Family-Friendly
Interior Design & styling
Creating homes that balance style, function and liveability
My name is Penny Miller and I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m an Interior Designer and Stylist based in Kew (Melbourne, Australia), with a background in child development and family mental health. I’m also a mum to two young children, so I know how much the way a home functions can shape everyday family life.
I specialise in helping families create beautiful and functional homes on a budget and without the overwhelm. I’m a specialist in curating environments that support regulation, sensory needs, independence, and connection, especially for children who experience the world more intensely.
Alongside my design work, I’m passionate about helping parents understand how thoughtful, neuroaffirming home environments can reduce everyday friction and help families thrive.
Why should you work with me?
There are a few things that set me apart from other interior designers. I am committed to providing advice and solutions that are sensible, budget-friendly, and practical and which meet the needs of the average Australian family, including those with additional needs.
Good design shouldn’t require an unlimited budget. I provide clear, experience-backed guidance on durable, affordable options so you can make confident choices without overspending (and I’m not precious about where we shop!).
I balance style with function, creating homes that genuinely work for busy family life. My suggestions are chosen for real households: durable materials, layouts that accommodate children, and storage that actually gets used.
Every family has its own values, rhythms, and priorities, and a home should reflect all of them. I design with sensory needs, inclusivity, and family dynamics in mind, drawing on both professional training and lived experience.
I take the time to understand what genuinely matters to your family: how you want to feel at home, what your children need to thrive, and what kind of life you’re trying to build together. That’s what shapes every recommendation I make.
*NEW* MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY
The Developing Home is a supportive community for parents who feel their home could help their child more.
Through practical guidance and shared conversations, we explore how small environmental changes can support regulation, independence, and calmer family life.
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how can I help you?
I offer two standalone consultations and an ongoing design retainer for families who want more sustained support. All three have the same thing in common: my child development background and family-first lens goes into every single recommendation I make. There’s no judgment about where your home is at right now. Real, lived-in homes are where my work makes the most meaningful difference.
initial consultation
In-home, 90 minutes. For when you want to scope a bigger project and work out a clear plan before committing to anything. I visit your home, ask a lot of questions, and follow up with a tailored retainer proposal.
THE walkthrough
In-home, 90 minutes. For when you need real decisions made, not just ideas to mull over. I come in, give you confident direction across whichever spaces you’re stuck on, and follow up with a written summary of recommendations.
design retainer
Flexible, ongoing support tailored to how your family actually lives. From colour direction and sourcing through to trades coordination, at whatever pace suits your life and your budget.
Not sure which service is right for you? Book a free 15-minute discovery call. No pressure, no commitment, just a conversation to work out where to start.
Not ready for 1:1 support yet?
Here are some other ways to get started
Free downloads, low-cost guides, and masterclass replays, all designed to help you understand how your home environment can work better for your family. Topics include child-friendly design, inclusive and neuroaffirming spaces, shopping smarter, and supporting learning and life skills at home.
In addition to regularly posting content on my Instagram page, I love sharing my thoughts and evidence-based information on topics relating to development and design over on my blog. Find topics such as “Why should I hire an interior designer?” and how to choose the right colours for a family home.
want to get something for the kiddos?
My children’s book, “My Home Has a Heart“, takes children on a journey to explore the profound connection between their actions and their home’s wellbeing.
Written with children aged 3-7 years in mind, the story follows a little girl as she learns that there are things that make her home feel sad, worried and stressed. She will discover that she has the power to be responsible, respectful and kind, and this will make her home’s heart happy!
homes I've worked on
These are real Melbourne families who felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just knew their home wasn’t working the way it should. They’d tried Pinterest, they’d made lists, they’d meant to get to it. With the right support, we took ideas to action. Chaos to calm. Stress to connection. Browse the projects to see how that plays out in real homes across Melbourne.
Be the first to know about product sales, new blog posts and upcoming events. I promise no spammy emails!
upcoming masterclass
From Chaos to Calm: Creating Homes That Support Learning and Life Skills
If you’re done with messy rooms, frantic afternoons and kids who won’t settle into homework… in 90 minutes I’ll show you how the right environment can change that, and what to do right now.
With 10+ years in child development and family-focused design, I’ve helped dozens of families go from chaos to calm. Join me to learn how to make simple, evidence-backed changes that reduce stress and build lasting confidence, for your child and for you.
