I think we’ve all experienced a space with poor functionality. Bumping into the wall while pulling clothes out from the dryer. Again. Chopping vegetables in the shadow of your downlights. Daring! Blindly searching for the jar of capers in the depths of the pantry. Oh look, we have two...

Each of these experiences (and a whole host of others) ignites that little voice of frustration in our heads. And as these small, everyday challenges compound, that voice grows louder and more difficult to ignore. This is usually when our phone starts to ring!

I’m joking, but it isn’t far from the truth. Renovating your home isn’t just about style and appearance — a huge part of my job is to design a more practical and joyful living experience for you. To bring imagination, innovation, and purpose into every hour you will spend in your home.

But instead of telling you how we design ingeniously practical solutions (if I do say so myself), let me show you and inspire you…

1. Cheeky Sliding Vanity Mirror

Narrow space? No problem. This small ensuite bathroom needed a smart approach to storage and maximising space, so instead of opting for a hinged mirror door (that would take up space when open) or double-doors with a split down the middle (on your reflection!), we came up with this imaginative solution…

A full-size mirror on a sliding track. By keeping the mirror in alignment with the wall, the toiletries are kept out of sight and it doesn’t block any precious real estate over the sink and walkway. Plus, it’s fun to use!

2. Hidden Laundry Unit and Sink

The kitchen and dining area of our Naremburn Project has a secret, and a very practical one at that. But before I divulge it, let’s take a look at how this home started:

If you were standing in this space right now, you would be in the kitchen looking at a would-be dining area and these back closets with a pantry and washing machine. Although this seemed like a strange place for a fluff-and-fold, our clients were happy to keep the location and increase usability instead. We reimagined the whole area and designed this:

Nestled between spruce green, custom joinery is their new laundry area, complete with its own storage cabinets and sink. Cleaning supplies, an ironing board, and drying racks are all located neatly at hand, and when not in use, sliding doors tuck everything neatly out of sight revealing beautifully detailed storage and display units…unless you’re trying to subtly recruit help with laundry after dinner. ;)

3. Smart Sorting Baskets Located Shower-Side

This well-planned laundry area in the South Coogee Home Renovation puts everything our clients need right at their fingertips. We designed this space to include sorting baskets under the bench, control any odors, and best of all…keep clothes from piling up on the floor! (I think we’ve all been there.)

Just steps away, the decision to stack the washer and dryer is what helped make it all happen, giving us more bench space. This whole room is the perfect example of optimising your layout by creatively placing items where they are needed most. It saves time and swaps daily frustrations for blissful inner peace.

4. Full-Size Breakfast Bar with Electrical Outlets

Also in our South Coogee Home Renovation, this very intentionally planned hidden breakfast bar brings delight and ease to this couple’s morning routine. Sensibly located next to the refrigerator, this one-stop station has it all. Simply turn on the electric kettle, pour some tea, toast a couple of slices of sourdough, and you’ll be out the door and on your way in no time!

We were sure to include electrical outlets for the small appliances to keep them from cluttering benchtops — bonus! We also included several pull-out drawers for the items our clients wanted to have easily at hand for breakfast on the go.

Designer Secret: Rather than opting for a standard cabinet or drawer size, consider the items you are planning to store and then size accordingly. This is how you get results that fit your lifestyle perfectly.

5. Multi-Purpose Movable Trolley

Our clients’ family home in North Balgowlah includes this masterfully enigmatic space. Is it a laundry room? Wine cellar? Pantry? All of the above! To top off this delightfully practical “flex” room, we added this versatile trolley . It may look unassuming, but believe me, it’s a traveling workhorse…

On Laundry Day, this trolley provides an additional folding area and shelf space for baskets or stacked clothes ready for departure. On a sunny afternoon, it can be loaded with snacks and pool towels and wheeled outside for family fun. And when it comes to entertaining, it’s the perfect portable prep space and bar cart, too — cheers to that!

Grab Your Pre-Renovation Guidebook

From the initial step of imagining what your space could be to bringing it beautifully to life, our design process is completely personalized and centered around you. How you live. What you love. Plus a little extra to surprise and delight you.

Considering a renovation in the near future? Download my Pre-Renovation Guidebook below to ensure it will be everything you’re imagining and more.

Live, beyond ordinary.

Donna