There’s a lot more to designing a renovation than making aesthetic choices. While that’s the fun part, there are the more practical elements to consider as well, such as budget and architectural constraints. So, with a host of different decisions to be made, how do you know where to start?

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Kate Lawrence, an interior designer and developer who specialises in residential design. Kate shares with us the process she followed for her recent duplex developments, and her approach to undertaking renovations that are not only cohesive in their design, but functional and sustainable.

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of creating cohesiveness to ensure a coherent blend between the exterior and interior of a home. For example, a kitchen should look like it belongs in that house, and the living room connected seamlessly to the facade. Kate sheds light on her design philosophy to achieve this result, which always starts from designing from the outside.

We then move on to materials, and Kate discusses her preference for certain materials that add both elegance and functionality. Timber shutters, for instance, play a pivotal role in creating the desired ambiance, while stone and warm white render add character and warmth to the exteriors. We talk about the importance of making selections that strike a balance between visual appeal and practicality, particularly when there are budgets to keep in mind.

We explore the benefits of early integration in a project, where becoming involved as soon as possible enables the design team to make informed decisions, potentially adjust architectural elements and set a clear vision for the project from the get-go. By having designers like Kate on board early, clients can navigate the complex world of design, materials and budgets more efficiently.

This episode is packed with so many gems on making smart design choices, sticking to budget and creating that beautiful flow from the outside in. So tune in and get inspired to create that smooth and streamlined process for your next project!

LINKS:

Connect with Kate:

Website: https://www.katelawrenceinteriors.com.au/

Instagram: @katelawrenceinteriors

Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/
BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective
BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build
Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

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