Why you should hire an interior designer before your renovation or new build
If you’re planning a renovation or new build, the smartest move isn’t waiting until construction starts. Hiring an interior designer early can save you time, money, and stress, while ensuring your home looks cohesive, layered, and uniquely yours.
Benefits of Early Interior Design Support
1. Lock in finishes and materials early
Choose your flooring, cabinetry, paint, lighting, and more before construction begins to avoid rushed decisions and costly mistakes.
2. Clear communication with your builder and architect
Your designer becomes the bridge between you and your team, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision.
3. Avoid expensive last-minute changes
Late decisions often lead to budget blowouts and variations. Planning ahead keeps your project on track and on budget.
4. Create a cohesive, layered design
From colour schemes to furniture selection, your designer ensures your home is beautiful, functional, and personal.
5. Onsite support during construction
Unexpected questions arise onsite. Your designer can make confident decisions quickly and catch details you might miss.
How ML Interior Design Can Help
At ML Interior Design, we offer a full-service approach for renovations and new builds:
Pre-site consultation to understand your style and brief
Selection of finishes and materials, including walls, trims, and doors
Coordination with builders, architects, and trades
Onsite support during construction
Final styling to add personality, layers, and luxury
Why Start Now
If your renovation or new build is planned for 2026, now is the time to get your designer on board. Early involvement ensures a stress-free process, a clear design vision, and a home you’ll love for years.
Ready to start your project with confidence?
Check out our full Interior Design Service for Renovations and New Builds and see how we can guide your home from concept to completion.
Transforming a Modern Hamptons Home in Hampton
Custom Cabinetry and Functional Home Office Design
Our clients purchased a modern Hamptons home in Hampton that had great architectural features but needed personalisation, extra storage, and functional spaces. We designed custom cabinetry for the kitchen nook, living room, and a dedicated home office to make the home truly practical and stylish.
An underused dining area was converted into a light-filled study nook with fluted sliding doors for privacy and natural light. A custom timber desk, built-in bookcase, and storage made this space perfect for work or study.
Opposite the kitchen, we created a custom coffee and wine station that doubles as a display for beautiful crockery and glassware, adding both storage and style.
Living Room Renovation: Style Meets Functionality
The living room received built-in cabinetry with VJ panelling, layered with brass picture wall lights, a new rug, side table, and lamps. These updates added texture, warmth, and personality, making the living area both stylish and functional.
Bedroom Retreat: A Calming and Stylish Space
Our favourite transformation was the bedroom. The walls were painted a soft, calming blue, complemented by textural green linen and a statement pendant light. This creates a serene retreat that proves blue and green can beautifully work together.
Smooth Renovation with Trusted Collaboration
We recommended a trusted builder to manage on-site questions and last-minute adjustments. Working together ensured the renovation was stress-free, seamless, and enjoyable for our clients.
A Home That Evolves With You
We believe a home doesn’t need to be magazine-perfect every day. By adding layers of design, functionality, and personality, our clients can continue evolving their space over time as lifestyle and budget allow.
If you’re planning a Hamptons home renovation or custom interior design project in Melbourne, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Contact ML Interior Design today to start your transformation.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Fixtures and Finishes for Your New Home
Building or renovating your home is an exciting journey, but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. From taps to tiles, benchtops to light fittings, the options are endless. Even if you have a clear idea of the look you want, choosing every fixture and finish so it all works together can feel impossible.
That’s where this guide comes in. I’ll help you understand the key steps to make confident choices that will bring your home together beautifully, and without the stress.
1. Start With a Vision
Before you get lost in swatches and showrooms, take a moment to clarify your style. Ask yourself:
How do I want to feel when I walk into my home?
Do I prefer natural, earthy tones or crisp, modern lines?
Which materials do I love touching and living with daily?
Having a clear vision will make all your decisions feel intentional rather than random.
2. Prioritise Your Must-Haves
Not everything in your home needs to be a statement. Decide what’s non-negotiable (like a durable benchtop or a specific tap style) and what can be flexible. This helps you focus your time and energy on the decisions that really matter.
3. Think About Flow and Cohesion
Your home should feel like a complete story, not a collection of random pieces. Consider:
How colours work together from room to room
Mixing textures for depth and interest
Coordinating metals and finishes for consistency
A designer can help you see the bigger picture so each choice enhances the whole home.
4. Consider Practicality and Lifestyle
It’s easy to fall in love with the look of something—but does it suit your lifestyle? Think about:
Durability and maintenance of surfaces
How fixtures will perform daily
Safety for kids, pets, or high-traffic areas
Balancing style and function is key to a home that’s both beautiful and livable.
5. Work With an Expert
Even if you love researching and selecting materials, a designer can save you time, money, and stress. We know which products work together, where to source the best quality, and how to avoid common mistakes that can cost you down the track.
Ready to Make Confident Choices for Your Home?
If you’re planning a build or renovation and want help choosing fixtures and finishes that work together beautifully, I’d love to chat. During a complimentary design call, we’ll discuss your vision, priorities, and the next steps to create a cohesive, stunning home without the overwhelm.
Should I hire an interior designer or just use a builder?
If you're planning a renovation, extension, or building a home from scratch, you've probably asked yourself:
“Do I really need an interior designer? Isn’t the builder enough?”
It’s a totally fair question and one I hear from homeowners all the time.
Let’s unpack the difference between what a builder does and what an interior designer brings to the table (and why you might want both on your team, with the designer involved first).
What Does a Builder Do?
Builders are brilliant at turning plans into physical spaces. Their job is to manage construction, coordinate trades, and bring your home to life. But their focus is on the how, not always the what or why.
They're not the ones selecting your finishes, designing your kitchen layout, or making sure your ensuite has the perfect balance of storage and style.
What an Interior Designer Brings to the Table
An interior designer helps you make all of those important decisions before the build begins. We guide you through:
Creating a cohesive vision and style for your home
Designing functional layouts tailored to your lifestyle
Selecting all finishes, fixtures and fittings
Designing custom joinery
Procuring furniture that complements the space beautifully
But here’s what many homeowners don’t realise:
Involving a Designer Before Choosing a Builder is Key
Working with an interior designer before selecting your builder has a big impact on how smoothly your build runs, and how accurately it’s quoted.
At ML Interior Design, we provide:
Detailed interior drawings and elevations
Comprehensive finishes and materials schedules
Specifications for fixtures, fittings, joinery, and more
These documents give builders everything they need to quote your project accurately and confidently. No guesswork, no assumptions.
It also means:
You're not forced to make rushed decisions mid-build
There’s less back-and-forth during construction
Your builder isn't waiting on you to choose tiles or tapware at the last minute
You avoid unexpected variations that blow out your budget
Having everything designed and documented upfront allows your builder to focus on what they do best, delivering a high-quality build that runs smoothly and on time.
The Power of a Collaborative Team
It’s not about choosing between a builder or a designer. It’s about assembling the right team from the start.
As a designer, I often work alongside your builder and/or architect to make sure every element of the project is aligned, from layout and materials to styling and furnishings.
Together, we bring your dream home to life with less stress, better communication, and a far more enjoyable experience for you.
Ready to Make a Confident Start?
If you're thinking about renovating or building, I’d love to support you early in the process—before you even sign with a builder.
Book a complimentary 15-minute design call and let’s chat through your project, your goals, and how I can help you plan a beautiful, functional home, without the overwhelm.
Why You Should Engage an Interior Designer Before Construction Starts
When you're about to embark on a renovation or new build, it's easy to think that an interior designer comes into the picture after the walls go up and the roof is on. But here’s the thing: some of the most critical decisions are made well before the first tradesperson steps foot on site.
In fact, working with an interior designer before construction begins can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
We often meet clients who are overwhelmed by decisions or surprised by unexpected costs mid-way through their build. This usually happens when materials, fixtures, and finishes haven’t been finalised early on, and builders are forced to estimate using allowances, ballpark figures that can quickly blow out your budget once actual selections are made.
That’s where we come in.
If you haven’t yet appointed a builder, our team can help you make all the important interior and exterior selections - think bricks, cladding, flooring, joinery finishes, tapware, lighting, and paint colours. We’ll also create detailed internal drawings and documentation that clearly outline your vision and specifications.
These documents aren’t just pretty design files. They form the foundation for your tender process, allowing multiple builders to quote accurately from the same set of plans. This levels the playing field and gives you a realistic picture of your build cost, before any contracts are signed or a shovel hits the ground.
When your builder has all the details upfront, you reduce the likelihood of on-site variations (those pesky changes that can add unexpected costs and delays). It also means construction runs smoother, because every trade knows exactly what’s expected from the start.
Ultimately, engaging an interior designer at the pre-construction stage means you’re not designing on the fly. You’re making informed decisions, grounded in a clear design plan and budget.
So whether you're building your dream home or renovating your forever space, don’t wait until you're knee-deep in frames and floor plans. Bring your designer in early and give yourself the gift of clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
And of course a beautiful, well thought out home that reflects your own style and personality!
Ready to build with confidence?
Book a Complimentary Design Call with Melissa and discover how early design planning can save you time, stress, and money. We’ll chat through your plans, answer any questions, and help you take the next step with clarity.
Why Your Home Should Reflect You – Not Just What’s Trending | ML Interior Design
When you're building or renovating a home, it's easy to get swept up in what's trending on Pinterest, Instagram, or The Block. While trends can absolutely be a great source of inspiration, here’s the truth: what’s on trend today may not be what feels like home to you tomorrow.
At ML Interior Design, we believe your home should reflect you—your lifestyle, your personality, and the way you truly want to live in your space—not just what’s currently popular.
Trends fade. Your lifestyle doesn't.
That curved boucle armchair might be everywhere right now, but is it comfortable for everyday use? Do you genuinely love it—or are you just seeing it over and over?
Designing your dream home isn’t about copying a look you’ve saved a hundred times. It’s about taking inspiration and tailoring it to suit your needs. We work closely with our clients to understand what really matters to them—whether that’s a family-friendly layout, a home office that actually functions, or a calm colour palette that supports a busy lifestyle.
A personal home = a timeless home
When your home reflects your personality and priorities, it never goes out of style. We focus on selecting high-quality, classic pieces layered with custom details, meaningful textures, and subtle touches that make the space uniquely yours.
In the end, it’s the story behind the design that makes a home feel complete—not how many trends it ticks off.
How we bring your vision to life
As designers, it’s our job to help you filter through the noise and bring clarity to your ideas. We guide you through every decision—from colour and finishes to furniture selection—so that every element of your home feels considered, cohesive, and completely you.
It’s not about having the latest look—it’s about creating a home you’ll love living in every day.
Considering a new build or renovation?
We’d love to help you design a home that’s personal, functional and beautifully styled—without the overwhelm. Book your Complimentary Design Call here.
Feeling Overwhelmed by All the Design Decisions? Here's How to Bring Your Ideas Together — and Why It's Worth Hiring a Designer Early
If you’re planning a renovation or building your dream home, you’ve probably got a Pinterest board full of ideas, saved folders on Instagram, and samples scattered across your dining table. One minute you’re loving brushed brass tapware, the next you’re deep in a rabbit hole of moody cabinetry or rattan pendants.
With so many beautiful ideas out there, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about how it will all work together — especially when you want your home to feel cohesive, functional, and uniquely you.
And while it might seem like something you’ll “figure out as you go,” the truth is: the earlier you bring in a professional to help, the easier the whole process becomes.
Here’s what to focus on first — and why hiring an interior designer early on can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes down the track.
Start by Getting Clear on How You Want to Feel in Your Home
One of the biggest reasons people get stuck in the design process is because they’re trying to copy what they see online — but don’t quite know if it’s right for their space.
Instead of trying to match trends, start by asking yourself a few key questions:
How do I want each room to feel?
What’s important to me and my family in terms of functionality?
What colours, materials, and textures am I drawn to again and again?
When you can answer those honestly, you’ll start to uncover your own personal style. And from there, it becomes much easier to make decisions that suit you, your lifestyle, and your vision for your home.
you’ll soon start to uncover your style
Creating a Cohesive Look (Without It Feeling Matchy-Matchy)
A lot of clients come to me with this exact concern: “I’ve got so many ideas — but I’m scared nothing will go together!”
That’s where working with an interior designer makes a world of difference. My job is to take your inspiration — those tiles you loved, the sofa you’ve been eyeing, the colour palette that speaks to you — and create a consistent design language that flows throughout your entire home.
This doesn’t mean every room needs to look the same. In fact, the most beautiful homes are ones that feel layered and intentional, not overly curated. We look for common threads — whether that’s tone, texture, mood, or material — and use those to tie everything together.
Why Bringing in a Designer Early Is a Game Changer
So often, people assume they should hire an interior designer once the walls are up or the build is almost finished. But truthfully, the earlier we’re involved, the better.
From the layout and lighting plan to flooring transitions, cabinetry details, and custom joinery — interior design impacts nearly every part of your build. Getting the big picture right from the start can save you a huge amount of time, energy, and money.
I’ve worked with many clients who came to me mid-build, realising they’d made a few decisions that didn’t quite work. While we always find a solution, those situations are a lot easier to avoid when we’re involved from the planning stage.
Helping You Make Confident Decisions (Without the Stress)
There are so many decisions to make when building or renovating, and the pressure to “get it right” can feel overwhelming.
When you work with a designer, you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through the whole process step by step — from choosing the right finishes, fixtures and fittings, to finalising floor plans, selecting furniture, and styling the finished home.
Rather than throwing you a hundred options, I curate selections that work with your vision, your space, and your budget — making the process far more enjoyable and far less stressful.
It’s Not Just About Making Things Pretty — It’s About Saving You Time, Money and Headaches
Yes, design is about creating a beautiful home — but it’s also about making smart, practical choices.
A designer will help you avoid costly mistakes (like ordering furniture that doesn’t fit or installing lighting in the wrong spot), and keep things moving smoothly behind the scenes. We liaise with your builder, trades, and suppliers to make sure everyone is on the same page — and that nothing is overlooked.
When done right, the design process is one of the most exciting parts of your build. You deserve to enjoy it, not feel constantly overwhelmed or unsure.
Ready to Feel More in Control of Your Renovation or New Build?
I’d love to brainstorm some ideas together via a Complimentary Design Call.
Ready to Feel More in Control of Your Renovation or New Build?
If you're feeling stuck trying to bring all your ideas together — or just want someone experienced to guide you from the start — I’d love to help.
At ML Interior Design, we specialise in helping busy homeowners turn their vision into a beautifully considered home that reflects their lifestyle and personality. From the initial concept through to final styling, we’re here to make sure every decision feels clear, aligned, and exciting.
Book your Complimentary Design Call and let’s chat about your project, your ideas, and how we can help bring it all to life — with far less stress and a whole lot more confidence.
Planning a Renovation? Here's How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
Renovating your home is an exciting journey, but without the right planning, it can quickly become stressful and expensive. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom or giving your living space a fresh new look, avoiding common mistakes can save you time and money.
Here are three renovation pitfalls to watch out for:
ignoring lighting design
A beautiful new kitchen or bathroom renovation can fall flat without the right lighting. We make sure your space has the perfect mix of natural, task, and ambient lighting to enhance your home.
not considering flow and layout
A space might look good on paper, but if the layout doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it won’t work in real life. We ensure your home is designed for both beauty and practicality, making everyday living effortless.
Not Getting Expert Help Early
Many people think they can figure out their new build or renovation as they go, only to realise later that fixing mistakes onsite is expensive. By working with an experienced interior designer earlier on in the planning/tender stage, you’ll have a clear plan, expert advice, and a smooth renovation process.
A well-planned renovation can save you time, money, and stress. If you’d like some expert insights before getting started, I’d love to chat with you!
I invite you to book in a Complimentary Design Call, where we can talk through your ideas, and understand how you would like me involved to create a beautiful home that is uniquely you.
How to Choose the Right Interior Designer for Your Home in Melbourne and Sydney– A Simple Guide
Finding the right interior designer is important when creating a home that fits your style and needs. Whether you are building a new house, renovating, or furnishing a new home, a good designer can make a big difference. This guide will help you understand the process with useful tips and advice.
Why Hire an Interior Designer?
A professional designer knows how to plan spaces, pick colors, and choose furniture. They help you avoid mistakes and create a beautiful, functional home. Whether designing one room or the whole house, the right designer can bring your vision to life.
How to Choose an Interior Designer
1. Know Your Style and Needs
Before searching for a designer, think about what styles you like. Do you prefer modern, classic, or contemporary Australian design? Looking at pictures of interiors can help you decide.
2. Look at Their Portfolio
A designer’s past work shows their experience and skills. Check for:
Projects that match your style
A consistent design look
Experience with Melbourne homes
3. Understand Their Services
Interior designers offer different services like full renovations, styling, and furniture selection. Ask them about their process, how long projects take, and how they handle budgets.
4. Set a Budget
Design costs vary based on the project. Some designers charge per hour, while others have set fees. Be clear about what you can spend and what their fees include.
5. Read Reviews
Look at online reviews and ask past clients about their experiences. This will help you understand how a designer communicates and works with clients.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Designer
What is your design process?
How do you include my ideas in the design?
Can you work within my budget and timeline?
Do you work with builders and suppliers?
What if I don’t like the first design?
Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a designer only based on price
Not checking past projects or reviews
Not being clear about what you want
Ignoring contract details
FAQs – Choosing the Right Interior Designer
Q: How much does an interior designer cost in Melbourne?
A: Costs depend on the project. Small consultations start at around $500, while full home designs can be $50,000 or more.
Q: Can a designer work with my budget?
A: Yes! A good designer will find ways to make the most of your budget.
Q: How long does the design process take?
A: Small projects take weeks, while full home designs may take months.
Q: Should I buy furniture before hiring a designer?
A: It’s better to hire a designer first so everything fits well together.
Finding the right interior designer in Melbourne takes research and planning. By checking portfolios, asking questions, and setting a budget, you can find a great designer who will create a home you love. Start looking today and make your dream home a reality!
Book a Complimentary Design Call
If you'd like to learn more about our services and how we work, we’d love to chat! Book a complimentary design call via the button below and let’s start bringing your dream home to life.
YARRAVILLE HOUSE
Welcome to our Yarraville project, where we delivered a complete Turnkey Furniture & Styling Service tailored to our client's lifestyle and design vision.
The Brief
Our client, a busy fly-in fly-out professional, reached out to ML Interior Design after purchasing a brand-new home in the vibrant suburb of Yarraville. With a packed schedule and a love for entertaining, he needed a fully furnished home that reflected his mid-century modern taste. There was one non-negotiable: the home had to be dog-friendly for his beloved Great Dane, Winston.
Our Approach
The Yarraville property was a blank canvas, giving us the perfect opportunity to bring our client’s vision to life. Our team took care of everything — from sourcing furniture and homewares to arranging delivery and installation. We ensured that every element of the home was thoughtfully selected to balance style, comfort, and practicality
Mid-Century Modern Elegance
Taking inspiration from mid-century modern design, we curated a collection of timeless furniture pieces, including sleek sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables, paired with bold artwork and warm lighting. To achieve a one-of-a-kind look, we sourced key vintage finds, such as the standout mid-century buffet unit in the dining room — a beautiful piece that adds character and charm.
Dog-Friendly Design
Understanding the importance of accommodating Winston, we made sure to choose durable, pet-friendly fabrics and rugs. The layout was designed to allow Winston plenty of space to move freely without compromising on style.
Ready to Entertain
Entertaining was a priority for our client, so we selected a spacious dining table with comfortable, upholstered chairs — perfect for hosting long dinner parties. Every detail was considered to ensure the home is as functional as it is beautiful.
The Turnkey Experience
Our Turnkey Furniture & Styling Service means our clients walk into a fully furnished, move-in-ready home. For this Yarraville project, we:
Sourced furniture, rugs, artwork, lighting, and homewares from our trusted suppliers
Handpicked unique vintage pieces to add personality
Arranged for delivery, installation, and rubbish removal
Hung artwork and styled every room
Made beds and curated finishing touches
The result? A stylish, welcoming home that our client can enjoy from day one.
We love transforming houses into homes that reflect our clients' personalities and lifestyles. The Yarraville project is a testament to the seamless, stress-free service we provide, ensuring every detail is handled with care.
want to move into a fully furnished home?
If you're looking for a comprehensive furniture and styling solution, our Turnkey Service might be just what you need. Click on the button below to book in a Complimentary Design call to understand how we can help furnish your home.
Turnkey Furniture and Styling Service: Save Time, Stress, and Create Your Dream Home
You’ve just bought a new home, or maybe you’ve finally wrapped up that long-awaited renovation—congratulations!
But now comes the big question: how do you make it all come together? You’ve got a vision in your mind, but the idea of turning that into reality feels daunting.
Where do you start?
How do you make it all look cohesive?
And honestly, who has the time to spend hours wandering through showrooms only to come home feeling more confused than ever?
That’s where we come in. Our Turnkey Furniture and Styling Service takes all the stress and guesswork out of furnishing and styling your new home. Think of it as having your own personal interior design team who handles everything, so you can focus on enjoying your new space.
Designing Your Dream Home with Ease
We know every home—and every family—is unique, so we start by getting to know you. What’s your style? What’s your lifestyle like? Do you want a space that’s perfect for entertaining, or something calm and cosy for family time? Maybe it’s a mix of both.
From there, we consider your home’s architecture and layout, working with its style to ensure everything feels beautifully cohesive. We’ll put together a concept that combines your personal taste with practical, timeless design. The result? A home that looks stunning and works seamlessly for your day-to-day life.
Stress-Free Furniture Shopping
Here’s the part you’ll love: we take care of all the hard work. Say goodbye to spending your weekends wandering through endless showrooms or scrolling online for hours, only to second-guess your choices.
We’ll handle all the research and sourcing, making sure each piece fits perfectly—style-wise and size-wise. Once you’ve approved the concept, we place every order, coordinate delivery times, and ensure everything arrives on schedule.
Moving In Made Magical
When your furniture and décor arrive, we get to work bringing your home to life. We’ll:
Unpack everything
Clear away all the boxes and rubbish
Style each room to perfection, right down to the smallest details
We’ll make the beds, hang artwork, fluff cushions, and even add those extra touches like fresh towels, homewares, and a vase of flowers on the dining table. You don’t have to lift a finger.
When we’re done, your home is completely move-in ready. You walk through the door to a space that feels warm, welcoming, and exactly how you imagined it—without any of the stress.
Why Choose a Turnkey Service?
Our clients often tell us how much they value the time and energy this service saves them. For homeowners juggling busy lives, this approach takes away the overwhelm and ensures a polished, professional finish that’s hard to achieve on your own.
It’s not just about the convenience (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about creating a space where you feel instantly at home—a place that reflects your personality, supports your lifestyle, and will stand the test of time.
Let’s Create Your Dream Home
If you’re ready to turn your house into a home that feels truly yours, let’s chat. Our Turnkey Furniture and Styling Service is designed to make your life easier while delivering a home you’ll absolutely love.
All you need to do is bring your vision—we’ll take care of the rest.