FAQs

What kinds of projects do you take on?

We work across residential spaces — from new builds and renovations to full furnishing packages and one-off rooms that need a little soul. Most of our projects sit on the Sunshine Coast and surrounds, but we do offer virtual design for clients further afield.

What’s the difference between interior design and interior decorating?

Interior design digs into the structure, planning, and flow of a space — walls, cabinetry, materials, lighting. Decorating focuses more on the surface layer — furniture, artwork, styling. At The Lane, we do both. We make sure the bones are right, then bring the atmosphere and layers on top.

How does your design process work?

We keep it simple and collaborative:

  1. Consultation – We meet (in-person or virtually) to understand your space, lifestyle, and vision.

  2. Concept – We create mood boards and spatial ideas that capture the feeling you’re after.

  3. Design Development – Detailed drawings, finishes, and selections.

  4. Procurement – We source, order, and coordinate with suppliers and trades.

  5. Installation & Styling – The final touch: pulling it all together so your space feels finished, lived-in, and yours.

How should I prepare for our first meeting?

Bring anything that inspires you — a Pinterest board, a favourite chair, even a photo of a hotel you loved staying in. And bring a sense of your budget (even a ballpark) so we can shape ideas that feel realistic from the start.

Do you work with my existing furniture?

Yes. Good design doesn’t mean throwing everything out. If you have heirlooms, investment pieces, or items with story, we love weaving them into a new scheme so your home feels layered, not staged.

Do you provide 3D renderings or mood boards?

We offer mood boards and 3D concepts where needed. It depends on the scope of your project. For big renovations or cabinetry, we’ll create more technical drawings; for furnishing, a mood board is often enough.

Do you handle trades and suppliers?

Yes. We liaise with builders, cabinet makers, painters, and suppliers so you’re not stuck chasing phone calls. You’ll still approve everything, but the day-to-day coordination sits with us.

How do you charge for your services?

Our design fee is per hour. Projects are scoped and estimated for clarity. Furniture, finishes, and materials are billed separately.

Do you mark up furniture or finishes?

We work on a trade model: you’ll never pay above RRP. Where possible, we pass on savings or add a margin for handling procurement. Transparency is important to us, and you’ll always know the numbers.

Do you have a minimum project size?

We take on everything from single-room consults to full-home transformations. That said, smaller jobs (like choosing one sofa) are often better suited to our virtual consults.

How long does a typical project take?

It varies. A furnishing project might take 6–8 weeks depending on lead times. Renovations can take 3–6 months, especially when trades and approvals are involved. We’ll give you an honest timeline upfront so there are no surprises.

When should I bring you into my renovation or build?

As early as possible. The best results come when design decisions shape the build, not just dress it afterwards. We can work with your architect or builder from the planning stage.

What happens if I don’t like the design?

Design is collaborative. We allow for revisions and feedback in every stage. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll rework it until it does.

Do you work with all budgets?

We can tailor design to suit a wide range of budgets. Being upfront from the beginning means we can be realistic with selections and avoid wasted time.

What if something arrives damaged or is delayed?

It happens. We handle the back-and-forth with suppliers so you don’t have to. Delays are frustrating, but we’ll keep you updated and manage replacements quickly.