Every interior design decision carries consequences that extend far beyond appearance. How a space looks and feels (form), how it functions, how much it costs over time, and what impact it has on the environment are inseparable. Treating any one of these in isolation leads to poor outcomes financially, environmentally, or both. At 360 Design Studio, the 4Fs - form, function, finance, and the planet’s future - are considered together, from the first briefing through to final s

A well-designed medical space is more than functional infrastructure. It reassures anxious patients, facilitates efficient practitioner workflow, and reflects the quality of care provided. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've witnessed how thoughtful interior design transforms patient experience whilst supporting medical professionals' operational needs. This guide explains what separates professional medical interior design

Designing your space can be challenging – there are so many materials to choose from, infinite colours – not to mention getting the best price! So it's no surprise that AI-powered interior design apps are gaining popularity. But can an app truly replace a qualified interior designer? As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member who also co-founded Dezinery (Australia's marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares), I understand both tec

Value of an Interior Designer A potential client recently told us we were charging too much "just to recommend some wallpaper and finishes". It really comes down to what you need and value. If you needed surgery, would you want a surgeon who charges by the hour and rushes out before closing you up? Or a junior surgeon who could potentially take double the amount of time on your surgery than a more experienced one? Interior Designers are qualified professionals who take the ti

Colour Stylists vs Interior Decorators vs Interior Designers When you're planning to transform your space, you're faced with three distinct professionals: colour stylists, interior decorators, and interior designers. In Australia, these terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent fundamentally different services with different qualifications and scopes of work. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and member of the Design Institute of Australia, I've witnesse

Most renovators plunge into their projects armed with nothing but Instagram reels and home renovation shows. These are the "plastic surgeons" of renovation, they show you the after but not the pain of getting there. Research from a BRANZ study highlights how inadequate project planning and lack of project management often lead to a poor renovation experience with up to 30% wasted costs. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've wi

After completing numerous residential and commercial projects, I've noticed homeowners repeatedly making the same interior design mistakes. These errors create spaces that look awkward, feel uncomfortable, or simply don't function properly. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I understand why these mistakes happen and, more importantly, how to fix them. This guide reveals the five most common design errors and professional soluti

We recently had a client tell us our fees were very high "just to recommend some wallpaper". But what most people don't realise is that Interior Designers can actually save them money. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I understand this perception. This guide explains what you're actually paying for when you hire a qualified designer, and why it's often less expensive than DIY. What You Think You're Paying For vs. Reality What

Whether you are first-time or seasoned renovators, thinking about the points below will help us (and you) hit the ground running when we start working together. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member with 24 years of financial and project management experience, I've learned that the most successful projects begin with clear communication about expectations, constraints, and preferences. This guide helps you prepare for your first int

360 Design Studio has completed a number of residential, corporate and commercial projects. We believe the following go a long way towards identifying the right Interior Designer for your project. In the age of Instagram and Pinterest, it's easy to choose an interior designer based solely on beautiful images. But as a diploma-qualified interior designer and member of the Design Institute of Australia, I've seen projects succeed or fail based not on aesthetic vision, but on th

Commercial interior design projects can be complex and challenging, and there are several common roadblocks and mistakes that businesses may encounter during the process. To avoid these obstacles, it's crucial to work with an experienced and trusted partner who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member specialising in commercial projects (including Moves Internation

Client:  Provider of student counselling, student visa and migration services Property:  Existing workspace plus additional rooms leased due to business growth Renovation objective:  Refresh and update new rooms, bring new brand colours to life As a result of the company's success and growth in staff numbers, the client had recently leased additional space on the same floor as their current offices. They approached me to fit out the new space, as well as to re-configure the e

In the present economic climate and with every day bringing new evidence of the climate crisis, green interior design just makes sense. "Green interior design" is about reducing or eliminating a negative impact on the environment through skillful, sensitive design decisions. As a diploma-qualified interior designer, Design Institute of Australia member, and co-founder of Dezinery (Australia's marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares), I apply circular economy principle

Like most people in the festive season, I took some time off and enjoyed catching up with friends and family... and found myself inundated with questions about renovation plans in new year. There was confusion and concern about supply and availability of materials and trades, rising costs, and much more... leading to renovation paralysis! As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've helped numerous clients overcome renovation paralys

Whether you're running your business or working from home, most of us have full (if not overflowing) lives. We've also seen plenty of TV shows and heard friends share their renovation nightmares. A renovation is a significant financial commitment that needs to be well planned and closely managed. Research from a BRANZ study highlights how inadequate project planning and lack of project management often lead to a poor renovation experience with up to 30% wasted costs. As a dip

Client:  Full-time executive in national role for global company Property:  Townhouse with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms Renovation objective:  Update kitchen, laundry, and powder room As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've managed numerous renovation projects for busy professionals. This interview demonstrates why professional project management makes renovation feasible for people with demanding careers. The Interview 360 Desi

Client:  Couple with teenage son and daughter Property:  Double-storey home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms Renovation objective:  Provide each child with ensuite bathroom by converting family bathroom located between both bedrooms As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've managed numerous bathroom renovations. This project demonstrates how comprehensive interior design and professional Project Management deliver functional, beaut

Client:  Indian restaurant, North Sydney Property:  Tired dining space requiring complete transformation Renovation objective:  Modernise space whilst minimising business disruption and revenue loss One of the most challenging aspects of commercial renovations is balancing transformation with business continuity. When a North Sydney Indian restaurant approached 360 Design Studio, their primary concern wasn't just outdated aesthetics - it was the potential revenue loss from ex

We often get asked this question in our very first meeting. Understandably, clients need a starting point on which to base their renovation budget, and which rooms/spaces to spend it on to maximise functionality and their property value. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member with 24 years of financial and project management experience, I've developed systematic approaches to renovation budgeting that prevent over-capitalisation whil

Are you still recovering from the stress of your last renovation? At 360 Design Studio, we provide every degree of support to make your renovation stress-free, from interior design to Project Management. As a diploma-qualified interior designer and Design Institute of Australia member, I've seen how proper planning and professional management eliminate the stress that plagues DIY renovations. This guide explains how to make your next renovation completely different. The Three