There’s a lot to think about when you’re building a house, from your section and suburb right down to your kitchen fittings. With so many choices to consider, interior design isn’t always at the top of the list!  That’s why Fortified Homes makes it simple, including interior design as part of our building process. All of our clients have a consultation with interior designer Meisha Campbell, who uses her expertise to guide clients through the design process and give them the confidence to make choices that improve their experience of living in their home.  In this article, Meisha explains how interior design fits into the build process, and shares her recommendations for effective design at any budget.  How does an interior designer help during the build process? Meisha works with Fortified Homes clients to help them choose their interior and exterior colours, and also helps with kitchen and bathroom design. Meisha’s expertise means each finished home looks cohesive, and will remain fresh and relevant as styles change. “[Interior design] is so beneficial if you’re building,” she says. “I can’t stress it enough. There are so many things that we can tell you to do that will help your home, aesthetically, but also every other way. You can drive by a house and tell which builder’s included this service, and which hasn’t.” As well as providing guidance during the build, Meisha can work independently with clients to help them choose and style the furnishings for their new home. Design solutions for every home Interior design is often perceived to be expensive, and that’s a misconception Meisha is working hard to correct. With a bit of creativity and the right advice, you can add your personality to any property, at any budget. “I like to work with any budget and not say no,” she says. “Having these little tweaks that soften a space… it’s simple and affordable.” If you’re building intending to sell within a few years, you’ve probably heard that it’s best to keep your design neutral to maximise resale value. Meisha does recommend using a neutral colour palette for your main exterior and interior colours to appeal to as many people as possible when it comes time to sell - but that doesn’t mean your home should be boring. “Bring in some interest through the time you’re there through your removable items,” Meisha says. “Visual texture and removable items are the simplest way to add some fun without making it a permanent feature. We’ll do something simple, and include things which are really funky, but easy to change when you need to.” If you’re planning to live in your home for a longer period of time, it makes sense to spend a bit more on your interior design features while still making sure you can change your decor as your own tastes change. “Keep your big-ticket items neutral, but your under $5,000 bracket funky and easy to change when you’re sick of it, and you want to freshen up,” Meisha says. Meisha’s top design tips: Add interest with colour and textureWithout a pop of colour or texture, neutral or monochromatic rooms can look flat and cold. Meisha recommends softening your spaces by adding points of interest for the eye to land on, like metallic lighting pendants, textured curtains or rugs, and faux throws or cushions. Be realistic about your budgetMeisha recommends thinking about your interior design budget in the context of how long you intend to stay in your home: “It’s about being clever and thinking ahead the whole time.” If you’re planning to spend many years living in this home, it makes sense to spend a bit more on pieces you’ll love to see every day. If you’re getting ready to sell, there are plenty of lower-cost options to refresh your home without needing to make significant changes. Don’t go overboard with your researchChecking out Pinterest and asking friends and family for recommendations can be tempting, but Meisha cautions new home builders against doing too much research. “It’s the worst thing you could possibly do,” she says, “because everyone’s experience is different.” Get an idea of what you like, and let Meisha help you find the right options for your space, budget, and how you like to live. 

There’s a lot to think about when you’re building a house, from your section and suburb right down to your kitchen fittings. With so many choices to consider, interior design isn’t always at the top of the list!  That’s why Fortified Homes makes it simple, including interior design as part of our building process. All of our clients have a consultation with interior designer Meisha Campbell, who uses her expertise to guide clients through the design process and give them the confidence to make choices that improve their experience of living in their home.  In this article, Meisha explains how interior design fits into the build process, and shares her recommendations for effective design at any budget.  How does an interior designer help during the build process? Meisha works with Fortified Homes clients to help them choose their interior and exterior colours, and also helps with kitchen and bathroom design. Meisha’s expertise means each finished home looks cohesive, and will remain fresh and relevant as styles change. “[Interior design] is so beneficial if you’re building,” she says. “I can’t stress it enough. There are so many things that we can tell you to do that will help your home, aesthetically, but also every other way. You can drive by a house and tell which builder’s included this service, and which hasn’t.” As well as providing guidance during the build, Meisha can work independently with clients to help them choose and style the furnishings for their new home. Design solutions for every home Interior design is often perceived to be expensive, and that’s a misconception Meisha is working hard to correct. With a bit of creativity and the right advice, you can add your personality to any property, at any budget. “I like to work with any budget and not say no,” she says. “Having these little tweaks that soften a space… it’s simple and affordable.” If you’re building intending to sell within a few years, you’ve probably heard that it’s best to keep your design neutral to maximise resale value. Meisha does recommend using a neutral colour palette for your main exterior and interior colours to appeal to as many people as possible when it comes time to sell - but that doesn’t mean your home should be boring. “Bring in some interest through the time you’re there through your removable items,” Meisha says. “Visual texture and removable items are the simplest way to add some fun without making it a permanent feature. We’ll do something simple, and include things which are really funky, but easy to change when you need to.” If you’re planning to live in your home for a longer period of time, it makes sense to spend a bit more on your interior design features while still making sure you can change your decor as your own tastes change. “Keep your big-ticket items neutral, but your under $5,000 bracket funky and easy to change when you’re sick of it, and you want to freshen up,” Meisha says. Meisha’s top design tips: Add interest with colour and textureWithout a pop of colour or texture, neutral or monochromatic rooms can look flat and cold. Meisha recommends softening your spaces by adding points of interest for the eye to land on, like metallic lighting pendants, textured curtains or rugs, and faux throws or cushions. Be realistic about your budgetMeisha recommends thinking about your interior design budget in the context of how long you intend to stay in your home: “It’s about being clever and thinking ahead the whole time.” If you’re planning to spend many years living in this home, it makes sense to spend a bit more on pieces you’ll love to see every day. If you’re getting ready to sell, there are plenty of lower-cost options to refresh your home without needing to make significant changes. Don’t go overboard with your researchChecking out Pinterest and asking friends and family for recommendations can be tempting, but Meisha cautions new home builders against doing too much research. “It’s the worst thing you could possibly do,” she says, “because everyone’s experience is different.” Get an idea of what you like, and let Meisha help you find the right options for your space, budget, and how you like to live. 

There’s a lot to think about when you’re building a house, from your section and suburb right down to your kitchen fittings. With so many choices to consider, interior design isn’t always at the top of the list!  That’s why Fortified Homes makes it simple, including interior design as part of our building process. All of our clients have a consultation with interior designer Meisha Campbell, who uses her expertise to guide clients through the design process and give them the confidence to make choices that improve their experience of living in their home.  In this article, Meisha explains how interior design fits into the build process, and shares her recommendations for effective design at any budget.  How does an interior designer help during the build process? Meisha works with Fortified Homes clients to help them choose their interior and exterior colours, and also helps with kitchen and bathroom design. Meisha’s expertise means each finished home looks cohesive, and will remain fresh and relevant as styles change. “[Interior design] is so beneficial if you’re building,” she says. “I can’t stress it enough. There are so many things that we can tell you to do that will help your home, aesthetically, but also every other way. You can drive by a house and tell which builder’s included this service, and which hasn’t.” As well as providing guidance during the build, Meisha can work independently with clients to help them choose and style the furnishings for their new home. Design solutions for every home Interior design is often perceived to be expensive, and that’s a misconception Meisha is working hard to correct. With a bit of creativity and the right advice, you can add your personality to any property, at any budget. “I like to work with any budget and not say no,” she says. “Having these little tweaks that soften a space… it’s simple and affordable.” If you’re building intending to sell within a few years, you’ve probably heard that it’s best to keep your design neutral to maximise resale value. Meisha does recommend using a neutral colour palette for your main exterior and interior colours to appeal to as many people as possible when it comes time to sell - but that doesn’t mean your home should be boring. “Bring in some interest through the time you’re there through your removable items,” Meisha says. “Visual texture and removable items are the simplest way to add some fun without making it a permanent feature. We’ll do something simple, and include things which are really funky, but easy to change when you need to.” If you’re planning to live in your home for a longer period of time, it makes sense to spend a bit more on your interior design features while still making sure you can change your decor as your own tastes change. “Keep your big-ticket items neutral, but your under $5,000 bracket funky and easy to change when you’re sick of it, and you want to freshen up,” Meisha says. Meisha’s top design tips: Add interest with colour and textureWithout a pop of colour or texture, neutral or monochromatic rooms can look flat and cold. Meisha recommends softening your spaces by adding points of interest for the eye to land on, like metallic lighting pendants, textured curtains or rugs, and faux throws or cushions. Be realistic about your budgetMeisha recommends thinking about your interior design budget in the context of how long you intend to stay in your home: “It’s about being clever and thinking ahead the whole time.” If you’re planning to spend many years living in this home, it makes sense to spend a bit more on pieces you’ll love to see every day. If you’re getting ready to sell, there are plenty of lower-cost options to refresh your home without needing to make significant changes. Don’t go overboard with your researchChecking out Pinterest and asking friends and family for recommendations can be tempting, but Meisha cautions new home builders against doing too much research. “It’s the worst thing you could possibly do,” she says, “because everyone’s experience is different.” Get an idea of what you like, and let Meisha help you find the right options for your space, budget, and how you like to live.