
How to Work with a Designer, Find Your Style, and Overcome Renovation Challenges with Gaylene Drew
10/23/24 • 43 min
Links:
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: Renowayoflife
Tik Tok: Renowayoflife
Message me on social media if you want to discuss any topics for a future episode.
Guest Information:
Follow Gaylene Drew for more design inspiration and tips:
Instagram: @GayleneDrewDesign
Website: gaylenedrewdesigns.com
Resources
Want to learn how to plan for and design your dream home renovation? Renovation School Waitlist
In this episode of the Dream Home Renovation Podcast, we sit down with renowned interior designer Gaylene Drew to discuss the ins and outs of working with a designer to bring your dream home to life. Whether you're embarking on a large renovation project or refreshing a single room, Gaylene shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the often overwhelming process. From helping clients discover their unique style to overcoming the challenges that modern-day renovators face, Gaylene offers practical advice that can help anyone, regardless of their design experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Working with a Designer: Gaylene explains the benefits of hiring a designer to streamline your renovation process and enhance your vision. She breaks down the steps and how a designer can work closely with you to create a space that reflects your lifestyle and personality.
- Challenges for Renovators Today: With rising costs, supply chain delays, and balancing functionality with aesthetics, Gaylene illuminates the key challenges that renovators are currently facing and how to overcome them with careful planning and expert guidance.
- Finding Your Style: Discover Gaylene's approach to helping clients find their personal design style. Whether you prefer modern minimalism, vintage charm, or something in between, she offers tips on how to hone in on your design preferences.
- Choosing the Right Designer: Gaylene discusses what to look for when hiring a designer—beyond just a portfolio. She offers tips on finding someone who fits your style, communicates effectively, and understands your vision for your home.
Tune in for:
- Expert advice on how to make the most of your collaboration with a designer.
- Practical tips for choosing the right professional to bring your renovation ideas to life.
- Gaylene’s thoughts on current design trends and how to balance timeless style with personal taste.
Don’t Miss:
- Gaylene's personal experiences and stories from her career working with a range of clients, including first-time renovators and seasoned homeowners.
- Actionable tips on how to overcome the common hurdles faced during the renovation process.
Are you in the middle of your own renovation or considering working with a designer? Make sure to listen to this episode for must-know tips! And don't forget to subscribe to the Dream Home Renovation Podcast for more expert interviews and practical advice to help you achieve your dream home.
Guest Information:
Follow Gaylene Drew for more design inspiration and tips:
Instagram: @GayleneDrewDesign
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: RenowayoflifeLinks
Renovation School Waitlist
Home Fragrance The Scented Poppy
Links:
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: Renowayoflife
Tik Tok: Renowayoflife
Message me on social media if you want to discuss any topics for a future episode.
Guest Information:
Follow Gaylene Drew for more design inspiration and tips:
Instagram: @GayleneDrewDesign
Website: gaylenedrewdesigns.com
Resources
Want to learn how to plan for and design your dream home renovation? Renovation School Waitlist
In this episode of the Dream Home Renovation Podcast, we sit down with renowned interior designer Gaylene Drew to discuss the ins and outs of working with a designer to bring your dream home to life. Whether you're embarking on a large renovation project or refreshing a single room, Gaylene shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the often overwhelming process. From helping clients discover their unique style to overcoming the challenges that modern-day renovators face, Gaylene offers practical advice that can help anyone, regardless of their design experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Working with a Designer: Gaylene explains the benefits of hiring a designer to streamline your renovation process and enhance your vision. She breaks down the steps and how a designer can work closely with you to create a space that reflects your lifestyle and personality.
- Challenges for Renovators Today: With rising costs, supply chain delays, and balancing functionality with aesthetics, Gaylene illuminates the key challenges that renovators are currently facing and how to overcome them with careful planning and expert guidance.
- Finding Your Style: Discover Gaylene's approach to helping clients find their personal design style. Whether you prefer modern minimalism, vintage charm, or something in between, she offers tips on how to hone in on your design preferences.
- Choosing the Right Designer: Gaylene discusses what to look for when hiring a designer—beyond just a portfolio. She offers tips on finding someone who fits your style, communicates effectively, and understands your vision for your home.
Tune in for:
- Expert advice on how to make the most of your collaboration with a designer.
- Practical tips for choosing the right professional to bring your renovation ideas to life.
- Gaylene’s thoughts on current design trends and how to balance timeless style with personal taste.
Don’t Miss:
- Gaylene's personal experiences and stories from her career working with a range of clients, including first-time renovators and seasoned homeowners.
- Actionable tips on how to overcome the common hurdles faced during the renovation process.
Are you in the middle of your own renovation or considering working with a designer? Make sure to listen to this episode for must-know tips! And don't forget to subscribe to the Dream Home Renovation Podcast for more expert interviews and practical advice to help you achieve your dream home.
Guest Information:
Follow Gaylene Drew for more design inspiration and tips:
Instagram: @GayleneDrewDesign
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: RenowayoflifeLinks
Renovation School Waitlist
Home Fragrance The Scented Poppy
Previous Episode

Real Life Renovation Series - Interview with Ros Pieper from Playa Interiors
Links:
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: Renowayoflife
Tik Tok: Renowayoflife
Message me on social media if you want to discuss any topics for a future episode.
Guest: Ros Pieper Playa Interiors
Resources
Want to learn how to plan for and design your dream home renovation? Renovation School Waitlist
Welcome back to another episode of the Dream Home Renovation Podcast! In this special episode of our Real Life Renovation Series, we’re joined by the talented Ros Pieper from Play Interiors. Ros is a designer and a DIY renovator who has turned her passion for home design into a beautiful reality.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Creating Your Own Style: Ros shares her expert tips on how to confidently define and create your own unique style for your home, ensuring it reflects your personality and taste.
- Coastal Mediterranean Vibes: Get inspired as Ros breaks down how to recreate the breezy and relaxed coastal Mediterranean look in your home, from colour palettes to key elements.
- Renovation Wins & Mistakes: Hear firsthand about Ros’s wins and lessons learned during her renovation journey, including a candid story about over-designing an investment property.
- Pool & Deck Project: Ros takes us through her latest renovation adventure—the design ideas behind her stunning pool and deck project, the inspiration, and the unexpected challenges that arose.
This episode is packed with inspiration, actionable tips, and insights from someone who has lived through the joys and challenges of renovating. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for ways to bring new life into your home, this conversation with Ros will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your next project!
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace your style when designing your home—let it reflect who you are.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes—every win and every challenge adds to your experience.
- Thoughtful design is key, especially in outdoor spaces that serve multiple purposes.
Please tune in to hear more about Ros’s journey and how her experiences can help you in your renovation projects!
Don’t forget to subscribe; if you love this episode, leave a review or share it with someone planning their dream renovation!
#RealLifeRenovation #InteriorDesignTips #CoastalMediterranean #DIYRenovation #RenovationWinsAndMistakes #DreamHomeRenovationPodcast #HomeImprovement #PlayInteriors
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: RenowayoflifeLinks
Renovation School Waitlist
Home Fragrance The Scented Poppy
Next Episode

Episode 10: Real Life Renovations - Tiny House Transformation with Sam from Curiously Carter
Links:
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: Renowayoflife
Tik Tok: Renowayoflife
Message me on social media if you want to discuss any topics for a future episode.
Guest Information:
Follow Sam Pratt for more Tiny home living, design inspiration and tips:
Instagram: @curiously.carter
Resources
Want to learn how to plan for and design your dream home renovation? Renovation School Waitlist
Welcome back to the Dream Home Renovation Podcast! In Episode 10, we dive into the fascinating world of tiny home renovations with our special guest, Sam from Curiously Carter. Sam is an experienced interior designer and DIY renovator who’s spent the last four years creating functional and beautiful tiny homes. Today, she’s here to share her journey, insights, and tips for making the most of compact spaces.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The Design Process for Tiny Homes
Sam explains how designing a tiny home requires a new level of creativity and planning. She shares her top strategies for creating stylish yet functional tiny spaces, from maximising storage to choosing versatile furniture. - Navigating Red Tape
Building and renovating tiny homes comes with its own set of legal challenges. Sam discusses the permits and other red tape that tiny home renovators face—and offers advice on navigating these hurdles effectively. - Breaking Down the Costs
Sam provides a breakdown of the costs of a tiny home renovation, including tips on where to save money and where it’s worth splurging. She gives insight into how much you can expect to spend and how to stick to a budget. - The Lifestyle of Tiny Living
Beyond the design and financial aspects, tiny homes represent a unique lifestyle. Sam opens up about how living in a tiny home impacts daily life, encourages minimalism, and promotes eco-conscious choices. If you’ve ever considered downsizing, this segment is a must-listen!
Key Takeaways:
- Design for dual-purpose spaces that maximize functionality.
- Research local zoning and building codes before starting a tiny home project.
- Budget realistically and find affordable materials to keep costs down.
- Consider the lifestyle changes that come with tiny living.
Join us as we chat with Sam, discuss the details of tiny home renovations, and get inspired by her dedication to designing spaces that are both functional and stylish.
Host: Claire O'Connell
Instagram: Renowayoflife
YouTube: RenowayoflifeLinks
Renovation School Waitlist
Home Fragrance The Scented Poppy
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