When clients tell us they want a home that feels cohesive, calm, and well considered, our answer is always the same: it’s not about spending more money. It’s about spending it in the right places.

Great interiors are rarely made up of all high-end finishes or all budget selections. The most successful homes have a mix of price points within the fit-out budget, carefully balanced so the space feels intentional, not compromised.

The key is knowing where to invest and where to save.

Start with the big, permanent items

Some elements are hard or expensive to change later, so these are often worth allocating a little more budget to. Think:

• Flooring
• Joinery and cabinetry
• Kitchen benchtops
• Bathroom waterproofing and core finishes

These items set the tone of the home and are used every day. Getting them right upfront avoids costly changes down the track and helps the whole interior feel grounded and timeless.

Save on items that are easy to update

Not everything needs to be top sh...

When Interior & Building Designer Karyn McRae’s mother, Pam, suggested building a small flat on their southern Sydney property, the request was simple — a quiet place to call home. But Karyn saw more.

She reimagined the family home completely, creating two living zones that connect across levels and generations. The result is The Treehouse — a renovation filled with light and outlook.

Shaping A Home Around Warmth

The original 1950s house sat on a steep, leafy block with views across the Royal National Park. Karyn expanded the footprint opening up living areas to the south and drew the landscape inside. Walnut joinery, brushed bronze tapware, and sintered stone add depth, while a soft palette lets the greenery outside hold the spotlight.

“The design response centres on connection to place, to light, and to daily living,” - Karyn McRae.

And at the heart of it — the fireplace.

Choosing A Fireplace With Presence

Karyn didn’t want a fireplace that disappeared into the walls. Sh...