Wondering who you need to engage on your reno or new build project? Who you should approach first? Is it the builder, architect, interior designer, landscape designer?Truth is, you’re going to need more than one design professional. And probably all of these. In this episode I’m sharing 4 tips on how to create the dream team of professionals on your project. A team who’s aligned with your dreams, collaborative, curious and creative. Dedicated to you. HINT: it’s not a batting line up...

I’ve just about seen it all when it comes to costing a project. Wishful thinking to hopeful estimates to “what do you reckon?”You want to know how much your project’s really going to cost, but it seems like no one can tell you, or they just say what you want to hear “yeah we can probably do it for that”.What I’ve learnt in this industry is that it’s always better to know the actual cost. Not an estimate or ballpark figure but the real cost. In this episode, I want to help you. A way of ...

In this episode I’m sharing the two things I’ve learnt in my years as an interior designer that will make a huge difference to the success of your project, and the way you feel about it on the way through: 1. Timing - taking enough time at the beginning of your project to plan, and starting that planning IN enough time 2. Team - getting the right people on your team. Aligned professionals who work with you and each other from the beginning to achieve your dream outcome If you’re feeling...

Welcome to the Season Opener for Season 2 of Inside Design. In this episode, Sarah Maxwell chats with Jane Ledger about the second part of her journey in design from Sydney to Perth. This time the story takes us inside a smoky nightclub and what happens after she meets a mysterious man on the dancefloor. But it’s what happens decades later that is the greatest surprise of this story. As you listen, Jane shares how throwing away the ’shoulds’ of her life and moving beyond the expectations and...

As I wrap up Season 1 of Inside Design, today I’m talking freedom. What your ticket to freedom looks like and how it will change the course of your new build, reno or furnishings project.  A penny-drop moment happened for me when I was producing this one. The thing that made me realise WHY so many people are under-prepared when it comes to their new build or reno project: • Why they get caught on the hop with selections • Why they don’t have a clear picture of what the INSIDE of their home...

Sam Fazzari was born and raised in the furniture making and design industry. And he lives and breathes it now in his business Mobilia. “Design is a way of life” he says.  Today we get to the heart of what authentic design is all about, why we feel so passionately about it and how you as our clients and customers can embrace it too. Listening to Sam’s stories about iconic designers past and present makes us realise that ‘design’ is not status-driven or intimidating. It’s about recognising...

“I add the final layer”. Come inside the incredible mind of Bea Lambos as we discover what goes  the final layer of your home - styling. The final piece of the interior design story that gives your space its personality and soul. This isn’t about filling your space with stuff or buying lots of vases. It’s not about “shelfies” or forced styling either. And I don’t think we mentioned a cushion the entire episode!   Bea’s approach to styling is so much more than this. It’s instinctual, non-rule...

Doing the interiors of your new build on your own? Not engaged a team of professionals yet? It can be easy at the start to think you can do it all yourself.  But the more you get into the process, the more you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with decision-making and multiple emails from your builder. Emails with questions about your interiors you can’t answer, like plumbing pre-lay, appliances, tile set outs and light fittings to name a few.  Today Jane helps you understand the 3 emails you...

Today we’re taking you inside client Presentation Day where you’ll discover what goes into it and how you can get the most out of this exciting stage of the design process.  I love how Emma describes the presentation as a story, with different layers and elements of the design unfolding during the presentation and coming together in a cohesive, measured and highly detailed outcome at the end. Emma has some great advice for clients in this process, including allowing time for the ‘back of...

There are things that every successful project has in common.  While each project is different and all clients come with their unique personality and objectives, looking back over past projects, Jane has discovered that her dream clients all have 5 traits in common. She spills the secrets on what they are in today’s episode:  They engage her as a professional. They are usually running businesses or delivering business services themselves so know the power of engaging a professional with...

In this episode you’ll learn how an interior designer assesses a new project as we go inside the first meeting with a potential client. Jane and Emma cover: The questions a designer will want to ask you in that first phone callIn the first home visit, why there’s more listening than talking, and the cues and opportunities we’re looking for in your homeThe kind of information you’ll need to be open to discussing in the first meeting, including budget and likely level of investment for extent...

Loved my chat with the incredible Jess O’Shea of Jess O’Shea Designs on her experience and expertise in cabinetry design. This is a must-listen episode for anyone contemplating a kitchen or wet area renovation. We talk about what goes into a kitchen design, including: the specialist skills an interior designer brings to the design processhow much kitchens really cost (it’s never what your friends tell you!) the pros, cons and cost implications of key materials such as marble vs engineered...

If you're thinking about approaching a builder or embarking on a new build process, you won’t want to miss this episode! Fab Marion, an independent building consultant with over 15 years experience in the industry, talks us through how he helps his clients to: Choose the right block in the first place. Some blocks will have greater opportunities and fewer expenses than othersUnderstand the site-related expenses you’ll be up for when comparing different blocksUnderstand the zoning and...

Jane comes to you today with a solo episode on why we obsess over ‘resale value’, what does ’timeless’ really mean and how calling upon the past in architecture, design and memories gives us all the clues we’ll ever need to create relevance and authenticity in our present. She talks about designs that truly endure and how building or renovating with sustainability, longevity and the principles of good design at the forefront will achieve a result that is not only loved by you when you create...

In this episode, Jane discovers how Helena Nikola, leading designer with over 17 years experience in the industry, gets to the heart of what makes a great home and how the ‘Why’ of your home is the most important question to ask when approaching your design project. I loved this heartfelt conversation, full of real information and Helena's authentic approach to home design. It’s not about ticking boxes or what your friends and family think. It’s about digging deep and understanding Why you...

What a wonderful chat I had with leading interior designer Kelly Donougher of 13 Interiors about Scope of Work. So much valuable info for clients in this episode! Kelly describes a Scope of Work as “the most crucial tool a designer will bring to you as a client”. It’s the body of work you’re going to be doing, the processes and tasks that a designer is going to deliver, the outcomes and deliverables of the project. And most of all, it’s a communication tool with you. Kelly discusses Scope of...

In this episode, Jane Ledger starts to unpack the question all interior design clients want to know: how much is an interior designer going to charge for their skills and services? She covers the following: Design fees are an inevitable part of engaging a design professional. They are separate from and additional to the cost of your renovation, new build or furnishings projectTwo of the main methods of charging are flat fees and hourly rateFlat fee is a figure to deliver a defined scope of...

In this episode, Jane Ledger outlines the key elements you’re buying from an interior designer. She discusses how interior design is a professional service not a hobby, and how hiring an interior designer leads you to the final outcome of your finished space, renovation or new home. Jane takes us through both the tangible and intangible skills you’re purchasing: Creativity - spatial planning, visualisation and conceptualisingExpertise and experience - specialist knowledge and experience...

Welcome to Inside Design!  Meet our host, Jane Ledger, a powerhouse in the interior design industry. With a diverse background in law, marketing and HR, Jane's journey led her to follow her creative passion. She achieved High Commendation at the International School of Colour & Design, marking a new chapter in her life.  As the founder of Jane Ledger Interiors, she has built a loyal client base specialising in high-end residential interiors. Jane is known as a leading voice in the...