Situated in the suburb of Bryndwr, this home feels like a sheltered urban oasis, a place designed to deliver a holiday‑at‑home feeling every day. Following an extensive renovation of their existing home, the clients engaged Andrea to help furnish multiple spaces, including the living, dining, sunroom, bedroom, study, and outdoor areas.
With family arriving from overseas just before Christmas, the project required a swift yet thoughtful approach. The brief was to work with the newly renovated finishes, incorporate existing artwork and personal pieces, and create a cohesive interior that felt distinctly European in sensibility, layered, refined, and deeply personal. We spoke with Andrea about the design process, collaboration, and what it takes to bring a home like this together.
Can you walk me through the initial consultation with the client? What were their main goals and desires for the project?
The clients had recently completed an extensive renovation, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and overall layout, and were seeking guidance in selecting furniture that would complement the new colour palette while sitting comfortably alongside pieces they already owned. I first met them in-store towards the final stages of the renovation. With family arriving from overseas, they needed a quick turnaround to furnish several areas of the home. This called for a considered yet efficient approach, ensuring each space was completed to a high standard and ready to be enjoyed.
What was the first step in developing the design concept? Did you start with any specific inspiration or themes?
The first step was visiting the home to gain a clear understanding of the spaces. Seeing the rooms in person allowed me to assess scale, light, and flow, while working from the renovation plans ensured each piece would sit proportionally and functionally within the layout. The clients also had a number of meaningful items that needed to be incorporated thoughtfully into the scheme, which helped inform early decisions. From there, we spent time together in the showroom, which gave me a strong sense of their aesthetic preferences. They gravitated towards a European sensibility, with an appreciation for layered textures, natural materials, and understated sophistication. This direction guided the overall concept and informed the furniture and fabric selections that followed.
How did you collaborate with the client to understand their style preferences, needs, and functionality requirements for the space?
Collaboration began with spending time in their home, understanding both the physical layout and how they wanted to live within each space. The showroom sessions were equally valuable, allowing me to observe their responses to different materials, finishes, and forms. They were consistently drawn to a refined aesthetic, combining varied timbers, soft textures, and subtle metallic accents. Alongside this, we discussed how each space needed to function, balancing comfort, everyday living, and the ability to host and entertain. Their existing furniture and artwork played an important role in shaping the overall feel, ensuring the home remained personal and authentic. Through open conversations and shared decision-making, we developed a direction that felt cohesive and well aligned to their lifestyle.
What were the most important factors you kept in mind when selecting materials, furniture, and finishes for this project?
A key consideration was sourcing pieces that could be delivered efficiently without compromising on quality or design. I focused on New Zealand suppliers and local manufacturers, along with fabrics that were readily available, allowing the project to progress smoothly. Functionality was equally important. Each space required materials suited to its environment, particularly the sunroom, which opens directly to the outdoors. Using outdoor-grade fabrics in this area ensured durability while maintaining a refined look. Throughout the home, the focus was on balancing practicality with a cohesive and considered aesthetic.
Was there any specific piece or design element you were especially excited about incorporating?
One of the standout elements was incorporating pieces from our Belle Interiors Collection. The refined silhouettes and subtle detailing aligned beautifully with the clients’ aesthetic, bringing a sense of elegance to the living spaces, while also offering long-term comfort and durability. I was also particularly excited about the custom Nick Radford rug in the living room. Crafted from New Zealand wool in layered tones, it adds depth, warmth, and texture, acting as a grounding element that ties the entire palette together.
How did you work with the client? Can you describe the collaboration process?
The collaboration felt like a true partnership. We worked closely in-store to review options and make decisions efficiently, supported by regular communication to keep everything progressing smoothly. Each space was considered in detail, from how it needed to function to how it would feel day to day. The clients were highly engaged throughout the process, which made refining selections seamless and ensured the final outcome felt resolved and cohesive.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job when working on a project like this? Was there anything you learned from this project that you would apply to future designs?
The most rewarding part is seeing clients feel genuinely connected to their home once everything comes together. Knowing the spaces not only look beautiful but also support how they live is incredibly fulfilling. This project reinforced the importance of clear communication and a considered approach, particularly when working within a defined timeframe. It highlighted the value of creating interiors that feel both functional and deeply personal, something I continue to carry into future projects.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about working with an interior designer for the first time?
I encourage clients to come into the process with an open mind and a willingness to share how they live. The more insight a designer has into your routines, preferences, and past experiences, the more tailored the outcome will be. Being clear about budget from the outset is also incredibly helpful, allowing for thoughtful recommendations that align with both vision and practicality. Most importantly, trust the process. A designer’s role is to translate your ideas into a cohesive, functional space, often introducing possibilities you may not have considered. When there is open communication and collaboration, the result is a home that feels considered, comfortable, and authentically yours.
If you’re considering working with one of our experienced consultants, visit our website to book a consultation. Our team would love to help you create a home that reflects your lifestyle and feels effortlessly beautiful.
