Explore every episode of the podcast My Forever Home

Inspiration images from Pinterest, Instagram and magazines can be a brilliant starting point for your home design, but they don't always tell the full story. In this episode, Frances explains what those beautiful images may not show, the hidden costs of trying to copy them, and how to use inspiration to create a functional, long-lasting Forever Home™ that is uniquely yours.

Some home design decisions are easy to update later, while others can be incredibly difficult and costly to change. In this episode, Frances explores the permanent decisions to prioritise early in your renovation or new build, from ceiling heights and window placement to plumbing, power points and room layouts, so your Forever Home™ remains comfortable, functional and flexible for years to come.

A truly well-designed home should feel comfortable in every season—not just when the heating or cooling is switched on. In this episode, Frances shares the design decisions that help homes stay naturally cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and more enjoyable to live in all year round.

From passive solar design and insulation to ventilation, landscaping and window design, discover how thoughtful planning creates a Forever Home™ that performs beautifully every day.

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 that feels warm and inviting.

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 transform the experience, and actually end up being a more cost effective option - even if it doesn't seem it upfront.

If you're planning your Forever Home™, this episode will help you make more confident, informed decisions from the start.

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 maximalist Christmas magic.

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 refreshing your space, this episode will help you pull everything together beautifully (and confidently!).

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 drive her nuts!) and actionable tips for creating mood, atmosphere, and forever-home-worthy design outcomes.

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, sustainable surfaces, and how European trends eventually filter into Australian homes. If you're planning a kitchen or simply love design, this one's packed with insight and practical advice from Frances' years in the industry.

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 ensuring your home functions beautifully and stands the test of time.

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 that works for you and your family.

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 learn how working with a designer can streamline your project, help you make informed decisions, and ultimately create your Forever Home™.

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 lingering issues.

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 inspiration for creating new ones this Christmas.

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 foundational elements of home design.

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 better prepare for your own projects.

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 touch to your renovation or new build.

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.

As the guest in this podcast episode, Frances shares how she creates meaning, presence, and memories in a home and shares her passion for helping clients to create their Forever Home™. She outlines how she started her business, why she does what she does and the things she's passionate about.

Frances outlines what she's been observing over recent times, the discoveries she's uncovered and her response to these. This has prompted the launch of her first magazine to answer the burning questions people are consistently asking, and in this episode she outlines what she's been observing and discovering along with how the magazine addresses these burning questions.

Learn what to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen or BBQ space for your home. Frances outlines materials, orientation and weather protection, right down to ventilation and appliances.

Understand what to consider when selecting external colours for your home. Frances outlines the significance of lighter-coloured roofs as well. 

You will uncover the essential principle of "less is more" in colour and material selection, alongside practical guidance to achieve a home with 'street appeal'.  

Frances emphasises the substantial energy-saving potential of 'cool roofs' and offers expert advice on colour and material coordination.   

In this insightful episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances delves into the concept of "Emotional ROI". She explores the significance of emotional investment when creating a Forever Home™, emphasising its distinction from financial ROI typically associated with property development. Through personal anecdotes and client interactions, Frances outlines the importance of forging a deep emotional connection with design choices, materials, and the overall feeling the home you're creating.  

With passion and expertise, she encourages everyone to prioritise the emotional return on their home, based on the time, money and effort involved to create it, making their home-building journey a deeply personal and fulfilling experience. 

In this insightful episode, fellow interior designer James Treble joins Frances to discuss the art of creating timeless and functional homes.  

Covering topics such as budgeting, future-proofing design principles, and how to get ideas, Treble shares valuable insights for both renovation and new home projects. Whether you're embarking on a home improvement journey or planning your dream home, this conversation offers practical tips to help you maximise value and enhance your quality of living. 

Frances delves into the engineered stone ban in Australia and explores alternative options for homeowners. From porcelain to laminate, Frances discusses factors such as durability, aesthetics, and budget, advising listeners on many alternatives available and why you may choose one material over another for your benchtops.  

Frances sits down with Lauren Li, author of 'The New French Look', to discuss the French approach to design and decorating. They explore the core components of the "New French Look," along with regional variations, along with what sets French design apart from the Australian approach.  

A fabulous episode on the intricacies of lifetsyle and the impact it has on design, along with discovering how to infuse a touch of France into your own home. 

Frances outlines why it's so important to create a furniture layout at floorplan stage in this episode. This is essential listening to avoid big mistakes! She outlines the implications that can occur when a furniture layout is not done before building starts, using a real life example and the compromises made because there was no plan.

Frances reflects on 2023 on a personal and design perspective and shares highlights of the year including finished homes, awards, media coverage and what's in store for 2024.

Frances is joined by her client, Bernadette, in this special case study episode. Bernadette shares her renovation journey, from when she first set eyes on the home 20 years ago, through to creating her project team and the joys and frustrations of her extensive renovation.

This is an honest 'warts and all' account of what a renovation project can be like, including pitfalls to avoid and how your team can support you throughout. She alos outlines how having an interior designer on the team helped her create a home she truely loves and helped her mitigate so many mistakes that could have happened throughout the journey.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of clearing out years and years worth of 'stuff', then this is the episode for you.

Frances is joined by decluttering expert, Amy Revell, who shares her wisdom on how to prepare to pack up and move for a renovation or new build. How to create a vision and create a home you'll love.

This is a super fun and jammed packed episode on what to declutter and decide what to keep for your new home.

Frances outlines exactly what thermal wrap is in this episode, and why it's a great product to consider for cabinetry in your home. With guests from Albedor Industries, she also delves into the myths surrounding thermal wrap, how it is made and the sustainability measures Albedor are undertaking to make a low VOC product.

A great episode if you're wanting to understand cabinetry materials that could be used for your renovation or new home.

Frances discusses what to consider when designing a mudroom. How it needs to function, and be designed around what you need to store in it. She also discusses other considerations for where items can go in the home if the mudroom is not large enough for everything. Finally, she outlines the ideal location of a mudroom in a home.

A must listen if you're thinking for having a mudroom in your home.

Frances is joined by Peter Karaolganis from Presenting Homes Australia to discuss the different decisions made when renovating your Forever Home compared to renovating to flip and make a profit.

Peter and Frances discuss materials, build quality, flexible floorplans and multigenerational living for both types of renovations and how they differ.

Frances shares her experience doing something creative. Just because. And the creative has nothing to do with interior design, renovating or building. She got inspiried after reading 'Big Magic', which explores the notion of doing something for no other reason than for your own enjoyment. Frances shares her experience on this principle in this episode of the podcast.

Frances is watching The Block this season and viewing it with multiple lenses. In this episode she shares her observations about the 50's theme, the impact sponsors have on material choices, following a brief for the right outcome, orientation, plus design meeting the target audience, and how different that is to a Forever Home.

Having just come back from a 5 week European holiday, Frances discusses how travel can provide inspiration and influence on your interiors back home. Frances shares her key takeaways from each city she went to (London, Paris, Amsterdam and Baku) and what to notice and look for when you're on holiday that can personalise your space at home.

The orientation of your home and the direction each room faces, impacts livability and the comfort levels in your home. The ability to naturally warm your home in winter and keep it cool in summer are achievable by managing the sun and using it to your advantage at design stage.

Frances shares her insights in this podcast episode on things to consider to maximise the potential of creating a home that is comfortable all year round along with design flaws to avoid. Full of tips and ways to get the most out of your home design, befor

If you are renovating, and not sure what to do with the original timber floors, Frances outlines what some floor options are, in this episode. They may not need to replaced, and Frances discusses some choices and considerations you can explore to understand the best outcome for your home.

Frances shares her top tips on bathroom layout considerations and what to keep in mind for optimum functionality.

In this episode Frances is joined by Richard Earp, who is super passionate about the environment and all things sustainability. He has been leading his company, Earp Bros, for years in meeting strict sustainability criteria, so he knows a thing or two. Together they discuss the impact of the Paris Agreement and NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) and the impact this will have on Australians and the materials they choose for their homes, for Australia to meet their NDC commitment by 2030 and beyond.