FAQS

I’m not sure if I need an interior designer, architect or builder. What’s the difference?

An architect or builder focuses on the exterior and interior structure of a home. An interior designer is concerned with reconfiguring the spatial, structural and material elements of your home – from lighting and electric plans to plumbing specifications to finishes, including flooring, countertops, cabinetry and tiles. The biggest difference between the three roles is that interior designers spend time with you to determine your lifestyle preferences. At HOME by belle, we are equipped to offer all of the above. Our seasoned design team includes a licensed architect, while our network of trades can handle all your building needs.

What do you charge for projects?

Most designers are tight-lipped about their fees and reluctant to share their rates. In the interest of being fully transparent with our clients, we prefer to share the average building costs for a HOME by belle project. Our pricing reflects our years of hands-on experience and, as our portfolio attests, nailing the highest calibre designs. These rates exclude additional design and project management fees, in which we choreograph the entire process for you. They are starting benchmark costs for labour, fixtures and finishes.

Laundries start at $25,000

Bathrooms start at $35,000

Kitchens start at $65,000

What does your design and project management service entail?

We know that renovating can be a daunting process, so we offer a “turnkey” service for end-to-end management of your project. We act as translators, advocates and problem solvers for our clients, ensuring that your renovation is a positive experience. In fact, the majority of our clients sign up for these additional services. Our Design Management service guarantees that the design you signed off on is correctly executed in the construction phase, so we schedule regular onsite visits and update plans accordingly. A builder may not always have your best interests in mind and are not as concerned with delivering on your specifications. Meanwhile, our Project Management service ensures a seamless execution of every detail, including council approvals, stakeholder management, organising the delivery of all your finishes, fixtures and fittings – as well liaising with all the tradespeople on your behalf. We are your eyes, ears and voice throughout the construction process. We oversee the labour, the logistics and the scheduling, so you needn’t worry about a thing.

What is “functional design”?

As interior designers we always endeavour to create stunning spaces, but there is no point in building a beautiful looking kitchen if you can’t open a corner cupboard door. Similarly, we would never tile a bathroom floor which couldn’t drain properly. This is what we mean by “functional”. We work with you to determine how your space needs to work and flow according to your lifestyle, your family and your interests. We then create a customised design based on this information. Every aspect of the interior is measured, assessed and installed meticulously. As designers, we value logistics as much as aesthetics. Functionality is not a one-size-fits-all notion; it is completely personal.

Do you have a signature look?

We don’t have a single style, as some designers do, but we are known for conceptualising sleek, inviting and modern spaces that our clients love. As above, customisation is key: we work to fashion an interior that is unique to each client. Whether it’s a marble-clad bathroom that resembles a hotel spa, a souped-up kitchen worthy of a star chef, or a master bedroom with a capacious walk-in wardrobe, the design reflects your taste and vision for the way you want to live. We aim to extract the elements of your ideal aesthetic and stretch your vision beyond the limits of your imagination to create a home you’ll treasure.

What geographical area do you service?

We service Sydney and its surrounding cities. But we can offer our design services Australia-wide and have worked with clients across the country through virtual consults. Following the successful completion of a project, we are frequently engaged to collaborate on second or third projects with our clients as they relocate or upgrade their homes.

How long does the process take from concept to completion?

Longer than on The Block. More time, energy and people are involved than on a television design program with their dramatic overnight reveals. The duration of each project varies according to the individual scope of work. Small design-only projects such as a laundry can take several weeks, whereas an extensive full-home project can take up to six months or more. Each project’s specification and scale are unique. Timing can also be informed by how quickly you make decisions based on the options presented to you.

How will renovating impact my home?

If you are planning a major renovation or even just updating your only bathroom, you may want to consider an alternate place to stay – whether it’s for the full renovation or just for a few weeks. If we are remodelling your kitchen, you may want to set up a temporary kitchen in another room or plan on eating out more. Our team will need to access to a bathroom, and we will chat with you about temporary options at the beginning of the project.

What is the sequence of phases that my design project will go through?

We believe there are five steps to a harmonious home. As such, we have prepared a general outline of what you can expect at each stage. Click here to read about the process. If you’re ready to join us on the journey to crafting your forever home, please call or email our office to arrange your initial consultation. We’d love to collaborate with you.