You have purchased your parcel of land at Windermere. Now comes one of the most interesting parts of the journey – turning a floorplan into a home that feels unmistakably yours.
Not sure where to start with colours and finishes? You are not alone. We spoke to Paige Farrugia, Senior Interior Designer at Fairhaven Homes about her favourite tips, the trends she’s loving for 2026/2027 and how to create a home that is both stylish and easy to live in.
What makes a house feel like a home?
For Paige it starts with something many people overlook – lighting.
“Warm lighting is the big one for me. Instead of flooding a room with bright white downlights, try wall lights and pendants to highlight features and set the mood. It instantly feels more inviting and you can see it across our new display homes, where we have used it throughout instead of relying on downlights alone,” she says.
The second ingredient is personal. Meaningful pieces such as artwork, a favourite chair or something you picked up on holiday are what tell your story.
Design trends to love in 2026/2027
Mixed metals. Your handles, tapware and lights no longer need to match. Brushed nickel paired with black or bronze adds depth and texture.
Mixed timbers. The same goes for wood. Try pairing a light oak with a walnut.
Warm, earthy neutrals. Stark white interiors are making way for softer, warmer palettes that feel calm and lived-in.
Timeless foundations, personality in the details
It is tempting to chase the latest look, but it pays to keep your big-ticket items classic.
Keep fixed items like flooring, cabinetry and tiles neutral, then bring in trends through cushions, artwork and decor. They are easy and affordable to change later.
One of the joys of building new is planning a cohesive look from day one. “You can map out the whole house, so your bathrooms tie in with your flooring and your tapware flows from room to room. Then your art, furniture and soft furnishings let your personality shine,” Paige says.
A popular look right now is Fairhaven’s City Studio style – light and bright, with oak-look floors, warmer stone or cabinetry and pops of colour through art and soft furnishings.
Kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces
In the kitchen textured and marble-look stone benchtops are popular for adding personality and colour. It is also worth investing in items you use every day, like appliances.
For family living storage is key. Look for a floorplan with a mudroom, walk-in linen or large hallway cupboards.
And a surprising tip – go lighter. “Everyone thinks dark surfaces hide more but they actually show more. Lighter surfaces are easier to clean,” Paige highlights.
Top three tips for purchasers
- Start from the ground up. Begin with your flooring, then build everything else from there.
- Decide on the mood you want to create. How you want your home to feel will guide your colour theme and lighting so every choice works together.
- Design for function. Build in storage wherever you can, such as drawers instead of cupboards in the kitchen or extended vanities.
The Fairhaven design experience
At Fairhaven Homes selections are made in one dedicated day at The Studio, with an in-house interior designer. Every material, finish and product on display is chosen for its quality and style.
“You will have the same designer all day so you never have to re-explain yourself twice. We will keep your look cohesive, stay on budget and give pricing on the day too,” Paige says.
For Paige it is the best part of the job. “If someone loves a colour but is not sure what to pair with it, that is where I come in. Seeing clients leave excited means I have done my job well.”
Ready to start your home?
Advice for anyone beginning the journey is simple – do your research and think about how you want to feel.
“Visit display homes and get a feel for the home you want to come back to. It is your retreat after a busy day. Think about the mood you want to create and we will guide you the rest of the way,” Paige concludes.
Visit a Fairhaven display home or chat with the team to get started and ask about building the Ellis 13 on titled land from $189k* or from $179k* as a first home buyer using the First Home Owner Grant. www.fairhavenhomes.com.au
Fairhaven home and land packages in Windermere range from $576,281 up to 707,323.
To find an affordable land lot head to the Windermere Sales Gallery at 275 Greens Road, Mambourin. Open 7 days, 11am to 5pm. Titled land is priced from $310,000*. T&C’s apply.
