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- Play Detective: Begin by gathering as much information as possible about your lifestyle and preferences. This detective work will inform your design decisions and ensure that your home is tailored to your specific needs. Consider factors such as daily routines, hobbies, and personal tastes.
- Balance Aesthetics and Practicality: Strive for a balance between aesthetics and practicality. While it’s important to create a visually appealing space, functionality should not be compromised. Choose materials and furnishings that are both beautiful and durable, enhancing your home’s livability.
- Create Zones for Different Activities: Design your home with distinct zones for various activities. This approach can improve the flow of your space and make it more functional. Consider creating separate areas for relaxation, work, and entertainment, each tailored to its specific purpose.
- Incorporate Personal Touches: Personalize your home by incorporating elements that reflect your personality and interests. This could include artwork, family heirlooms, or custom-designed furniture. These touches can make your home feel more inviting and uniquely yours.
- Plan for the Future: Consider how your home will evolve with your changing needs. Design with flexibility in mind, allowing for future adjustments as your lifestyle changes. This foresight can help you create a home that remains functional and enjoyable for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides covers selecting frame materials, comparing glazing options, planning for natural light and adding security features that suit your lifestyle. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides covers selecting frame materials, comparing glazing options, planning for natural light and adding security features that suit your lifestyle. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
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.
- Play Detective: Begin by gathering as much information as possible about your lifestyle and preferences. This detective work will inform your design decisions and ensure that your home is tailored to your specific needs. Consider factors such as daily routines, hobbies, and personal tastes.
- Balance Aesthetics and Practicality: Strive for a balance between aesthetics and practicality. While it’s important to create a visually appealing space, functionality should not be compromised. Choose materials and furnishings that are both beautiful and durable, enhancing your home’s livability.
- Create Zones for Different Activities: Design your home with distinct zones for various activities. This approach can improve the flow of your space and make it more functional. Consider creating separate areas for relaxation, work, and entertainment, each tailored to its specific purpose.
- Incorporate Personal Touches: Personalize your home by incorporating elements that reflect your personality and interests. This could include artwork, family heirlooms, or custom-designed furniture. These touches can make your home feel more inviting and uniquely yours.
- Plan for the Future: Consider how your home will evolve with your changing needs. Design with flexibility in mind, allowing for future adjustments as your lifestyle changes. This foresight can help you create a home that remains functional and enjoyable for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides covers selecting frame materials, comparing glazing options, planning for natural light and adding security features that suit your lifestyle. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides covers selecting frame materials, comparing glazing options, planning for natural light and adding security features that suit your lifestyle. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to help you on your property journey.
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.
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