My Forever Home

A home can look beautiful but still be frustrating to live in. In this episode, Frances explores the small home design mistakes that often go unnoticed until after you move in—from door swings and appliance placement to landing spaces and everyday functionality. Learn how thoughtful planning can help you create a home that's not only beautiful, but effortless to live in.

What makes a welcoming home feel warm, inviting and comfortable — rather than cold or clinical? In this episode, Frances explores how layering, texture, lighting, colour, natural materials and thoughtful styling choices can completely transform the feeling of a space. From timber and textiles to lighting and undertones, she shares practical interior design ideas to help you create a welcoming home...

In this episode, Frances explores how to design your home for the way you truly live day to day — not for occasional use. From spare rooms and theatre spaces to oversized hallways, she shares practical strategies to avoid wasted space and create a home that works harder, feels better, and supports your Forever Home™ lifestyle.

In this episode, Frances shares a firsthand experience inside a volume builder's colour selection and lighting appointments — revealing how these meetings unfold, including the pressure, choice limitations, and hidden upgrade costs that often catch homeowners off guard. She compares this with the custom build process, showing how greater flexibility, expert guidance, and curated selections can tra...

Creating accessible interiors in your home isn't about ageing — it's about choice, comfort, and staying in your Forever Home™ for longer. In this episode, Frances explores practical, design-led ways to improve accessibility and flexibility, from floor plans and bathrooms to kitchens and lighting, without compromising on aesthetics.

Decision fatigue is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face during a renovation or new build. In this episode, Frances breaks down why the constant stream of choices becomes so overwhelming, the impact it can have on your project, and the practical steps you can take to reduce stress, stay focused, and make confident decisions for your Forever Home™.

In this festive episode of the My Forever Home™ Podcast, Frances walks you through how to create a Christmas theme that flows beautifully from your tree, to your table, and throughout your home. She shares how she designed her own Australian botanical Christmas and offers practical ideas to help you personalise your festive décorations, whether you love a minimalist nature-inspired look or full-on...

In this episode, Frances dives deep into what it really means to create cohesion and continuity in your home — and why it matters more than you might think. From consistent materials and colour tones to layout flow and emotional connection, Frances walks you through the key elements that help your home feel calm, functional, and uniquely yours. Whether you're building new, renovating, or refreshin...

If your home doesn't work, it won't matter how beautiful it looks. In this episode, Frances dives into why function must come first when designing your forever home. She shares what functionality really means, how to futureproof your spaces, and why open-plan retreats and missing doors might be costing you more than you realise. Practical, passionate, and packed with insights.

In this new episode, Frances dives deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely critical role of lighting in your home. She explores how strategic lighting design can elevate not just the look but also the functionality and emotional feel of each space. From task lighting to the ambience created by uplights and lamps, Frances shares practical, real-life examples (including hotel bathrooms that dr...

In this new podcast episode, Frances walks you through the key kitchen design trends emerging for 2025 and beyond—plus which ones are here to stay. From coloured cabinetry (hello green and navy!) to textural finishes like fluted glass and curved profiles, she shares what's gaining traction and how to know if it's right for your Forever Home™. You'll hear her take on splashbacks, timber tones, sust...

In this special episode, Frances shares a personal update and explains why the podcast has been quiet in recent months. It's a heartfelt message to her community, with gratitude and honesty at its core.

In this episode of the My Forever Home™ podcast, Frances discusses the hidden costs of design mistakes and how they can impact your renovation or new build. She shares real-life examples of costly errors and explains how working with an interior designer can help you avoid them. Tune in to learn how the right designer can guide you through the process, saving you time, money, and stress, while ens...

In this episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances speaks with Amanda McEwin, a successful property developer, about how she built her dream home. Amanda shares her experience of engaging an interior designer and they helped her navigate design challenges and solutions with her budget constraints. Tune in for key insights on the power of design professionals in creating your own Forever Home...

In this episode of the My Forever Home™ podcast, Frances explains why you may need an interior designer to save money, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce decision fatigue during your renovation or new build. She discusses how some designers provide practical solutions, guiding you through overwhelming decisions while ensuring functionality and aesthetics align with your family's needs. Tune in to l...

In this episode, Frances reflects on how the quiet of the holidays gives us the perfect opportunity to assess what isn't working in our homes. She shares personal experiences of the things that have bugged her, how it's easy to live with them, and how holiday time is the best time to make a change.  Listen in for helpful insights on finding clarity for your home and how to finally tackle those lin...

In this heartwarming episode, Frances reflects on the Christmas traditions that shaped her childhood and how those rituals have evolved within her own family. She shares the joys of giving, the personal meaning behind handmade holiday gifts, and how simple traditions can bring a deeper connection to the festive season. Join Frances as she invites you to revisit your own traditions and find inspira...

Frances unpacks the crucial differences between concept plans and internal elevations in this latest episode, shedding light on how they can help you achieve your dream home design. She explains how concept plans provide the big picture of your space, while internal elevations dive into the intricate and functionality details to bring your vision to life. Join her as she guides you through these f...

Frances dives into the world of window treatments, uncovering the crucial factors to consider when selecting the right options for your space. From maximising energy efficiency to enhancing aesthetics, she explores how the right window coverings can transform your home. Whether you're contemplating curtains or blinds, this episode offers valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions...

Join Frances in this special 150th episode as she reflects on the incredible journey of the My Forever Home podcast. Discover highlights from past episodes, popular guest insights, and the evolution of this award winning podcast since its inception during the pandemic. Tune in to celebrate this milestone and find inspiration for your own Forever Home™ journey!

In this episode, Frances explores how renovation TV shows impact our expectations and understanding of the design and build industry. She delves into the difference between the outcomes showcased and the practical challenges of real-life projects, and what is often missed that affect a good design result. Tune in to gain insights into the reality behind the renovation glamour and learn how to bett...

In this new episode, Frances explores the concept of adaptive home design for multi-generational living. Discover practical tips for creating flexible, adaptive spaces that can evolve with your family's needs over time, ensuring your home remains future proof if multiple generations live together, including designing for mobility issues and for when we age.

In this new episode, Frances reflects on how home design trends have evolved and come full circle over the years. She dives into the story of Laminex, an iconic Australian brand, and explores the resurgence of laminate materials in contemporary design. Discover why laminate is making a comeback with its diverse styles, sustainability benefits, and cost-effectiveness, and how it can add a creative...

This episode has Frances outlines the attributes to design the ideal home office—one that is both functional and a space you want to work in. She offers valuable insights on key considerations for setting up your home office, including optimal storage solutions, strategic placement of power points, colour choices, and ideal desk depth, and much more.

Learn how to create a cosy home with Frances' top tips on how to layer, create texture and make a space feel relaxing and yours to come home to. Winter is a perfect time to create a different look and feel in your home, with top tips on how to do it in this episode.