Newtown

When Cheri and Glen reached out, I felt an immediate sense of familiarity — they were styling clients from a decade ago, now stepping confidently into a new phase of life. Their careers had grown, their rhythms had shifted, and their home no longer reflected who they were becoming. What they truly wanted was not perfection — but a place that worked with them, supported them, embraced them. A home built for the next ten years.

From the beginning, the brief carried an emotional weight:
“We’re done with temporary solutions. We want a home that feels intentional.”

So I listened — not just to what they said, but to how they lived. Their collections, their quirks, their love of gatherings, their dogs that orbit the house like small shadows. All of it mattered.

Client
Cheri + Glen

Year
12/2024

client feedback

design highlights

Every key decision shaped the experience of moving through the house:

  • We changed the direction of the staircase to release more natural light.

  • We widened the opening to the backyard to create flow, sun, and a real indoor–outdoor connection.

  • A multifunctional joinery unit became the hero of the home — storage, display, personality, presence.

  • The laundry merged with the powder room, transforming two cramped zones into a generous multi-function space where everything is concealed when needed.

And, of course, the dogs received their own thoughtful details — hidden bowls, integrated cabinetry, and a cosy resting nook tucked beneath the stairs. Homes are for families, and they are undeniably part of theirs.

We first worked with Marj about 10 years ago when she did some styling at our home and when we were considering renovating all these years later, she was the first person we reached out to to help us navigate what can be an overwhelming experience.


Marj worked with us end to end, from the initial design consultation, drawings, through to the various requirements (engineer drawings, council approvals, certifiers etc), guiding us through selecting a builder and finally the styling of our beautiful new home!

materials & mood

When we refinished the original timber floors, the most beautiful palette emerged — warm browns, soft gradients, natural ageing. From there, the story unfolded: deep khaki greens, bronze metals, subtle black accents. A palette that feels grounded, collected, quietly bold.

Every choice had a purpose.
Every detail was designed to serve them — not overwhelm them.

a home that lives with them

What I love most about this project is that it celebrates who Cheri and Glen were, who they are today, and who they’re becoming. It’s a home that can evolve. A home that hosts late-night conversations, lazy Sundays, dinner parties, dogs sleeping in sun patches, and all the life that happens in between.

This is the heart of my work —
not decorating houses, but creating spaces where people truly live.

behind the design

I wanted their home to feel like a conversation between two worlds:
the raw industrial heritage of Newtown and the elegance that reflects who Cheri and Glen are today.

This project became an exercise in balance — honouring the original architecture while layering in sophistication, comfort, and a sense of place. Their beloved artefacts finally found purpose-built spaces. Their stories became part of the home’s visual language.

I would highly recommend Marj who is professional, talented, creative and has an amazing eye for detail.

Thank you again Marj for bringing our dream space to life!