A New Home: Couple’s Journey from Africa to Australia
Not long ago I had the pleasure of working with a lovely couple who had just purchased their very first home in Australia. Originally from Africa, they had recently migrated here to an outer suburb of Melbourne. They found themselves with a challenge of turning their blank canvas of a home into a space that felt welcoming and reflected who they were.
And that’s where I came in…
They reached out to me through Bark, a platform that connects homeowners with interior designers. We quickly set up a consultation to discuss their vision for their new home. They wanted a complete design package for their living room, formal living room and dining room. For them, it wasn’t just about creating a space that looked good — it was about creating a home that would feel like home in this new country. A home they could be excited about that reflected who they were and their style preferences.
The Brief: a deadline to save dollars
Image: Markus Spiske from Unsplash
What stood out to me right away was how much the couple wanted to make the most of their investment into furniture. They had a specific deadline in mind — they wanted to make their furniture purchases during the Black Friday sales, which weren’t far away. This meant that we had to move quickly. I needed to design a space that felt cohesive and stylish and also be strategic in a different way when it came to pricing. It wasn’t just about picking out some nice pieces—it was about helping them make smart choices with their budget while also ensuring they got the best deals possible.
Step One: Understanding Their Needs and Preferences
The first step in the process was really understanding what style they were after. They wanted their new home to reflect a blend of modern and traditional elements, with a touch of warmth and richness that reminded them of their heritage. They were also keen on creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere where they could entertain family and friends, a place that was inviting and yet formal enough for guests too.
After discussing their preferences, I put together a mood board with colour schemes, textures and styles. The key was finding a balance between vibrant and earthy tones that could make their space feel alive and welcoming while keeping it fresh and not overdone. They gave feedback which helped me refine and bring together their final mood board — one they loved.
Family Dining Room, encapsulating the couples heritage and their new home land.
Step Two: Selecting Furniture and Accessories
Once we had a clear idea of the overall aesthetic, the next challenge was choosing the right furniture pieces. This included everything from the main sofas in the living areas to the dining table and chairs. As they were planning to buy many of the pieces during Black Friday sales, we had to make sure they were not only getting good deals but also buying pieces that were timeless and durable.
I recommended investing in classic, high-quality items that could last for years to come, while also including a few statement pieces to add personality and style to the space. For example, rich velvet dining chairs in the dining room made a bold statement, while a more neutral-toned, Castlery sofa’s in the formal living room offered both comfort and elegance.
Another key piece was a beautiful dining table. We found one with a sturdy, rustic look that tied in perfectly with the couple’s aesthetic while giving their dining area a sophisticated and timless look. And the best part? We managed to secure it at an excellent price during the sales.
Step Three: Making Smart Choices with Trade PRICEs
When it comes to interior styling, the right trade connections can make all the difference. Many interior designers like me have access to trade prices on furniture and other items. At Essencia Interiors we pass on these trade prices to you… this is part and parcel of working with us! Because of the connections I have with suppliers, and also owning an online furniture and deco store, I was able to pass on substantial savings to the couple, making the overall project feel even more like a win!
The couple was thrilled with how much they saved on the pieces that were key to pulling their vision together. They not only took advantage of the Black Friday sales, but they also got a great deal thanks to the trade prices I was able to access. In the end, they certainly got more than their money’s worth, and the savings more than covered the fee I charged for the design services.
Elegant formal dining the couple can be proud of when entertaining.
Step Four: Bringing the Design to Life
We carefully selected throw pillows, artwork, lighting, and plants to bring warmth, colour, and character into each room. The final result was a harmonious mix of their African heritage and their new Australian lifestyle, creating a space they could truly call their own.
“I chose Essencia Interiors because they are very professional, well-organised, supportive and friendly. Anica kept communication simple. She went beyond by providing extra support... provided support from the beginning till the end. My design package from Anica resulted in nice furniture and a good-looking house. Keep up the good work and service!”
The couple was absolutely thrilled with the outcome. Their home felt not only functional and beautiful but also deeply personal. It was a space that was ready for them to start making memories in, a place that truly reflected who they were and where they were headed. And, of course, they were incredibly happy with how much they saved during the sales—making it all the more rewarding.
Interior Designer - Anica
Final Thoughts
This project was a reminder of how powerful the right interior design can be when it comes to transforming a space and making it truly yours. The couple’s journey was all about creating a space that represented their past, their present and their future. With a little bit of planning, some savvy shopping during sales, and the help of an interior designer with the right connections, they were able to make their dream home a reality.
At the end of the day, interior design is not just about making a space look good—it’s about making it feel right. And that’s what I aim to do for all of my clients.
Want to transform your space into one you adore—and take advantage of trade discounts at the same time? Contact me here or call me on 0433 269 027 to see how we can bring your vision to life!