DESKTOP
MOBILE
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Shelley Ferguson, award-winning editor, media personality, and founder of SF Studio, to explore how great interior design transforms more than just spaces. From early inspiration to final installation, Shelley shares her process for achieving “liveable luxury,” a blend of beauty, durability, and function that supports real life in all its glorious messiness.
She unpacks why proportion, circulation, and cabinetry matter more than any Pinterest board, and how materials, colour, and natural light need to work with, not against, New Zealand’s unique conditions. Shelley also opens up about the emotional arc of a renovation or new build, and the pivotal role a designer plays in helping clients make the right choices in the right order.
Throughout the conversation, Shelley explains how thoughtful design decisions affect how you live, not just how things look. She shares what to expect in the design journey and how to avoid regret spending, while highlighting the often underestimated impact of built-in joinery compared to expensive styling. Shelley also reflects on the power of collaboration with trades and how to keep those relationships productive and positive.
To round out the episode, she offers one smart move for each of the four major homeowner journeys, helping listeners understand how great design can align with any stage of homeownership. Whether you’re updating a single room or building from scratch, Shelley’s message is clear: the most luxurious spaces are the ones that feel calm, functional, and uniquely yours.
Enjoyed this episode?
There’s plenty more where that came from. The Trends Property Insight Series is a video podcast that dives into the real stories, expert advice, and smart solutions behind New Zealand’s renovation, building, and home buying journeys. Hosted by Andrew Johnson, each episode features industry leaders, design professionals, and product innovators sharing practical insights to help you make confident decisions for your home.
To explore the full series of interviews, design stories, and renovation tips, head over to our Podcast Page and watch or listen to every episode on demand.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Shelley Ferguson, award-winning editor, media personality, and founder of SF Studio, to explore how great interior design transforms more than just spaces. From early inspiration to final installation, Shelley shares her process for achieving “liveable luxury,” a blend of beauty, durability, and function that supports real life in all its glorious messiness.
She unpacks why proportion, circulation, and cabinetry matter more than any Pinterest board, and how materials, colour, and natural light need to work with, not against, New Zealand’s unique conditions. Shelley also opens up about the emotional arc of a renovation or new build, and the pivotal role a designer plays in helping clients make the right choices in the right order.
Throughout the conversation, Shelley explains how thoughtful design decisions affect how you live, not just how things look. She shares what to expect in the design journey and how to avoid regret spending, while highlighting the often underestimated impact of built-in joinery compared to expensive styling. Shelley also reflects on the power of collaboration with trades and how to keep those relationships productive and positive.
To round out the episode, she offers one smart move for each of the four major homeowner journeys, helping listeners understand how great design can align with any stage of homeownership. Whether you’re updating a single room or building from scratch, Shelley’s message is clear: the most luxurious spaces are the ones that feel calm, functional, and uniquely yours.
Enjoyed this episode?
There’s plenty more where that came from. The Trends Property Insight Series is a video podcast that dives into the real stories, expert advice, and smart solutions behind New Zealand’s renovation, building, and home buying journeys. Hosted by Andrew Johnson, each episode features industry leaders, design professionals, and product innovators sharing practical insights to help you make confident decisions for your home.
To explore the full series of interviews, design stories, and renovation tips, head over to our Podcast Page and watch or listen to every episode on demand.