My Forever Home
Episodes
E165 - Volume Builder vs Custom Build: Key Differences Explained for Your Forever Home™
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Frances shares a firsthand experience inside a volume builder's colour selection and lighting appointments — revealing how these me...
E164 - Designing Interiors for Life: Creating Accessible, Flexible Interiors
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
E163 - How to Reduce Decision Fatigue During Your Home Renovation
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Decision fatigue is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face during a renovation or new build. In this episode, Frances breaks down why the const...
E162 - Christmas Decorating: How to Create a Beautiful, Cohesive Theme for Your Home
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
E161 - How to Create a Cohesive Home Design: Flow, Function & Feeling
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 migh...
E160 - Why Function Must Come Before Form
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 you...
E159 - Lighting Design for Mood, Function and Aesthetics
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this new episode, Frances dives deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely critical role of lighting in your home. She explores how strategic li...
E158 - Kitchen Trends and What Will Stick Around
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
A Personal Update: Special Episode
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 he...
E157 - How to Prevent Design Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ne...
E156 - From Property Developer to Dream Home: Amanda McEwin's Design Journey
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
E155 - What Does an Interior Designer Do and Why You Need One for Your Forever Home™
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
E154 - The Power of Holiday Reflection to Find Clarity for Your Home
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sha...
E153 - Reviving Christmas Traditions: A Personal Reflection
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartwarming episode, Frances reflects on the Christmas traditions that shaped her childhood and how those rituals have evolved within her own...
E152 - What's the Difference Between Concept Plans and Internal Elevations
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frances unpacks the crucial differences between concept plans and internal elevations in this latest episode, shedding light on how they can help you ...
E151 - How to Choose the Perfect Window Treatments for Your Home
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frances dives into the world of window treatments, uncovering the crucial factors to consider when selecting the right options for your space. From ma...
E150 - Behind the Scenes of 150 Episodes: Highlights and Stories
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Frances in this special 150th episode as she reflects on the incredible journey of the My Forever Home podcast. Discover highlights from past epi...
E149 - How Renovating Shows are Affecting the Design and Build Industry
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Frances explores how renovation TV shows impact our expectations and understanding of the design and build industry. She delves into ...
E148 - How Do I Design A Home for Multi-Generational Living
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this new episode, Frances explores the concept of adaptive home design for multi-generational living. Discover practical tips for creating flexible...
E147 - Why Laminate Is Making a Comeback: Trends, Sustainability, and Style
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
E146 - The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Home Office
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 of...
E145 - How to Design a Cosy Home
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. Winte...
E144 - Guest on 'Show me the Money' Podcast: Curating Space: How Your Environment Shapes, Soothes, Holds and Tells your Tale.
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 clie...
E143 - Observations, Discoveries and Delivery
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
E142 - Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn what to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen or BBQ space for your home. Frances outlines materials, orientation and weather protection, r...
E141 - Choosing External Colours
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understand what to consider when selecting external colours for your home. Frances outlines the significance of lighter-coloured roofs as well. ...
E140 - Creating an Emotional Return (ROI) on your Forever Home™
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances delves into the concept of "Emotional ROI". She explores the significance of emoti...
E139 - Insights into Renovating or Building a New Home with James Treble
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, fellow interior designer James Treble joins Frances to discuss the art of creating timeless and functional homes. Cover...
E138 - Alternatives to Engineered Stone
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frances delves into the engineered stone ban in Australia and explores alternative options for homeowners. From porcelain to laminate, Frances discuss...
E137 - Exploring the New French Look
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 com...
E136 - Furniture Layout and Why It's Critical Before You Start Building
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mista...
E135 - 2023 Reflections and Wrap Up
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frances reflects on 2023 on a personal and design perspective and shares highlights of the year including finished homes, awards, media coverage and w...
E134 - Client Case Study - Renovating a Federation Forever Home
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frances is joined by her client, Bernadette, in this special case study episode. Bernadette shares her renovation journey, from when she first set eye...
E133 - Decluttering Made Simple: Before your Renovation or New Build
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
E132 - Thermal Wrap Cabinetry - What You Need to Know
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 A...
E131 - Mudroom Design Considerations
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
E130 - Renovating your Forever Home Vs Renovating for Profit
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frances is joined by Peter Karaolganis from Presenting Homes Australia to discuss the different decisions made when renovating your Forever Home compa...
E129 - Doing Something Creative. Just for You.
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frances shares her experience doing something creative. Just because. And the creative has nothing to do with interior design, renovating or building....
E128: The Block - Design Goals and Commentary
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
E127: The Influence of Travel on Interiors
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having just come back from a 5 week European holiday, Frances discusses how travel can provide inspiration and influence on your interiors back home. ...
E126: Orientation and Why It's Important
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
E125 - Renovating: Solid timber floor considerations
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
E124 - Bathroom Layout Considerations
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frances shares her top tips on bathroom layout considerations and what to keep in mind for optimum functionality.
E123 - The Paris Agreement and the Building Industry - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E13
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Frances is joined by Richard Earp, who is super passionate about the environment and all things sustainability. He has been leading hi...
E122 - Choosing Sustainable Tapwear - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E12
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast Frances is joined by Tim Sellars from Faucet Strommen. They chat about what makes a sustainable tap different, and what...
E121 - What Clients are Wanting More of - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E11
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frances outlines the changes she's seeing in what clients and people are wanting for their homes. The shift in mindset and how this is impacting mater...
E120 - Building and Renovating Sustainably - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E10
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast Frances welcomes back Jeremy Gates from Gaia Construction to talk all things building and renovating sustainably. Jere...
E119 - Sustainable Wood Based Products - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frances welcomes John Dalla Via from Egger to the podcast this week to talk about sustainable wood based on products. As market leaders in the creatio...
E118 - Sustainable Interiors - What to Consider - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast Frances outlines what to consider for your interiors from a sustainability perspective. From floorplans, hard materials...
E117 - Top Approaches to Create a Low Energy Home - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the best ways to create or improve the energy load in your home in this practical and informative episode of the podcast with Anna Cumming, Edit...
E116 - Eco-Friendly Hard Materials from Cosentino - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As part of the Sustainable Homes and Living Season, Frances welcomes Itay Shimony from Cosentino to chat through the environmental credentials of thei...
E115 - What is Green Tag and Why You Should Know About It - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast for the Sustainablity Series, Frances chats with guest David Baggs, CEO and Co-Founder of Green Tag - an international ...
E114 - My Own Sustainable Home and How We Created It - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances is joined by her partner, Neil, as they chat about how they went about designing and building their Award Winn...
E113 - Conscious Consuming and Changing Buying Habits - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances welcomes back Sally Flower from Home Sanctuary to chat about buying in a more conscious manner. We discuss the...
E112 - Sustainable Decluttering - Sustainable Homes and Living Season
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frances welcomes Sally Flower from Home Sanctuary as her guest in this episode of the podcast to discuss how to declutter in a mindful and sustainable...
E111 - Season Overview - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E1
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frances runs through what will be coming up in the Sustainability Season, highlighting some of her guests, as well as who the Season has been created ...
E110 - My Forever Home Live - Getting the Details Right Before You Build
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Facebook Forever Home Live Frances discusses some key functionality points to consider in your home design before the build starts. She outlin...
E109 - Beautiful Home Design Made Easy Online Course
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Doors Close 8pm TODAY! Be your own interior designer and create a home you truly love with my Beautiful Home Design Made Easy Online Course. The prove...
E108 - Floorplans – Preventing Under-Utilised Spaces
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances discusses how to prevent having under utilised spaces in your home. She outlines the common ar...
E107 - Creating a Vision for Your Home
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances outlines how important it is to create a vision for your home, and that a vision is not just about the way you...
E106 - How to Choose the Right Floor
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of My Forever Home, Frances runs through key considerations when deciding on your flooring type. She outlines 10 buying criteria for c...
E105 - Engaging Key Specialists for your renovation or new build
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of My Forever Home, Frances outlines what she terms the 'Key 4' specialists you'll need on your team for your renovation or new build....
E104 - How I Managed the Build - Designing and Building My Forever Home Part 3
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, part 3 of this three-part series on how Frances designed and built her Forever Home, this episode explores how Frances...
E103 - Interiors - Designing and Building my Forever Home Part 2
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of this 3 part series on how Frances created her Forever Home, Frances outlines how she specified the interior materials and finishes...
E102 - The Vision and Finding an Architect - Designing and Building my Forever Home Part 1
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special 3 part series 'Designing and Building my Own Forever Home', Frances will take you on her own Forever Home Journey. In this episode, Pa...
E101: A week in a life of an Interior Designer
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Frances lets you into a week of her life of being an interior designer and running her own business. She outlines each day...
E100: Coordinating Bathroom Floors and Colour Tone
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this short and sharp episode, Frances discusses the coordination of bathroom floor tiles with the main flooring throughout the home, and how tiles ...
E99: B1G1 Partnership Announcement
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Frances makes an exciting announcement about the partnership with B1G1 and White Pebble Interiors. She outlines her goal to use her ...
E98 - How to Brief your Architect (and other consultants)
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances outlines the many reasons why you should write a brief for your architect (and your landscaper and interior d...
E97 - My Forever Home LIVE – Floorplans and Getting Them Right
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Facebook Live, Frances discusses the steps to take if your floorplans are not quite what you want. She outlines the steps you should take to h...
E96 - My Forever Home- My Forever Home
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances outlines a key change to Your Forever Home with a re-name to reflect how she feels about the brand. In the epi...
E95 - My Forever Home LIVE: Tile layout – Snapshot
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Forever Home Live, Frances answers a question from the Renovating and Building your Forever Home Facebook Community about tile layout. Specifi...
E94 - My Forever Home LIVE: Timber Vs Timber Tile - what's right for you.
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Facebook Live, Frances outlines the key differences between using engineered timber flooring and timber tile flooring. She walks through the a...
E93 - My Forever Home LIVE: Creating Wellbeing In Your Home
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Health and wellbeing are important now more than ever, as we all navigate through the Covid 19 pandemic. In this episode of the Your Forever Home...
E92 - My Forever Home LIVE: Ceiling Fans - what you need to know
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Facebook Live, Frances discusses the buying criteria for a ceiling fan as not all fans are the same! She outlines why they are worth installin...
E91 - Season Summary - Bathroom Design Essentials
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this final episode of the Bathroom Design Essentials Season, Frances outlines some of the key take-aways from each episode as an easy reference too...
E90 - Key Mistakes to Avoid when Designing your Bathroom - Bathroom Design Essentials
06 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Your Forever Home Podcast, part of the Bathroom Design Essentials Season, Frances outlines some of the major mistakes she see...
E89 - Accessibility and Bathrooms - Bathroom Design Essentials
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Your Forever Home podcast Frances covers off the topic of creating a bathroom that is accessible for when you get older, or ar...
E88 - Powder Rooms - Bathroom Design Essentials
23 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Forever Home podcast episode, Frances outlines how to get the most out of your Powder room -whether it's the family powder room, or one for gu...
E87 – Bathroom Decorating - Bathroom Design Essentials
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Your Forever Home, Frances outlines several decorating tips on how to create a warm and inviting bathroom. She offers plenty of ins...
E86 – The Importance of Internal Elevations - Bathroom Design Essentials
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Frances is super passionate about this topic, and it clearly shows in this episode of Bathroom Design Essentials. Frances outlines the importance of i...
E85 – Bathroom Lighting - Bathroom Design Essentials
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Frances welcomes guest James Lambrou from Est Lighting to the podcast for this episode of Your Forever Home. Together they chat about Bathroom Lightin...
E84 – Showroom Vanities - Bathroom Design Essentials
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Frances is joined again by Cathryn Matchett and Trisha Narde from Reece Bathroom Life, to discuss the options available for showroom vanities. ...
E83 - Basins - Bathroom Design Essentials
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Your Forever Home, Frances has guests Cathryn Matchett and Trisha Narde from Reece Bathroom Life to discuss different types of ba...
E82 - My Forever Home LIVE- Timber Floors – to replace or not
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Forever Home Live, Frances discusses the options available to you if your solid timber floors are looking tired and yellow. Frances provides s...
E81 – All there is the know about Baths - Bathroom Design Essentials
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Description: Not sure how to choose the right bath? Then this is the episode for you. Cathryn Matchett and Trisha Narde are back from Reece Bathroom...
E80 - My Forever Home Live – Floor Plans – Meeting your Lifestyle
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Forever Home Live, Frances walks through an example of a floorplan she reviewed with a client, and how really examining the clients core objec...
E79 – Choosing your Toilet - Bathroom Design Essentials
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Bathroom Design Essentials Season, Frances welcomes back Cathryn Matchett and Trisha Narde from Reece Bathroom Life. Together ...
E78 – Taps and Showers - Bathroom Design Essentials
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Bathroom Design Essentials Season, Frances welcomes guests Trisha Narde and Cathryn Matchett from Reece Bathroom Life. Together...
E77 – Grout – what you need to know - Bathroom Design Essentials
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grout is often an afterthought and not even considered when making bathroom selections. Often it's left to the tiler to decide on type and col...
E73 – Vanities - Bathroom Design Essentials
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances walks through the different types of vanity options available, along with custom Vs off-the-shelf designs disc...
E76 - All about tiles - Bathroom Design Essentials
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Choosing tiles is a main consideration in your bathrooms. It's the main material that will be used and impacts functionality as well as aesthetics. N...
E75 - My Forever Home Live – Taps Vs Mixers
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this Forever Home Live, Frances answers a query on having a Mixer Tap Vs conventional taps, and outlines her reasons for specifying mixer taps more...
E74 – Renovations – What's Possible at Different Price Points - Bathroom Design Essentials
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances walks through what is possible when renovating your bathroom at various price points. She covers off options a...
E72 - Choosing your bathroom style and colours - Bathroom Design Essentials
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Frances outlines how to find the style you're after for your bathroom. She gives tips to help you determine the style and fee...
E71 – Bathroom Storage - Bathroom Design Essentials
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Bathroom Design Essentials Season, Frances outlines why starting with your storage requirements is critical to getting your ...
E70 - Bathroom Layouts - Bathroom Design Essentials
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Frances is joined by guest Fabieli Fontana, Senior Interior Designer at White Pebble Interiors. They discuss some key...
E69 – Season Overview - Bathroom Design Essentials
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the brand new season, Bathroom Design Essentials, Frances outlines core considerations to think about when renovating or creating...
E68 - 2020, Covid and 2021
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Frances reveals many personal aspects in this podcast episode. She outlines the silver linings that occurred for her during hard lockdown in Melbourn...
E67 - My Forever Home LIVE – Home Builder Grant Update
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this Forever Home Live, Frances outlines the updates to the Home Builder Scheme for renovations and new builds. The scheme has been extended into 2...