Home Design Tips: Insights From Lara Swanson. Interior Designer, Northern Beaches, Sydney
About Lara Swanson: Home Designer, Northern Beaches
Lara Swanson is a gem of the design world and has a clear sense of what her clients are looking for in terms of home designs and the design process required to elevate a home. She knows exactly how to work magic with her clients’ dreams, transforming indoor and outdoor areas of the home to match their visions and ideas - when it comes to an interior designer in Sydney, she ticks all the boxes.
Putting the clients first and prioritising their practical and functional design needs is a must in her small business; she knows that independent brands must work closely with their clients to achieve success. Success in a design project is aligning the client's needs and tastes with a personalised design while upholding functionality for a space. Lara is also aware that functionality and purpose need to be at the core of everything, especially working in Australia, where weather-resistance and durability are key requirements to withstand the harsh UV rays and tropical rain that can occur. Alongside that, though, there’s a key need for timelessness and beauty – and Lara never forgets about that in her work. She says that ‘Good design will always look good,’ reflecting her belief that designs should last and last. Timeless deisgn should always play a part when designing an interior or outdoor space. Design for longevity and the change in trends. By choosing timeless designs, you ensure your style lasts a lifetime.
Testimonial
Lara frequently partners with Remarkable Outdoor Living, and said:
“The team at Remarkable are true to their namesake. They are informed and helpful. They are great to communicate with and have a great range of furniture for my clients and projects. I always check in with their ranges before looking elsewhere.”
Home Design Process and Development of Ideas
Designs By Lara has a fantastically tailored process for coming up with home interior ideas and outdoor design plans; every client is given all the time they need, and the structure ensures all aspects are covered, from the interior home ideas to the ideas for back garden projects. It’s important to note that because Lara works one-on-one with clients and offers bespoke designs, this process is flexible and more time can be spent on certain steps depending on the client’s preferences and their needs.
Lara's Home Design Process
- First, one or more consultations is done to grasp the client’s preferences and garden design ideas
- Next, Lara creates a mood board and works on concept development. The mood board may include Pinterest ideas, cuttings from physical magazines, colour swatches, and more. Here, the home interior ideas really start to take shape, and the design process begins in full.
- There will then be on-site consultations, where Lara explores the space and begins to come up with more detailed interior design and home decor ideas. Here, any features to be highlighted or hidden will be noted, and any limitations taken into account.
- This is followed by the creation of plans and drawings that will let the client “see” their design come to life. These designs use the mood board but become far more detailed and allow the design to form in a way that lets the client see it. Whether you're working on outdoor design ideas or home ideas interior, this is often the most exciting part of the design process.
- This will sometimes be accompanied by 3D rendered videos and images, helping the space to feel 3D and clients see how it would flow and function in reality. For those who like a lot of visuals when it comes to the home design process, this is key!
- Next, time is taken to review the project and make adjustments. This step may include troubleshooting, exploring any limitations with the indoor or outdoor design, and working out potential issues.
Transformative Home Design: A Remarkable Renovation In Balgowlah Heights
Lara has been part of some incredible projects when it comes to interior design and home decor ideas, including her success at her recent project in Balgowlah Heights. Here, a tragic fire had destroyed a much-loved family home. Lara worked intensively with builders for a whole year to recreate what had been lost and give the family back not just a house – but a home.
Lara’s experience in home design and ability to collaborate with the builders on such an expansive project required superb project management skills. Lara also needed to tap into her thoughtful, empathetic side in terms of restoring and enhancing the home’s beauty, making the rebuild even more stunning than the original. In spite of the devastation wreaked by the fire, Lara was able to recreate beauty, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
She had to work closely with the clients to ensure the home's interior matched both their vision and their functional day-to-day needs. As a boutique designer, Lara was able to offer the personalised touch and emotional investment that this kind of project requires. The rewards on all sides were immense, creating a space where the family could begin to rebuild their lives, in their new home.
Durable Outdoor Furniture Materials and Trends
When working with an interior designer Sydney, it’s crucial to take things like weather durability into account, especially when handling exterior areas garden designs and ideas and looking for classic outdoor furniture that withstands the weather but also the test of time. Lara has often discussed her love for timber furnishings, but recognises that they need good maintenance in order to be durable. There are lots of ways to care for timber products and it’s unquestionable that wood makes beautiful classic outdoor furniture, but it’s important to also think about alternative options.
For example, resin furniture like Nardi is coming to the attention of many designers, including Lara. She recognises that furniture needs to be long-lasting and durable in order to fit with sustainability trends, and Nardi furniture is UV and fade-resistant – which is one of the reasons Lara has furnished her own home with Nardi furniture. As well as that, the bright range is particularly great when creating ideas for back garden spaces, bringing pops of colour to complement natural tones. It’s particularly popular with the younger demographics.
The Nardi Doga chair in Agave brings a touch of modern elegance to this garden patio setting, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Its muted green tone and minimalist design make it a perfect choice for stylish outdoor relaxation.
Lara believes that future materials and technologies will further enhance longevity, and recognises that Nardi’s warranty options make the range particularly attractive, and help to demonstrate the brand’s faith in its products’ longevity. She often incorporates Nardi pieces in her ideas for back garden spaces. For example, the Nardi Atlantico Sun Lounger is a stylish and timeless addition to a poolside area, offering longevity with its resin material and UV resistance making it a sturdy addition to your garden.
She has also noticed a shift away from the disposable mindset, and is seeing a growing demand for durable, fade and UV-resistant furniture that incorporates recycled and recyclable materials. It's essential for all garden design ideas to consider these practical elements.
Of course, in terms of durable outdoor furniture, aesthetics and functionality are absolutely key, and Nardi holds up here too, offering all you could need for practical outdoor spaces that look amazing.
Garden Design Ideas For Aesthetic And Functionality
While Lara recognises the value of aesthetics and builds all her home ideas interior designs to be beautiful, she never sacrifices functionality for appearance. Beauty without functionality has no space in her projects, and she prioritises accordingly, making sure that pieces work well in the space. This is another reason that she opts for Nardi furniture in many cases; things like stackable Nardi chairs enhance the usefulness and flexibility of any outdoor design ideas, making them ideal as durable outdoor furniture.
That doesn’t mean Lara drops the ball in terms of aesthetics; she still wants pieces that will look amazing. Essentially, she uses a hierarchical system, considering both aspects when selecting furniture, but putting functionality first, followed by appearance, and then budget. Sometimes, she will choose a piece for the sake of enhancing the beauty of a space, but never at the cost of usefulness.
Outdoor Design Ideas & Navigating Environmental Challenges In The Australian Climate
Interior designers, Northern Beaches and beyond have some serious challenges when it comes to their garden design ideas, because they have to create pieces that are capable of handling the Australian climate. Choosing durable outdoor furniture is the key to success here; anything else will see the space deteriorate in just a few short years. As an experienced interior designer in Sydney, Lara knows how to handle this challenge, and knows where to use certain pieces. Lara recommends:
| Material | Resistant Properties | Styling Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Teak | Naturally water-resistant, recycled, and a natural material. | It looks best against light colours such as marble and stone to allow the natural colour of the teak to pop and become the focal point. It can be cleaned using mild soap and water. A teak dining table is perfect for an alfresco dining area due to its classic appearance and rich, natural colours. |
| Aluminium | Low-maintenance, resistant to weather, rust, and UV damage. It should be cleaned with mild soap and water regularly. | This looks great against strong colours, such as red rock or dark stone tiling. It works well in places such as at a poolside. Its durability makes it ideal for interior designers Northern Beaches and beyond to use. |
| Fabric | Can be treated to enhance resistance to rain and sun, but may need some protection to last well. | Fabric can be ideal for patios and seating areas since it’s soft, comfortable, and easy to fit into any colour scheme. Fabric cushions should be protected from the elements using plastic sheeting or brought inside when not in use. Items can be vacuumed or wiped down with a sponge to maintain their cleanliness and appeal. |
| Concrete | Water-resistant with PU sealant, lasts well in UV light, especially when regularly cleaned with a damp cloth. | Concrete furniture brings a raw, natural appeal to gardens and patios, making it a beautiful choice for outdoor settings. Its rustic texture blends seamlessly with lush surroundings, creating a timeless look. Hairline cracks are a natural feature of concrete and enhance its unique, organic character over time. Sturdy and weather-resistant, concrete furniture is built to endure, offering a grounded and stylish foundation for any outdoor setup. |
| Rope | Often made from natural fibers, reasonably water-resistant. It’s easy to clean with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap and water. | Rope furniture works well on patios, especially choosing light colours on a dark background or vice versa. PVC rope is a durable alternative to traditional rope as it is made of plastic, therefore it comes with added benefits like longevity, easy cleaning and UV resistance, which make it perfect for an outdoor furniture material. |
| Resin | Both water-resistant and UV-resistant, as well as attractive, flexible, and very durable. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, plus a furniture cover, will add to its longevity. | Resin furniture is an excellent choice for poolside settings, combining durability with style. Resin's sturdy composition makes it resistant to sun and rain, ensuring it doesn’t warp, fade, or crack. It is also low-maintenance, requiring just a quick wipe with soap and water to stay clean and pristine. Resin is also lightweight and easy to rearrange, resin furniture offers flexibility for any outdoor setup. |
| Wicker | Synthetic wicker is usually waterproof and UV-resistant. | Outdoor wicker furniture adds a timeless, relaxed vibe to any patio, balcony, or garden. We offer both natural wicker and durable PVC wicker options, each crafted to withstand outdoor elements without warping, cracking, or fading. Natural wicker brings an organic, rustic look, while PVC wicker offers added resilience to sun and rain exposure. Both styles pair beautifully with lush greenery and colorful cushions, allowing for customizable, inviting setups. Lightweight yet sturdy, our wicker furniture is easy to rearrange, making it perfect for any occasion. |
Functional Interior Design: Balancing Quality and Cost
A thoughtfully curated palette of neutral tones, deep blues, and stone accents by Sydney-based designer Lara Swanson
Many clients looking for an interior designer in Sydney are cautious about costs at the moment, and Lara takes this into account with all projects, focusing on budget-friendly but high-quality options which is important now more than ever. The Nardi range has a variety of options here, like their outdoor table and low-cost outdoor dining chairs. Even when working on a budget, it’s crucial to choose pieces that are durable and will last well; Nardi meets that criteria. The resin is high-quality, UV-resistant, and lasting, meaning that these are pieces that can withstand the tough Australian climate for year after year.
Lots of people are searching for small, meaningful Improvements that will let them enhance their spaces without spending too much money. Let’s explore what this looks like!
A striking bathroom design by Sydney-based designer Lara Swanson, featuring a dual-basin counter that seamlessly combines style with functionality, offering both elegance and practicality in a modern space.
| Area of the home | How should I upgrade this space? | What products should I use? |
|---|---|---|
| Alfresco Dining Area | Choose a round table to create an inviting, functional area that can be accessed from all sides of the area and accommodate many people. | The Zen outdoor concrete round dining table is ideal for this space. |
| Kitchen | Maximise the versatility by adding bar stools to the kitchen counter, bringing elegance and functionality to the space. | The Wicker outdoor bar stool will prove both stylish and hard-wearing, as well as functional. |
| Cosy Reading Nook | Create a comfy seating spot to relax and read a book with lots of natural light. | The Nardi net outdoor balcony lounger is beautifully comfortable for chilling out and unwinding. |
| Garden Lawn | Turn your lawn into a versatile and functional space with lightweight and durable furniture that can be moved around to suit the occasion. | Outdoor armchairs suit a wide range of purposes and needs. |
Managing Project Costs: Functional Interior Design and Budgeting
Lara focuses all of her attention on the client’s budget, functional needs and design preferences, bearing this in mind at every stage of the process, whether it's altering interior spaces or coming up with ideas for functional garden dining areas. She’ll offer guidance on what’s realistic and work with the client to find solutions that meet their needs within their price range. Her goal is to empower and aid, enhancing the experience for them – this is truly crucial in today’s economy. She provides detailed quotes that make it easier to make informed decisions and guides the client throughout the process in a way that puts them in control with her expertise at their disposal.
Advice For Hiring a Designer
Anyone who is looking for an interior designer should work with somebody who is going to give them tailored, detailed attention and the support they need from start to finish. It’s a long, sometimes complicated process and requires intimate collaboration at times. You want to find somebody who will listen to you, respect your ideas, and enhance – rather than detract from – your creative vision. You need to be able to gel with your designer to ensure the whole process is enjoyable, whether that's reworking the inside of your home or fleshing out ideas for back garden party spaces!
Lara’s client-centred approach, focus on listening, and expertise offer a perfect blend that many people find turns their home design experiences into a dream. Her personality and her commitment to helping clients is fundamental to creating spaces that are practical, functional, liveable, and beautiful. Remember, her focus lies in creating amazing designs that looks good always; timelessness is at the core of her ethos and every project she undertakes.
A serene bedroom design featuring soft neutral tones, perfectly complemented by a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour.
Reference Sources
https://www.artiegarden.com/news/artie-care-maintenance-tips-for-outdoor-rope-furniture/ https://www.bigredcc.com/articles/7-tips-maintain-upholstered-sofas-chairs/ https://stefanasilber.com/how-to-clean-fabric-sofa/ https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/how-to-keep-your-resin-patio-furniture-clean/ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/surface/caring-for-wicker-furniture/ https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/products/nardi-maximo-outdoor-armchair https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/blogs/maintenance/what-are-the-features-and-benefits-of-concrete-tables https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/blogs/maintenance/maintaining-your-outdoor-furniture-for-longevity https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/blogs/maintenance/how-to-refurbish-wooden-outdoor-furniture https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/blogs/maintenance/aluminium https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/collections/nardi-outdoor-chairs/products/nardi-bit-outdoor-resin-dining-chair https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/collections/nardi-outdoor-tables/products/nardi-clip-outdoor-resin-dining-table-70-cm https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/collections/nardi-outdoor-lounges/products/nardi-net-outdoor-resin-balcony-lounge-chair https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/collections/nardi
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