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.

As spring approaches, many of us suddenly realise the festive season is not far away. With it comes a wave of self-imposed deadlines: the perfect dining table in place, a new sofa ready for guests, walls repainted, floors refreshed and all those homeowner tasks we’ve been putting off finally completed. It’s the moment when my phone starts ringing with new clients eager to get their homes ready for summer entertaining. I love the energy of this time of year, but I always remind people it’s important to be both realistic and strategic about what can be achieved before Christmas.

My newest clients, Melissa and Grant, live in a charming Birchgrove terrace with harbour views. The home spans four levels, offering plenty of space but with the challenges of narrow hallways and multiple staircases. On their shopping list are two generous sofas, and here access will be as much of a consideration as style. Shortlisting the right options, and relying on the patience and ingenuity of delivery teams, will be crucial. I’m optimistic, but careful planning will make all the difference.

I’m equally excited about reimagining two lower-level rooms that are currently underused. At the moment they feel a little cold and bare, but soon they’ll have purpose and personality. One will become a relaxed family TV room that doubles as a casual home gym and gathering spot for watching sport and movies. The other is destined to be Grant’s music den – a space dedicated to his vinyl collection and the simple pleasure of listening to records beside a spectacular sandstone fireplace. Both rooms hold the charm of the original terrace yet have enormous potential, and I’m relishing the opportunity to transform them into the most loved spaces in the home.

A close up image of a stack of vinyl records, with a pair of sunglasses sitting on a record and a green pot plant behind it. A picture is hanging on the wall behind the shelving unit. — *A music room is somewhere to relax and unwind, while listening to old favourites.*

The Spring-to-Summer Home Refresh: What’s Realistic Before the Festive Season?

Every year, September and October bring an influx of clients who want their homes “holiday-ready”. I love this energy, but I also know how important it is to be both realistic and strategic about what can be achieved in the weeks ahead. A little planning now can mean the difference between hosting in style or stressing over unfinished projects.

So what is realistic before the end of the year, and what is better left for the new year?

Quick Wins: Changes That Make an Immediate Impact

There are certain updates that can be completed quickly and give your home a noticeable lift in time for entertaining. These are the areas I always recommend prioritising if you’re on a short timeline:

⭐ Paint refresh: A fresh coat of paint is transformative. Lighter tones can brighten and expand, while rich neutrals bring warmth and sophistication. Painters book out quickly at this time of year, so scheduling early is vital.

⭐ Window treatments: Replacing tired curtains or blinds instantly improves both light and privacy. Some ready-made options can be installed quickly, while custom solutions require a little more lead time.

⭐ Lighting upgrades: New pendants over a dining table or layered lamps in a living room can change the whole mood of a space. Many fittings are available off the floor, so this can be a realistic pre-holiday update.

⭐ Styling and accessories: Rugs, cushions, throws, and art can all be procured relatively quickly. They add depth, colour and texture, giving your rooms a sense of completion even if bigger projects are still underway. This is an easy win before the end of the year.

These updates don’t require structural change or major approvals, which makes them ideal when time is short.

A black and white photo of a man standing on scaffolding, painting the ceiling of a room. He has his cap on backwards and is not facing the camera.

Be Mindful of Lead Times

Furniture is often at the top of people’s wish lists. A new sofa, dining table or bed for the guest room all sound simple enough, but this is where timing gets tricky. Many high-end furniture pieces are custom-made or imported, which means long lead times – anywhere from 10 to 20 weeks. If you haven’t ordered by early spring, chances are you won’t see those items before the holidays. That said, there are still options:

⭐ In-stock furniture: Many showrooms carry beautiful pieces ready for immediate delivery. With a designer’s eye, even floor stock can be styled to feel unique and personal.

⭐ Reupholstery: Giving an existing sofa or armchair a new lease on life with fresh fabric can often be faster than waiting on a custom order. It’s also a great way to incorporate a piece that has special meaning in your newly refreshed room, and it’s far more sustainable than buying new.

⭐ Mix and match: You might invest in one key new piece now and plan to complete the set in the new year.

The lesson here is not to give up on your dream furniture scheme, but to let timing guide your expectations at this time of year. It’s absolutely worth waiting for the perfect piece rather than compromising with something that is available but not quite right.

*Reupholstering a sofa can give it a new lease of life.*
*Image: @kathatfieldcreative*

What to Avoid in the Pre-Holiday Rush

Equally important is knowing what not to attempt in a festive-season timeframe. Some projects simply don’t lend themselves to tight deadlines.

⭐ Major renovations: Kitchens and bathrooms are complex undertakings. Between design documentation, approvals, and trade availability, they require months rather than weeks. Attempting these at the last minute is very likely to result in unfinished work when guests arrive.

⭐ Structural changes: Anything requiring council or strata approval is unlikely to be resolved before year’s end. These are best tackled in the quieter months when planning can be thorough.

⭐ Custom joinery: Built-in cabinetry, wardrobes or entertainment units require design, documentation, fabrication and installation. The detail involved is worth the time, so rushing isn’t wise.

Pushing for projects of this scale before the holidays nearly always results in frustration, budget blowouts or disappointing outcomes. My advice: enjoy the season, then begin the bigger changes in the new year when you and your trades are fresh. Bear in mind many builders take holidays through January, so it’s likely to be February before your project truly gets underway. However a lot of the design planning can be happening while your builder is on leave – I don’t take lengthy holidays in January!

Prioritise the Spaces that Matter Most

Another way to think about pre-holiday updates is to consider where you’ll spend your time. For most households, the festive season revolves around:

⭐ The dining room: Long lunches deserve a table that seats everyone comfortably, lighting that flatters rather than glares and beautiful tableware and accessories.

⭐ The living room: Sofas, rugs and side tables matter when you’re entertaining. Comfort is as important as appearance.

⭐ The outdoor area: In Sydney, outdoor spaces are used as much as indoors over summer. Fresh seating, shade solutions and styling touches can make a big difference.

⭐ The guest room: If family or friends are staying, a comfortable bed, fresh linen and thoughtful touches like bedside lamps or art create a welcoming atmosphere.

By focusing your efforts where they’ll have the most impact, you can avoid spreading yourself too thin.

A sunny balcony with stylish outdoor furniture with a black metal frame and olive green cushions. Between the two armchairs is a round side table with wooden top, with a lamp and a plant on it. — *A sunny outdoor space is worth furnishing beautifully and comfortably.*
*Image: @kathatfieldcreative*

The Designer’s Role in Managing Timelines

One of the most valuable things a designer brings to the pre-holiday rush is the ability to prioritise. Clients often come to me with long lists, and my role is to filter, refine and map out what can realistically be done before Christmas lunch hits the table.

⭐ I know which suppliers have stock available;

⭐ I understand the cut-off dates for custom orders;

⭐ I have trusted trades I can call on for quick but quality work; and

⭐ I can sequence tasks so that nothing falls through the cracks.

For clients, this means less overwhelm and fewer last-minute compromises. My job is to protect your investment and make sure every decision contributes to a bigger vision, not just a seasonal quick fix.

Looking Beyond the Festive Season

While the holidays are a great motivator, it’s also important to think long-term. The updates you make now should still serve you well into the new year and beyond. For example:

⭐ Choosing a sofa in a timeless fabric rather than a trendy print;

⭐ Investing in quality dining chairs that will last decades; and

⭐ Selecting a paint palette that won’t date quickly, whether you prefer neutrals or colour.

This way, your festive-season deadline becomes the catalyst for changes that improve your home for years, not just for a few weeks of entertaining.

Interior designer Kate Kerin sits in a rush coloured tub swivel chair. Beside her is a marble topped side table with a large vase of smoke bush. She is wearing a black t-shirt, patterned pants and pearls and is smiling.

Final Thoughts

The weeks leading up to the festive season don’t need to be frantic. With realistic planning, clever prioritising and a willingness to focus on what matters most, your home can feel refreshed, stylish and welcoming in time for the holidays.

The secret is not to do everything, but to do the right things – the ones that have maximum impact without overwhelming you or your trades. Whether it’s a new dining table, a paint refresh, or styling touches that bring your home to life, the goal is to create a space you’re proud to share with family and friends.

If you’re looking at your own home and wondering where to start, this is the perfect time to reach out. A consultation can give you clarity on what’s possible before the festive season and a roadmap for what to plan in the new year.

After all, this time of year should be about enjoying your home, not stressing over it.

Kate Kerin Interiors works with discerning Sydney clients who value quality, elegance and a seamless design experience, whether you’re downsizing, furnishing a new home or planning a major change. If you’d like to discuss your project, get in touch to book an initial consultation.

If you enjoyed this blog, subscribe to my newsletter for curated interior design insights, inspiration and practical tips delivered straight to your inbox.

STEP BY STEP: Spring to Summer: Refreshing your home for the festive season