CLIENT: Family of four (2 adults, two children aged 9 and 7 years old)
DESIGNER FEE: $1680
PROJECT DURATION: 4 months
TRADES ARRANGED: Painting, flooring, window furnishings
This family was preparing to move back into their Ascot Vale home and wanted to make some practical improvements before returning. With two neurodivergent primary school-aged children and plans for a future renovation, the focus was on creating a home that felt more manageable day to day, without overcommitting financially at this stage.
One of the biggest issues was the condition of the existing floors. They were worn, draughty and difficult to clean, which made everyday life harder, particularly with children who had additional needs. The inability to properly reset and clean the space was creating ongoing stress for the parents.
Replacing the flooring became the most important shift in the project. Moving to a continuous, durable surface made a significant difference, allowing the family to clean more easily and feel confident that the home could withstand daily use. This, combined with updated paintwork and window furnishings, helped create a calmer and more functional base for the home. Please note: photos of window furnishings are not on display here.
Alongside these foundational changes, I supported the layout of the childrens’ bedroom and the introduction of more suitable storage. The focus was on creating systems that were easy to use, reduced visual overwhelm, and made it easier for the children to access and put away their belongings.
This project is a good example of how addressing one core issue can have a flow-on effect across the entire home. By improving the durability and cleanability of the space, the family was better able to maintain it, which in turn reduced stress and made the home feel more settled and supportive.
The family re-engaged me 7 months later wanting support to implement some systems and strategies for keeping the home regulated and contained. I look forward to sharing more “after” pictures once we tackle those next steps together.