My Forever Home

Internal elevations are one of the most important design documents for any renovation or new home build, yet they're often overlooked. In this episode, Frances explains what internal elevations are, why they're different from floor plans and cabinetry drawings, and how they help you avoid costly mistakes, minimise variations and maintain control over your project's outcome.

Inspiration images from Pinterest, Instagram and magazines can be a brilliant starting point for your home design, but they don't always tell the full story. In this episode, Frances explains what those beautiful images may not show, the hidden costs of trying to copy them, and how to use inspiration to create a functional, long-lasting Forever Home™ that is uniquely yours.

Some home design decisions are easy to update later, while others can be incredibly difficult and costly to change. In this episode, Frances explores the permanent decisions to prioritise early in your renovation or new build, from ceiling heights and window placement to plumbing, power points and room layouts, so your Forever Home™ remains comfortable, functional and flexible for years to come.

A truly well-designed home should feel comfortable in every season—not just when the heating or cooling is switched on. In this episode, Frances shares the design decisions that help homes stay naturally cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and more enjoyable to live in all year round.

From passive solar design and insulation to ventilation, landscaping and window design, discover how thoughtful planning creates a Forever Home™ that performs beautifully every day.

A home can look beautiful but still be frustrating to live in. In this episode, Frances explores the small home design mistakes that often go unnoticed until after you move in—from door swings and appliance placement to landing spaces and everyday functionality. Learn how thoughtful planning can help you create a home that's not only beautiful, but effortless to live in.

What makes a welcoming home feel warm, inviting and comfortable — rather than cold or clinical? In this episode, Frances explores how layering, texture, lighting, colour, natural materials and thoughtful styling choices can completely transform the feeling of a space. From timber and textiles to lighting and undertones, she shares practical interior design ideas to help you create a welcoming home that feels warm and inviting.

In this episode, Frances explores how to design your home for the way you truly live day to day — not for occasional use. From spare rooms and theatre spaces to oversized hallways, she shares practical strategies to avoid wasted space and create a home that works harder, feels better, and supports your Forever Home™ lifestyle.

In this episode, Frances shares a firsthand experience inside a volume builder's colour selection and lighting appointments — revealing how these meetings unfold, including the pressure, choice limitations, and hidden upgrade costs that often catch homeowners off guard. She compares this with the custom build process, showing how greater flexibility, expert guidance, and curated selections can transform the experience, and actually end up being a more cost effective option - even if it doesn't seem it upfront.

If you're planning your Forever Home™, this episode will help you make more confident, informed decisions from the start.

Creating accessible interiors in your home isn't about ageing — it's about choice, comfort, and staying in your Forever Home™ for longer. In this episode, Frances explores practical, design-led ways to improve accessibility and flexibility, from floor plans and bathrooms to kitchens and lighting, without compromising on aesthetics.

Decision fatigue is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face during a renovation or new build. In this episode, Frances breaks down why the constant stream of choices becomes so overwhelming, the impact it can have on your project, and the practical steps you can take to reduce stress, stay focused, and make confident decisions for your Forever Home™.

In this festive episode of the My Forever Home™ Podcast, Frances walks you through how to create a Christmas theme that flows beautifully from your tree, to your table, and throughout your home. She shares how she designed her own Australian botanical Christmas and offers practical ideas to help you personalise your festive décorations, whether you love a minimalist nature-inspired look or full-on maximalist Christmas magic.

In this episode, Frances dives deep into what it really means to create cohesion and continuity in your home — and why it matters more than you might think. From consistent materials and colour tones to layout flow and emotional connection, Frances walks you through the key elements that help your home feel calm, functional, and uniquely yours. Whether you're building new, renovating, or refreshing your space, this episode will help you pull everything together beautifully (and confidently!).

If your home doesn't work, it won't matter how beautiful it looks. In this episode, Frances dives into why function must come first when designing your forever home. She shares what functionality really means, how to futureproof your spaces, and why open-plan retreats and missing doors might be costing you more than you realise. Practical, passionate, and packed with insights.

In this new episode, Frances dives deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely critical role of lighting in your home. She explores how strategic lighting design can elevate not just the look but also the functionality and emotional feel of each space. From task lighting to the ambience created by uplights and lamps, Frances shares practical, real-life examples (including hotel bathrooms that drive her nuts!) and actionable tips for creating mood, atmosphere, and forever-home-worthy design outcomes.

In this new podcast episode, Frances walks you through the key kitchen design trends emerging for 2025 and beyond—plus which ones are here to stay. From coloured cabinetry (hello green and navy!) to textural finishes like fluted glass and curved profiles, she shares what's gaining traction and how to know if it's right for your Forever Home™. You'll hear her take on splashbacks, timber tones, sustainable surfaces, and how European trends eventually filter into Australian homes. If you're planning a kitchen or simply love design, this one's packed with insight and practical advice from Frances' years in the industry.

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 ultimately create your Forever Home™.

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.