Every home we design and build is a true one-off, and that individuality extends right through to the interiors. While not all of our clients choose to work with an interior designer, many appreciate the added value of expert input. We spoke with Donna Hydes of Donna Hydes Design Studio, a talented interior designer we regularly collaborate with, about how she helps clients bring their ideas to life, from early inspiration to the finishing touches that make a home feel truly personal.
From your perspective as a designer, what sets the Design Builders process apart?
The diversity between each build and design, you are not restricted to a set of materials or options with clients, it means each build is unique, focusing on the individual client’s style and the way they live.
What do you love most about the interior design work you do for Design Builders homes?
I love being able to push the creative boundaries for each client’s home, Design Builders work together as a team, we have lots of conversations and behind the scenes work together so that we are all on the same page for how the end result will look to achieving a cohesive home for the client.
Working with Clients
How do you start the design journey, and what do you ask to understand a client’s style and needs?
My initial meeting I like to sit down with clients, discuss the plans, site and gain a background knowledge to their lifestyle, where they live, where are they moving from, any concept ideas they may have gathered/photos or Pinterest boards, I explain my process in the build with them, the expectations from Design Builders that I provide to the build.
How do you guide clients who aren’t confident with design choices?
I will talk through the options with them, I will break down along with discuss the reasoning behind each selection, viewing all samples together as we move through the design process offers clarity in terms of cohesion, they can instantly see if something tonely/texturally works together, if it still meets the style, as we move through the selection the story unfolds, their confidence grows and the decisions fall into place.
The Interior Design Process
What does your design process typically look like? Can it range from mood boards to helping choose every last detail?
Yes, I find there are two types of clients, the ones that have a range of ideas and need my guidance to help find the best product to achieve the look/meet the budget and the clients that prefer for me to bring them a full set of sampling showcasing all elements I would suggest, I like to work with both online design boards to physical samples for everything, I always provide a sample for every element chosen so when we move into the next selection of product we are looking at everything together from exterior colours/materials right through to interior, I also draw up 2D and 3D floor plans plus visuals so clients can easily reference how windows/furniture/light fittings/feature walls will come together, to spatially how the home will flow between spaces, room to room.
How do you balance aesthetics with functionality in a new build?
This is always a tricky one, as a designer I love aesthetics however my role as an interior designer is to know my products I am recommending, how the materials will react, what the warranties are, if they are suitable for this family/build/lifestyle, this is especially important with kitchens and bathrooms, I always ask my clients “what annoys you in your current kitchen layout” and make sure we change that!
Style & Inspiration
Where do you draw your inspiration from? Are there materials, colours, or textures you’re currently loving?
I am and always have been drawn to texture, it is my number one hero in any space, nature is a wonderful teacher, what we see in our environment, lakes, beaches and forest the tones/shades, textures which make us feel relaxing, achieving a feeling of home through the warmth that texture provides, timber in all shades is timeless, neutrals will never date and provide the perfect backdrop, colours I prefer to stay within the neutrals, greens, browns, beiges are forever a favourite.
Do you follow trends, or prefer timeless style?
Trends have a place with certain elements styling or furnishings such as cushions, throws, however I like to design for longevity to offer your main elements of the home as a basis that will stay timeless, you can then update your home with new cushions/throws or bedding to offer changes/updates that won’t break the bank.
Taupō Showhome
Can you walk us through your design vision for the Taupō showhome? Any standout features or challenges?
The vision for this one was clear from the start, the texture, the dark and moody vibe the casual and relaxed feeling as you walked through the door with the natural light emphasising the textural elements, the challenges were making sure the proportional elements of the space were balanced, having the mixture of dark vs light correct for functional living, the ambient lighting played a big role, the feature lighting in the main living area was a challenge for everyone in terms of the placement/height!! It’s hard to select a favourite part a few that made my heart sing were, the kitchen splashback shelf, the ensuite lighting and benchtop, the powder room vanity, lights and half wall for the art.
Tips & Advice
What are your top 3 tips for people planning a new home?
– Make it your own, it’s not hard to turn a new build into a person home through a careful selection of elements, lighting, mirrors, wall claddings, built in furniture.
– Look at the windows, consider what they are looking at, for example if you have a large window that is looking straight into your neighbours living room consider bringing it up in height to offer light however give privacy.
– Include the entire vision from beginning to end, for example, do you have room either side of windows and doors to stack curtains off the glass, if you have angled windows considering how you would like to control the light, where placement of elements such as fireplaces in living rooms work with seating layout, do the doors swing the right way to allow for traffic flow and furniture placement, smaller details that can be changed at the initial stage before the build starts can make a big difference.
How can people add personality to a home without overdoing it?
Including details that add warmth without overpowering a room, elements such as wall claddings with either line or timber detailing, ambient lighting instantly adds a personal touch, thinking outside the normal recommendations of bathroom mirrors, or bathroom furniture, bringing plants inside (the bigger the better in my opinion), art is always so personal and such a lovely way to bring in your own personal style.
Whether you choose to work with an interior designer or prefer to follow your own style, the key is creating a space that truly reflects you and how you live. With expert guidance like Donna’s, it’s easier to make confident decisions that blend beauty and functionality, helping you turn your new build into a home full of personality, comfort, and lasting appeal.
If you’re interested in exploring interior design options or want to learn more about how we can help you create your dream home, get in touch with your local Design Builders team today.
