Parkes Residence - Behind the Scenes
Parkes Residence
A behind-the-scenes look at a full service interior design journey
Ever wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes of a full service interior design project?What happens long before a build starts, the decisions you never see in the final photos, and how a home goes from an idea to something that genuinely works for everyday life?
This is where we open the door and invite you in.
Parkes Residence is a full service interior design project we delivered for our returning clients, Sue and Peter, on the Terranora Hills in Northern NSW. As a Gold Coast interior designer specialising in full service interior design, projects like this allow us to guide our clients from early planning right through to construction, procurement, and final installation.
We worked closely together for almost two years, from the very first conversations through to handover. What began as a design collaboration naturally grew into a genuine friendship, which is always one of the most rewarding parts of our work. Construction commenced in late 2024, with handover completed just in time for them to enjoy their very first Christmas in their new home.
Rather than focusing only on the finished result, this project is best understood by walking through what actually happened behind the scenes.
Spatial planning stage
Shaping the layout before anything else
The first job, once we’ve really gotten to know our clients and asked a million questions about how they live, move, and want their home to function, is to analyse the floorplans. This is where we look closely at flow between spaces, kitchen design and pantry layouts, bathroom design, storage, and whether there are opportunities to introduce thoughtful feature moments that enhance the way the home feels and works.
For Sue and Peter, this stage was all about refining how the home would be lived in. We reviewed kitchen and bathroom layouts, ensured storage was generous and practical, softened circulation paths, and identified where architectural features could be introduced to elevate the overall experience of the home. The master wardrobe was reduced to allow for a larger bedroom, curved walkways were introduced to soften square lines, and the staircase was carefully detailed so it felt balanced rather than visually dominant.
We speak up early when something isn’t working, so it gets fixed upfront and you’re not dealing with costly changes later.
For Sue and Peter, this early collaboration with the building designer before council submission made a huge difference. It allowed us to refine key layout decisions while changes were still straightforward, saving time, avoiding rework later on, and setting the project up properly from the very beginning.
“These decisions are the reason a home feels intuitive, calm, and easy to live in.”
Concept design
Defining the look, feel, and design intent
With the layout resolved and plans progressing, we moved into concept design. This is where the home starts to gain its personality.
Sue and Peter were drawn to a refined modern farmhouse style with Japandi influences. Calm, grounded, and timeless. A classic palette of black, white, and timber formed the foundation, with warmth layered through texture rather than bold colour. The goal was always to create a home that would age gracefully, not chase trends.
This stage is where some of the biggest design-defining decisions were made.
“Shiny black zellige tiles were chosen as the statement in the kitchen, then carried through to the balcony BBQ splashback to create continuity between inside and out.”
Establishing the timber tone early was another key decision, ensuring cohesion flowed throughout the home from the entry through to the living spaces and into the master suite.
“A consistent timber tone was established early and carried throughout the home to create warmth, calm, and cohesion across every space.”
The fireplace was designed as a grounding feature, anchoring the upper level and drawing the eye upward through the double-height volume.
“The stone-clad fireplace was designed as a grounding element, anchoring the main living space and drawing the eye upward through the double-height volume.”
This is the stage where ideas are tested, refined, questioned, and tested again. It’s creative, considered, and sometimes involves stepping back, staring at a screen, and asking, “Is this the one?”
Build and joinery documentation
Where the details really start to multiply
This is usually the point where clients realise just how many decisions sit behind a new home build or renovation. And the visible ones are really only the tip of the iceberg.
Behind the scenes, we’re selecting and documenting everything. Door hardware, hinges, door stops. Tiles and grout colours. Paint finishes. Feature lighting. Fireplaces. Appliances. Basins, mirrors, sinks, tapware, drains. Furniture clearances. Power points. Lighting locations.
And yes, even toilets.
“Yes, we really do talk through everything. Even toilets. To bidet or not to bidet — we’ve got you.”
Custom joinery design is a major part of this stage, including detailed kitchen joinery, bathroom cabinetry, wardrobes, and storage solutions throughout the home. We work closely with cabinetmakers, plumbers, electricians, tilers, and suppliers to ensure every detail is practical, buildable, and aligned with the overall design intent.
We take on the mental load so our clients don’t have to lie awake wondering if they chose the right grout colour.
“Every detail was resolved upfront, from the big moments you notice to the small ones you never have to think about.”
Tendering stage
Making sure the quote reflects the actual design
Once documentation and selections were finalised, we moved into tendering and began detailed conversations with Sue and Peter’s selected builder, Simon Cassar from Cassar Homes.
A builder can only quote accurately when they’re pricing exactly what’s been designed. For Parkes Residence, we walked Simon through the full interior package so nothing was left open to interpretation.
As pricing came back, we worked closely with both the builder and our clients to review costs and make considered adjustments where it made sense. One key example was the exterior cladding. By revisiting the specification and selecting an alternative option that still aligned with the design intent, we were able to save Sue and Peter over $30,000 without compromising the look or quality of the home.
As the build progressed, there were also the inevitable moments that happen on site. Product availability changed. Bulkheads appeared where they weren’t originally marked. Cabinetry needed to be adjusted to suit real-world conditions.
Because we were regularly on site, climbing through dusty builds and ruining perfectly good white sneakers so our clients didn’t have to, these changes were picked up early and resolved calmly.
Cabinetry was reworked, selections updated, and solutions proposed before issues had a chance to become stressful phone calls.
“We don’t just design the home. We stay close to the build so problems are solved before you even realise they exist.”
Furniture selections
Making the home feel lived in, not just newly built
Furniture was an important layer in Parkes Residence, particularly on the upper level. Sue and Peter had several existing pieces from their previous home, which we thoughtfully integrated alongside new selections that better suited the scale and architecture of this build.
Layouts were carefully considered so rooms felt balanced, comfortable, and genuinely easy to live in. This is often the stage where clients say, “Now it feels like home.”
Design management through construction
Carrying the design intent all the way through
Throughout construction, we remained closely involved, guiding the design intent through to reality. Regular site visits, ongoing coordination with the builder and trades, and plenty of on-the-spot problem solving.
After working closely with Sue and Peter for almost two years, watching the home come together so seamlessly was incredibly rewarding. Because the thinking had been done early, the build phase felt calm, considered, and well-managed.
No rushed decisions. No last-minute panic. Just a design being built exactly as intended.
Procurement and installation
Where it all comes together
The final stage is where everything lands. Furniture, lighting, and finishing touches are ordered, coordinated, delivered, and installed.
This is where our black belt comes out and we karate-chop those cushions into submission, styling and refining every detail so the home feels polished, layered, and magazine-ready for our clients to step into. Even though this was our second reveal for Sue and Peter, seeing the emotion on their faces as everything came together was just as special. Watching it all come to life never gets old.
From the curved staircase and stone fireplace to the timber panelling and subtle colour moments, Parkes Residence feels calm, warm, and effortless to live in. Not because of any single feature, but because every decision was made with intention.
Why this process mattered for Parkes Residence
This project worked because the thinking happened early. The layout was refined before plans progressed. The concept was clear. The selections were finalised. The documentation was detailed. The build was guided closely as it unfolded.
It’s not always glamorous, but it’s what allows our clients to enjoy the process, not just the finished home. Ideally with a glass of wine in hand, while we handle the rest.
“This is what full service interior design really looks like behind the scenes.”
Thinking about a project of your own?
As a boutique Gold Coast interior design studio, we take on a limited number of full service projects each year to ensure every home receives the time, care, and attention it deserves.
If you’re planning a build or renovation in the Gold Coast or Northern NSW region and want to feel supported, confident, and genuinely excited about the process, we’d love to start the conversation.
What Full Service Interior Design Really Means Lynda MacDonald Interior Design
What Full Service Interior Design Really Means,
And Why It’s Worth It
When most people hear “interior design,” they think of cushions, curtains, or choosing paint colours. While those finishing touches matter, full service interior design is about so much more. It’s about guiding your project from the very first sketches right through to the moment you step into your finished home.
At LMID, full service means every detail is considered, documented, and managed, so your build runs smoothly and you get the home you envisioned without the overwhelm.
Beyond cushions and colours: what we really do
Here are just some of the details we help our clients navigate:
- External cladding, roof profiles, gutter shapes and colours
- Driveways, pathways, balustrades and feature walls
- Tile layouts, grout colours, trims, and edging details
- Door handles, locks, hinges, and door profiles
- Skirting boards, cornices, and mouldings
- Window frame colours, architraves, and hardware
- Placement of power points, switches, and lighting
- Kitchen layouts, cabinetry profiles, and storage solutions
- Bathroom fittings, tapware, shower screens, and nooks
- Paint finishes, feature walls, and textures
The stages of full service design
- Concept and Design Development – layouts, joinery, selections
- Documentation and Tendering – schedules, drawings, packages for builder quotes
- Design Management During the Build – liaising with trades, answering questions, protecting the vision
- Furniture and Styling – procurement, deliveries, installation, and final styling
Why full service design is worth it
- No overlooked decisions that cause delays onsite
- A consistent, cohesive design from façade to furniture
- Trades working from clear documentation
- Materials secured early, avoiding last-minute compromises
- A stress-free journey where every detail is handled for you
The value we bring
Working with an interior designer isn’t just about the end result, it’s about the journey. With LMID by your side, you have the reassurance that every decision is guided by an expert. You’re not left second-guessing choices, rushing decisions under pressure, or wondering if you’ve missed something important.
We bring:
- Peace of mind knowing every detail is handled
- Confidence your home will be both beautiful and practical
- Expertise to avoid costly mistakes
- A trusted partner to guide you, advocate for your vision, and coordinate with your builder and trades
Before & After: A laundry we redesigned at LMID to bring in light, improve functionality, and create a space that feels both beautiful and practical for our clients.
Before & After: What was once a dated, dark kitchen is now a bright, open, and airy space designed for a growing family, blending functionality with timeless style.
How long should you allow?
- Full-house design: 3 to 4 months
- Single-room design: 3 to 4 weeks
- Furniture and décor packages: depend on supplier lead times
What we can help with
- One-off space designs
- Small or large renovations and extensions
- Full-service design for new builds
- Furniture and décor packages
CLIENT LOVE
“From the first drawings to the last cushion, Lynda and her team handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about a thing, and the end result is better than we ever imagined.”
The bottom line
Full-service design is about guiding you through every decision, providing documentation your builder needs, and ensuring your home is functional, cohesive, and beautiful, without the stress of managing it yourself.
Final note: The earlier we’re involved, the more seamless the process will be. But whether you’re just starting or already mid-project, we can help. You’ll just need to allow time to fit into our design calendar, and time for us to design.
Why Engaging an Interior Designer Early Matters LMID
Why Engaging an Interior Designer Early Makes All the Difference
When you’re building or renovating, timing is everything. Many people think they can “figure out the details later” once the builder has started. But the truth is, by the time someone’s swinging a hammer onsite, it could already be too late to make the most important design decisions.
At that stage, your floorplans are set, your walls are framed, plumbing and electrical points are locked in, and materials are already on order. And now your builder is pressuring you to make dozens of urgent decisions on finishes and details, because if you don’t, it holds up the build schedule. Any change at this point can turn into an expensive, stressful backtrack… or worse, you’re left living with a compromise.
Why engaging us early matters
As interior designers, we prefer to be involved right at the start, even before plans are submitted for council approval. This is the stage where we can assess the interior flow and function with fresh eyes.
Where an architect focuses on structure and compliance, we look at how you and your family will actually live in the space day to day. We spend time getting to know your needs and lifestyle so we can:
- Rework layouts for better storage, flow, and functionality
- Adjust room sizes or placements to suit your family’s routines
- Identify opportunities for those "wow" features that might not have been considered
The decisions you don’t know you’ll need to make
Clients are often surprised by just how many selections must be locked in before construction begins. It’s not just kitchens and bathrooms, it’s every detail that shapes your home inside and out:
- External cladding styles and colours
- Roof profiles, gutter shapes and colours
- Driveway finishes and colours
- Balustrades and feature walls
- Tiles, grout colours, and layouts
- Door handles, lock styles, hinges, and profiles
- Cornices, skirting boards, and mouldings
- Window frames, architraves, and hinge colours
- Power point, switch, and lighting placements
Why this matters
These aren’t minor details. They’re permanent decisions that affect not just how your home looks, but how it functions and feels every single day. Once trades are onsite, those choices can’t be easily changed without disrupting the build or blowing your budget.
This is why engaging a designer early matters. At LMID, we make sure every one of these decisions is considered and documented long before your builder needs them. That way, your vision is protected and carried right through to the finished home.
Taking away the overwhelm
Trying to juggle hundreds of decisions while also managing a build is overwhelming. With us by your side:
- Your builder and trades receive clear documentation
- Selections are made early
- Every element works together seamlessly
- You get to enjoy the process without constant firefighting
How long should you allow?
- For a full-house design: allow 3 to 4 months
- For a single room like a kitchen or bathroom: allow 3 to 4 weeks
What we can help with
- One-off space designs
- Small or large renovations and extensions
- Full-service design for new builds
- Furniture and décor packages
CLIENT LOVE
“Working with Lynda and her team was the best decision we made. Every detail was thought of, and the documentation meant our builder had zero questions — the process was seamless from start to finish.”
The bottom line
If someone’s swinging a hammer, it could be too late to start making design decisions. The earlier you bring us in, even before council approval, the smoother, more cost-effective, and more enjoyable your build will be.
Final note: While early involvement is always the ideal scenario, we’re open to working with clients at all stages of their design journey. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to allow time to fit into our design calendar, and then time for us to design. Starting sooner always makes for the best results.