My Forever Home
Society & Culture
About
Join award winning interior designer, author and Forever Home expert, Frances, as she takes you on the journey to create the Forever Home of your dreams.Frances will help you navigate all the big ticket items, and all the little details that get lost along with way when renovating or building a new home. Focusing on sharing key information to ensure you're planned and prepared for the journey, she'll share how to ensure your home is functional, sustainable, durable, and aesthetically beautiful.Guests will also join Frances to share their insight and expertise on various topics, so you're getting well rounded information from a wide source of specialists.Frances has helped hundreds of people create Forever Homes that are designed for their lifestyles and reflects who they are, and is super passionate about you getting your Forever Home right. She's also built her home Forever Home, so she knows first hand what it takes, and what you need to know.Share the journey, and let Fran
Episodes
- E166 - Designing Your Home for Daily Living
In episode E166, Frances provides practical advice on designing a home for daily use, focusing on avoiding wasted space and creating a more functional and comfortable living environment.
- E165 - Volume Builder vs Custom Build: Key Differences Explained for Your Forever Home™
This episode contrasts volume building and custom home building experiences. Frances details her firsthand experience with a volume builder
- E164 - Designing Interiors for Life: Creating Accessible, Flexible Interiors
This episode of My Forever Home discusses creating accessible and flexible home interiors. Frances explores practical design solutions for floor plans, bathrooms, kitchens, and lighting that enhance comfort and longevity, regardless of age.
- E163 - How to Reduce Decision Fatigue During Your Home Renovation
In episode E163, Frances discusses decision fatigue as a major challenge in home renovations. She explains why the volume of choices is overwhelming, its effect on the project, and offers practical strategies to minimize stress and make co…
- E162 - Christmas Decorating: How to Create a Beautiful, Cohesive Theme for Your Home
E162 of the My Forever Home Podcast features Frances discussing how to create a cohesive Christmas decorating theme. She shares her Australian botanical Christmas approach and offers ideas for personalized festive décor.
- E161 - How to Create a Cohesive Home Design: Flow, Function & Feeling
This episode of My Forever Home explores creating cohesion and continuity in home design through consistent materials, color tones, layout, and emotional connection. Frances explains how these elements contribute to a home that feels calm,…
- E160 - Why Function Must Come Before Form
Frances explains the importance of function over form in home design, covering what functionality means, how to futureproof spaces, and the potential downsides of open-plan layouts and missing doors.
- E159 - Lighting Design for Mood, Function and Aesthetics
Frances explains the importance of lighting in home design, covering how strategic choices impact mood, function, and aesthetics. The episode includes practical tips and real-life examples, such as critiques of hotel bathroom lighting.
- E158 - Kitchen Trends and What Will Stick Around
Frances explores emerging kitchen design trends for 2025 and beyond, discussing the longevity of styles such as coloured cabinetry, textural finishes, and sustainable surfaces. The episode also touches on how European design influences Aus…
- A Personal Update: Special Episode
In a special episode, Frances provides a personal update regarding the podcast's recent inactivity. She shares a heartfelt message with her community, expressing gratitude and honesty.
- E157 - How to Prevent Design Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
Frances on My Forever Home podcast discusses the financial impact of design errors in home renovations and new builds, offering insights on how interior designers can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a home's long-term functionality and…
- E156 - From Property Developer to Dream Home: Amanda McEwin's Design Journey
Frances speaks with property developer Amanda McEwin about her experience building her dream home. Amanda shares insights on working with an interior designer to overcome design challenges and budget limitations.
- E155 - What Does an Interior Designer Do and Why You Need One for Your Forever Home™
In this episode of My Forever Home™, Frances details the benefits of hiring an interior designer, including cost savings, mistake avoidance, and reduced decision fatigue. Designers offer practical solutions to guide homeowners through reno…
- E154 - The Power of Holiday Reflection to Find Clarity for Your Home
In episode E154, Frances explores how the holiday quiet provides an opportunity to evaluate and improve home functionality. She draws on personal examples to illustrate how to identify and resolve persistent home issues during this reflect…
- E153 - Reviving Christmas Traditions: A Personal Reflection
In episode E153 of My Forever Home, Frances shares a personal reflection on cherished childhood Christmas traditions and how they have transformed within her own family, emphasizing the significance of giving, handmade gifts, and the deep…
- E152 - What's the Difference Between Concept Plans and Internal Elevations
Frances explains the distinction between concept plans and internal elevations in home design. Concept plans offer a broad view of a space, whereas internal elevations focus on the specific functional details needed to realize a design vis…
- E151 - How to Choose the Perfect Window Treatments for Your Home
In E151 of My Forever Home, Frances discusses selecting window treatments, emphasizing factors like energy efficiency and aesthetics. The episode provides insights for choosing between options like curtains and blinds to enhance a home's a…
- E150 - Behind the Scenes of 150 Episodes: Highlights and Stories
In this 150th episode of My Forever Home, Frances looks back at the podcast's journey, including highlights and guest insights. The episode covers the show's evolution since its pandemic inception.
- E149 - How Renovating Shows are Affecting the Design and Build Industry
This episode examines the influence of renovation television programs on the design and build industry, highlighting the gap between on-screen portrayals and practical project difficulties. Frances shares insights to help prepare for home…
- E148 - How Do I Design A Home for Multi-Generational Living
Frances discusses adaptive home design for multi-generational living in E148, offering practical tips for creating flexible spaces that accommodate evolving family needs, mobility challenges, and aging.
- E147 - Why Laminate Is Making a Comeback: Trends, Sustainability, and Style
This episode of My Forever Home discusses the comeback of laminate flooring, highlighting its evolving trends, sustainability advantages, and style versatility. Frances delves into the history of the Australian brand Laminex and explains w…
- E146 - The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Home Office
In episode E146, Frances discusses designing the ideal home office, focusing on functionality and desirability. Key considerations include storage, power outlet placement, color selection, and desk depth.
- E145 - How to Design a Cosy Home
In episode E145, Frances provides guidance on designing a cosy home. Tips include layering, creating texture, and making a space feel personal and relaxing, with a focus on winter.
- E144 - Guest on 'Show me the Money' Podcast: Curating Space: How Your Environment Shapes, Soothes, Holds and Tells your Tale.
Frances discusses her approach to creating meaning, presence, and memories within a home, and her dedication to assisting clients in establishing their Forever Home™. She also covers the inception of her business and her core passions.
- E143 - Observations, Discoveries and Delivery
In episode E143, Frances discusses her recent observations and discoveries. These insights have led to the creation of her first magazine, designed to answer frequently asked questions.
- E142 - Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
In episode E142 of My Forever Home, Frances shares advice on designing outdoor kitchens and BBQ spaces. The discussion covers essential elements such as material selection, site orientation, weatherproofing, ventilation, and appliance choi…
- E141 - Choosing External Colours
In episode E141, Frances discusses selecting external house colors, highlighting the benefits of lighter roofs and "cool roofs" for energy savings. The episode covers the principle of "less is more" in choosing colors and materials to enha…
- E140 - Creating an Emotional Return (ROI) on your Forever Home™
In episode E140 of My Forever Home, host Frances explores the concept of "Emotional ROI," highlighting the significance of emotional connection to design, materials, and the overall feeling of a home, differentiating it from financial retu…
- E139 - Insights into Renovating or Building a New Home with James Treble
Interior designer James Treble discusses home renovation and new build projects with Frances, covering budgeting, future-proofing, and design ideas to enhance quality of living.
- E138 - Alternatives to Engineered Stone
E138 of My Forever Home covers the engineered stone ban in Australia. Frances reviews alternatives such as porcelain and laminate, discussing durability, aesthetics, and budget to help homeowners choose benchtops.
- E137 - Exploring the New French Look
In this episode, host Frances is joined by author Lauren Li to explore the principles of 'The New French Look.' They discuss the core components of French design, regional differences, and how it contrasts with Australian design approaches…
- E136 - Furniture Layout and Why It's Critical Before You Start Building
Frances explains the importance of developing a furniture layout during the floorplan stage to prevent significant errors during construction. The episode uses a real-life example to illustrate the compromises made when a layout plan is ab…
- E135 - 2023 Reflections and Wrap Up
In episode E135, Frances reviews 2023 from personal and design viewpoints, highlighting achievements like completed homes, received awards, and media mentions, while also outlining plans for 2024.
- E134 - Client Case Study - Renovating a Federation Forever Home
In this case study episode, Bernadette details her extensive renovation of a Federation home over two decades. She shares insights on assembling a project team, navigating the challenges and rewards of renovation, and the crucial role an i…
- E133 - Decluttering Made Simple: Before your Renovation or New Build
In episode E133 of My Forever Home, decluttering expert Amy Revell joins host Frances to discuss how to manage accumulated belongings when preparing for a renovation or new build. The conversation covers strategies for decluttering and dec…
- E132 - Thermal Wrap Cabinetry - What You Need to Know
This episode of My Forever Home features Frances and guests from Albedor Industries discussing thermal wrap cabinetry. They explain what thermal wrap is, explore its benefits, address myths, and cover the manufacturing process and Albedor'…
- E131 - Mudroom Design Considerations
In E131, Frances covers key aspects of mudroom design, emphasizing functional requirements and storage solutions tailored to individual needs. The episode also addresses alternative storage options and the optimal location for a mudroom wi…
- E130 - Renovating your Forever Home Vs Renovating for Profit
In episode E130 of My Forever Home, Frances and Peter Karaolganis explore the diverging strategies for renovating a 'forever home' versus a property intended for resale. They examine how decisions regarding materials, build quality, flexib…
- E129 - Doing Something Creative. Just for You.
Frances shares her experience engaging in a creative activity unrelated to home renovation, inspired by the concept of 'Big Magic' which encourages doing things purely for personal enjoyment.
- E128: The Block - Design Goals and Commentary
Frances shares her observations on The Block, analyzing the 50's theme, sponsor impact on materials, following a brief, orientation, and designing for a target audience, contrasting it with a 'Forever Home'.
- E127: The Influence of Travel on Interiors
In episode E127, Frances shares how her recent European travels influenced her home interiors. She details specific inspirations from London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Baku, and offers advice on finding elements during travel to personalize on…
- E126: Orientation and Why It's Important
This episode of My Forever Home discusses the importance of home orientation and room direction for livability and comfort. Frances shares insights on using the sun to naturally warm homes in winter and keep them cool in summer, along with…
- E125 - Renovating: Solid timber floor considerations
Frances discusses options and considerations for original timber floors during renovations on My Forever Home. The episode explores choices that may mean floors do not need to be replaced.
- E124 - Bathroom Layout Considerations
In episode E124 of My Forever Home, Frances provides guidance on bathroom layout considerations and what factors are important to ensure the space is functional.
- E123 - The Paris Agreement and the Building Industry - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E13
Frances speaks with Richard Earp about the environmental impact of the Paris Agreement and NDCs on Australia's building industry. They discuss how these commitments will affect material choices for homes as Australia works towards its 2030…
- E122 - Choosing Sustainable Tapwear - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E12
In this episode, Frances speaks with Tim Sellars from Faucet Strommen about sustainable tapwear. They cover the characteristics of taps designed for durability and the benefits of Australian-made tapwear.
- E121 - What Clients are Wanting More of - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E11
Host Frances observes a growing client demand for sustainable and energy-efficient homes. This shift is positively impacting material choices and home design, reflecting changing priorities for people creating their forever homes.
- E120 - Building and Renovating Sustainably - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E10
Jeremy Gates returns to My Forever Home to discuss sustainable building and renovation. He shares five methods for enhancing home energy efficiency, advice on selecting a sustainable builder, and insights into passive house principles for…
- E119 - Sustainable Wood Based Products - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
John Dalla Via discusses Egger's sustainable wood-based products, including chipboard made with high percentages of waste. He provides guidance on selecting sustainable cabinetry and laminate, and mentions Egger's participation in the UN G…
- E118 - Sustainable Interiors - What to Consider - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
This episode features Frances discussing considerations for sustainable interior design. She covers various aspects including floorplans, hard materials, soft furnishings, window treatments, and lighting, offering ideas for making more sus…