Why We Created Grounded Living Design

A story about home, wellbeing, and the spaces that shape our lives

There comes a moment when you realise that home is more than walls and a roof.

It’s where we exhale after a long day.
It’s where families gather, where children grow, where ideas are born, where healing happens.
It’s where life unfolds in the quiet, everyday moments.

For both of us, that realisation came through lived experience.

After years of renovating, building, styling and working alongside clients in the residential building industry, we saw something again and again — people feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure about the spaces they were creating. So many decisions. So many options. So much pressure to “get it right.”

And yet, beneath it all, what people truly wanted was simple:

They wanted to feel good in their homes.

That is why we created Grounded Living Design.

Who We Are

We are Sandra and Ness — two women from different corners of the world who found home here in the South West of Western Australia.

Sandra grew up in Provence in the South of France, surrounded by light, natural textures and timeless architecture. After moving to Australia 17 years ago and building and renovating multiple homes — including her own French Provincial farmhouse in Margaret River — she developed a deep belief that beautiful spaces don’t need to be complicated. They need to be intentional.

Ness brings a design background and years of experience working alongside her husband in the residential building industry. Originally from South Africa, she has collaborated closely with clients navigating the build process and understands firsthand the challenges, emotions and decisions involved. Her passion lies in creating interiors that support wellbeing — spaces that nurture, calm and inspire.

Together, we bring two perspectives, complementary skills and a shared vision.

Why This Matters Now

The South West is growing and evolving.

New homes are rising. Renovations are transforming older properties. More families are choosing to work remotely and settle here for lifestyle. Our region has recently been recognised globally for its world-class wine industry — attracting visitors, investors and new opportunities.

With growth comes possibility — but also complexity.

We see homeowners trying to navigate endless choices.
We see builders managing design questions outside their scope.
We see holiday rental owners wanting to create beautiful guest experiences.
We see properties with incredible potential that simply need clarity and cohesion.

We believe the interior environment plays a powerful role in how we live, think and feel.

Light, flow, materials, colour, texture — they all influence our wellbeing.

And in a world that feels increasingly fast and noisy, we believe our homes should feel grounded.

Our Mission

Balanced farmhouse interior style

Our mission is simple:

To help create beautiful, balanced spaces where people can truly thrive.

We design interiors that are calm, functional and timeless — inspired by the natural beauty of the South West and guided by the lifestyle of the people who live here.

We prioritise:
• Intention over trends
• Wellness and simplicity over excess
• Quality over quantity
• Collaboration over ego

We work with homeowners building or renovating to help them create the space they will cherish for years to come, holiday rental owners preparing their properties for guests, and industry professionals — including builders, real estate agents and property managers — who value cohesive, thoughtful interiors.

Our goal is not just to “style” a space.

It is to create homes that feel aligned.

Who We Work With

We collaborate closely with:

• Builders seeking to streamline client selections and reduce overwhelm
• Real estate agents wanting to elevate presentation for sale
• Property managers and Airbnb hosts improving guest experience
• Homeowners looking for clarity before submitting plans
• Families wanting their homes to reflect who they are

We also love supporting local suppliers, trades and creatives — strengthening our regional community through meaningful collaboration.

Our Vision

We envision a South West where homes are designed with care, not rushed decisions.

Where new builds feel considered from the beginning.
Where renovations flow naturally and harmoniously.
Where holiday homes feel welcoming and authentic.
Where design supports wellbeing, connection and everyday life.

Success for us isn’t about volume.

It’s about impact.

If one family feels calmer in their home…
If one builder’s project runs smoother…
If one property connects more deeply with buyers or guests…
Then we know we are contributing something meaningful.

A Grounded Future

We named our studio Grounded Living Design because it reflects what we stand for.

Grounded in nature.
Grounded in intention.
Grounded in community.
Grounded in the belief that our environment shapes our inner world.

We are incredibly grateful to be building this business here, in a region that values lifestyle, authenticity and connection.

And we look forward to working alongside our local community to create spaces that feel as beautiful as the landscape that surrounds them.

Sandra & Ness (Read more about us)
Grounded Living Design
South West, Western Australia 

Next
Next

The Power of Neutrals: Creating Warmth with Soft Whites and Natural Textures