Behind The Design

What actually makes a home luxurious? According to luxury builder James from Jakin Luxury Living, it has far less to do with expensive finishes and far more to do with how a home performs, feels and supports the way you live.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with James, founder of Jakin Luxury Living, to unpack what really goes into building high-end residential homes and why the best projects are about so much more than beautiful finishes.We explore how the definition of luxury is changing. From home automation and high-performance glazing to saunas, ice baths, gyms and dedicated wellness spaces, today's luxury homes are increasingly designed around health, comfort, technology and the way families actually live.And beyond construction, James opens up about business growth, delegation, burnout and finding the balance between working in the business and working on it.In this episode, we also discuss:• What luxury really means beyond expensive finishes• Why a luxury home needs to perform, not just look beautiful• Why bigger isn't always better in business• How builders and designers can collaborate more effectively• Why communication can make or break a construction project• The importance of choosing the right trades and site manager• What to look for when comparing builders and building quotes• The growing importance of insulation and glazing• How James approaches forecasting, budgeting and project programming• Managing burnout in the construction and creative industries• Knowing when to delegate and stay in your lane• Why the story behind a finished project can be more interesting than the polished resultIf you're building, renovating or designing a luxury home, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, relationships and details that can ultimately determine whether a project simply looks impressive or genuinely feels exceptional.Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping the architecture, interior design, construction and creative industries.Follow James Watkin and Jakin Luxury Livinghttps://jakin.com.au/about/https://www.instagram.com/jakin_luxury_living/https://www.instagram.com/james_r_watkin/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/—------Chapters00:00 - What Really Makes a Luxury Home?01:45 - Inside Luxury Home Building03:15 - From Carpenter to Luxury Builder04:33 - Why Bigger Isn't Always Better13:06 - The Problem With Micromanaging15:43 - Builder & Designer Collaboration18:33 - Why Communication Makes or Breaks a Build27:25 - What Does Luxury Really Mean?30:51 - The Rise of Wellness Spaces at Home33:48 - The Future of Luxury Home Design35:07 - 3 Things to Look for in a Builder38:26 - Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost More49:48 - Burnout in the Building & Creative IndustriesKeywordsluxury home builderluxury home buildingluxury homesluxury residential constructionbuilding a luxury homeluxury home designluxury home constructionhigh end home buildercustom home builderluxury residential builderchoosing a builderhow to choose a builderbuilder and designer collaborationluxury home trendshome automationwellness roomshome wellness spacessauna in luxury homeluxury home featuresluxury home renovationcustom home constructionresidential constructionbuilding a custom homeluxury property developmenthigh end residential construction

When people think about preparing a home for sale, they usually picture the finished styling. What they don't see is everything happening behind the scenes to make that transformation possible.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Amy Smith, founder of Huntley + Co, a Sydney-based furniture hire business created specifically to support property stylists, interior designers and creative professionals.After spending more than a decade as a senior stylist, Amy recognised a growing gap in the industry. Independent stylists needed access to beautiful furniture, reliable logistics and an easier way to hire pieces without managing their own warehouse. That insight became Huntley + Co.We talk about the evolution of the property styling industry, what it takes to build a business that supports other creatives, and why furniture hire has become such an important part of preparing homes for sale.Whether you're a property stylist, interior designer, supplier or creative business owner, this conversation offers an honest look at what happens behind one of the industry's most essential businesses.In this episode we cover:· Why Amy founded Huntley + Co after 13 years in property styling· The difference between furniture hire and property styling· How Huntley + Co supports independent stylists and designers· Building a business around solving industry pain points· Designing a furniture collection that balances timeless pieces with current trends· The role technology plays in simplifying furniture hire· Growing through uncertainty during COVID· Supporting creatives beyond furniture through the Style Minds community· Building long-term client relationships through reliability and trust· What success looks like after building a thriving creative businessIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry.Follow Amy Smith and Huntley + Cohttps://huntleyandco.com.au/about-us/ https://www.instagram.com/huntley_and_co/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090875392637 Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------Chapters00:59 - Behind the Design with Amy Smith02:47 - The Evolution of Property Styling05:33 - Finding a Gap in the Property Styling Industry08:03 - The Reality of Starting a Creative Business11:07 - What a Furniture Hire Company Really Does15:00 - How Technology Is Changing Property Styling17:16 - Choosing Furniture That Appeals to Buyers20:42 - Design Trends vs Timeless Interiors22:47 - Building a Community Around Your Business25:36 - Using Social Media to Grow a Design Business29:07 - Why Trust Matters More Than Talent32:43 - The Biggest Challenge of Growing Huntley & Co35:04 - Redefining Success as a Business Owner36:50 - Quickfire Questions with Amy SmithKeywordsfurniture hirefurniture hire Australiafurniture hire SydneyHuntley + CoAmy Smith Huntley + Coproperty stylingproperty stylisthome staging Australiahome staging furnitureinterior styling businessinterior designers Australiaproperty styling businessfurniture rental for stylistsstyling homes for saleinterior design podcastBehind the Design PodcastCamilla Engelhome presentationstyling industrydesign business

This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality.In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the realities of building a creative business; from hiring the right people and managing clients to setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired in a fast-moving design industry.Expect to learn:How Smac Studio grew from an “accidental” start-up into a five-person design studioThe secret to scaling without losing your creative identityHow to build client trust and set boundaries that protect your processWhy burnout and imposter syndrome are part of every creative’s journeyThe truth behind design trends like Modern Spanish and Modern MediterraneanWhat it takes to grow a sustainable, fulfilling design businessWhether you're an interior designer, architect, or creative founder, this episode will inspire you to grow with confidence and clarity. And if you're planning to renovate or build from scratch, this podcast is packed with insights to guide your journey.Connect with Smac Studiohttps://www.instagram.com/smac_studiohttps://www.smacstudio.com.au/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Welcome to Behind the Design00:00:36 – Meet Shona from Smac Studio00:02:01 – How Smac Studio Began00:05:15 – Scaling a Design Business00:06:00 – Delegation and Building a Team00:08:05 – Balancing Growth and Client Demands00:10:12 – Design Trends vs. Timeless Interiors00:13:24 – Creating Trust with Design Clients00:15:13 – Developing a Signature Design Style00:17:33 – Why the Concept Phase Matters00:20:17 – Managing Revisions and Client Feedback00:26:05 – Modern Spanish & Mediterranean Design Trends00:28:50 – Social Media’s Impact on Interiors00:30:29 – DIY vs. Professional Interior Designers00:34:10 – Career Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned00:39:54 – People Pleasing in Creative Business00:43:54 – Dealing with Burnout in Design00:47:40 – Recovering and Regaining Creativity00:51:15 – Building Team Culture & Collaboration00:55:00 – Imposter Syndrome in Design00:58:41 – What’s Next for Smac Studio* Smac Studio* Shona McElroy* Interior design podcast* Creative burnout* Design business tips* Scaling a design studio* Boundaries with clients* Australian interior designer* Modern Mediterranean design* Modern Spanish interiors* Creative entrepreneurship* Managing design clients* Signature design style* Imposter syndrome in design

This episode is a true reflection of creativity, resilience, and the beauty of turning life’s challenges into meaningful design. In this episode of Behind the Design, we sit down with Jenn Bliss, the visionary behind some of Port Stephens’ most admired homes, including the much-loved Talm Beach House.What began as a love for interiors sparked in childhood has grown into a career that blends design, renovation, and storytelling. Jenn shares her journey from Cape Town to the Australian coast, building a family business in construction and design, and creating spaces that feel deeply personal. She opens up about the juggle of motherhood and business, the realities of living through renovations, managing trades on site as a woman in the industry, and why she believes the rise of AI has only made human creativity and connection more valuable than ever.Expect to hear about:The story behind Talm Beach House and how it became an iconic coastal escapeBalancing motherhood, business, and the messy middle of renovationsThe realities of living in a renovation (and what no one talks about it)Navigating respect and confidence as a woman in the construction industryWhy AI will never replace the power of human creativity and connectionHow Jenn avoids burnout and stays aligned with her “why”If you’re craving inspiration, wondering how to bring more authenticity into your creative projects, or simply need to hear that it’s okay to embrace imperfection, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Jenn’s honest, warm, and refreshing take on design, resilience, and the power of following your instincts.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:02:04 – Meet Jenn: Designer & Stylist00:03:41 – Childhood Passion for Interiors00:06:19 – Building Tom Beach House00:10:07 – Marketing Tom on Airbnb00:11:40 – Renovating Ambers & Family Homes00:14:44 – Balancing Motherhood & Career00:17:46 – Spotting Burnout in Design00:21:27 – Breaks for Creativity & Health00:22:55 – Women in Construction Respect00:28:06 – Choosing the Right Trades00:29:43 – AI in Design Industry00:30:38 – Human Creativity vs AI00:36:42 – Imposter Syndrome in Design00:43:38 – Interior Design Process00:45:26 – Room-by-Room Mood Boards00:47:11 – Personalizing Spaces with Story00:48:30 – Advice to Younger Self00:51:05 – Jenn’s Journey to Australia00:57:05 – Community & Energy in Design* interior design podcast 2025* Airbnb home styling tips* Tom Beach House Port Stephens design* women in construction challenges* balancing motherhood and career* how to avoid burnout as a creative* AI vs human creativity in design* real life renovation stories* Cape Town to Australia designer journey* coastal home design inspiration

This chat felt especially authentic and creatively energising. What began as a passion project has unfolded into a full-bodied creative business: storytelling through space, reimagining nostalgic design moments, building community, and saying "why not?"In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla sits down with Nina, the creative founder of Paloma Studios and the visionary behind That 70s Bungalow, to unpack how a personal renovation project blossomed into a soulful, full-time design business.From DIY renovations in Newcastle to building an interior design brand rooted in emotion, storytelling, and bold aesthetics - Nina shares her journey of saying yes to creativity, even without the “perfect plan.”We dive into:How a first home reno sparked a design careerTurning passion projects into a profitable businessBalancing motherhood with building a creative brandDesigning with feeling instead of following trendsThe early days of Paloma Studios and growing a recognisable aestheticCollaborating with suppliers and sourcing with intentionDealing with imposter syndrome in the interior design industryTips for renovators, creatives, and women starting from scratchIf you’re dreaming of your own creative pivot, in the messy middle of a project, or simply obsessed with nostalgic interiors and storytelling through design - this episode is your permission slip.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Follow Paloma Studios:https://www.palomastudios.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/palomastudios_/00:00:00 – Welcome to the Show00:01:28 – Meet Nina of Paloma Studios00:01:46 – From Reno to Design Career00:05:36 – Building Client Trust00:07:33 – ADHD & Creative Workflow00:07:53 – Starting Paloma Studios00:15:26 – Designing by Feel, Not Trends00:15:54 – Playing with Colour & Risk00:16:08 – Solving Design Challenges00:20:45 – Balancing Motherhood & Business00:23:40 – Tackling Imposter Syndrome00:23:57 – Leading with Authenticity00:28:22 – Crafting a Unique Style00:31:03 – Pinterest as Design Tool00:32:30 – Five Minute Blinds Collab00:34:06 – Staying Open in the Process00:35:42 – Strong Supplier Relationships00:40:06 – Inside Client Consultations00:47:22 – Advice for New Designers00:49:01 – Mood Boards that Work* Interior Design* Creative Journey* Home Renovation* Design Podcast* Women In Design* Colorful Interiors* Paloma Studios* Interior design career journey* Paloma Studios founder* Women in design business* Creative entrepreneur story* Bold home interiors* Emotional design over trends* Renovation to design studio* Self-taught interior designer* Designing with color and feeling* Balancing motherhood and creativity