Almost Three Years in the Making: Part Two
Gaylene Drew Gaylene Drew

Almost Three Years in the Making: Part Two

Like most projects of this scale, the journey wasn't perfectly linear.

There were builders, pricing, availability and timeframes to work through. The clients had a builder they really wanted to work with, but for a while, it didn't look as though the timing was going to align.

Eventually, it did.

Read More
Almost Three Years in the Making: Part One
Gaylene Drew Gaylene Drew

Almost Three Years in the Making: Part One

Some projects are particularly special to finally photograph and share. This is one of them.

I first met the owners of this home in October 2023. At the time, their new home was still an idea—something we were going to shape together around how they wanted to live, what mattered to them and what they wanted their future here to look like.

Fast-forward almost three years, and they're now living in it.

Read More
Builder vs Interior Designer: Who Does What in a Renovation?
Gaylene Drew Gaylene Drew

Builder vs Interior Designer: Who Does What in a Renovation?

One of the biggest misconceptions I see during renovations is the idea that a builder and an interior designer do the same job.

And honestly, I get it.

When you’re planning a renovation, it can feel like everyone overlaps a little. Your builder is talking layouts. Your designer is discussing functionality. Trades are asking questions. Suppliers are involved. There are a lot of moving parts.

But a builder and an interior designer bring very different skill sets to a project — and understanding the difference can make the entire process feel much clearer.

Read More
You Walk Through Your Home One Way. I See 10 Better Ways It Could Work.
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris

You Walk Through Your Home One Way. I See 10 Better Ways It Could Work.

When you live in a home day in and day out, you get used to how it functions (or doesn’t). You make it work. You walk the long way around the island, ignore the blocked breeze path, squint past the awkward layout—and don’t even realise you’re doing it.

That’s where I come in.

WHAT YOUR USED TO ISNT WHAT ALWAYS WORKS

Read More
Leichhardt Ensuite Renovation: Why Good Bathroom Design Starts with Function
Gaylene Drew Gaylene Drew

Leichhardt Ensuite Renovation: Why Good Bathroom Design Starts with Function

The Leichhardt Ensuite Renovation in Gladstone is a practical reworking of an outdated bathroom, designed to better support everyday living. By simplifying the layout, introducing a walk-in shower, and incorporating custom cabinetry, the space now offers improved functionality, storage, and ease of use. Every element was thoughtfully considered to create a bathroom that feels calm, efficient, and tailored to real life.

Read More
Build decisions, Simplified.
Gaylene Drew Gaylene Drew

Build decisions, Simplified.

You’ll be asked to choose everything from tapware and tiles to grout colour, door hardware, paint codes, flooring transitions and appliance models. And they don’t arrive in one neat bundle. They come in stages. Different suppliers. Different deadlines. Different site questions.

It can feel like a lot.

Read More
Building Curveballs: How to Make Calm, Confident Decisions
Gaylene Drew Gaylene Drew

Building Curveballs: How to Make Calm, Confident Decisions

Building a home is emotional. It’s a major investment. It’s personal.

When something goes off-script, it can feel bigger than it actually is.

But calm, informed decisions protect more than just your timeline — they protect your energy.

Read More
Oaka Lane Unit Refresh: How Thoughtful Styling Can Transform a Downsized Home
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris

Oaka Lane Unit Refresh: How Thoughtful Styling Can Transform a Downsized Home

Downsizing can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to turn a new space into a home that still feels like “you.” The Oaka Lane Unit Refresh is a great example of how smart, considered selections — not major renovations — can completely shift the feeling of a property. This Gladstone apartment didn’t need walls moved or layouts changed. It simply needed warmth, personality, and a plan to make every space feel cohesive and comfortable.

Read More
Why Your Builder Loves When You Hire a Designer (And So Will You)
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris

Why Your Builder Loves When You Hire a Designer (And So Will You)

Downsizing can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to turn a new space into a home that still feels like “you.” The Oaka Lane Unit Refresh is a great example of how smart, considered selections — not major renovations — can completely shift the feeling of a property. This Gladstone apartment didn’t need walls moved or layouts changed. It simply needed warmth, personality, and a plan to make every space feel cohesive and comfortable.

Read More
How a Bold Layout Flip Transformed this Agnes Water Kitchen
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris

How a Bold Layout Flip Transformed this Agnes Water Kitchen

When this Canadian family settled into their beachside home in Agnes Water, they loved the location — but the kitchen didn’t love them back. It was boxed in, awkward to navigate, and completely shut off from the living area and those beautiful ocean views. Drawers barely opened, storage was minimal, and it simply didn’t reflect how the family lived.

They didn’t need a bigger kitchen. They needed a smarter one.

Read More
A Refined Renovation in Coral Cove: A Home Reimagined with Purpose
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris

A Refined Renovation in Coral Cove: A Home Reimagined with Purpose

Nestled along the coastline of Coral Cove, this full home renovation brings a fresh sense of calm, comfort, and masculine warmth to a much-loved family home. With beautiful views across the golf course, lakes, and ocean, the setting was undeniably special — but inside, the home no longer reflected the lifestyle or personality of its owners.

Read More
Choosing the right floor plan: Daily Routine
Sandra Morris Sandra Morris

Choosing the right floor plan: Daily Routine

Think about your daily life. How do you start and end your day? Your morning rush might necessitate a convenient bathroom layout, while a peaceful evening could call for a cosy living room. Make a list of your daily activities and prioritize spaces accordingly. Begin by identifying the key moments that shape your day.

Read More