Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Storytelling in Design | Owens-Thomas House

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Savannah, Georgia, where I toured the Owens-Thomas House, a historic house museum. This visit made me think about how much we can learn from historical interiors, especially when it comes to storytelling through design.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Saturday Indesign 2024

Join me as I take you through a day in the life of a designer at Saturday Indesign in Sydney — a day filled with discovery and inspiration.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Case Study | Strata Project in Rose Bay

This Strata project in Rose Bay has seen ongoing maintenance and improvements. Recently, the interior stairwell received a paint refresh, including an update of its colours. Additionally, landscaping was added to the backyard to provide a pleasant outdoor space for residents. These enhancements are the latest in a series of upgrades that began back in 2014, aiming to restore and modernise the building while preserving its heritage value.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Akuna 3 Thredbo | Ski Lodge Renovation from Concept to Completion

Nestled in the heart of Thredbo, Akuna 3 was a dated alpine lodge in need of a complete transformation. The goal wasn’t just to modernise the interiors, but to create a stylish and functional vacation rental that would appeal to holidaymakers year-round. From the first sketches to the final styling touches, this project shows how thoughtful design can turn a tired ski lodge into a guest-ready holiday home.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Akuna 3 Thredbo – Before + After Ski Lodge Renovation for Vacation Rental Success

I was thrilled to be asked to revamp Akuna 3, a beloved holiday home in Thredbo nestled in NSW’s Snowy Mountains. Serving both as a personal retreat and a vacation rental, it needed more than cosmetic updates—it needed a full transformation. From updating structural elements and replacing worn window frames, to reworking room layouts and selecting finishes made for mountain living, this project shows how intentional design can dramatically increase guest appeal and functionality.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Akuna 3 Thredbo – Full Ski Lodge Renovation Designed for Vacation Rental Appeal

Akuna 3 Thredbo underwent a complete transformation to become a standout vacation home in the heart of the Snowy Mountains. What started as a property needing structural fixes, dated finishes, and inefficient layouts ended as a beautifully renovated ski lodge—combining alpine charm, guest-friendly flow, and durable interiors meant to stand up to frequent use. This case study walks through the process from planning to final finish.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Five Senses in Design | Sound

Sound has always played a crucial role in human experience. Throughout history, music and sound have been used to stimulate, excite, relax, seduce, incite fear, and maintain courage. When it comes to interior design, the integration of sound can be just as important as visual elements in setting the overall mood of a space.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Illuminate and Elevate | Crafting Ambiance with Thoughtful Lighting

The aim of the lighting portion of the project was to enhance the nighttime allure of the property. Beyond merely illuminating pathways and gardens, the goal was to craft an ambiance that spoke of elegance and tranquility to all who wandered through, and past, these spaces after dark.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Five Senses in Design | Texture

Texture is an essential element in design, offering a tactile quality to surfaces that enriches our sensory experience. From soft and smooth to rough or matte, texture adds depth and interest to interior spaces. While often overlooked, texture plays a crucial role in creating inviting and visually appealing environments.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Five Senses in Design | Scent

Design is frequently interpreted through visual media like print or video, yet true design mastery extends beyond the visible. Engaging the five senses transforms a space, offering a holistic and immersive experience. This post explores the neglected sense of scent and its potential to capture design essence, evoke emotions, and enhance diverse environments.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Vacation Rental Design

I have been immersed in a vacation rental design (VRD) project, and as we reach the halfway point on that project, I am pausing to reflect on the progress and review the decisions that shape VRD overall.

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Donna Vercoe Donna Vercoe

Artwork Showcase

Art has the ability to inspire and transform, captivating our senses and enriching our surroundings. In this blog post, I am excited to share with you a curated selection of artists and suppliers that I have discovered along the way. We explore the works of Inartisan, Irene Suchocki, Kara Rosenlund, Lizzy Stageman, Monsoon Living, Too Designs, and Urban Road.

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