Home – The Ultimate Backdrop.

After 53 years, my parents are moving out of the home we all grew up in. We threw an epic farewell—three generations crammed into the lounge one last time. At the heart of it was a video: a reel we made for Mum and Dad, with voices from friends, neighbours, and family sharing what that house, that street, that community—and my parents’ presence—meant to them.

Not one person mentioned floorplans or finishes. Every story was about people. Connection. Feeling safe. Being welcome.

That’s the true purpose of a home. Not perfection, but presence. Not just style, but support for how you want to live.

I’m sharing this because during a build or reno, it’s easy to lose sight of that. Budgets stretch. Decisions pile up. But when you strip it all back, the house is the backdrop. The real story is you, your people, your life.

So before mourning the guest room or Italian marble you couldn’t afford, ask—will this help us live well here? A meaningful home isn’t defined by how it looks, but by what it makes space for.

PS: Want to design a home that holds what matters? Book a free 20-minute ‘Cuppa with Katie’.