What A Good Design and Build Proposal Should Include (so you don’t get ripped off)
Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert

What A Good Design and Build Proposal Should Include (so you don’t get ripped off)

A good design–build proposal isn’t just a pretty PDF; it’s a legally useful, line‑by‑line roadmap of what you’re getting, who’s doing it and what it costs.​ If you can’t tell what’s included, what’s excluded and how changes will be handled, you’re not holding a proposal – you’re holding a risk.

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How To Navigate the Renovation Process: From Architectural Elements to Landscaping
Renovating and New Homes Penelope Herbert Renovating and New Homes Penelope Herbert

How To Navigate the Renovation Process: From Architectural Elements to Landscaping

After thorough pre-renovation planning, it's time to embark on the exciting journey of transforming your home. The renovation process is where your vision begins to take shape, but it requires careful management and attention to detail to ensure success.

This comprehensive guide will cover key aspects of the renovation process, including architectural elements, lifestyle considerations, lighting, landscaping, communication with contractors, and strategies for staying on track and within budget.

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New Year, New Home: How To Turn Your 2026 Design Resolutions Into A Real Renovation
Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert

New Year, New Home: How To Turn Your 2026 Design Resolutions Into A Real Renovation

New Year, new home. Stop scrolling and start designing. Discover how to turn your New Year decor and renovation resolutions into a bold, intentional home with a No‑Vanilla designer. New year is the perfect design reset.

The New Year is when people swear they’ll drink more water, go to the gym and stop texting their ex; it’s also the ideal moment to stop tolerating a home that feels beige, tired or vaguely embarrassing.

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Wellness-Led Luxury Homes: The 2026 Interior Design Trends Transforming High-End Living
Interiors and Design, Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert Interiors and Design, Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert

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.​

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2026 Interior Design Trends: Neo Deco, Cool Blue and Opera Aesthetic for No-Vanilla Homes
Interiors and Design, Colour Penelope J. Herbert Interiors and Design, Colour Penelope J. Herbert

2026 Interior Design Trends: Neo Deco, Cool Blue and Opera Aesthetic for No-Vanilla Homes

The 2026 interior design forecast is full of noise, but three 2026 interior design trends have real staying power:

Neo Deco, Cool Blue and Opera Aesthetic interiors. Used well, they are bold, liveable and fiercely anti-beige—and they play beautifully in Australian homes, from city apartments to Adelaide Hills retreats.

2026 Interior Design Trends: Neo Deco, Cool Blue and Opera Aesthetic for No-Vanilla Homes

If 2025 was the year people finally admitted they were bored of beige, 2026 is the year they actually do something about it.

“Safe” interiors are quietly dying; homes with backbone, glamour and personality are stepping into the spotlight as the new standard, not the exception.

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Pre-Renovation Advice: 10 Essential Factors Every Homeowner Must Consider
Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert Renovating and New Homes Penelope J. Herbert

Pre-Renovation Advice: 10 Essential Factors Every Homeowner Must Consider

Planning a home renovation can be an exciting yet daunting task. The process requires expert pre-renovation advice and meticulous planning. Before embarking on a home renovation project, you should always seek professional pre-renovation advice to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. If you are not a seasoned renovator, you don’t know what you don’t know… and this can be as serious trap.

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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.