The Art of Styling:
A Brunswick Beauty Brought to Life

DEVELOPHER  Jacqui Midgley

LOCATION  Brunswick East, Victoria

ARCHITECT  Bryant Alsop Architects

INTERIOR DESIGN  R & Co Design Studio

STYLING  Arch Melbourne

GARDEN  Chlorophilia Landscapes

PHOTOGRAPHER  Dylan James

It goes without saying a renovation project is a journey of creativity, patience, and problem-solving. Then, when the build is complete and it’s time to transform the space into a home that feels warm, cohesive, and inviting, at this point, many people have run out of creativity and energy (and often, budget) and do their best to dress the spaces themselves. But for DevelopHer Jacqui Midgley, this final step was just as important as the construction itself.

From Classic to Contemporary: A Brunswick Beauty

Jacqui took on the challenge of renovating a classic Californian Bungalow, turning it into a stunning contemporary home in Brunswick East. With the expertise of Bryant Alsop Architects, the renovation blended heritage charm with modern sophistication. The design embraced period details while optimising natural light and enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow.

The heart of the home is an open-plan living space featuring exposed beams, polished concrete floors, and warm timber accents. A striking glass breezeway connects the old and new sections, creating an inviting and light-filled transition. The kitchen, with its stone benchtops and high-end appliances, was crafted to be both functional and stylish. Meanwhile, the bathroom showcases a timeless elegance with natural stone and refined finishes, ensuring every detail contributes to a luxurious feel.

The Power of Styling: Completing the Vision

After months of meticulous planning and hands-on decision-making, Jacqui knew that furnishing and styling the space required just as much intention as the build itself. She brought in Cat from Arch Melbourne, a professional property stylist with an eye for elevating homes to their fullest potential.

Working with a property stylist transformed the project in ways Jacqui hadn’t imagined. The styling process brought together a mix of textures, colours, and carefully chosen furnishings to enhance the architectural beauty of the home. More than just decoration, styling created an environment that felt sophisticated yet welcoming—crucial for both Jacqui’s personal enjoyment and potential buyers.

The Styling Process: Bringing a Space to Life

1. Establishing a Vision Jacqui wanted a home that felt modern yet warm, stylish yet comfortable. Cat helped refine this vision, ensuring that each space was designed to be both functional and visually stunning.
2. Selecting Key Pieces From statement lighting to timeless furniture selections, each element was carefully chosen to enhance the home’s character. Layering textures—such as plush upholstery, natural wood, and soft textiles—added depth and coziness.
3. Styling for Market Appeal Since the home was being prepared for sale, styling played a crucial role in creating broad appeal. The decor was curated to highlight key architectural features, ensuring potential buyers could easily envision themselves living in the space.

The Final Touch: A Home That Feels Complete

The result was nothing short of breathtaking. Each room exuded warmth, style, and cohesion. The property was no longer just a well-designed house; it became a home that told a story. Reflecting on the experience, Jacqui shared:

“Working with Cat was the best decision I made for the final stage of my renovation. She understood my vision and elevated it in ways I wouldn’t have imagined. The home felt complete, cohesive, and perfectly positioned for sale.”

So What Can You Take Away?

So, what should you consider when wanting to make your project stand out?

• Plan your styling budget early: Just like with your build, allocate a budget for styling from the start. Well-placed, high-quality furnishings can significantly boost your home’s market appeal and value.
• Invest in key pieces: If you’re working with a limited budget, focus on standout elements like a beautiful dining table, a statement sofa, or elegant lighting fixtures. These create focal points that anchor the space.
• Mix high and low elements: Balance your design by incorporating a mix of investment pieces and budget-friendly finds. This creates a sophisticated yet cost-effective interior.
• Layer textures for depth: Use a variety of materials—timber, stone, velvet, linen—to create a rich and inviting atmosphere.
• Consider furniture placement: Think about flow and function. Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes space, enhances natural light, and makes the home feel larger and more inviting.
• Use styling to tell a story: A well-styled home evokes emotion. Think about the lifestyle you want to sell—whether it’s relaxed luxury, urban chic, or family-friendly warmth.
• Don’t underestimate the power of lighting: Good lighting can make or break a space. Use a combination of natural light, statement pendant lights, and warm ambient lighting for the perfect mood.
• Always style for your target buyer: If you’re developing for resale, research your market. Consider what finishes and design choices will appeal to your ideal buyer.
• Work with a stylist if needed: If you’re unsure how to pull everything together, a professional stylist can provide guidance and ensure the home looks its best for sale.

Why Styling Matters in Home Design

When taking on your next renovation or prepping a property for sale, professional styling offers many advantages, such as:

• Enhancing Architectural Features: Thoughtful styling complements a home’s design, bringing out its best qualities.
• Maximising Space: Proper furniture placement ensures that every area feels functional and inviting.
• Boosting Market Appeal: A well-styled home attracts a wider audience and can lead to a quicker, more profitable sale.
• Creating a Cohesive Look: Avoiding mismatched decor or last-minute furnishing decisions ensures a polished final result.

Jacqui’s journey is a testament to how styling is more than just decorating—it’s about elevating a home beyond its structural design. If you’re considering a renovation or preparing your home for sale, investing in expert styling might just be the final touch that brings your vision to life.

A BIG congratulations to Jacqui for the recent sale of this beautiful project! As shared on her recent Instagram post about the sale:

“Anything worth doing is hard, and the more worth doing it is the harder it will be. This is the beginning of our journey creating architectural homes and it has been both hard and worth doing – never fear the storm, just learn to dance in the rain.”

See more of this stunning home here.

👉🏼 Feeling inspired by DevelopHer Jacqui’s project and want to start your own, or thinking about renovating for a profit? We’d love to help you!

Book a chat with us today.