
With both options I follow up with a detailed list of ideas, for you to keep and go over, and if your confident in handling your renovation, then I can help you with time lines for procedures to help it go smoother for you.
This is the most important part of the reno, as I look at your spaces that are wanting change, taking measurements, and chatting to you, forming an understanding of you and your family’s lifestyle, this all helps with the design process.
Or You may only require ideas or guidance with colour options etc, which I am happy to do in the initial consultation - Basic house or space plan includes measurements (the plan is mainly used as a visual for the ideas, it is not architectural approved. Prices start from $90 depends on the size of the Project and will be quoted separately.
- Overseeing the Project depending on size of Renovation or make over, and how much hands-on you require of me e.g. – checking on progress reports, organising entry, (if you are time poor due to other commitments) dealing with tradies, or just the initial start of the job when dealing with meeting up with the tradies and discussing the jobs. All will be quoted accordingly.
- Depending on the job, my trades team will invoice you direct, this helps keep the pricing to a minimum.