A New Build in Applecross: Bringing the Plans and Selections Together

New Build Planning & Selections · Applecross, WA

JB and CB were building their first home when they contacted me after their builder's pre-selections meeting. They had expected to come away with a clear understanding of their choices, but instead felt overwhelmed by the colours and materials presented to them and unsure how everything would work together.

They also had concerns about the layout of their ensuite, where the freestanding bath they'd chosen as a feature wasn't positioned to make the most of it. Before moving further with their selections, we looked at the plans and worked through the changes needed to make the spaces function better and the overall design feel cohesive.

The Brief

JB and CB wanted a home that felt warm, considered and premium, but they needed help turning that vision into practical design decisions they could feel confident about.

The ensuite was a key priority. The freestanding bath was tucked out of sight rather than positioned as a feature, and the layout needed further consideration to make better use of the available space.

They also wanted guidance with their selections, particularly the different shades of white and how colours, materials and finishes would work together across the home.

Getting the Layout Right

We started by reviewing the plans and exploring how the spaces could work better.

Over a couple of sessions, I reworked the ensuite layout so the freestanding bath sat beneath the window, becoming a feature visible as you entered the room. The double vanity was repositioned, and the shower was enlarged to create a more generous walk-in space. I also identified an area of wasted space in the adjoining powder room that could be incorporated into the ensuite, helping make the revised layout work.

The kitchen scullery presented a different challenge. An off-centre window would have sat awkwardly in relation to the cabinetry, and centring it as originally planned would have meant relocating appliances. Instead, we replaced the two smaller windows with one longer window, creating a better relationship between the window and cabinetry without needing to move the appliances.

These changes helped resolve the practical details of the spaces and provided a stronger foundation for the selections.

Selections That Work Together

With the layout changes worked through, we could focus on creating a cohesive palette across the kitchen and bathrooms.

One of the biggest challenges for JB and CB was choosing between the many similar shades of white. Whites can have very different undertones, from warm to cool, and those differences can affect how cabinetry, tiles and other finishes look alongside one another.

I explained these differences and helped them understand which colours and materials would complement each other. We selected a warm-toned white for the kitchen cabinetry with a complementary tile, and a warm timber tone for the ensuite cabinetry. Together, these choices helped establish a consistent, welcoming palette across the spaces.

Rather than looking at each selection in isolation, we considered how the colours, materials and finishes would work together throughout the home.

THE ORIGINAL ENSUITE LAYOUT THAT WASN’T WORKING