philosophy

I believe that regardless of constraints any space can be made to sing. It’s a philosophy which adopts an attitude of ingenuity, imagination and inventiveness to cultivate tailored spaces which reflect their inhabitants and balance form and function beautifully.

Being resourceful is incredibly important to me. With my “make-the-most” attitude and creative “hands-on” approach, I’m able to realise the potential in any interior, irrespective of apparent obstacles and budget limitations. This might mean stylishly incorporating existing pieces, working with current fixtures and fittings, including unique pre-loved finds, or devising clever new layout ideas. With a background in furniture restoration and graphic design, I’m also able to provide special bespoke pieces.

My attention to detail, innate flair and desire to excel combine to ensure an amiable process and perfectly appointed result.

Whatever the project my aim is always to understand, then exceed, expectations.

style

With a focus on timeless appeal, my personal style melds new and old for a collected feel which embodies refined comfort. Although it’s not bound by any one defined style, it tends to span modern farmhouse to country cottage, incorporating a decent sprinkle of vintage charm for a subtle eclectic edge. Including elements which hold sentimental meaning is an important aspect of my approach and works to imbue honesty, connection and individuality into my designs.

STYLE LOOK BOOK

For a clear idea of the aesthetic I adore, please feel free to view my inspiration Style Look Book.
If you resonate with the content, then we’re a perfect fit!

services

Interior Decoration

A complete in-home service to bring your dream space to life! Whether you’re starting from scratch, seeking a moderate update or looking at a full overhaul, this service can be tailored to suit your scope, needs and budget. Covering all facets of decoration as applicable (such as paint schemes, storage solutions, built-in cabinetry, lighting, wall treatments, spatial planning, furniture selections, full install, final styling, and so on) the aim is to create a tailored space which surpasses your aspirations.

Service includes:

  • Over-the-phone, e-meeting or in-home consultation
  • Mood boards & virtual concepts (as applicable) with revisions
  • Improvement/Renovation works as needed
  • Product sourcing & procurement
  • Full install to completion with final reveal

Available for one or two rooms, multiple spaces or your entire house. For clients based in and around Melbourne.
$POA

Home Styling

Are you struggling to make the most of your home because you lack the confidence and clarity to finesse the important final layer. Styling can have an enormous impact on the way a space feels and looks. If you’re happy with the bones of your space and already have most (or all) of your furniture, then take advantage of my styling expertise to elevate your home. Depending on your needs, this service may focus on elements such as rugs, wall art, general decor, lamps and soft furnishings. It may also extend to furniture configuration where applicable.

Service includes:

  • Over-the-phone, e-meeting or in-home consultation
  • Style concept mood board with revisions
  • Product sourcing & procurement
  • Styling install to completion with final reveal

Available for one or two rooms, multiple spaces or your entire house. For clients based in and around Melbourne.
$POA

Virtual Concepts (E-Design)

Virtual concepts provide a fantastic exploratory way to visually experiment with different design ideas before committing. As custom generated 3D digital models, they may be provided and presented in several different formats including: realistic static renderings (perspective views and dollhouse views), 360 degree panoramas, self-guided walk-through models, real-time walk-through models, 2D plan drawings, technical elevations, cross sections and much more. There is even a virtual reality option for a fully immersive experience! These concepts are especially helpful with floorplan configurations, spatial planning, kitchen and bathroom design, general decorating schemes and material selections. Whether you already have a good idea of what you want, or are in need of lots of design help, virtual concepts offer the perfect solution.
View my Virtual Concept Gallery for examples.

Service includes:

  • Correspondence via email to determine the project scope and obtain information as needed
  • Custom generated 3D digital model of your space
  • E-meeting to walk-through the model (opportunity to experiment with ideas and make revisions in real-time)
  • Concept delivery (including all information and imagery as applicable)
  • Secondary e-meeting and further revisions (optional extra)
  • Product specification (optional extra)

Available for one or two rooms, multiple spaces or your entire house. Available to clients internationally.
From $350 per room

Material/Fixture Selections

Are you overwhelmed by all the available material and fixture options for your new build or renovation? Let me take the stress and uncertainty out of the process by working with you to make the perfect selections. Includes materials such as flooring, paint colours, hardware, lighting, tiles, cabinetry colours and profiles, benchtops, tapware, fabrics, and so on.

Service includes:

  • Over-the-phone, e-meeting or in-home consultation
  • Visual selections document (moodboard format)
  • Reference selections document (table format)
  • Virtual concepts (as applicable)
  • Revisions

Available for one or two rooms, multiple spaces or your entire house. Available to clients nationally.
From $150 per room

AirBNB/Short-Term Holiday Rental Interiors

With the growth in popularity of AirBNB accommodation, and other short-term holiday rentals, it’s more important than ever that your property stands out. A thoughtfully appointed and beautifully presented holiday rental is proven to yield higher returns and paramount occupancy. I’m dedicated to elevating your property above the competition by employing a tailored and thorough approach which sets it apart.

Service includes:

  • Over-the-phone, e-meeting or on-site consultation
  • Mood boards and virtual concepts (as applicable) with revisions
  • Improvement/Renovation works as needed
  • Product sourcing and procurement
  • Full install to completion
  • Professional custom ‘Welcome’ book
  • Professional photography

Available for one or two rooms, multiple spaces or the entire AirBNB property. For clients based in and around Melbourne.
$POA

Property Flipping for Sale

Differing from the mere ‘surface’ method of most house stagers, I employ a holistic approach which aims to maximise sale by improving the cosmetic appeal of a property overall. With a resourceful attitude, budget-friendly focus and keen eye on market value, the goal is to create a clean, fresh and updated ‘move-in-ready’ feel that sets your property apart and appeals to buyers – without over-capitalising. Depending on the individual property, this may mean considering adapting elements such as flooring, paint, lighting, fixtures and fittings, window dressings, cabinetry, and so on. I will also beautifully dress your property, usually using a mix of your existing pieces and new items, so it’s stylishly presented for the best chance of a quick and profitable sale.

Service inclusions subject to individual project scope.

For clients based in and around Nillumbik (outer north-east Melbourne).
$POA

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Among the most pivotal and costly of rooms, it’s important that you get your kitchen or bathroom right. Whether you’re building or renovating, take advantage of this realistic virtual concept service and “see” your space before committing. Perfect for feeling assured of your design choices, or for experimenting with different options for configurations, styles and materials. This service extends to other spaces such as laundries, mudrooms and butler’s pantries along with built-in-cabinetry design.

Service includes:

  • Correspondence via email to determine the project scope and obtain information as needed
  • Custom generated 3D digital model of your space
  • E-meeting to walk-through the model (opportunity to experiment with ideas and make revisions in real-time)
  • Concept delivery (including all information and imagery as applicable)
  • Secondary e-meeting and further revisions (optional extra)
  • Product and material specification (optional extra)

Available to clients internationally.
From $350 per room

Designer on Demand

This is a fun, punchy and instantly impactful service aimed at tackling – and alleviating – your design dilemmas on the spot! Engage me via video call (national/international clients) or in-home (Melbourne based clients) to assist in real-time with any decorating help you’re after. From styling, spatial planning, colour and material selections, furniture and decor suggestions, design ideas, and so much more!

Service includes:

  • Correspondence via email to determine the project scope and assess viability
  • E-meeting (national/international clients) or in-home visit (Melbourne based clients) to deliver real-time ‘one-on-one’ advice and ‘hands-on’ assistance until you’re satisfied with the outcome
  • Option to extend the scope if desired (i.e. product sourcing and/or procurement, material specification, virtual concepts, and so on)

Available to clients internationally (video call) or those local to Melbourne and surrounds (in-home).
$120 per hour

Bespoke

I understand that everyone has individual needs and am more than happy to be accordingly flexible. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss a tailored service or package.

My specialties include

  • Room Makeovers
  • Interior Styling
  • Floorplan Concepts for Extensions & Renovations
  • Spatial Planning & Furniture Configurations
  • Material Selections for New Builds & Renovations
  • AirBNB Interiors
  • Concept Designs for Bathrooms & Kitchens
  • Flipping for Sale
  • Built-In Cabinetry Visual Concepts

portfolio

The Canopy

This ‘from scratch’ bathroom was part of an upper level extension. The brief was for something timeless with interest, using a considered high-low mix to keep costs reasonable. All elements were thoughtfully selected however the vanity and wallpaper are especially notable, being custom designed by myself and completely unique to this space.

SEE MORE

Plover Way

Neglected, dated and cluttered, this standard suburban property was in need of a complete cosmetic refresh to enhance its sale potential. On a tight budget and time frame the house was aesthetically transformed thanks to savvy select changes and the power of beautiful staging.

SEE MORE

Boyish Charm

This bachelor pad bedroom was crying out for help! Drab, dark and dated, it was stripped back to a blank canvas to freshly build upon. The result is a clean and stylish masculine retreat with depth and personality, all achieved on a very tight budget.

SEE MORE

Happy Wanderer

Previously brown-on-brown-on-brown, a fresh white and olive colour scheme, coupled with other inventive design improvements, has given this old pre-loved expanding caravan a charming new glow.

SEE MORE

DIY Budget-Friendly Bathroom Makeover

Blue Willow

A clever cosmetic refresh took this outdated bathroom from sad to stylish. Working to a brief which prioritised retaining the existing “bones” of the space, a variety of smart resurfacing techniques and thoughtful upgrades combined to yield major impact for minor outlay.

SEE MORE

Fairdell

A budget focused house staging project intended to maximise presentation for sale. The “bones” of the property remained untouched, with much of the existing furniture being retained and enhanced by the introduction of some select new pieces, clever repurposing and thoughtful styling.

SEE MORE

Yarra House

A cute mudbrick AirBNB bungalow was given a stylish eclectic makeover. With a very limited budget and awkward layout, some affordable new pieces were introduced amidst a few existing ones to enhance functionality and appeal. The inclusion of bespoke meaningful wall art, which referenced the locality, and thoughtful decor bolstered the impact.

SEE MORE

Boy's Rustic Vintage Bedroom Makeover

Tiny But Mighty

These small kids bedrooms are packed with vintage charm. Thoughtfully configured to maximise space and storage they’re an ideal blend of pretty and practical, designed to grow with their little occupants throughout the years.

SEE MORE

Gallery

A general collection featuring some of my projects spanning design, decoration, styling and DIY.

SEE MORE

Virtual Concepts

A collection of projects showcasing my concept design work and capabilities. Virtual concepts provide a fantastic exploratory way to visually experiment with different design ideas before committing. They are especially helpful with floorplan configurations, spatial planning, kitchen and bathroom design, general decorating schemes and material selections.

SEE MORE

testimonials

I’ve worked with a broad range of clients with varying briefs and budgets, both locally and internationally.

My aim is always to understand, then exceed, expectations.

“What an absolute joy it was to work with Kristine – her ideas for our house were amazing so we gave her free reign. The result was beyond perfect and the comments from the potential buyers and Real Estate personnel were all incredibly complimentary. The house sold quickly for a really great price. A huge “thank you” Kristine, you were “simply the best”.

Raelene, WARRANDYTE

"I have used Kristine's expertise a couple of times now. The first was for a bathroom design. I had a few ideas but I didn't know how they would work and I wanted to be confident. Kristine showed me several options and then tweaked the final design. I was able to give this to the builder who worked from the concept images. I am extremely happy with the outcome. The second was for living room styling. I feel so out of my depth with styling and she was super friendly and kind. I would definitely use Kristine's services in the future."

Laura, CARLTON

“I have always loved following Kristine and The Painted Hive. She helped me style our lounge and also drew up visual plans for our new kitchen, laundry and scullery. She was very easy to deal with, had brilliant practical ideas and was happy to work within our budget. I love her visual plans as I can picture exactly what her ideas looked like straight away. Nothing was a problem to change and I liked how she gave me ideas of what would work best. She was quick at responding to my emails and if she needed more details an e-meeting worked well too. Would highly recommend dealing with Kristine”.

Anna, NEW ZEALAND

“I can’t thank Kristine enough for helping with our home. I felt completely lost and overwhelmed and she came in and made it all happen beautifully. She truly listened and delivered on what we needed and wanted”.

Ronnie, ELTHAM

“Kristine was brilliant to work with. She really listened to my needs and wants and went above and beyond to make my room amazing. I will never forget the “reveal” day and all the happy tears I cried”.

Melinda, DONCASTER

“I've had the pleasure of working with Kristine on all our interior design projects. Kristine has the skill and understanding to capture all my ideas. Her 3D models and virtual renders allow us to visually see how the final project will look, giving us the opportunity to make changes before starting costly renovations. I highly recommend Kristine to anyone".

Jennifer, BEACONSFIELD

press

My work has been featured in numerous local and international publications, both in print and digitally.

I’ve also been recruited by many notable brands (including Dulux, Freedom, Bunnings, Early Settler, Feast Watson, Annie Sloan, United Interiors, and many more) to act as an ambassador, content creator and stylist.

For a complete list of my media features, please visit my Buzz page.

AS SEEN IN

contact

If you’re interested in working with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out for further information or to arrange a free discovery call.

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