STEP BY STEP: Patience is a virtue
Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.
Readers have been following the design journeys of my two clients Debra, who recently moved into an apartment in Campsie, and Rod, also in an apartment in North Sydney. Both of these projects are nearly at their conclusion.
Debra moved into her lovely garden-facing apartment over the Easter break. After settlement, she sensibly allowed a week or two for the trades to get in and work their magic, without being distracted by boxes and furniture and removalists. In the very short working week between Easter and Anzac Day, we managed to squeeze in wallpapering, painting and electrical work. Hats off to tradies Corey Lucas (Corey Lucas Painting), Drew Leach (WOW Wallcoverings) and Claude from Hornsby Electric – all of them were willing to work on Deb’s apartment at a time when many people had taken a few days off. Each was expert in their field and generous in agreeing to come in at a tricky time. Thanks guys!
Working with Debra to select a colour palette for the apartment was great fun, and she was wonderfully bold in her choices. We ended up with a vibrant sage green feature wall in the living room (Dulux Mildura) and a slightly muddier, greyer green feature in her young-adult son’s room (Dulux Armada). In Debra’s own bedroom we chose Dulux Lamb’s Ears in half strength – a restful, calm colour to nestle into. Debra also picked two vibrant wallpaper options, one for her work-from-home area in Marimekko’s sunny Primavera print, and in her bedroom a feature wall is in Marimekko’s Pieni Tiera, a fabulous teal-toned floral print. Both were purchased from Annandale Wallpapers.
Dulux Mildura feature wall
Marimekko’s Pieni Tiera wallpaper
Although Debra has already moved into the apartment, she’s still waiting on some key items. Her beautiful, solid American Oak extension dining table and chairs will arrive soon, and her custom-built joinery by Portelli Joinery is in the process of being created. Custom joinery is such a luxury; it’s created precisely to your specifications, and made to fit your space like a glove. I really enjoyed designing these pieces (plus a built-in desk for Deb’s son’s bedroom), and collaborating with an expert like Steve Portelli in bringing them to life. My last blog update included some of the design documentation for these items if you’re interested to see the process. My part of the project is essentially over now, but I can’t wait to share some photos of the installed joinery and final styling of the apartment in a few weeks’ time.
Rod’s North Sydney apartment is also nearing completion. He was willing to wait for a few key items which I knew were going to be perfect in his home; luckily he is patient and can see the benefit of putting up with temporary items for a few months until the perfect piece is available. Meantime we’ve been working on his gallery-hung wall. This is going to be a real feature of the living space, surrounding (and to some extend camouflaging) his Samsung “The Frame” TV which has been wall mounted above the mid-century style entertainment unit. Together we have selected a range of black and white images of places and things that are important to Rod, or that just look great! I’ve been getting them all printed, delivered and framed and in a week or two we’ll be able to arrange them and then hang them on the wall. Again, I look forward to sharing images with readers of this blog soon.
Rod’s gallery hang won’t be quite as formal as this one, but it will have great impact!
Good Things Take Time: Why Patience Pays Off During Downsizing and Refurnishing
When you’re moving to a new, smaller home, the temptation to rush out and furnish every room immediately can be strong. Nobody likes living with empty spaces. But when it comes to downsizing and refurnishing, patience truly is a virtue.
There’s a reason that choosing the right pieces takes time. Downsizing is about creating a home that feels calm, comfortable and beautiful. When you rush, you risk filling your space with items that are “good enough” rather than perfect. Over time, these quick fixes can leave you feeling like something important is missing — and it can end up costing you more when you need to replace or rearrange things later. The same thing can happen if you’re too driven by trends, and furnish your entire home based on images on social media or magazines.
Understanding Lead Times
One of the realities of interior design, especially today, is that good furniture takes time. Lead times of 8–12 weeks (or even longer) are not unusual for custom pieces, designer furniture or specialty items like handmade rugs and cabinetry. Even some retail suppliers can experience significant delays, depending on stock levels and shipping logistics. When items are being sent in a container ship from overseas, lead times can be erratic and unpredictable, and even when you purchase items that are “in stock” on a website, there can be delays.
It’s worth remembering that quality is rarely available off the shelf. Many of the most beautiful pieces you’ll want to live with for years to come are made to order or need to be sourced from specialist suppliers. Waiting a few extra weeks for a piece you truly love is a small price to pay for a home that brings you daily joy.
Custom furniture can be worth the wait
Living with a Little Less (For Now)
If you find yourself with empty rooms or sparse corners, don’t panic. There are ways to make your home feel comfortable and lived-in while you wait for your dream pieces to arrive. Temporary measures like borrowing occasional chairs, using existing side tables in a different way, or layering cosy rugs and throws can help fill the space without cluttering it. Plants, lamps and beautiful artwork are also wonderful for creating a sense of warmth and style even before your final furniture pieces are in place. It can be possible to hire items, or purchase inexpensive alternatives that you can donate to a charity when your “forever” item arrives. Some of my clients have done this, and it leaves them with the positive feeling of having contributed to more than just their own needs.
In fact, allowing a little breathing space can be refreshing after moving from a larger home. It gives you the opportunity to really live in your new apartment and understand how you use each room before committing to permanent purchases.
Tips for a Cohesive Collection
When you’re buying new furniture over time, it’s important to stay focused so that everything works harmoniously together. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Have a clear palette and style direction: Whether it’s soft neutrals, rich timber tones or touches of navy and sage, sticking to a core palette ensures new pieces feel intentional rather than random.
Plan your big-ticket items first: Start with the key pieces like sofas, dining tables and beds. Smaller items like occasional chairs, side tables and accessories can be layered in later.
Mix materials thoughtfully: Contrast can be beautiful, but try to create balance. For instance, pair a sleek metal coffee table with a plush, upholstered lounge to avoid everything feeling too cold or too heavy.
Don’t buy everything from the one supplier: choosing items from a range of suppliers, while ensuring they are consistent and work together cohesively, avoids a feeling of “matchy-matchy”, or feeling like a real estate brochure.
Trust your instincts — and your designer: If you’re working with an experienced designer, you’ll have a guiding hand to ensure everything comes together beautifully. Sometimes it’s worth waiting for that special piece rather than settling for something that’s just “ok” or available.
Patience isn’t just a virtue when it comes to downsizing — it’s the secret to creating a home you’ll truly love. If you’d like expert help sourcing the perfect pieces and making the process smooth and enjoyable, reach out to Kate Kerin Interiors today. I’d love to help you.
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
If you enjoyed this blog, please sign up to my mailing list for regular, free interior design tips and ideas!