In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jennie Dunlop, a spatial designer, to discuss the fundamentals that make a home feel effortless on a day-to-day basis.

Rather than jumping to cushions and colours, we look at the moves that really matter: how flow, light and storage shape behaviour, why small courtyards and powder rooms are ripe for impact, and when a glass and steel partition gives separation without losing connection. Jennie shares practical ways to find space you didn’t know you had, question the wish-list, and reuse heirlooms so rooms feel personal instead of staged.

We also cover why it’s important to “plan-plan-plan”, the art of decision-making as a couple, and how to work with trades so choices stay on brief and on budget. From timelines and contingencies to the order of selections, you’ll hear where projects go wrong and how to steer them back with simple structure.

Whether you’re renovating a villa, fitting out an apartment, or puzzling over a tricky nook, this conversation will help you see in 3D, spot opportunities in every cavity, and create spaces that are more beautiful, practical and uniquely yours too.

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.