In this special episode, Frances shares a personal update and explains why the podcast has been quiet in recent months. It’s a heartfelt message to her community, with gratitude and honesty at its core.
In this episode of the My Forever Home™ podcast, Frances discusses the hidden costs of design mistakes and how they can impact your renovation or new build. She shares real-life examples of costly errors and explains how working with an interior designer can help you avoid them. Tune in to learn how the right designer can guide you through the process, saving you time, money, and stress, while ensuring your home functions beautifully and stands the test of time.
In this episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances speaks with Amanda McEwin, a successful property developer, about how she built her dream home. Amanda shares her experience of engaging an interior designer and they helped her navigate design challenges and solutions with her budget constraints. Tune in for key insights on the power of design professionals in creating your own Forever Home that works for you and your family.
In this episode of the My Forever Home™ podcast, Frances explains why you may need an interior designer to save money, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce decision fatigue during your renovation or new build. She discusses how some designers provide practical solutions, guiding you through overwhelming decisions while ensuring functionality and aesthetics align with your family’s needs. Tune in to learn how working with a designer can streamline your project, help you make informed decisions, and ...
In this episode, Frances reflects on how the quiet of the holidays gives us the perfect opportunity to assess what isn’t working in our homes. She shares personal experiences of the things that have bugged her, how it’s easy to live with them, and how holiday time is the best time to make a change. Listen in for helpful insights on finding clarity for your home and how to finally tackle those lingering issues.
In this heartwarming episode, Frances reflects on the Christmas traditions that shaped her childhood and how those rituals have evolved within her own family. She shares the joys of giving, the personal meaning behind handmade holiday gifts, and how simple traditions can bring a deeper connection to the festive season. Join Frances as she invites you to revisit your own traditions and find inspiration for creating new ones this Christmas.
Frances unpacks the crucial differences between concept plans and internal elevations in this latest episode, shedding light on how they can help you achieve your dream home design. She explains how concept plans provide the big picture of your space, while internal elevations dive into the intricate and functionality details to bring your vision to life. Join her as she guides you through these foundational elements of home design.
Frances dives into the world of window treatments, uncovering the crucial factors to consider when selecting the right options for your space. From maximising energy efficiency to enhancing aesthetics, she explores how the right window coverings can transform your home. Whether you're contemplating curtains or blinds, this episode offers valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions.
Join Frances in this special 150th episode as she reflects on the incredible journey of the My Forever Home podcast. Discover highlights from past episodes, popular guest insights, and the evolution of this award winning podcast since its inception during the pandemic. Tune in to celebrate this milestone and find inspiration for your own Forever Home™ journey!
In this episode, Frances explores how renovation TV shows impact our expectations and understanding of the design and build industry. She delves into the difference between the outcomes showcased and the practical challenges of real-life projects, and what is often missed that affect a good design result. Tune in to gain insights into the reality behind the renovation glamour and learn how to better prepare for your own projects.
In this new episode, Frances explores the concept of adaptive home design for multi-generational living. Discover practical tips for creating flexible, adaptive spaces that can evolve with your family's needs over time, ensuring your home remains future proof if multiple generations live together, including designing for mobility issues and for when we age.
In this new episode, Frances reflects on how home design trends have evolved and come full circle over the years. She dives into the story of Laminex, an iconic Australian brand, and explores the resurgence of laminate materials in contemporary design. Discover why laminate is making a comeback with its diverse styles, sustainability benefits, and cost-effectiveness, and how it can add a creative touch to your renovation or new build.
This episode has Frances outlines the attributes to design the ideal home office—one that is both functional and a space you want to work in. She offers valuable insights on key considerations for setting up your home office, including optimal storage solutions, strategic placement of power points, colour choices, and ideal desk depth, and much more.
Learn how to create a cosy home with Frances' top tips on how to layer, create texture and make a space feel relaxing and yours to come home to. Winter is a perfect time to create a different look and feel in your home, with top tips on how to do it in this episode.
As the guest in this podcast episode, Frances shares how she creates meaning, presence, and memories in a home and shares her passion for helping clients to create their Forever Home™. She outlines how she started her business, why she does what she does and the things she’s passionate about.
Frances outlines what she's been observing over recent times, the discoveries she's uncovered and her response to these. This has prompted the launch of her first magazine to answer the burning questions people are consistently asking, and in this episode she outlines what she's been observing and discovering along with how the magazine addresses these burning questions.
Learn what to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen or BBQ space for your home. Frances outlines materials, orientation and weather protection, right down to ventilation and appliances.
Understand what to consider when selecting external colours for your home. Frances outlines the significance of lighter-coloured roofs as well. You will uncover the essential principle of "less is more" in colour and material selection, alongside practical guidance to achieve a home with ‘street appeal’. Frances emphasises the substantial energy-saving potential of ‘cool roofs’ and offers expert advice on colour and material coordination....
In this insightful episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances delves into the concept of “Emotional ROI”. She explores the significance of emotional investment when creating a Forever Home™, emphasising its distinction from financial ROI typically associated with property development. Through personal anecdotes and client interactions, Frances outlines the importance of forging a deep emotional connection with design choices, materials, and the overall feeling the home you're creating. With...
In this insightful episode, fellow interior designer James Treble joins Frances to discuss the art of creating timeless and functional homes. Covering topics such as budgeting, future-proofing design principles, and how to get ideas, Treble shares valuable insights for both renovation and new home projects. Whether you're embarking on a home improvement journey or planning your dream home, this conversation offers practical tips to help you maximise value and enhance your quality of living....
Frances delves into the engineered stone ban in Australia and explores alternative options for homeowners. From porcelain to laminate, Frances discusses factors such as durability, aesthetics, and budget, advising listeners on many alternatives available and why you may choose one material over another for your benchtops.
Frances sits down with Lauren Li, author of ‘The New French Look’, to discuss the French approach to design and decorating. They explore the core components of the "New French Look," along with regional variations, along with what sets French design apart from the Australian approach. A fabulous episode on the intricacies of lifetsyle and the impact it has on design, along with discovering how to infuse a touch of France into your own home.
Frances outlines why it's so important to create a furniture layout at floorplan stage in this episode. This is essential listening to avoid big mistakes! She outlines the implications that can occur when a furniture layout is not done before building starts, using a real life example and the compromises made because there was no plan.
Frances reflects on 2023 on a personal and design perspective and shares highlights of the year including finished homes, awards, media coverage and what's in store for 2024.
Frances is joined by her client, Bernadette, in this special case study episode. Bernadette shares her renovation journey, from when she first set eyes on the home 20 years ago, through to creating her project team and the joys and frustrations of her extensive renovation. This is an honest 'warts and all' account of what a renovation project can be like, including pitfalls to avoid and how your team can support you throughout. She alos outlines how having an interior designer on the team helped...
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of clearing out years and years worth of 'stuff', then this is the episode for you. Frances is joined by decluttering expert, Amy Revell, who shares her wisdom on how to prepare to pack up and move for a renovation or new build. How to create a vision and create a home you'll love. This is a super fun and jammed packed episode on what to declutter and decide what to keep for your new home.
Frances outlines exactly what thermal wrap is in this episode, and why it's a great product to consider for cabinetry in your home. With guests from Albedor Industries, she also delves into the myths surrounding thermal wrap, how it is made and the sustainability measures Albedor are undertaking to make a low VOC product. A great episode if you're wanting to understand cabinetry materials that could be used for your renovation or new home.
Frances discusses what to consider when designing a mudroom. How it needs to function, and be designed around what you need to store in it. She also discusses other considerations for where items can go in the home if the mudroom is not large enough for everything. Finally, she outlines the ideal location of a mudroom in a home. A must listen if you're thinking for having a mudroom in your home.
Frances is joined by Peter Karaolganis from Presenting Homes Australia to discuss the different decisions made when renovating your Forever Home compared to renovating to flip and make a profit. Peter and Frances discuss materials, build quality, flexible floorplans and multigenerational living for both types of renovations and how they differ.
Frances shares her experience doing something creative. Just because. And the creative has nothing to do with interior design, renovating or building. She got inspiried after reading 'Big Magic', which explores the notion of doing something for no other reason than for your own enjoyment. Frances shares her experience on this principle in this episode of the podcast.
