How I Accidentally Built the Career I Was Always Supposed to Have
The one where a girl who mapped entire towns on brown paper finally figured out she was an interior architect all along.
How Did Plush Design Interiors Start?
There's a concept in astrology called the Lion's Gateway — a cosmic alignment that opens a portal of energy, clarity, and manifestation. You walk through it changed. You walk through it knowing.
Mine happened in a kitchen in the Adelaide Hills, in front of a whiteboard covered in what appeared to be the ravings of a highly caffeinated, slightly maniacal woman who had finally — finally — stopped lying to herself.
That woman was me. That moment was everything.
But let's back up. Because a good origin story, like a good room, doesn't work without its foundation. So, who is Penelope Herbert interior designer + interior architect?
The Reading: Find Your Interior Design Archetype in Three Minutes
The Reading is a free, three-minute diagnostic quiz created by Plush Design Interiors that identifies your interior design archetype — the underlying personality driving every room you love, every pin you save, and every safe beige decision you've immediately regretted.
It's built on three behavioural axes (Restraint ↔ Abundance, Meaning ↔ Sensation, Rooted ↔ Roaming) and maps your answers to one of eight archetypes.
Unlike style quizzes that assign you a trend label, The Reading identifies a psychological position — one that doesn't expire when the algorithm moves on.
WHY YOUR BATHROOM DOESN'T NEED A RENOVATION — IT NEEDS AN INTERIOR ARCHITECT
Unlike a builder (who executes) or an interior decorator (who beautifies), an interior architect asks whether your bathroom itself is working: whether the layout makes sense, whether the plumbing should move, and whether a wet room is possible. The result is a design-intent document — drawn plans, elevations, and specifications — that gives your builder something to actually build from, and gives you something to approve before demolition begins.
Can You Renovate a Bathroom Without Moving Plumbing? (And When You Absolutely Should)
There are two types of bathroom renovations:
Ones designed with intention… and ones held hostage by existing plumbing.
And somehow, far too many people are out here spending $40K designing around a pipe like it’s a sacred artefact.
Let me be clear—your bathroom layout shouldn’t be dictated by a decision made 20 years ago by someone who thought one downlight was “plenty.”
Wellness-Led Luxury Homes: The 2026 Interior Design Trends Transforming High-End Living
2026 luxury interior design trends are finally misbehaving, and that’s excellent news for anyone bored to death by “timeless” white boxes. The new high-end home isn’t trying to look expensive; it’s busy making you feel something.
For years, “upmarket” meant white paint, pale oak, chrome tapware and a generic slab of engineered stone pretending it just flew in from Milan business class. Cute. Safe. Utterly unmemorable.
Now, 2026 luxury interior design has kicked off its heels, ordered a dirty martini and decided that personality, wellness and atmosphere matter more than showing off square metres.
How To Balance Quality, Aesthetics, and Budget in Material Specifications!
One of the most critical steps in any interior design or renovation project is finalising material specifications. That is, are your selections the best they can be?
The materials specifications process requires a delicate balance of quality, aesthetics, and budget to ensure the end result is beautiful, durable and cost-effective. Here at Plush Design Interiors, we understand the nuances of this balance and offer you our expert advice on how to achieve it.
Unlocking The Hidden Potential of Your Home: A Guide To Identifying and Prioritising Home Remodelling Projects
Thinking of a home renovation? Feeling like your home could use a facelift? Considering remodeling but are unsure where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many homeowners find themselves in a similar situation, pondering which areas of their home to tackle first to maximise value and functionality. Well, we’ve got you!
Five Architectural Elements That Come Before Interior Design
Architectural elements support the planning and philosophy of architectural design. They will help you have a more comfortable and functional home. The five architectural elements an interior designer considers before decor even enters the conversation — space, view, air, light and sound.
Our blog is a treasure trove of knowledge, filled with valuable insights, expert tips, and insider secrets.
We delve into a wide range of topics that cater to renovators of all levels, from the novice DIYer to the sophisticated homeowner looking to transform their space.
Whether you're in the early planning stages or about to embark on construction, our blog covers it all.
Additionally, we keep you updated on the latest building and renovation techniques, as well as innovative products that can elevate your space to new heights.
We believe that informed clients make the best decisions, which is why we take pride in sharing our knowledge and expertise with you.
Our blog is designed to demystify the interior design and renovation process, making it accessible and understandable for everyone.
So whether you're seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a deeper understanding of the art of renovation, you've come to the right place.
Join us on this exciting journey as we empower you to transform your home into a space that reflects your unique style and personality.